Legislative Update from Rep. Frank Iler – May 8, 2017
Last week in the North Carolina General Assembly we hosted the UNC Tarheels national champion basketball team, we had a short week in the House of Representatives while the Senate worked on the state budget, and I was able to spend more time back in the district talking to our citizens.
Last Wednesday, we were honored to host the UNC Tarheels men’s basketball team in a joint session with the N.C. Senate. The Senators came over to the House, and we heard about ten testimonies from our members about the accomplishments of the team and its individual members, both on and off the court. Coach Roy Williams then spoke to us about the uniqueness of the team and how they rose from a challenging season to win the national NCAA championship. He mentioned his passion for education and encouraged us to make it a priority. It was a proud time for all North Carolinians, whether or not they attended UNC.
Having had a huge prior week of committee meetings and floor sessions during “crossover week”, most House committees took a break last week while we wait for the Senate bills that crossed over to come into our committees. The Senate was working very hard on the state budget in hopes that they will pass it over to the House buy the end of this week. Then our Finance and Appropriations committees will be meeting almost every day to craft the House version. Having met earlier with many Senators, the House budget writers hope to have a smooth process and stay on schedule for a June 30th budget.
Given more time back home last week, I was able to attend more events and meet with groups of citizens and individuals. Starting on the previous Saturday, I was privileged to unveil a road sign to be placed at the entrance to Southport that honors Quinton McCracken. Mr. McCracken was a star athlete at South Brunswick High School, at Duke University, and in Major League Baseball. It is important to recognize our accomplished local citizens that go on to become good role models for us and our youth. The same day I was at the other side of the county at a fund raiser for the Museum of Coastal Carolina at Ocean Isle Beach, called the Winefest. I saw many of our leaders and other citizens from that area.
On Monday, I was in the northernmost corner of the county at Brunswick Forest, speaking and discussing issues with a group of residents. We discussed many things, but they were very concerned about the environment and education. I share their concerns, although we may disagree sometimes on the methods or details.
After visiting all three corners of the county during the week, on Friday I was able to attend the Brunswick County Republican Party’s Lincoln – Reagan Dinner. There, many of our leaders in the county were able to hear Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tem of the N.C. Senate. Senator Berger, a good friend from Eden, NC, spoke of the accomplishments since becoming the President Pro Tem in 2011.
This week I expect to see the budget from the Senate and get back to work on it. Many bills that crossed over from the Senate, as well as bills not subject to crossover should be coming through our committees very soon.