January 26, 2011 will be an historic day for North Carolina as the General Assembly convenes with Republican majorities in both chambers. There are 47 brand new freshmen legislators and all but 4 are Republicans. What did they promise in their campaigns? No new taxes, cuts in existing taxes, downsizing government, greater efficiency in government. Some of them promised to lower the gas tax!
Rumors abound and there is lots of “smack talk” from some in the new majority party about what they are going to do. Only time will tell that story but suffice it to say that we have our work cut out for us to save existing funds for construction and maintenance. I will try to keep you up to date on developments during the session through this blog. Feel free to add your comments. I will send the blog to our Board of Directors and a few other key industry leaders. It can be shared or forwarded to folks so keep that in mind as you respond. I do want you to share the blog as we work to keep the contstruction industry informed and involved in the legislative process. Folks who want to can “subscribe” to the blog. You can always reach me directly via my email address christieb@carolinaasphalt.org or cell phone 919-345-1494.
You and I know that road construction means JOBS. Our job this session is to make sure that message gets through to the members of the General Assembly. I’m off now to the four pre-session fundraisers given by the party caucuses of both chambers. This is their last chance to solicit and receive PAC contributions until the 2011 session adjourns. It will be a long night.