Greetings From Raleigh 04-20-07

I spoke at the Mobilizing NC Conference held in Greensboro April 18th, which focused on alternative fuels and advanced transportation technology issues in North Carolina. I was excited to participate with and to introduce, Dr. Richard Leakey, a long-time hero of mine. Dr. Leakey was named by TIME magazine as One of the 100 Greatest Minds of the 20^th Century, in addition to many other honors and awards for his life’s work.

In addition to attending this critical-issues conference, I, and other members of the House of Representatives, faced a bill filing deadline this week which produced a great deal of legislation.

House education leaders moved quickly this week to start work on an initiative to improve the state’s high school graduation rate, holding an informational session with educators, business people, and leaders of community groups.

Outside our chamber, our state’s top law enforcement officer, Attorney General Roy Cooper, and state education leaders, have started a review of campus safety in the wake of the massacre at Virginia Tech. Our sympathies are extended to the students, families, and the entire Virginia Tech community. We pledge to continue to evaluate safety procedures in order to protect our college students.

Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “audio,” and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room.