Katy's Conservative Corner

Rep. Stam Explains House Bill 388: Tax Credits for Children With Special Needs

I hope that you will take a few minutes to view the attached PowerPoint presentation on tax credits for the parents of children with special needs who attend private or home schools. 

This explains House Bill 388 which passed the House Education Committee and is eligible for passage in the Short Session which begins in May. 

The bi-partisan group of sponsors (myself, Rep. Marvin Lucas and Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville and Rep. Laura Wiley of High Point) intend to pass this bill this year.

If you agree you can help by sharing it with your friends you think would be interested and any representatives or senators you know.  Please share this link with parents of school age children whose special needs are moderate or severe.  Perhaps a civic group or local newspaper would be interested.

Using the middle range of estimates provided by fiscal research, this bill will allow parents of approximately 3,000 children, who have such needs due to their disability, to receive about $18 million in tax credits in a way which actually save state and local government about $4 million per year.

This is a win-win for children and parents.

Sincerely yours,
                        
Rep. Paul Stam
House Republican Leader

Download PowerPoint presentation:

Download tax_credits_for_children_with_special_needs.ppt

Editor's Note: If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint on your machine, you can download the free PowerPoint reader, available here.  (Close the annoying Microsoft pop-up screen that appears to get to the correct page.)

Civitas Update On Jessica's Law

The Civitas Institute has an update on the current status of Jessica's Law in the North Carolina General Assembly here. 

As a mother of a pre-schooler and a decent, law abiding citizen, your blogger urges the North Carolina Senate to take up the measure and pass it (without gutting it) in the summer session, when the State Legislature reconvenes. 

Jessica's Law was passed by the North Carolina House in the closing days of the 2007 long session.

Gathering of Eagles Warn Against Picket of Camp Lejune

North Carolina Gathering of Eagles leader Ross "Bubba" McDowell, is warning his fellow members to be prepared for a counter-protest this Saturday. The infamous Westboro Baptist Church has announced their intention to picket the Marine Corps at Camp Lejune this weekend.

Their premise is so preposterous, that we have included their announcement flier in this post.   The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, is mostly composed of a "minister", Fred Phelps, and his family.  They believe that God hates homosexuals and because America has "allowed" homosexuals to exist, then America is evil.

Once again, they are picking on our proud Marines by planning a protest at Camp Lejune, near Jacksonville, in Onslow County.  Somehow, the "church" ties their protest to the recently discovered murder of a pregnant Camp Lejune Marine.  Perhaps the reader can figure this one out! 

According to McDowell, these people "have hijacked" the Christian faith and are causing a ruckus at the funerals of our American Heroes.

McDowell invites people to visit his website to learn more of these vile characters and join his group of proud Americans this Saturday.  As always, bring your American flags. Details forthcoming.

Read the WBC Flier (You Must Have Adobe's Free Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view this file):

Download 20080112_camplejeunepicket1.pdf

Editor's Note:

Your blogger is proud to be affiliated with this hardworking group of military veterans, as they support our troops. There is no fee to join. Simply send an e-mail to Ross "Bubba" McDowell announcing your intentions to join and you are in.

REAL ID Act: Dole Welcomes Standards for Secure Driver’s Licenses

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole today applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s establishment of uniform security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, as part of the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005 that she supported.  These standards will ensure that illegal aliens cannot obtain licenses, strengthen our national security, and prevent identity theft and document fraud.

Minimum licensing standards, such as those set forth by the REAL ID Act, were a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.  According to DHS, the 9/11 hijackers obtained 30 driver’s licenses and identification cards and used 364 aliases.

“Congress overwhelmingly supported the REAL ID Act, and I welcome today’s announcement of these common-sense standards,” said Dole.  “The REAL ID is a reasonable and practical tool to help improve the safety and security of all Americans.”

The secure identifications will be required for accessing a federal facility, boarding commercial aircrafts and entering nuclear power plants.  December 31, 2009 is the first deadline for states to comply with REAL ID, and DHS will make $360 million available to assist states with implementation.

For more information and to view the announcement from DHS, please go to: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1200065427422.shtm.

NC State Hero Leads NFL Team to AFC Championship Game

Former NC State standout, Philip Rivers, passed for three touchdowns and lead the San Diego Chargers to an upset victory over last year's Super Bowl champs, the Indianapolis Colts.

He left the game in the second half with a knee injury and fans hope to see him in next week's game at Foxboro, MA against undefeated New England Patriots.

NC State fans nationally will be rooting for River's to pull off another improbable win.

Editor's Note: After enjoying four fine years watching Rivers play at NC State, your blogger and her husband have become Charger fans. 

At first we were attracted to the west coast team for their QB, but we've come to love the entire team.  KCC is proud of Rivers for bringing his team this far!  Go Chargers!

Dole's Contributions Demonstrate Widespread Support

The Elizabeth Dole Campaign received over 19,000 donations from over 16,000 contributors during the last three months of 2007 and will report raising over $1.1 million for the fourth quarter.  For 2007, the committee will report fund-raising of over $4.8 million on over 41,000 contributions.

The campaign report will be made available to the public when it is filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

Mark Stephens, a campaign consultant, said, “Receiving over 19,000 donations in just 90 days is evidence of the broad based, grass-roots support enjoyed by Elizabeth Dole.  Senator Dole is building a strong financial base for the upcoming campaign.  Over 9,000 new donors joined the Dole team in the fourth quarter alone.”

Orr To Fellow Candidates: Pledge to End Incentives

Former Associate Justice Bob Orr is calling on his fellow gubernatorial candidates to pledge to end incentives to businesses using tax money.  He says it is time to "stop the madness" and end incentives now. 

"It won't be an easy thing to do," Orr adds.

Read Orr's Press Release Here:

Download 011108pledge_to_end_incentives1.doc

Thales Academy Campuses Offer Alternatives to Public School System

Thales Academy, a low-cost series of private schools, announced exciting changes and events today:

Thales Academy of Apex will hold its next Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 16th at 7PM in the Apex Community Center.

Officials from the school and its new Board of Trustees will be on hand to discuss the status of school construction, to answer any and all questions, and to accept applications for enrollment. 

Additionally, state Representative Marilyn Avila (R-Wake) has joined Thales Academy of Apex as the Project Manager. She will serve to coordinate the activities from the early stages of fundraising by the parents through the construction of the facility.

  Plans are for the school to be open for the 2008-2009 academic year. Avila (left) is a chemist by education, having worked in the North Carolina textile industry. Avila has been a business owner, advisor to Wake County Public Schools, a Director of the John Locke Foundation and an officer in the Wake County Republican Party.

Further, the Thales Academy of Apex has kicked off a million dollar capital funding campaign this week to provide financing for its first building, a two-story structure located just north of the Apex Town Hall.

Initially to house children in grades K-5, the school will eventually expand to grades K-8. The money will also be used to establish a scholarship fund for needy families in the community. The total cost for the completed school will be roughly 1/3rd that for Wake County Public Schools System schools housing the same number of students.

Thales Academy of Apex is the newest campus of Thales Academy Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit school founded by Raleigh industrialist Robert Luddy.

It's official, Pittenger's In

State Senator Robert Pittenger (R-Mecklenburg) officially announced his run for the office of Lt. Governor today.  That office is being vacated as the current Lt. Govenor, Beverly Perdue, seeks the Democrat nomination for Governor.

"State government has become too big, spends too much, and takes too much from taxpayers for the services they get," Pittenger announced to a crowd of supporters and news media today at state GOP headquarters.

He stated his support for medical malpractice reform, adding that such lawsuits against doctors have contributed to the rise in the cost of health care.

Pittenger has been endorsed by former Governor Jim Martin and former Lt. Governor Jim Gardner, among others.

He faces Greg Dority in the GOP primary.  Dority is a former Congressional candidate and will appear this evening at the Wake County Young Republicans meeting.

Candidate Graham: I will push Fetal Homicide Bill

According to a press release, Bill Graham, Republican candidate for Governor, says if elected, he will push for a fetal homicide bill in the NC General Assembly.

He is quoted in the press release:

“Our state leaders in Raleigh have failed us once again.  Beyond the obvious failures in education, jobs and roads, they have failed to protect the most innocent among us. As Governor, I will change that.” Graham said today.

“It is unconscionable that a murderer who takes the life of an expectant mother is not held accountable for the death of her fetus.  Twenty-five states currently have fetal homicide laws on the books.  Once again the politicians in Raleigh have failed to act.  I will aggressively pursue legislation that will hold those accountable who commit criminal acts in causing the death of a fetus,” said Graham.

Graham is often painted as the candidate from the moderate wing of the GOP.  Could this be an attempt to attract conservatives to his campaign?

Graham will appear in Raleigh tonight, at a meeting of the Wake County Young Republicans, a group in which your blogger is an associate member.

The Graham campaign recently parted ways, with consultants, Fetzer-Stephens, who are said to have taken on soon-to-be-candidate Pat McCroy.

Candidates for Governor to Debate Tonight

From the Raleigh Chronicle:

RTP - UNC-TV will air the first debate to feature the candidates for North Carolina governor on Thursday at 10pm.

The hour long debate will focus on the economy of the North Carolina and how to address issues and problems experienced by its workers.

The initial broadcast will take place at 8pm tonight on one of the digital channels for UNC-TV which is called UNC-North Carolina. Viewers are required to have cable TV or a digital tuner to pick up that station.

The regular broadcast will take place tonight at 10pm on the normal UNC-TV station, Channel 4, that can be picked up by any TV viewer.

This is the first of three UNC-TV 2008 candidate forums and will be moderated by UNC-TV’s Shannon Vickery.

Among those participating are Democratic Party candidates Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue as well as Republican Party candidates Bill Graham, Bob Orr and Fred Smith.

In the next two debates, candidates will discuss healthcare and education issues. The healthcare debate will take place on Thursday, February 7, and the education debate will take place on April 24.

McCroy Update

Dome is reporting that WRAL-TV is hosting a debate for the Republican gubernatorial candidates, 7 p.m. Jan. 17.  Any McCroy announcement would need to come prior to that date so he could participate.

Smith's Stampede

GOP candidate for governor, state Senator Fred Smith (R-Johnston) has an ad touting his many endorsements from high-ranking Republican leaders.  Check it out below or here.  Apparently the ad has been running in the Charlotte area.  Could it be a message to potential challenger, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCroy?

What Do Crack Dealers and Those Who Hire Illegal Aliens Have in Common? by Carl Mumpower

What's the difference between a crack dealer, a pimp, and a greedy businessman that hires illegal aliens? Nothing.

In significant ways, business people who hire illegals are, in fact, doing more harm to society than some of our worst criminals. These people take advantage of a cheap labor pool which, in turn, kills the need to motivate, train, and uplift our own citizens.  Add to that all the hidden costs to our schools, hospitals, and police departments, and the extra financial burdens leave us increasingly unable to help our own.

The illegal immigration situation is the greatest "state-sponsored law-breaking scheme" in American history, and this indictment extends to a federal government that has been unwilling to deal with what has become the "political football" of the new century.

Congress continually fumbles the ball for fear that will cost them votes. We are demonizing illegal aliens...when the real guilt lies with the people who employ them.

It's the illegal jobs that fuel the illegal immigration: find these companies and punish them severely. Make it unprofitable to hire illegal aliens and the migration will reverse itself.

Editor's Note:

Dr. Carl Mumpower is a member of the Asheville City Council and a Republican running for Congress in North Carolina's 11th District.

Will McCroy run or Won't He? Does Anyone Care?

Under the Dome reports that Charlotte Mayor Pat McCroy (left) has reserved space in his hometown of Jamestown, possibly to make an official announcement regarding a run for Governor.

Katy's Conservative Corner believes this is too little, too late.  There have been three candidates working hard, criss-crossing our state.  KCC feels that a late entry by McCroy could end up foundering, like that of presidential candidate, Fred Thompson. (For the record, KCC is rooting for Thompson to right his ship.)

If McCroy does get in, the candidate with the most to lose seems to be Bill Graham (left), from Salisbury.  Since both men are from the same region of the state, they could tend to pull from the same pool of GOP voters.

Further, voters in other parts of North Carolina tend to view politicians from the Queen City with a bit of suspicion.  Perhaps it is mere envy.  It could be, because they have no ACC baskeball team (only joking).

Though Bob Orr is technically from Western NC, he's lived in Raleigh so long, he's practically a native to the Triangle region.  Orr and state Senator Fred Smith (R-Johnston) are competing for the same conservative block of voters, while Graham's voter registration history and record of donating to political candidates seem to plant him squarely in the moderate to liberal Republican camp.

The interest and excitement continues to build in this race.  Stay tuned...

Zombie Industries?

Civitas' Max Borders has posted an interesting article, entitled Green Energy: Bootleggers, Baptists & Politicians.  Your blogger highly recommends it!

Christensen: Fred Smith Will Win GOP Nomination for Governor

In a recent story in the Raleigh News and Observer, longtime political reporter Rob Christensen predicts that state Senator Fred Smith (R-Johnston) will capture the Republican nomination for governor. 

"...Bill Graham's campaign is stumbling, Bob Orr lacks money, and Pat McCrory has waited too late to mount a successful campaign."

Christensen goes on to predict that Beverly Perdue will "eek out" a win in the general election.

Katy's Conservative Corner encourages all Republicans to get involved with their favorite candidates and support the GOP ticket in the November race. 

North Carolina cannot afford another liberal Governor, such as "Per-don't".

Democrats Miss the Mark on DOT Reform by Robert Orr

Richard Moore is right. Our transportation infrastructure needs help. We rank 47th in urban interstate congestion, and we currently have more than 2,256 structurally deficient bridges. There is no question that NCDOT needs significant reform, and no doubt that we will continue to struggle to meet our transportation needs until the Department is functioning efficiently. As far as how to fix the problem goes however, Treasurer Moore and his colleague Lieutenant Governor Beverly Purdue completely miss the point.

According to our two friends from the current administration, the answer to DOT’s ills is to end legislative slush funds for transportation projects, and prohibit campaign contributions by members of the North Carolina Board of Transportation.  These proposals, along with Treasurer Moore’s suggestion to infuse more transparency into the decision making process for new construction funding, are excellent ideas.   It makes one wonder why the Democrats haven’t gotten around to these common-sense reforms over the past eight years.

I’ll let our friends in the press examine how much in campaign contributions the Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer have taken from Transportation Board Members during the current campaign cycle.  It will be interesting to see if in their rush to jump on the front seat of the honest government bandwagon they’ll give any of that money back.  Yet even if we could snap our fingers and have these reforms tomorrow, it would simply mean that we would be throwing good money at a dysfunctional organization.

We have over $1.5 billion dollars allocated for construction projects under the Transportation Improvement Program in 2007-2008. Currently 59% of TIP projects take 8 or more years to reach the bidding process, and the Department has a track record of delivering about 40-50% of the promised TIP in a given year.  With inflation in construction costs running around 13% per year, it is obvious that inefficiency and delay at DOT are costing us millions every year.

Clearly we need to reform the appropriations process so that our professional engineers—not politicians—determine funding priorities based on safety and congestion, but the more critical need is for significant structural and process reform of NCDOT to:

• improve project delivery efficiency;
• ensure top down accountability in project delivery;
• deliver a realistic Transportation Improvement Planning process;
• resolve the Department’s debilitating talent drain.

North Carolina’s economic growth depends on a DOT that can efficiently build and repair our transportation infrastructure.  How we reform the Department to meet our future needs should be a central topic of discussion during this campaign, but there can be no real reform in the DOT without a change in leadership from the governor’s office.

As Governor, I will put the public’s interest ahead of special interests and ensure that the DOT is serving the best interests of the citizens of this state.

Pittenger To Officially Enter Lt. Governor Race

NC Senator Robert Pittenger (R-Mecklenburg) will officially announce his candidacy for Lt. Governor on Monday, January 14th.  This is according to an e-mail to activists from David Robinson, chairman of the Wake County GOP.

According to the e-mail, Pittenger will make his announcement at 11:00 a.m. at the NC Republican Party Headquarters.

Pittenger(left), who is in his third term in the North Carolina Senate, was awarded the 2005 Taxpayers Advocate Award by Americans for Prosperity in 2005.  He also serves as Chair of the North Carolina Taxpayer Protection Caucus with Americans for Tax Reform.

Pittenger has been busy, lining up endorsements from such heavy GOP hitters as former Governor James G. Martin. 

He is being challenged in the Republican primary by Greg Dority (left), Managing Partner of Sterling Security in Washington, North Carolina.

Folwell Launches New Website for Treasurer Campaign

Representative Dale Folwell (R-Forsyth) has launched a new website to promote his campaign for North Carolina Treasurer.  Folwell is running for the office after serving four years  in the State House, and eight years on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board.

The site points out his four-point platform and explains why Folwell and others say he has the most financial experience.

Currently, Folwell and fellow Rep. Bill Daughtridge are seeking the Republican nomination for State Treasurer.  The winner will face one of several Democrats running.

The current treasurer, Richard Moore, is vacating the job to run for Governor.