Senator Harris Blake
Senate District 22
Senate Update
2010 Legislative Session
June 10, 2010

 

This week an amendment to SB 1248 was introduced. SB 1248 would provide certified
academically at-risk students the opportunity to receive $2500 in scholarship money for
tuition payment at a non-public school. Eligibility for the scholarship would continue as
long as he or she is eligible to attend a public school or until graduation. Because the
state currently funds public education at approximately $5,000 per student, the state’s
education budget would realize $2,500 for every student taking advantage of the
scholarship. In addition, local districts would save, on average, $1,900 per student.

The bill, with the amendment, was referred back to the Committee on
Appropriations/Base Budget upon the motion of Senator A.B. Swindell, a co-chairman of
that committee. A letter was written to Senator Swindell asking that the bill along with
his amendment receive prompt committee consideration.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives adopted four significant amendments to SB
897, the 2010-2011 budget bill. These amendments, offered by Republican legislators,
would eliminate unnecessary end-of-grade tests in order to provide funding to teachers
for classroom supplies, prohibit the paying of “golden parachutes” to state employees
who are terminated or leave their jobs, eliminate the benefit of in-state tuition for out-ofstate
students and allow funds from the NC Lottery to be distributed equally to charter
and traditional public schools.

EOG tests in U.S. history, civics, economics and physical science are now required by No
Child Left Behind. The $2 million currently spent to administer these tests would be
used to provide classroom supplies. This pool of money has been greatly reduced by
previous state budgets forcing teachers, in many cases, to purchase supplies with their
own money.

Another proposed amendment would require Morehead–Cain and Park scholarships for
nonresident and foreign students in the UNC system to be paid at out-of-state tuition
rates. Currently, these scholarships are paid at the in-state tuition rate. The amendment
will save taxpayers $6 million annually. The foundations have ample assets to pay for
these students.

A third amendment will limit transition payments or “golden parachutes” for state
(mainly university) employees. This amendment will stop the practice of separated state
and university employees. This so-called university “standard” was revealed last year in
the cases of former NCSU chancellor James Oblinger, Provost Larry Neilsen, and former
NC A & T Chancellor Stanley Battle who all received lucrative taxpayer financed deals
upon their resignations.

There is also an amendment striking a special provision in the budget bill that prevents
classroom teacher funds from the NC Lottery to be distributed to charter schools. The
effect of this amendment would provide approximately $5.3 million in additional funding
to public charter schools.

On another note, over 100 North Carolina government dignitaries, business leaders,
economic development directors and educators met this past Wednesday with 14 leaders
from Hunan Province, China. The event was organized by the Carolina China Council, of
which I am co-founder with Dr. Lian Xie. The reception was sponsored by private
citizens and businesses with the intent of strengthening economic, educational and
cultural ties between Hunan Province and North Carolina.

Vice-Governor Chen Zhaoxiong, representing 64 million people from Hunan Province,
addressed the group after touring several businesses in the Raleigh area. His comments
echoed the goal of the Carolina China Council – the desire to build a strong exchange
between Hunan and North Carolina in order that future generations benefit from the
relationship.

The Hunan Province Department of Education has extended a hand of friendship by
hosting an educational exchange for 10 students and teachers from North Carolina, 5 of
which are from Moore and Harnett Counties. The two-week summer program will be
held in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. Scroll down to view seven photos from
Wednesday’s event.

Senator Harris Blake
Raleigh Office: (919)733-4809
Pinehurst Office: (910)295-3613
harrisblake@earthlink.net
harrisblake.com