REAL News for REAL People
Senator Bill Cook Legislative Update: II
Press Release:
Last week the North Carolina General Assembly reconvened for the short session and there is no shortage of work to be done.
Education Legislation
I filed Senate Bill - SB 789 last week to appropriate additional funds to small local education authorities in Hyde and Tyrrell Counties. The bill is currently awaiting approval from the Senate Education Committee after passing its first reading. I met with Senate Education Chair Senator Jerry Tillman (R-Randolph) and Majority Leader Senator Harry Brown (R-Onslow). They assured me of their support and plan to provide funding in the budget for this issue.
Improving educational outcomes for our children is a responsibility I take very seriously. There's no greater investment we can make than in preparing our kids for the future, and there's no question that high-quality teachers lead to better student achievement.
The Senate remains committed to increasing teacher pay during the short session. Gov. McCrory's budget included some additional promising ideas and we are reviewing his proposal as part of our appropriations process.
Meeting with officials of the Outer Banks Home Builders and the Association of Home Builders in Northeastern North Carolina on Wednesday, May 21, in Raleigh.
Outer Banks Land Management Act
A dependable and safe waterway passage through the Oregon Inlet for commercial and recreational boats is of paramount importance. Putting the inlet firmly in state control will open up opportunities to develop this waterway as it was contemplated in 1958 - as a vibrant route for commerce while protecting our environment. I have filed Senate Bill - SB 791, to authorize the purchase of the land around the inlet to complete Oregon Inlet State Park. This is necessary to manage existing and future transportation corridors on the Outer Banks. The bill would also provide the governor with additional powers to protect Hatteras Island transportation corridors during a state of emergency. I have worked with leadership to get part of this legislation in the regulation reform bill as well. It has passed the first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the committee on Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources. If favored there, the bill will be re-referred to the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee.
Legislation on Ferry Tolling Replacement Fund
I am, and have been, opposed to ferry tolling. This 2014 legislative session I have filed Senate Bill - SB 792, to protect citizens from ferry tolls. Ferry tolls are the same as tolls on bridges. If you are going to toll ferries, you should toll bridges and we are not tolling them so why toll ferries. This bill has passed its first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Transportation Committee. If favored there, it will be re-referred to the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee.
Professors and students from Elizabeth City State University met with me on Wednesday, May 21. Pictured (left to right) is Amy Jo Spencer, Eunice Meekins, myself, Patrina Bly, Dr. Paula S. Viltz and Dr. Miles M. Fisher.
Cape Hatteras Electric Membership Corporation
The Cape Hatteras Electric Senate Bill - SB 792, that I filed last week is currently in the Senate Commerce Committee for further review after passing its first reading. I have met with Senate Finance Chairs Senator Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick) and Senator Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) about this issue and they're willing to work with me on this legislation. If passed, the bill will maintain the tax-exemption for Cape Hatteras EMC.
Members of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers in Currituck, Beaufort, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden and Hyde Counties were in Raleigh on Tuesday, May 20.
Legislation on Oyster Industry Restoration
Lastly, I have introduced Senate Bill - SB 808, to support the mariculture industry in our state. This bill would enact fee rollback for oyster permits under private docks, a comprehensive mariculture study and the establishment of a marine shellfish sanctuary named after former Senator Jean Preston. This bill has passed its first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the committee on Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources.
Contact: Jordan Hennessy
jordan.hennessy@ncleg.net, • (252) 619-3606
300 N. Salisbury Street
Room 525 • Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 715-8293 • Fax: (919) 754-3296 • bill.cook@ncleg.net
Go Back
Last week the North Carolina General Assembly reconvened for the short session and there is no shortage of work to be done.
Education Legislation
I filed Senate Bill - SB 789 last week to appropriate additional funds to small local education authorities in Hyde and Tyrrell Counties. The bill is currently awaiting approval from the Senate Education Committee after passing its first reading. I met with Senate Education Chair Senator Jerry Tillman (R-Randolph) and Majority Leader Senator Harry Brown (R-Onslow). They assured me of their support and plan to provide funding in the budget for this issue.
Improving educational outcomes for our children is a responsibility I take very seriously. There's no greater investment we can make than in preparing our kids for the future, and there's no question that high-quality teachers lead to better student achievement.
The Senate remains committed to increasing teacher pay during the short session. Gov. McCrory's budget included some additional promising ideas and we are reviewing his proposal as part of our appropriations process.
Outer Banks Land Management Act
A dependable and safe waterway passage through the Oregon Inlet for commercial and recreational boats is of paramount importance. Putting the inlet firmly in state control will open up opportunities to develop this waterway as it was contemplated in 1958 - as a vibrant route for commerce while protecting our environment. I have filed Senate Bill - SB 791, to authorize the purchase of the land around the inlet to complete Oregon Inlet State Park. This is necessary to manage existing and future transportation corridors on the Outer Banks. The bill would also provide the governor with additional powers to protect Hatteras Island transportation corridors during a state of emergency. I have worked with leadership to get part of this legislation in the regulation reform bill as well. It has passed the first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the committee on Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources. If favored there, the bill will be re-referred to the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee.
Legislation on Ferry Tolling Replacement Fund
I am, and have been, opposed to ferry tolling. This 2014 legislative session I have filed Senate Bill - SB 792, to protect citizens from ferry tolls. Ferry tolls are the same as tolls on bridges. If you are going to toll ferries, you should toll bridges and we are not tolling them so why toll ferries. This bill has passed its first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Transportation Committee. If favored there, it will be re-referred to the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee.
Cape Hatteras Electric Membership Corporation
The Cape Hatteras Electric Senate Bill - SB 792, that I filed last week is currently in the Senate Commerce Committee for further review after passing its first reading. I have met with Senate Finance Chairs Senator Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick) and Senator Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) about this issue and they're willing to work with me on this legislation. If passed, the bill will maintain the tax-exemption for Cape Hatteras EMC.
Legislation on Oyster Industry Restoration
Lastly, I have introduced Senate Bill - SB 808, to support the mariculture industry in our state. This bill would enact fee rollback for oyster permits under private docks, a comprehensive mariculture study and the establishment of a marine shellfish sanctuary named after former Senator Jean Preston. This bill has passed its first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the committee on Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources.
Contact: Jordan Hennessy
jordan.hennessy@ncleg.net, • (252) 619-3606
300 N. Salisbury Street
Room 525 • Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 715-8293 • Fax: (919) 754-3296 • bill.cook@ncleg.net
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