February 22, 2007 Newsletter Greetings from Raleigh, During a joint session early this week Governor Easley gave his State of the State address. The Governor touted North Carolina’s economic growth and the national praise we have received for our fiscal responsibility. He also noted the importance of training a labor force for current and future employment in order to recruit the most competitive businesses to our state. The speech stressed the importance of creating a new sense of motivation for our high school students to graduate and then complete a college education. To achieve that goal, he recommended healthcare coverage for students until age 21, new work study programs and grants in aid for the students of low income families to attend college. The State of the State recognized the legislature’s commitment to programs like the Child Health Insurance Program, tax breaks for low income families and small business owners, our early steps toward energy independence, and our commitment to assisting our senior community. I realize that North Carolina has come a long way, but certainly look forward to working on these very important issues and many others that you have brought to my attention. New bills are continually being filed as we prepare for debate in committee. One fundamental bill concerns the creation of a high risk health insurance pool. To end the week, we were very pleased by a visit from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s National Championship winning women’s soccer team. These student athletes have committed themselves to being one of the finest teams in all of collegiate athletics, and they have made us proud by winning their 18th national championship title. The lady Tarheels, led by Coach Anson Dorrance, defeated the University of Notre Dame on December 2, 2006 – continuing North Carolina’s tradition of NCAA success. The Governor presented his budget this Thursday and I look forward to sharing those highlights with you next week. As always, please contact me with your thoughts on the ideas mentioned here today or any others that you may have. July 23, 2008 Newsletter July 15, 2008 Newsletter June 30, 2008 Newsletter May 29, 2008 Newsletter May 23, 2008 Newsletter March 16, 2008 Newsletter October 18, 2007 Newsletter August 20, 2007 Newsletter July 30 2007 Newsletter July 23 2007 Newsletter June 28, 2007 Newsletter March 19, 2007 Newsletter March 6, 2007 Newsletter February 22, 2007 Newsletter February 10, 2007 Newsletter February 2, 2007 Newsletter Paid for by Ellie Kinnaird for Senate • PO Box 668, Carrboro, NC 27510 • 919-929-1607 •