Greetings From Raleigh 7-14-06

With adjournment drawing near, legislators worked hard this week to consider remaining legislative proposals. The House passed numerous bills on topics such as requiring all passengers in cars to wear seatbelts, prohibiting teenagers from talking on a cell phone while driving, and requiring better inspections of private wells. The House also gave preliminary approval to a bill that would create a high risk pool for the uninsurable.

The Senate continues to work on the various ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying reform bills, which have passed the House in recent weeks. I have been a strong and relentless advocate for these reforms and believe that we must give final approval to these bills before we adjourn. Legislative leaders remain hopeful that the House and Senate can pass the remaining bills next week and adjourn for the year by next Friday – stay tuned for further updates next week.