Senator Bill Cook Legislative Update: IV | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The N.C. State House of Representatives passed a ($21.09 billion) budget today. Next, the leadership of the Senate and House will go into conference over the budget.

    Provision on Jennette's Pier in House Budget

    The House budget included a provision requesting the Department of Administration (DOA) sell Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. The provision requests that the DOA not sell the facility for less than either the fair market value or the total amount invested in the facility from all sources. However, I do have several concerns on this provision. The Town of Nags Head, Dare County, several other organizations and individuals have contributed to Jennette's pier under the guideline that it would be used for education, conservation, research, public beach access, stormwater management, and other public functions. All of the salaries, both full time and part time (T-1s), are paid from revenue generated on site of Jennett's Pier. This provision was not included in the Senate budget and I will advocate for it to be rejected in the final budget. The pier is an outstanding attraction for the Outer Banks and I plan to take my grandchildren to the pier.

    Status of OBX Land Management Fund in The House Budget

    The House budget did not include authorization of the Outer Banks Land Management Fund, which was established in the Senate budget. As included in the Senate budget, the Outer Banks Land Management Fund is a reflection of the legislation I introduced. It would authorize a special revenue fund of $15 million in the Department of Administration to purchase or exchange land with the federal government around Oregon Inlet. Despite not being included in the House budget, I am optimistic the Outer Banks Land Management Fund will be included in the final budget, given my positive relationship with other members in the House.

    Shown (left to right), Senator Shirley B. Randleman (R-Wilkes County), myself, and Senator Norman W. Sanderson (R-Pamlico County), in the Senate Chamber prior to voting 3rd reading on the Senate budget.

    Legislation on Cape Hatteras Electrical Membership Corporation (EMC) Passes in the Senate

    On the bright side, we passed Senate Bill – SB 790, in the Senate this week to phase in the Cape Hatteras (EMC) sales tax. Instead of a 7% tax it will now be a 3.5 % tax in affect staring July 1, 2014. The bill reduces the rate shock to utility customers on an island that already suffers from high electricity rates in an economically volatile area. The Senate voted 44-5 in favor of SB 790 and it has been sent to the House. I was happy to see every one of my fellow Republican colleagues vote with me on this legislation. Unfortunately, five of my fellow Democratic colleagues did not support this legislation.

    Senatorial Statement to Recognize All Coastwise Merchant Mariners as Veterans

    I delivered a Senatorial Statement on Wednesday, June 11, encouraging Congress to enact legislation that will lead to the recognition of all World War II Coastwise Merchant Mariners as veterans. Coastwise Merchant Mariners are those who helped to transport supplies to members of the United States Armed Forces serving on three continents. The Coastwise Merchant Mariners were in constant danger of attack from German U-boats and were a crucial link between the Armed Forces and supplies. Unfortunately, much of the documentation proving the Coastwise Merchant Mariners served their country during World War II has been destroyed or was never recorded. I support recognizing these brave men and women who served their country as veterans.


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