Senator Harris Blake
Senate District 22
Senate Update
2011-12 Legislative Session
February 1, 2011
Wednesday, January 26th was the historic first day of the 2011-12 legislative session. For the first time since 1870, Republicans now lead both chambers in the North Carolina General Assembly. Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) was elected President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. Republicans assume leadership positions at a time of great challenges and understanding the tremendous responsibility the voters have placed on our shoulders by electing us to serve.
I am also very pleased that the Senate leadership recommended Lee Settle to be the Reading Clerk for the North Carolina Senate. Lee is from our district, and more especially, from my hometown of Pinehurst.
On Thursday, January 27th, Senators received their Committee assignments. I am honored to serve on the Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Appropriations/Base Budget, Commerce, Finance, Health Care, Judiciary II, and State and Local Government Committees. I have been assigned to Chair the Appropriations on Health and Human Services and Health Care Committees.
The list of goals for the Senate during this session is long, but our primary task is to address the $3.7 billion budget deficit. If we want to see private sector job growth, we must cut the budget and reduce the size of state government. I am happy to report that the Senate has already started addressing the budget issue. On Monday, January 31st, my colleagues, Senators Pete Brunstetter (R-Forsyth), Neal Hunt (R-Wake), and Richard Stevens (R-Wake) filed S.B. 13—The Balanced Budget Act of 2011—that would grant one-time special budget authority to Gov. Bev Perdue to cut spending for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
Before long, legislation will be brought before the Senate addressing the issue of voter ID. I support requiring voters to show proof of their identity before being given a ballot. It’s not about suppressing voter turnout—it’s about encouraging it. There is evidence that more people actually turn out to the polls with voter ID laws in place to give them assurance that their votes are valid and won’t be canceled out by an illegitimate ballot. Twenty-seven other states have already implemented laws that require voters to show ID prior to voting. Another concern my constituents may have is health care. Obviously, the General Assembly cannot overturn a federal law, but we are doing our part to show that we support federal repeal efforts. I support members of our Congressional delegation who want the law overturned and efforts to pass common-sense reform that gives people and businesses the freedom to seek coverage that best suits them. I believe the federal healthcare law is unconstitutional and the courts are agreeing. There have now been rulings out of Virginia and Florida deeming the law unconstitutional. The recent Florida ruling on Monday, January 31st sided with 26 states that have sued over the law. I have been disappointed that North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has refused to join the other states in challenging the law.
Senator Harris Blake
harrisblake.com
Raleigh Office: (919) 733-4809
Pinehurst Office: (910) 295-3613