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June 30, 2008 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Ellie Kinnaird Greetings from Raleigh.

Last week was another busy one in the Senate as we get closer to wrapping up our work for this year’s session.

The Senate passed legislation that will require carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties throughout North Carolina. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas is extremely lethal and carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to know it’s present from fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, and room heaters. I supported this legislation because we must ensure the safety of those who rent homes throughout our state.

We also passed legislation to make our public buildings more energy efficient. As we work to protect our environment and reduce the use of nonrenewable resources, we must make government buildings an example. Under this initiative, state, university, and community college buildings will be built and renovated using sustainable, energy-efficient methods that save money and reduce negative environmental impacts. We are also leading by example in the legislative building with compact fluorescent lighting, cisterns to collect rain and air conditioning condensation, and low-flow sinks and toilets.

We also commemorated the 50th anniversary of school integration in North Carolina by welcoming the some of the brave men and women who were the first African Americans to attend previously all-white schools in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem in the 1957-58 school year. The touching tribute was proof of how far our state has come in the last 50 years and a reminder of how much is left to be done to guarantee equality and civil rights for all.

Finally, we are hopefully rounding up our budget negotiations with the House. As I’ve said before, I am committed to passing a final budget that keeps North Carolina moving forward, helps working families and is fiscally responsible. I will give you a full update when we reach a final budget agreement.

As always, please don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts on these initiatives or any other issue you feel is important. I hope you have a good weekend, and thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Senate.




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