Greetings From Raleigh 03-09-07

Work in Raleigh continues to pick up speed as more bills are introduced and considered by the committees. Legislators on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees also continue their discussions about the budget and are considering spending recommendations by Governor Easley, individual lawmakers, and advocacy groups. We are also going through the various state programs to determine what can be eliminated or made more efficient.

This week, legislators introduced bills on a wide range of topics, including school construction, assistance for members of the military and their families, encouraging people to build or manufacture energy-efficient homes, efforts to reduce crime in our state, banning gay marriages, and repealing the chiropractor provision that has been the source of great controversy.

On Wednesday we honored the Wake Forest University football team for winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship for the first time since 1970 and playing in the Orange Bowl. On Thursday, members of the House and Senate held a special joint session at East Carolina University in Greenville to celebrate and honor the school's 100th anniversary.

Please remember that you can learn more about the General Assembly by visiting www.ncleg.net. Our newly updated website allows citizens to listen in on each day's legislative session, committee meetings and press conferences, learn more about introduced legislation, and view each day's schedule and list of bills to be voted on. The House will be back in session on Monday at 7 pm.