Perry Report: Veto overrides, state budget update, & more
Many of you have seen me use the term "Long Session," this year. In North Carolina, our state legislature operates on a two-year period known as a "biennium," with Long Session taking place on the odd numbered years and Short Session for the even-numbered years.
The Long Session is the time that the General Assembly produces a State Budget that should go into effect on July 1. However, we never seem to have a budget ready at that time and I personally find it to be incredibly frustrating.
My professional background is in the business world, where this sort of delay would be considered unacceptable. Something has to change.
The budget process has hit some bumps in the road as we finalize details on the tax package and spending. Earlier this year, I was hoping we would be out of session before the 4th of July. Now, I am unsure when we will finish.
We still have multiple policy issues outstanding that are of importance to members and our constituents. In addition to the budget, I anticipate we will see more action on elections issues, women's sports, gender reassignment surgery and puberty blockers for minors, among other topics.
Thank you all for your interest in what we're doing to serve you, and for your continued support of our work. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Beaufort, Craven, and Lenoir counties. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
At your service,
Jim
Happy Independence Day!
I hope you and your family had a nice 4th of July. As we celebrated Independence Day, we must not forget those who made sacrifices to ensure that we have FREEDOM. We must be mindful to limit government and fight the urge to make our neighbors' choices for them.
Supporting Farmers & Agriculture
In June, Governor Cooper took a stand AGAINST farmers by vetoing the Farm Act of 2023. Thankfully, he does not get the last word in our state...and NC Senate Republicans stood together to overturn his veto in support of farmers.
We run a 'Farm Act' every year, and did so again this year with strong bipartisan support as we worked together to make more than a dozen critical changes to improve how farmers operate in North Carolina.
Agriculture is our state's top industry, and the General Assembly has shown its consistent support for farmers and growers. We will not let Governor Cooper continue to put party politics ahead of support for farmers.
I will continue to work with and support my colleague, Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee -- as we endeavor to support our agricultural heritage and the hardworking farmers who feed all of us.
Update: We overrode the governor's veto of the the Farm Act (SB 582) with a vote of 29-17 in the NC Senate. The bill is now law.
More VETO Overrides
Including our override of Governor Cooper's veto on the Farm Act (SB 582), the NC Senate took action to override the Governor‘s vetoes on six bills — five of which originally had Democratic support and two which had passed unanimously. Unfortunately, nearly every Democrat flipped their vote to fall in line with Roy Cooper’s demands instead of the interests of their constituents.
These bills will ensure local governments are transparent with their spending of your tax dollars (SB 299); update our state finance laws which have not been touched in about 40 years (SB 331 & SB 329); protect state employees from discrimination and defend their First Amendment rights (SB 364); and stop CRT & DEI in our state’s hiring, curriculum, and investments (HB 750).
This year alone, we have successfully overridden all eight of Governor Cooper’s vetoes. I was the Primary Sponsor for 2 of these were bills (SB 331 & SB 329), so I may have won a gold medal in the override olympics.
On Wednesday of this week, Governor Cooper vetoed the Parents' Bill of Rights (SB 49) -- a bill which I co-sponsored to ensure parents have a say in the educational materials that are presented to their children. He also vetoed HB 574: Fairness in Women's Sports Act and HB 808: Gender Transition/Minors. We will be overriding all of these vetoes promptly.
Visiting with 4-H Students
It was great to have the 4-H nation in the halls of the General Assembly earlier this month. I was honored to host leaders from Beaufort and Lenoir counties who brought young people from Duplin, Onslow, Lenoir, Beaufort & Martin counties.
Bring Your Daughter to Work Day
My daughter Reagan is a senior at NC State University, so we get to spend time together when I am in Raleigh. I think she enjoys Senate dinners more than Senate debates, but it is special for both of us to share this life journey.
She has an internship this summer, but she got out of work in time to join me for a historic day last week. I had two bills that received bipartisan support...but they were still vetoed. We were able to override both vetoes.
Senate Bill 331 updated the Consumer Finance Act. It passed the Senate UNANIMOUSLY…and the Governor still vetoed it, and called for all of my colleagues on the left to change their votes. One Democrat was offended enough to keep his original 'YES' vote with us.
Senate Bill 329 updated the Retail Installment Sales Act for the first time in 40 years. It passed with a bipartisan supermajority, and the override was the same. Not every issue is a partisan issue. The Senate chamber is not part of the executive branch, and our votes should be cast on behalf of the people in our districts, not the Governor's political agenda.
It's time to pass the Compassionate Care Act
ICYMI, take a few minutes to read this opinion editorial from my friend and colleague, Senator Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow).
I agree with Senator Lazzara that it's time for North Carolina to pass the Compassionate Care Act.
As some of you know, I lost my father to cancer. Additionally, I have a child who has been prescribed opioids for pain. I was very worried. I don't ask anyone to agree with me, and I am not arrogant enough to tell you what you should think. I just know I will not be the reason your loved one can't find relief.
When I hear others talk about cannabis not being "FDA approved," or "cleared by physicians," I remind them that Oxycontin was approved by both...
READ MORE >>>
Legislative Update
As mentioned in my opening remarks, we are continuing the negotiation process on a State Budget, which I am hoping will be settled soon.
We have had a very productive session thus far. Since last month's newsletter, we have had the following bills, which I've sponsored, pass the Senate, become law, or be presented to the Governor pending signature or veto:
PASSED THE SENATE
BECAME LAW
SB 331: Consumer Finance Act Amendments. (OVERRIDE)
PRESENTED TO GOVERNOR (PENDING)
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