Goodman: Snow, ice brings legislature to screeching halt

The pace in the General Assembly was beginning to pick up, at least until the snow came and brought everything to a screeching halt.  We had no voting sessions this week and most committee meetings were canceled.  I’m sure that next week will be busier as we try to make up the lost time.  Below please find information pertaining to legislation and happenings the last few weeks in Raleigh.

The Raleigh Report by Rep. Ken Goodman

The Raleigh Report
by Rep. Ken Goodman

House Bill 3, Eminent Domain, a proposed constitutional amendment protecting all citizens from improper use of eminent domain (the process in which the local government gains possession of private lands for use for energy needs, roads, etc.) has passed the House and is now in the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.  Representatives McGrady, Stam, Lewis and I co-sponsored this bill.  If passed, the amendment will appear on the next election ballot for voter confirmation.

Earlier in February, I had the pleasure of welcoming Miss Alyson Taylor from Richmond County as a page for the week.  Miss Taylor is a sophomore at Richmond Senior High and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or East Carolina University with aspirations of becoming a surgeon after medical school.  During her time here, Miss Taylor attended daily House sessions and many committee meetings.  She also attended Gov. McCrory’s State of the State address.  She told me that her favorite part of the Page Program was her chance to sit in on the House Judiciary II Committee meeting.  I am pleased she had a good experience during her week in Raleigh.

On February 4, Gov. Pat McCrory addressed the House and Senate members jointly in his yearly State of the State speech.  He focused on the key issues of Veteran Affairs, North Carolina’s growing economy, and our continued attention to education.  In addition to these topics, Gov. McCrory took the time to honor the following attendees:

  • Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Potts.  Trooper Potts continues to work for the Highway Patrol, even though he was shot while on duty several years ago.  He currently trains new recruits as they join the Highway Patrol.
  • Teacher of the Year James Ford.  Mr. Ford is the 2014 NC Teacher of the Year and Charlotte Person of the Year.  Mr. Ford teaches at Garinger High School
  • Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson.  – Lt. General Anderson is the Commander of the XVIII Airborne at Fort Bragg. Until December, he was Deputy Commanding General in Afghanistan.

House Bill 49, Independent Redistricting Commission, sponsored by Representatives Jeter, Howard, Michaux, and Tine.  This bill would create an independent redistricting process comprised of members selected by the General Assembly.  This committee would submit three plans for redistricting coinciding with the United States census for adoption by the General Assembly.  If none are adopted the committee would then choose and apply one for use.  I co-sponsored this proposed legislation.

House Bill 92, Nonpartisan Redistricting Commission, sponsored by Representatives Stam, McGrady, Hardister, and G. Martin, is a proposed bill that would create a nonpartisan redistricting process.   This bill would create regularized voting districts and give voters a more impactful voice in elections.  This process would have redistricting standards determined by population and distribution.  I co-sponsored this proposed legislation.

On Monday, I attended the annual Legislative Breakfast at Richmond Community College.  It is always a pleasure to meet with Dr. McInnis and my fellow legislators to discuss issues facing our community colleges.

On Monday night, I traveled to St. Pauls to speak at a public hearing in favor of project Apple.  This project would be a potential $110 million investment in Robeson County, and would create 1,000 jobs.

If you find yourself in the Raleigh area, please stop by my office for a visit.  I always enjoy having visits from my constituents.  Also, please feel free to contact me when you have questions or concerns pertaining to Legislative matters.

If you find yourself in the Raleigh area, please stop by my office for a visit.  I always enjoy having visits from my constituents.  Also, please feel free to contact me when you have questions or concerns pertaining to Legislative matters.  Phone: 919-733-5823 / Email: ken.goodman@ncleg.net.

 Rep. Ken Goodman serves in the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 66, which includes Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson and Scotland counties.

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