N.C. Senator Ellie Kinnaird's Newsletter

February 2, 2007 Newsletter

Greetings from Raleigh,

Ellie Kinnaird

As we prepare for the start of committee and budget work, we’ve been spending time this week looking at the state’s needs and fiscal situation. Although revenues are coming in about 3 percent above our projections, our state faces significant needs this year and in years to come. You will hear more about the budget later this spring, as it will be another several weeks before estimates are finalized and we begin our budget work in earnest.

Legislators spent the first week of session working on new legislative proposals to introduce. A number of worthwhile ideas will be up for debate this year, and bills that were filed this week include:

Toughening penalties for Internet predators who try to solicit or exploit children;
Creating an earned income tax credit to help low-income working families;
Increasing funds for domestic violence programs and shelters;
Promoting renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

As the session continues, many more bills will be introduced, and I look forward to working on ideas that will help families all across our state.

In other news this week, the state purchased Chimney Rock Park, a western North Carolina landmark that will be the centerpiece of a new state park. Chimney Rock is a longtime tourist attraction that boasts 400-foot waterfalls and a 315-foot which spire overlooking Lake Lure. The purchase – funded partly by last year’s budget – will protect the 996-acre park for future generations to enjoy and will support the state’s $14-billion tourism industry. The acquisition of Chimney Rock is something to be proud of, and conserving our state’s open spaces must remain a priority if we are to ensure that North Carolina remains such a wonderful and special place to live.

Paid for by Ellie Kinnaird for Senate • PO Box 668, Carrboro, NC 27510 • 919-929-1607 •