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March 13, 2009 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Ellie Kinnaird Greetings from Raleigh.

This week, I was honored to attend the Governor’s State of the State address. This was especially significant this year because it was the first time a woman addressed a joint session of the General Assembly as North Carolina’s Governor.

We are required by the Constitution to balance the state budget. Now facing a $3 billion shortfall due to the global recession, the Governor and the legislature will be forced to cut programs, many of which are worthy. But must protect the things that make our state great—We expect to receive the Governor’s budget recommendations next week. The Senate is already at work on the budget bill and I have appreciated your input on the initiatives we need to protect as well as cost-saving ideas.

This week we authorized Grandfather Mountain as a state park. The nearly 6,000-foot tall peak and 2,600 surrounding, undeveloped acres in Avery County will be turned into North Carolina's 34th state park. This state treasure will be preserved for generations to come. I also want you to know that the purchase was made with existing funds and will not affect our expenditures this year.

Finally this week, I was extremely concerned to see North Carolina’s unemployment rate rise to 9.7%, a 25-year high. We all know the recession is hitting us hard. The State of North Carolina has assistance available for the unemployed. The Employment Security Commission has information about getting unemployment assistance. Call 1-877-841-9617 or go to http://www.ncesc.com/individual. North Carolina’s JobLink centers also can provide employment and training services that can help job seekers find a new or better job. Go to:

As always, please feel free to contact me to share your opinions on any issue you feel is important, and thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Senate. I hope you have a nice weekend.




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