Good morning, Grier

Members are still digesting the proposed rules. Some folks on the GOP side claim that the proposed rules do not go far enough. But, no one denies they represent a BIG step forward in reform. My sense is that the rules, if passed, will open up the process and allow a much greater voice for the minority party (the GOP). But, they still recognize that the majority party is the majority because the people of NC voted that way. And, as such, the majority is entitled to have a certain level of control.

I expect this issue tocome up. I certainly think it is appropriate to deny pensions to legislators convicted of felonies related to their legislative duties. If you violate your duty to the citizens of NC, they should not be obliged to fund your retirement.

Yeah, the RPS (or REPS) bill is pretty confusing at first glance. And, because of the inevitable compromises that will be made, the "in the weeds" details of the bill will change. The basics that will not change, however, are that the bill will require utilities to get a percentage of their energy from renewable sources.

Because this fundamentally changes the way the energy business is done in NC, the utilities understandably are very involved. They, I think, do see RPS as inevitable and are working to shape it in a way that eases the burden on them.

Here's a link to the bill in its current form:
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2007&Bil...

In the case of RPS, the state sets the goals and gives the utilities flexibility on which renewable sources they want to derive energy from. One small exception to this is a "set aside" for solar energy to give extra emphasis to this source.

No state appropriations of money are involved.

Local governments are understandably screaming for more funding options. We in the GA need to listen carefully to what they're saying. But we need to tread carefully. Some counties have a solid property tax base from which to draw funding. For many rural counties, however, this is not the case.

When evaluating options, I will carefully look to see if the proposal is fair. For example, we cannot allow counties to meet all their needs from an increase in a regressive tax like the sales tax.

Another potentially big piece of the puzzle is the possibility of easing the burden of Medicaid on counties. NC is the only state where counties bear such a large part of Medicaid costs. If the state assumed part of this burden, counties might be able to afford to construct the schools they need.

HB 77 would require 20%, with around 10% coming from renewable sources and up to 10% from efficiency.

So, why not require 25% in NC? Each state differs in energy needs and in the feasibility of renewable energy sources. Because of geography, some states can hope to get more energy from wind and hydroelectirc,and solar. Also, states differ in their existing energy generation capacity.

I think the blogging community serves as a way for me to build relationships over distances. It lets me get to know people and lets people get to know me.

In my NC House district in Raleigh, I've knocked on thousands and thousands of doors. Nothing beats face to face contact. But, I can't knock on doors every day. And, this kind of face to face contact gets tough to do in areas bigger than a state legislative district.

How else but in a live blog, for example, could I get this kind of input from folks across NC, while simultaneously eating breakfast and getting to kiss my daughter good bye as she leaves for preschool. Talk about multitasking!

I think solar is great for peak shaving when it's hot and for reducing the size of infrastructure needed for distribution.

is to make it easier for non-utility businesses and residences to sell power back into the grid. This is something that we need to do in NC.

to ask!

We have to find a way to ensure all North Carolinians have access to affordable health insurance. There are many proposals out there, including the Governor's. I am not yet persuaded his approach is the best way to go, but I am truly pleased that he is taking the lead on trying to address the problem.

Of course, Verla has been leading on this issue for years. I'm a co-sponsor of her High Risk Pool bill. As you know, this bill isn't the solution to the entire health care problem, but it does help some of those on the bleeding edge of the problem.

The good thing about her Health Care for All bill (at least in the form I saw it in last session) is that, though it doesn't proved a solution, it forces the state to focus on finding a solution quickly instead of engaging in the seemingly endless debate we're in now. So, I'll be signing on to it as a co-sponsor. I would've done this already, but Verla moved her office from next door to mine to another building!

in HB77. It will be a big part of a renewable energy solution in NC. I've met with representatives of a company that is planning on coming to NC to take advantage of the gold mine of chicken waste here. They'll be bringing good jobs, too, along with the renewable energy.

... but enough about the General Assembly...

heh.

"85% of Republicans are Democrats who don't know what's going on." -Robert Kennedy, Jr.

opportunity I have in the NC House of Representatives to be a part of improving education, providing jobs, and improving health care. Plus, now that I have some seniority, I'm able to take the lead on veterans and environmental issues. I'd only give this up if I thought I could do more good elsewhere.

NC deserves a senator who has the independence to be more than a rubber stamp for the president, regardless of party. And, we deserve a senator with the credibility on defense issues to stand up to a president who makes disastrous military decisions. In the NC Democratic Party we certainly have many people with these traits.

Don't be a stranger!

Even the latter half of the 20th century would be acceptable. But, I am not certain we in the GA are equipped to resolve this issue without a prod from an external source. Any attempt to reform the system would be difficult. Even "revenue neutral" reforms could fail due to fears the reforms would be perceived as tax increases. Also, when you open up the tax structure to a major overhaul, every special interest in the state will seize the opportunity for tax breaks. So, you run the risk of ending up with a system that is actually worse.

In spite of these pitfalls, this reform needs to get done.

Is it true that some technologically challenged legislators carry emergency single button cell phones programmed to dial Rufus Edmisten?

Just kidding.

about them. I know Pricey Harrison has blogged in the past. When I mentioned to a few colleagues I would be live blogging on BlueNC, I was pleasantly surprised how many knew of the site.

I read BlueNC for a variety of reasons. It provides a depth of coverage on state politics (slightly biased towards Democrats!) that traditional media does not. Some print and broadcast journalists are starting to do a nice job filling this void with their own blogs, however.

I also found BlueNC to be one of the best sources of news on the Larry Kissell campaign. Since I'm not in that district (being ably represented by Brad Miller) it was tough to get coverage of that race.

without sounding like I was whining. Charlotte has horrible transportation/traffic/mass transit/roads issues.

when I'm sitting in Triangle traffic is that many parts of the state have transportation issues. However, by any measure, our urban areas do not receive a proportionate share of transportation funding. At the same time, our rural areas are experiencing tough times. Transportation improvements can bring along much needed jobs and business.

Hope to see you at the preschool (and the coffee shop).

:)

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

Rep. Martin picks up the NO OLF banner. Wish I had access to a puter at 8 am, but work wont let me even use a phone! Talk about oppressing the people! Anyways, Mr. Grier, pls review the links associtated with this NO OLF struggle and support all of NE NC with assisting in this bill to reject the Navy's plan to place an OLF in our state. There is enough information at that site to at least question why is the Navy pressing so hard for this thing?

For the very fact that the Navy will not treat us the same as the people of VA should be reason enough to stop this thing.

I'm headed off to work, but will check back to respond to any further posts.

And I will say it to you. Let us know how we can help. ((other than telling us your opponents name haha))
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition

what the percentage REPS will be. But, 20% is doable in NC and would really benefit our environment, health, and economy. It is possible the REPS standard will be part of a bigger picture energy bill. But, these issues are swirling around in a mix that leaves the final result unclear. So, its a great time to let your senator and representative know your thoughts.

With regard to your second question, let me stick by my answer