Legislative Update from Rep. Frank Iler – August 10, 2015

northcarolina_sealLast week in the North Carolina House of Representatives we passed a major bond proposal bill, the House Speaker responded to the Planned Parenthood controversy, and we had some Brunswick County officials visiting us about the proposed sales tax redistribution plan.

With all the unsettled weather around Raleigh last week, it wasn’t surprising that meetings and conversations were very unsettled.  Bills came out of committees that had to be further amended on the House floor. Rumors abounded of conversations among the Governor and House and Senate leaders about budgets compromises.

House Bill 943 – Connect NC Bond Act of 2015 proposes a referendum of the people to vote on a bond for state infrastructure, including roads and education buildings.  If it passes, the university system, community colleges and public schools will receive funds for new and renovated buildings.  Highways, roads, and bridges will be included, as well as National Guard armories and state parks.  The House passed it on Thursday by a final vote of 76 – 29, and it moves to the Senate this week.

The Planned Parenthood controversy has reached North Carolina.  I have received many emails and letters asking us to cut funding to this group that has been proven to harvest and sell body parts of aborted unborn babies.  I explain that the funding was cut in prior years, and only two programs that deal with birth control and abstinence are still funded.  However, this week Speaker Tim Moore came out with a stronger statement.  He said, “I admire the effort led by Senate Majority Leader McConnell and supported by N.C. Senators Burr and Tillis to advance a bill that once and for all defunds Planned Parenthood, but am very disappointed it did not receive the votes to advance.  I do not support taxpayer dollars going to organizations who perform offensive and negligent acts on the unborn.”  He went on to say, “As we continue the development of our state budget, I will work to include language in the final document that states in no uncertain terms that no state funds will go to organizations that are involved in the reprehensible practice of profiting from the sale of a baby’s remains.”

We heard from several Brunswick County and town officials about the proposed sales tax redistribution plan in the Senate budget.  It was a pleasure to see Commissioner Frank Williams on Wednesday, and also Mayor Debbie Smith of Ocean Isle Beach who joined other coastal officials speaking to their Senators and Representatives.  I understand that we will see more of our officials this week on this and other issues.