Author

Comment

House District #29 April '08 Review

Lead

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:33 PM)

Tags : None

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

APRIL '08 - REVIEW

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

April 30, 2008

Education has long been the focus of the state's efforts and last year the state budgeted more than $11 billion for our public schools, community colleges and universities. As legislators, we value our youth. Several committees are meeting during the interim to consider issues that affect our children and school systems. Additionally, several committees are meeting to seek solutions to the home mortgage crisis, the drought and Medicaid/mental health crisis.

I hope this information will assist as well as encourage you to contact us with your thoughts as well as recommendations on these or any other issues. Likewise, thanks to all those who have contacted us in the past to share concerns and secure information. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way in the future.

Joint Select Committee on Arts Education -_ Recently the Joint Select Committee on Arts Education met for the first time. Members of the committee heard presentations from Helga Fasciano and Christie Lynch of the state Department of Public Instruction on arts education in North Carolina . Mary Fulton, a policy analyst from the Education Commission of the States also gave a presentation on arts education. The committee will prepare a report in December.

Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation - The Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation met for the first time last November. Members asked several questions about how North Carolina calculates its dropout rate before learning about several successful local programs. The commission has also conducted a series of dropout hearings throughout the state to get constituent input on ways we can solve the decrease the dropout rate. At the last meeting, members focused on the New Schools Project, barriers that prevent girls from graduating, and Communities in Schools initiatives.

The commission awarded grants to 60 groups out of 307 applicants. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 were awarded to school systems, schools, agencies and nonprofits. The commission will also review research on student success, study major middle and high school reform efforts and how they may influence the dropout rate, review the courses required for graduation, and determine whether changes should be made and determine which strategies best help students remain in school when they are at risk of being retained.

The Joint Legislative Study Committee on Public School Funding Formulas - The Joint Legislative Study Committee on Public School Funding Formulas studies all public school formulas and distributions. The committee has been focusing on the allotment formula, funding history and expenditures in public schools.

The committee has recently studied student transportation costs and the education of children with disabilities and limited English proficiency. The committee has also studied the Public School Building Capital Fund, NC Lottery funding, At-Risk Student Services/Alternative Schools, improving student accountability and funding for gifted students.

Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee - The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee meets regularly to keep up with developments in education programs and initiatives.

At the committee's last meeting, several school system superintendents came to Raleigh to discuss how they would improve the services of the Department of Public Instruction. School officials are concerned about the organizational structure at DPI and about the licensure process for teachers who come to North Carolina after being licensed to teach in another state.

Howard Lee, chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education, came to the meeting to discuss public school governance and there were presentations about programs for exceptional children. The committee heard updates on two programs designed to help students from a variety of backgrounds prepare for college and learned about efforts to integrate arts into the public school curriculum.

Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth - Members of the Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth will hear presentations on ways we determine whether or not a state is a good place to raise children and how North Carolina measures up to other states.

The commission will also focus on the state's role in strengthening North Carolina families. As a start, the members will strive to coordinate activities of state departments that serve children and youth through a system that directs shared responsibility and demands accountability for actions that affect children and youth. The commission is dedicated to creating a better North Carolina that cares for our children, youth, and families so that our youth can grow into strong responsible North Carolinians .

Please remember that you can listen to each day's committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly's website at http://www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "audio," and then make your selection - Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. You can also use the website to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information.

Larry D. Hall

"Eagle_Spirit" Soars Forever! On The Wings of NCCU NetWorking Eagles!

The NCCU Eagles Fan Forum!
Durham Chapter - NCCU Alumni Eagles
NCCU Sound Machine Booster Club
NCCU Campus Echo Student Newspaper

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:37 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

MARCH PREVIEW

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

March 11, 2008

This past 2007 long session, the General Assembly came up with several ways to cut taxes for the people of North Carolina without sacrificing the quality of our public services. Some of these changes will benefit you this tax season, while others can't be claimed until next year. I hope this information is of use to you as the deadline for tax filing approaches.

Thank you for your support and for allowing me to share this information with you. Please let me know if I can be of any service.

Individual Income Taxes

Earned Income Tax Credit

_We created a 3.5 percent refundable earned income tax credit. This tax credit would lower the tax burden for many of the working people who earn about $40,000 or less. And because it's refundable, they may get tax refunds they may not have otherwise received. North Carolinian taxpayers who are eligible for the federal earned income tax credit are eligible for the state credit. This tax credit will become effective for the 2008 taxable year.

Upper-Income Tax Bracket

_Legislators allowed a temporary income tax increase put in place during the economic downturn of 2001 to expire. The change meant that married couples filing jointly with an income over $200,000 were taxed at 8.25 percent, a half-percent higher than the previous level. This change will be effective for the 2008 tax year and returns the rate to 7.75 percent.

Long-term Care Insurance Tax Credit

_ The General Assembly approved a $7 million a year tax credit for families that purchase long-term care insurance. This tax credit allows a credit of 15 percent of the premiums paid for long-term care insurance during the taxable year and is limited to taxpayers earning less than $100,000 for a married couple. Up to $350 is allowed for each long-term care insurance contract. Please note that this tax credit became effective in 2007 and can be claimed in returns filed this spring.

Adoption Expenses Tax Credit

_This year we created a tax credit to benefit those who adopt a child. Taxpayers who are eligible for the federal tax credit for adoption expenses are also eligible for the state tax credit. The state tax credit is equal to 50 percent of the federal tax credit and has a maximum amount of $5,695. This tax credit also became effective in 2007 and can be claimed in returns filed this spring.

Nonprofits and Renewable Energy Property

_Legislators approved a credit for individuals and businesses that make donations to tax-exempt charitable organizations so that the organization can invest in renewable energy property. Taxpayers must choose between claiming this credit of taking a deduction for the charitable contribution. This tax credit will be effective for the 2008 taxable year.

Volunteer Firefighter and Rescue Squad Workers

_My colleagues and I approved a $250 tax deduction for volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers who attend 36 hours of drills, training, or meetings during a year. This tax credit is effective for the 2007 tax year and can be claimed in returns filed this year.

Sales Tax

Sales Tax Holiday

_North Carolinians benefit from a sales tax holiday each year in the first weekend in August. Previously the sales tax holiday applied to school items that cost less than $100. This year the General Assembly increased the cap to $300 because some college textbooks cost more than $100. This cap increase will become effective for the sales tax holiday in 2008.

Farmers and Manufacturers

_The General Assembly approved a phase-out of the sales tax on piped natural gas, electricity, and other fuels (excluding motor fuel) sold to farmers and manufacturers. The taxes will be phased out over the next three years.

Property Taxes

Property Tax Homestead Exclusion

_The property tax homestead exclusion helps low-income disabled and elderly people keep their homes. Under previous law, $20,000 or 50 percent (whichever amount is greater) of the value of the homestead was excluded from taxation. This session we increased that amount to $25,000 or 50 percent of the homestead. We also increased the income eligibility limit of the program to $25,000. It was previously capped at $20,500. These changes will become effective for the 2008 tax year.

Property Tax Homestead Circuit Breaker

_This year we created a property tax homestead circuit breaker program so that the amount of tax paid on a homestead does not exceed a fixed percentage of the taxpayer's income. Any taxes on the homestead that exceed the applicable percentage are deferred and become a lien on the property. This program will make more people eligible for some form of property tax relief because the income eligibility limits are 50 percent more than the limits for the property homestead tax exclusion. It will be effective for the 2009 tax year.

Community Update -

Welcome To Durham - to Chancellor Charlie Nelms who was installed as the Tenth Chancellor of North Carolina Central University on February 22, 2008. North Carolina Central University is the largest employer in House District 29.

Congratulations To Chuck Davis - on winning the Capezio Dance Award for his longstanding contributions to American dance. Though he is known all over the world he is Durham 's ambassador of culture and good will. Thanks Chuck Davis for all you do for our community and to represent Durham .

Grant Funding - The Durham Merchants Association Charitable Foundation is now taking applications for grants. Tax-exempt organizations that service Durham are eligible to apply. For an application, call Buddy Lynam, executive director, at 919-489-7921. Deadline for applications is April 1, 2008.

Larry D. Hall

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:39 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

Health Insurance Tax Credit Reminder Bulletin

Dear Citizens:

As you may recall we made several important efforts in health insurance availability during the last few sessions. One of the items that may not have received much attention from the 2006 short session was a tax credit for employee insurance provided by small a businesses. The new law offers a health insurance tax credit to small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

The law set out in House Bill 20 provides a $250 credit if the employer pays at least 50 percent of the health insurance costs of an employee and the employee earns less than $40,000 a year. This law became effective Jan. 1, 2007, making this tax season the first time businesses can claim the credit.

Please take note of this and ensure all of your fellow small business owners or employees are aware of this legislation as they prepare their tax returns. Also, keep in mind that this may allow many employers to cover more employees or to start offering coverage where they previously unable to.

Larry D. Hall

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:41 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

February's Preview

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

February 14, 2008

North Carolinians are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of global warming. We are currently experiencing the worst drought on record in our state, and many scientists believe it has been exasperated by climate change. Legislators share your concerns and are working hard to come up with solutions to problems caused by global climate change. The Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change met recently to discuss the effects of climate change and what North Carolina needs to do to prevent the catastrophic effects of global warming. I want you to have this information about the report so you can follow the issues and help with development of our solutions.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The Climate Change Commission heard a summary of the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is made up of 2,500 scientists from countries around the world. The IPCC reviews published and peer-reviewed literature focused on climate change and publishes a report as a consensus on the issue. In 2007, the IPCC shared the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore.

The IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report

Last year, the IPCC released its Fourth Assessment Report. According to this report, global warming is taking place and is caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emissions have increased 70 percent in the past 35 years. Worldwide temperature has increased by 1.35˚F in the past century and is expected to increase 2-11˚F in the 21^st century.

Environmental Changes

During the next century, sea levels will probably rise 7-23 inches and we will have extreme high tides, heavy precipitation and more intense hurricanes more often. As carbon dioxide emissions increase, the ocean warms and loses its ability to sequester carbon, which could take centuries to reverse. Coastal states such as North Carolina (with more than 4,500 miles of coastal shoreline) are at greater risk of storm surge and coastal erosion. North Carolina is third on the list of vulnerability to rising sea levels, behind Florida and Louisiana . Many coastal geologists predict that much of our Outer Banks could be under water within a generation.

At the same time, we could have increased heat waves and drought. Higher percentages of our rainfall would come in shorter periods of time. Increased carbon dioxide is also making the oceans more acidic, which harms marine life.

North American wood and timber producers could lose $1 billion to $2 billion a year due to increased wildfires, insect infestation and diseases. Our state's Christmas tree industry could be wiped out along with other crops that are accustomed to our current climate.

Health Issues

With a decrease in the number of cold days and nights, plant and animal pests would increase, leading to disease and food shortages. Global warming has already contributed to an increase in and the spread of diseases and premature deaths. North Carolina could experience outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever. In the middle of the 21^st Century, more than 1 billion people will experience water and food shortages and may have to relocate to survive, including tens of millions of Americans.

What Can We Do? We have many options that can change the effects of global warming. Using renewable energy sources and fuel efficient/hybrid vehicles are easy ways to start. We can also use green building methods and solar-powered heating and cooling systems. We should also restore soils that can store carbon, use better agriculture techniques to reduce methane gases, use crops as alternative fuels and compost organic waste. We will also need to adapt to the fact that sea level rise and climate change are happening. We will need to adopt better coastal management practices as well help farmers adjust to new crops.

This session, North Carolina became the first state in the Southeast to set a renewable energy standard for power companies. We passed laws to reduce energy consumption, promote the use of alternative energy sources and biodiesel fuel, and strengthened regulations for the construction of landfills. We also banned the construction of new hog lagoons and increased the maximum penalty for air quality violations.

The Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change is considering policy recommendations for the General Assembly. Some of these include setting a cap for carbon emissions, establishing a cap and trade system for carbon emissions, developing a market for carbon offsets that could help our farmers and adopting cleaner car standards as 11 other states have done. The commission is also considering developing more renewable energy opportunities such as offshore wind and wave energy along with other policies. The commission will make formal recommendation to the Legislature in May.

In February, Rajendra K. Pachauri, the Nobel Prize winning chairman of the IPCC will address members of the commission and offer suggestions on other policies North Carolina should consider to maintain our quality of life.

As legislators, my colleagues and I are public servants dedicated to representing North Carolinians in the General Assembly. We are proud of our efforts to help and protect those who need it the most. This session we appropriated funds and created laws to help people with mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems. Our budget includes more than $711 million for mental health support. We also passed a bill for mental health parity and improved standards for homebound instruction for children with disabilities. There are several efforts across the state to improve our services and facilities for those with developmental disabilities and a history of substance abuse. I want to update you on the work of the oversight committee that deals most directly with these issues and also point out some of the good work we did in this area during this past session.

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse - This committee recently met to discuss ways we can improve the lives of people affected by these conditions in our state. The committee received an update on the state's psychiatric hospitals, Community Support Service and the external groups appointed by Secretary Dempsey Benton of the state Department of Health and Human Services to work on key issues. One group will focus on construction and operational questions at the new Central Regional Hospital . Another group will work with state hospital directors to examine the standardization of policies and processes associated with patient treatment, facility safety and levels of services. The third group will analyze the implementation of the state Crisis Service System.

The committee also received an update on how the money appropriated last year for crisis services and facilities was spent.

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services has several ongoing construction projects, including Central Regional Hospital , a Detox Unit at Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center , and another Detox Unit at the R. J. Blackley Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center .

Legislation _A new law (HB 627) strengthens the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services System by clarifying the functions of local management entities and the rule making authority of the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

Mental Health Parity

_My colleagues and I passed a new law (HB 973) that provides insurance parity to people who receive mental health services. Mental health parity has been debated in the legislature for 15 years and we are proud we can finally do more to help mental health patients get the treatment they need. Under the new law, insurance companies are required to cover bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and three other mental illnesses the same way they treat and cover physical illnesses. All other mental health conditions must be covered for up to 30 inpatient/outpatient days and 30 office visits.

Housing

_A new law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study rules and regulations for housing patients with mental illnesses in the same areas as patients without mental illnesses. The law (SB 164) also directs the department to develop staff training requirements for direct care workers working with mentally ill patients in adult care homes.

Homebound Instruction

_My colleagues and I passed a law (HB 14) to help disabled students. Local school districts can assign a student to be home schooled if the student's IEP team finds homebound instruction to be the least restrictive alternative environment for the student. The IEP team will determine the type of instruction the student should receive and will evaluate the appropriateness of the methods used monthly.

Services

_The Department of Health and Human Services will develop a graduated co-payment fee schedule to be used by local management entities and contractual provider agencies when determining the amount a client can pay out of pocket for services. The new law (HB 628) states that services with the co-payment will be available to families with an income 300 percent or greater of the family poverty level.

Facilities

_Legislators passed a law (HB 625) to more appropriately identify our state institutions as psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, alcohol and drug treatment centers and residential programs for children. It also renames the special care centers that care for elderly mental health patients as neuro-medical treatment centers.

_We authorized the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to suspend admissions to health care facilities that are considered dangerous to the health and safety of patients. Under the new law (HB 772) the facility can contest the decision within 20 days after the department mails the notice. The department must also provide consultation to assist the facility in correcting health and safety issues. This law also allows the Division of Health Service Regulation to waive rules pertaining to hospitals during emergencies. It also allows private entities to do the required state criminal background check for potential mental health facility employees.

_ A new law (HB 554) increases the penalty for assaulting a patient in a health care facility. It is now a Class H felony to assault a resident of a residential or health care facility if the assault shows a pattern of behavior that is negligent or causes bodily injury to the resident. Another law (HB 1294) prohibits smoking in long term care facilities.

State Funding _We appropriated $426,600 to provide mental health services for returning veterans. The money will be used to expand the North Carolina Health Information Portal, provide for a health program manager position and to train care providers to deal with the mental health and substance abuse needs of returning vets.

_Our budget also includes $1.4 million to provide for 14 drug treatment court positions. This money will replace expiring federal and county grant funds for positions in drug treatment courts in nine districts and a state level drug treatment court administrative position.

_We set aside $239,800 to treat drug and alcohol addiction. This funding will be used to provide 10 more contract beds to house chemically dependent male inmates who are undergoing intensive treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you. Your concerns and your proposed solutions to these challenges are very important to me. As always please share any suggestions you may have on these and other topics.

Larry D. Hall

Please remember that you can listen to each day's committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly's Web site at http://www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select "audio," and then make your selection - Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room. You can also use the website to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information.

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:44 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

SPECIAL NOTICE: Home Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis

February 4, 2008

Dear Fellow North Carolinians :

As you know the House Speaker Joe Hackney appointed The House Select Committee On Rising Home Foreclosures due to the severity of this crisis. I was appointed by the Speaker to the committee to help find solutions to this crisis. The effect of these foreclosures will be felt far and wide in communities across our state. Homelessness decreased home values, neighborhood blight, property tax revenue declines are all affected to some degree.

I will keep you informed of the developments of this committee as we will meet for our second time on February 23, '08. I have provided you a summary of the recent actions taken by the state that may have prevented the crisis from hitting us as hard as it has hit other states. Please keep me informed of any programs or developments you become aware of on this issue. Our committee is open to any information or suggestions that may help our communities and state on this issue.

Sincerely

Rep. Larry D. Hall

REVIEW OF RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Identify Loan Originator on Deed of Trust

S.L. 2007-176 (HB 313) amends the Good Funds Settlement Act to require that lenders include in the loan closing instructions the name of anyone acting as a mortgage broker in the transaction, and to require that a settlement agent place an entry showing the name of the mortgage broker on the deed of trust. This Act applies only to residential real estate and establishes duties of the parties in closing. This act became effective July 5, 2007, and applies to deeds of trust registered on or after April 1, 2008.

Residential Mortgage Fraud Act

S.L. 2007-163 (HB 817) creates a new Article in the criminal law establishing the crime of residential mortgage fraud. A person is guilty of this offense if, for financial gain and with intent to defraud, the person does any of the following:

Ø Knowingly makes or attempts to make any misrepresentation within the mortgage lending process with the intent that the lender, broker, borrower, or any other person relies on it.

Ø Knowingly uses or facilitates or attempts to use or facilitate any misrepresentation within the mortgage lending process with the intent that the lender, broker, borrower, or any other person relies on it.

Ø Receives or attempts to receive proceeds from a residential mortgage closing that the person knew resulted from a violation of the act.

Ø Conspires or solicits any other to violate the act.

The act applies to loans secured by manufactured homes as well as a mortgage or deed of trust on residential real property. Prosecution under the act does not require that the person to whom the misrepresentation was directed actually suffer financial harm, only that the defendant made or used the misrepresentation with the intent to deceive or defraud.

A violation involving a single loan is a Class H felony. A violation involving a "pattern of residential mortgage fraud" is a Class E felony. Pattern of residential mortgage fraud is defined as involving five or more mortgage loans with the same or similar intent, results, accomplices, victims, or other distinguishing characteristics. All real or personal property derived or realized through violation of the act is subject to forfeiture.

This act becomes effective December 1, 2007, and applies to offenses after that date.

NC Foreclosure/Landlord Tenant Laws

S.L. 2007-353 (HB 947) amends the Foreclosure Law to expand the information that must be included in a notice of sale of residential real property with less than 15 rental units. The act requires that the notice of sale, in such cases, include notice that (1) if the property is sold, an order of possession may be issued against the party in possession of the property, and (2) a tenant who entered into or renewed a rental agreement on or after October 1, 2007, may terminate the agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. The act further requires that the notice of sale be sent to a tenant occupying the property, if the property is residential and contains less than 15 rental units, and allows the tenant to terminate the rental agreement by giving the landlord 10 days written notice. The law is also amended to require that a tenant in residential property containing 15 or more units be given 30 days notice of the application for an order of possession of the property by the purchaser.

This act becomes effective October 1, 2007, and applies to residential rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after that date and to notices of sale issued on or after that date.

Protect Homeowners/Reduce Foreclosure

S.L. 2007-351 (HB 1374) makes several changes to the law to protect borrowers in mortgage transactions, including:

Ø Amends the Civil Procedure law with regard to the statute of limitations to recover penalties for usury by including actions for the financing of usurious points, fees, or other charges. The two-year period would accrue with each payment made and accepted on the loan.

Ø Amends the law to authorize a North Carolina court to exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant in a claim based on a loan secured by real property, if the loan was made to a North Carolina borrower, for primarily family or household purposes, and was secured by real property located within the State. It also provides that a person who acquires the right to receive payments on such a loan is deemed to have consented to the exercise of jurisdiction by the courts of the State for any claim related to the loan.

Ø Amends the law relating to foreclosure under power of sale, by adding several items to the list of information that must be provided to the debtor with the notice of hearing, including:

· Whether the borrower made requests to the servicer for information in the prior two years, and whether such requests were complied with.

· That the debtor need not appear at the hearing if he or she does not intend to contest the default, but that failure to appear does not affect the right to pay the debt and prevent the sale.

· That the trustee is a neutral party and cannot advocate for the creditor or the debtor.

· That the debtor can apply to the court to stop the sale on legal or equitable grounds prior to the time the rights of the parties to the sale become fixed.

· That the debtor has the right to appear at the hearing and contest the allegations in the notice, and the grounds the clerk must find to authorize the foreclosure.

· That if the debtor fails to appear, the trustee will seek an order to sell the property being foreclosed.

· That the debtor has the right to legal advice and how the debtor may obtain free legal advice.

Ø Creates a new Article entitled "Mortgage Debt Collection and Servicing". The new Article applies to home loans that are secured by real property in the State and used by the individual borrower as a dwelling, and to servicers, defined as a person responsible for receiving scheduled periodic payments from a borrower under the terms of a loan and making payments as required by the terms of the loan. Sections 4 and 5 of this act become effective April 1, 2008. The remainder of the act became effective August 16, 2007.

Protect Consumers - Covered Loans

S.L. 2007-352 (HB 1817) amends the laws relating to mortgage lending to provide additional consumer protections. North Carolina 's current anti-predatory lending law, enacted in 1999, places restrictions on "high cost home loans" in order to create a disincentive to make such loans. A high cost home loan is a loan that meets one or more of three thresholds. The thresholds relate to interest rate, the total amount charged as points and fees, and prepayment penalties. This act amends existing law to include compensation paid to a mortgage broker in the definition of points and fees.

The act creates a new section applicable only to "rate spread home loans", which are residential mortgage loans with an annual percentage rate that is at least 3% greater than a U.S. Treasury security with a comparable maturity or at least 1.75% greater than the conventional mortgage rate, on a first mortgage, or at least 5% greater than a Treasury note or 3.75% greater than a conventional mortgage on a subordinate loan. The following restrictions are placed on these loans:

Ø No prepayment penalties may be charged or collected.

Ø Lenders must verify the borrower's ability to repay the loan according to its terms and applicable taxes and insurance. If the loan has an adjustable rate, the lender must determine ability to repay using a calculation of the monthly payments as if the loan were fully indexed at the time of closing.

The making of a rate spread loan which violates either of these restrictions is deemed usurious, the penalty for which is the forfeiture of all interest under the loan.

The act also amends the Mortgage Lending Act with regard to a mortgage broker's duties and prohibited actions. The Commissioner of Banks is given the authority to ban or limit practices that the Commissioner finds to be unfair, deceptive, designed to evade the law, or which are not in the best interest of the borrowing public.

This act becomes effective January 1, 2008, and Section 1 of the act applies to consumer home loans entered into on or after that date.

Last Edited By: NCCUsmbc May 20, 2008 08:49 PM. Edited 1 times.

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:46 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

The District 29 Raleigh - Durham Update

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

January 7, 2008

Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoyed a happy holiday. I'm looking forward to the new year and working with all of you to make our state stronger.

The last big group of laws passed last session went into place January 1. These laws affect many issues including: health, families, criminal law, business law and ethics. Hopefully these changes will make life better for all North Carolinians .

Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any service. Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you.

I wanted to give special thanks to Durham Companions Youth Mentorship Program for the great work they continue to do after twenty-five years. Further, I am humbled by their presentation to me of their "Distinguished Service to Youth Award" at their annual banquet on December 15, 2008. I hope that we all can continue to support their efforts and those of organizations like them to mentor our youth.

Finally, I have been appointed to the House Select Committee on Rising Home Foreclosures by Speaker Hackney. This will provide a unique opportunity to find solutions to this crisis which has disproportionately affected citizens of Durham . I look forward to information or recommendations you may have to address this issue. Our first meeting will be on January 22, '08 in Raleigh .

Health - Legislators are concerned about the dangers of secondhand smoke. We passed a bill (HB 24) that bans smoking in buildings owned, leased, or occupied by state government. Under the new law, local governments have the authority to regulate smoking in buildings and vehicles they use.

_Another new law prohibits smoking in long-term care facilities. The law (HB 1294) prohibits smoking in adult care homes, nursing homes, and any other facilities that provide long-term care.

_This session the General Assembly passed a bill (HB 1671) that encourages parties involved in malpractice cases to use an arbitrator. The person filing for personal injury or wrongful death due to negligence by a healthcare provider and the healthcare provider involved can file a joint stipulation to use arbitration before a trial. This bill is expected to cut the costs and time involved in resolving these disputes while ensuring that the decision made is fair and honest.

Families - After several detailed Judiciary I committee hearings where I participated addressing many concerns expressed by constituents and after careful drafting reflecting those concerns we created a new law that gives adult adoptees and their adult descendents easier access to adoption information. The bill (HB 445) allows adoption agencies licensed by the state Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Human Services and social services departments to obtain contact information and medical histories on behalf of adult adoptees. Adoptees and birth parents can also obtain identification information if both parties consent.

Criminal Law -_Victims of sexual assault are not required to take a lie detector test in order for a law enforcement agency to conduct an investigation into the matter. Under a new law (HB 1810), if a lie detector test is administered, the agency must tell the participants that the test is voluntary and the results are not admissible in court. These changes bring North Carolina state law into compliance with the Federal Violence Against Women Act of 2005.

Business Law - The Financial Institutions Committee, where I serve as Vice Chair reviewed and recommended to the new bill to the full General Assembly. We passed this bill to protect North Carolinians from predatory mortgage lending and to improve the writing of loans. The bill (HB 1817) limits broker fees, protects borrowers from some of the dangers of adjustable rate mortgage loans and clarifies mortgage broker duties. Lenders are required to determine that the homeowner can repay the loan. The law also prohibits prepayment penalties and expressly gives the Commissioner of Banks the authority to create rules to protect the borrowing public.

_We passed new laws to protect people who buy annuities and insurance. The bill (HB 731) lists new requirements for annuity insurance providers, addresses portability in accident, health, and life insurance, and lists definitions and other technical corrections to the insurance code.

_It is now a Class 3 misdemeanor to provide false or misleading information showing that a person is eligible for auto insurance when they are not. Under the new law (HB 729), falsifying this information is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.

_Another new insurance law (HB 773) helps protect members of the military from financial fraud such as life insurance policies with predatory annuity sales or that may not cover death in combat.

Ethics and Elections - My colleagues and I passed a bill (HB 1111) that allows the Legislative Ethics Committee to prepare advisory memos for legislators and legislative employees on ethical issues. It also makes ethics committee and State Ethics Commission meetings open to the public except for those involving minors, personnel records or other clearly private matters.

_We passed another law (HB 1737) that requires legislators who establish legal defense funds to report donations to those accounts. Under the law, legislators with these accounts now have to report donations and expenses each quarter. In addition, they also have to abide by restrictions similar to those for campaign accounts. Donations from labor unions, insurance companies, corporations, business entities, or professional associations cannot exceed $4,000 each year. Cash donations cannot be more than $50 and the report must include detailed information about contributors.

_Another new law requires candidates who have been convicted of a felony to disclose that information when running for office. Felony convictions do not permanently disqualify a person from running for public office. A person can run for public office once citizenship rights have been restored. Under the bill (SB 1218), candidates do not have to disclose a conviction if they were pardoned or if the conviction was dismissed on appeal or expunged from the candidate's record.

_The General Assembly created a law that makes it a felony to instruct or coerce non-citizens to vote. The bill (HB 1743) establishes misdemeanor penalties for breaching ballot secrecy or trying to persuade someone to select a party affiliation other than one of their own choosing. The bill also allows combined ballots and provides civil penalties for officials who are late reporting campaign contributions and expenditures. Penalties can be up to three times the amount of funds concealed if the State Board of Elections finds that the officials deliberately concealed contributions or expenditures.

Immigration - Under a new law (SB 229), prison administrators must determine prisoners being held for felony charges or charges of driving while impaired are legal U.S. residents. If the prisoner is not a legal resident of the United States , the Department of Homeland Security will be notified that the person is being held at the facility.

Transportation -_Legislators passed a bill (HB 563) to protect North Carolinians on the roadways. According to the new law, if a traffic signal is out due to a power outage, motorists should proceed as if it is a four-way stop. People on a motorcycle or moped are required to wear helmets with a retention strap that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

Energy_- North Carolina legislators have passed a law that requires North Carolina power utilities to get at least 12.5 percent of their power from renewable sources -- such as wind, water and solar energy -- and energy efficiency by 2021. The new law (SB 3) will help cut pollution and our dependence on foreign oil while also creating more of a market for renewable energy. North Carolina is the first state in the Southeast to adopt such a standard after months of negotiations between lawmakers, utility company representatives and environmentalists.

Page Updates

John Lyons former Page Participant which represented House District 29 signed to play football at Harvard University in Cambridge , MA . John is a student at Hillside High School . He is the son of Desiree and John Lyon Jr. of Durham .

Kenneth "Kyrell" McKoy former Page Participant which also represented House District 29 was accepted to attend Morehouse University in Atlanta in which he will be majoring in Biology/Pre-Med. Kenneth is a student at Wake Forest-Roseville High School. He is the son of Kenneth and Tywanna McKoy of Wake Forest .

Community Events:

Durham Martin Luther King Day Parade - 12:00 noon - Saturday, January 19, 2008

I am honored to have been chosen as the Grand Marshall of this event and hopefully we can all celebrate the strength of our diversity and use the time to commit ourselves to the objectives and principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Durham & Raleigh MLK Celebration Committees will have the MLK Birthday Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 21, 2008 at 8:00 AM at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park , N.C. Free Admission "First Come-First Served"

Larry D. Hall

Last Edited By: NCCUsmbc May 20, 2008 08:48 PM. Edited 1 times.

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:52 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

The Raleigh Report

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

December 6, 2007

Seasons Greetings! On behalf of Lisa Ray my Legislative Assistant and myself I would like to wish you and your family all the best during this holiday season. As we enjoy family and friends during this season of celebration the work and responsibility of governance continues.

One of the best attributes of our system of government is the sharing of authority. This enables us to better respond to citizens' needs on all levels. While state government must address statewide issues, local governments are better equipped to deal with many issues that North Carolinians face daily. By working together, state and local governments make North Carolina a stronger state. This past session, we made several changes that will allow local governments to better address local issues. Together, we will do our best to represent your interests and concerns.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Please contact me if I can help with any questions or concerns you have.

Budget - With too many counties across our state struggling with rising expenses related to Medicaid, the state agreed to a plan this year to permanently relieve them of this burden - an estimated $500 million this fiscal year -- over the next three years. Our plan will free up money in the counties for school construction and other costs of local government while helping to keep property taxes down in your communities. This approach represents a major shift in how the state of North Carolina does business and it protects small counties and those with an inordinate number of Medicaid recipients from the escalating costs of health care. Every county will end up with at least $500,000 more than they would have had otherwise.

Pensions and Personnel- The General Assembly passed a law to establish the Local Government Post-Employment Benefits Fund. Local governments may contribute to the fund and then use money from the fund to pay post-employment benefits later. The bill (SB 580) also establishes a similar Local Government Law Enforcement Special Separation Allowance Fund and authorizes local governments to create irrevocable trusts for these purposes. The funds will be managed by the state treasurer.

_Legislators passed a bill (HB 671) that grants leaves of absence for elected or appointed state officials who are called to active military duty and permits cities and counties to select temporary officials to be appointed during their absences.

Safety- Local governments can adopt ordinances regulating demonstrations on state roads and highways. The ordinances can regulate the time, place, and manner of gatherings, picket lines, and protests.

_We passed a bill (HB 189) that allows counties to authorize cities to issue pyrotechnics permits. Pyrotechnics is the science behind chemical reactions that operate numerous items like fireworks, safety matches, and airbags.

Building Codes and Regulations- _Municipalities can now adopt and enforce ordinances to establish a nonresidential building or structure code. Legislators passed a bill (SB 556) allowing counties and cities to pass such ordinances if a structure does not meet minimum standards of maintenance, sanitation and safety established by the governing body. These standards involve conditions that are dangerous and jeopardize the occupants or public health, safety and welfare.

_We passed a bill (SB 581) to allow counties and cities to lower building permit fees or offer partial rebates to encourage the design and construction of energy efficient buildings. These lower fees and rebates can also be applied to existing buildings that are renovated to improve energy efficiency. They are available to buildings that meet or exceed LEED standards, One Globe or higher under the Green Globes program standards, or a certification that meets or exceeds these standards.

_Another bill (HB 1595) authorizes counties and cities to acquire, construct, convey or lease a building suitable for industrial or commercial use.

Transportation-_A new law (SB 1513) now allows counties to help build roads. Under our previous law, the state and cities alone had responsibility for roads. Now, counties can buy land or right of ways for roads or build and maintain them if they choose to. Under the new law, cities can accept money from the Highway Fund or Highway Trust Fund or have some or all of their allocation reprogrammed to fund a project from the Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement List.

First Responders- _The General Assembly passed a bill (HB 767) that will allows fire, rescue, and EMS personnel to drive all-terrain vehicles on certain public highways.

_ Legislators passed a bill (HB 1321) that grants weight and size limit exemptions to state and local firefighting agencies transporting overweight and oversized vehicles (up to 90,000 pounds, 12 feet wide and 75 feet long) being used to respond to forest fires, wildfires, or other emergencies or disasters.

Health-_We passed a bill (HB 24) to protect the public from health risks associated with second hand smoke as recommended by the Justus-Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force. Cities and counties can regulate and restrict smoking in buildings and vehicles owned, leased or operated by local government.

Notes-_A new law (HB 514) allows local governments to use single-vehicle passenger buses with an overall length of 45 feet or less on public streets or highways unless it poses a risk to the passengers or the public.

_My colleagues and I passed a bill (HB 1060) that authorizes counties and cities to donate unused, obsolete or surplus property to another governmental unit in the United States, a sister city or nonprofit organizations incorporated by the United States.

_Local governments can now purchase from federal contractors. A new law (SB 492) allows local governments to purchase from federal contractors if the contractor is willing to provide goods or services at the same or more favorable prices, terms, and conditions as those in the federal contract.

Most of us have heard about the increase number of home mortgage foreclosures and how they affect our economy, interest rates and home prices. Home foreclosures have far reaching affects in every area of North Carolina . Home owners who are forced to foreclose damage their credit and lose valuable home equity. This hurts all of us. This session my colleagues and I passed laws that we believe will decrease the rate of mortgage foreclosures and help our citizens acquire and maintain secure housing without sacrificing their financial security.

Foreclosures in North Carolina - In 1998, 16,630 homeowners filed for home mortgage foreclosure in North Carolina . In 2006, that number increased to 46,510 foreclosures. By the end of August this year, 32,300 homeowners had filed for foreclosure in North Carolina and experts are predicting this will be a record year in the state for home foreclosures.

Many people are forced to foreclose because of a death in the family, unemployment, divorce or some unexpected event. Sometimes people do not have enough equity to refinance or cannot sell their houses for enough profit to pay all their debts. In other cases, people take out loans but simply cannot make the payments because they have a low income or credit issues.

Too many foreclosures in an area can hurt property values. Areas that offer only low-cost entry-level homes are at a risk for excessive foreclosures. While we would like to encourage homeownership, no one should take on the responsibility of owning a home without being aware of the all of the costs. Homeownership education halves the chances of foreclosure. I encourage borrowers to do extensive research into every aspect of the mortgage process before taking out a home loan.

Predatory Lending-_We passed a bill to protect North Carolinians from predatory mortgage lending and to improve the writing of loans. The bill (HB 1817) limits broker fees, protects borrowers from some of the dangers of adjustable rate mortgage loans and clarifies mortgage broker duties. Lenders are required to determine that the homeowner can repay the loan. The law also prohibits prepayment penalties and expressly gives the Commissioner of Banks the authority to create rules to protect the borrowing public.

Mortgage Fraud- _Another new law defines and punishes residential mortgage fraud in North Carolina . The bill (HB 817) makes it a felony to knowingly misrepresent or exclude information in the mortgage lending process even if the victim is not harmed financially. Offenders can be sentenced to up to 16 months if they have no prior record and up to 31 months if they are linked to at least five cases of fraud with no prior record. Mortgage fraud was illegal under previous laws, but it was covered by general fraud law. That law required stolen property to be valued at a minimum of $100,000 before the offender would face substantial punishment. The changes make it easier to protect people who were cheated out of lesser amounts.

Reducing Foreclosures - Loan servicers are now required to tell homeowners about fees charged on the loan and provide full details about how payments are handled and fees are calculated. The bill (HB 1374) protects borrowers from mortgage loan servicing companies that mishandle escrow accounts on home loans, charge illegal fees or misapply mortgage payments. The new law makes the foreclosure process fairer and requires servicers to give homeowners better information about their rights in foreclosures.

Protect Tenants- _ The General Assembly ratified a law that will help protect renters who live in property lost to foreclosures. The bill (HB 947) states that tenants must receive 30 days notice of an application for foreclosure. Tenants can then give the landlord 10 days written notice to terminate the rental agreement.

House Select Committee on Rising Home Foreclosures - The recently appointed House Select Committee on Rising Home Foreclosures will study the causes of foreclosures in North Carolina and the appropriate role of state and federal governments in helping people remain in their homes. The committee has also been directed to determine whether real estate or mortgage workers are contributing to the problem; evaluate mortgage and borrowing trends to help first-time homebuyers obtain mortgages; consider ways to collaborate with the state's banking community to protect confidence in the mortgage industry; identify trends in home foreclosures and consider counties' ability to provide information on each foreclosed loan. The committee may also consider any other relevant issues.

Please remember that you can visit the General Assembly's website at www.ncleg.net to look up bills, view lawmaker biographies and access other information.

Larry D. Hall

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 08:57 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

September's Update

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall
September 25, 2007

We salute our pages!

As you may know we will be honoring community leaders and the pages who served during the last session at a community breakfast on Saturday September 29 at 8:30 am at the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Building located at 411 West Chapel Hill St. , in Durham , NC . We continue to focus on the need to bring our younger citizens in to active roles in community and public service. We have consistently included bios and pictures of the pages to ensure you know some of the good things the youth in District 29 are doing both at home and in Raleigh .

I am proud to announce that I was appointed to the North Carolina Economic Development Board by Speaker Hackney and attended my first meeting Sept. 18 & 19^th in Concord, NC. The board members made site visits to the McGuire Nuclear plant at Lake Norman and the University Research Campus being constructed in Kannapolis , NC at the site of the former Cannon Mills. Our meeting was primarily focused on the future of electric power use and generation and how it will complement and support growth and the environment in this state.

As our state and nation grow, the amount of energy we consume grows with it. The fuels we traditionally use to power our homes and offices are finite, however. To support the tremendous growth we expect in North Carolina over the next 20 years, we have to work now to make better use of renewable energy, find alternative fuels and to find more and better ways to conserve energy. My colleagues and I in the General Assembly started this process this session. In the years ahead, these types of initiatives will become increasingly important to maintaining our strong economy and our quality of life.

Renewable Energy - _ North Carolina took a major step forward this year in environmental policy by establishing a requirement that North Carolina power utilities get at least 12.5 percent of their power from renewable sources -- such as wind, water and solar energy -- and energy efficiency by 2021. The bill (S3) is expected to help cut pollution and our dependence on foreign oil while also creating more of a market for renewable energy. North Carolina is the first state in the Southeast to adopt such a standard.

_ Our budget ensures the future of the State Energy Office by appropriating nearly $2.7 million from the general fund for operating costs. Nearly $2 million of the money will be used for a utility savings initiative and to support the operation of energy centers at North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Appalachian State University. An additional $5 million is for a reserve fund to support energy efficiency in state buildings.

Conservation -_ The state continues to try to be a model for responsible energy use and a bill we approved this year backs up our commitment. The bill (S668) requires existing state buildings to reduce energy consumption 20 percent by 2010 and 30 percent by 2015, based on 2003-04 levels. New buildings are designed and constructed to use 30 percent less energy. It also requires state agencies and institutions to file annual energy management plans, strategies, and reports on consumption.

Bioenergy -_ We showed our support for alternative energy sources this year by expanding a bioenergy initiative at North Carolina State University . The $1.5 million in additional money will help researchers find new technologies for efficient and clean use of traditional energy sources; alternative, environmentally safe, and renewable energy sources; and research of energy technologies and their impact on the North Carolina 's rural economy.

Fuel -_ Biodiesel fuel produced by an individual for their personal use in a private vehicle is no longer subject to the motor fuel excise tax under a bill (S1272) we approved. Such fuel is sometimes made from discarded cooking oil or similar products and supporters of the measure argued the materials shouldn't be taxed twice.

School buses can now also use diesel fuel that contains at least 20 percent of biodiesel under (S1452) beginning June 1, 2008.

Miscellaneous

_ Developers in five cities who take significant energy conservation measures in their building projects will now be eligible for incentives such as higher density allowances. The cities are Asheville , Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and Wilmington .

To Veto or Legislate - I returned to Raleigh September 11^th along with many of my colleagues for a special session to reconsider an economic incentives bill that Governor Easley vetoed in August. We reached a compromise that encourages large businesses that pay well to stay in North Carolina .

The compromise bill (House Bill 4 for the extra session) requires the companies:

to be in one of the state's poorest counties;
to invest $200 million at the plant or business site within a six-year period;
to employ at least 2,000 full-time employees;
to pay for all full-time employees' health insurance;
to provide wages 40 percent higher than the county average

The incentives would help us keep and expand jobs in some of the poorest regions of the state, and develop and stimulate the area economies.

In our fast growing state, we must make decisions that protect jobs and job opportunities, improve the economic security of the families of our citizens and promote continued prosperity for our children.

Legislative Page Report We continue our effort to get our future leaders and citizens involved in the legislative process. We want to take the time to recognize both past and future Pages for their service and the support of their families. We congratulate and salute the following Durham youth who volunteered as Pages.

Trevon Spence Tristine Johnson

Trevon Spence, a student at Jordan High School served as a Page for the House of Representatives. He is the son of Gerald and Donna Spence of Durham .

Tristine Johnson, a student at Jordan High School served as a Page for the House of Representatives. She is the daughter of Allen Johnson and Marcia Williamson of Durham .

ANNOUNCEMENT

- 2007 November - Veterans Day Job Fair

In an effort to honor our military veterans for Veterans Day the Durham ESC/JobLink Veterans Unit and Durham County Veterans Services Office are hosting our 2007 Veterans Day Job Fair and would like to invite you to participate. There is No Cost to participate. If you have any questions please contact Lou Washington at (919) 560-8387.

Date: November 7, 2007

Time: 12 Noon until 3:00 PM (set-up is from 11:00 - 11:30 AM)

Location: Durham Marriott at the Civic Center, 201 Foster Street , Durham , NC 27701

Larry D. Hall

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 09:02 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

Veto of House Bill 1761 & Special Session

Dear Constituents:

We have special session of the legislature required due to the governor's vetoe of House Bill 1761, the Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund. The bill has been returned to the House of Representatives for further action. This bill would have provided economic incentives to businesses that remain in the state and make investments in their infrastructure and plants. Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Fayetteville is likely to be the one of the first companies to qualify under the bill. It is noteworthy that one of Goodyear Tire & Rubber's last remaining US plant networks is in North Carolina .

The North Carolina Constitution does not provide a pocket veto; rather the Governor must recall the General Assembly to session and allow it to consider overriding the veto. The Governor must reconvene session by Tuesday, September 11, unless by that date a majority of members in each house sign a petition declaring the a reconvened session is not necessary to reconsider passage of the bill. The only bill that can be considered is House Bill 1761.

Article II, Section 22(1) of the North Carolina Constitution requires a vote of three-fifths of the members present and voting to override a veto. The House acts first, the Senate only gets the bill for action if the House votes to override.

This session is likely to be convened on September 11, 2007 and I would like to get your responses and suggestions regarding this bill as well as the use of incentives in general. Any recommendations regarding proposed guidelines, limitations and procedural safeguards are requested.

Rep. Larry D. Hall

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 09:10 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

SEPTEMBER PREVIEW

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

My fellow Democrats and I gave final approval to a $20.7 billion budget that strengthens education, lifts the Medicaid burden from our counties, provides our counties new revenue options and improves our health and economy. This budget addresses the needs of our students at all levels, will ensure efficient spending in government, improves healthcare access for the most needy and moves North Carolina forward. The legislative office assistant, Lisa Ray and I appreciate all of the hard work you as citizens did to keep us informed about your views on legislation and issues being considered.

I am very proud of the work done to reach this budget and am certain that it will better the lives of everyone across the state. The budget was one of the last items we considered during the session. Work was expected to wrap up Thursday after we handled the last of the thousands of bills filed this year. I believe we had a successful session, continuing to address ethics reform, improving the lives of our military families, providing better work and school environments for our citizens and protecting the environment. We also found a way to offer tax cuts and tax relief to small businesses and thousands of people who earn less than $40,000 a year.

This session was one of the best in recent history and set a strong foundation for next year's short session. I hope that all of you will join me in thanking Ms. Lisa Ray for all the fine work she did as the legislative office assistant in helping to ensure communication with the district flowed smoothly. Also, special thanks to Lisa for all of her efforts in publishing this and all the other newsletters this year that keep constituents updated.

Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you. As always, even during session recess, feel free to contact our office if I can be of assistance.

Education_-We allocated $11.5 billion - 56 percent of the total budget - to education. House Democrats ensured that we will provide resources in public schools to those who need it most - poor people and those at risk of dropping out of high school. A panel will distribute $7 million in grants to help schools and groups working on dropout prevention. The Disadvantaged Student Supplemental Fund will be increased by $17.6 million and teachers will receive a 5 percent pay raise. We also increased funding for academically gifted students by $1.75 million, gave an extra $5 million for children with disabilities, and allocated $5.7 million to hire 100 literacy coaches for middle schools.

_ Our students must be able to compete in today's technological world. To that end, we allocated $12 million to improve instructional technology in our schools and $3 million for pilot programs at eight high schools where each student and teacher will get a computer.

_ We will increase access to our universities and community colleges by providing $22 million for need-based grants in the University of North Carolina system. Both systems received all the money they requested for enrollment growth. We also allocated $127 million to the Education Access Rewards North Carolina (EARN) Scholars program to give 25,000 community college and UNC system students $4,000 need-based scholarships each year. Community colleges will get $15 million for a facilities and equipment grant program and $10 million for more equipment. Learn & Earn has also been increased by $2.4 million so that more high school students can earn college credits and the online component of the program has increased by $11.5 million.

_The General Assembly provided additional support to high-need schools. High-need schools will be issued more National Board Certified Teachers to lower the student-teacher ratio and give children more individualized attention under bill (SB1479). Teachers will be able to implement research based teaching techniques that go beyond the standard course of study to increase student achievement.

Health - We took measures to keep our people strong and healthy. My colleagues and I agree Medicaid costs -an estimated $500 million this fiscal year- are a huge burden for counties to bear. The state will take over the counties' share of Medicaid costs in a three-year phase out. Counties will have extra money for school construction and other local needs without raising property taxes. This method protects our small counties and rural counties with a large number of people on Medicaid. Every county will end up with at least $500,000 more than they would have had otherwise.

_ Small businesses that provide health insurance to their employees will receive a tax credit that will both lower employers' costs of providing insurance and increase the number of insured people. We also gave North Carolina 's Health Choice (SCHIP) $59 million to provide healthcare to the 264,000 uninsured children in this state and gave the NC Kids' Care program for poor children $7 million. We added $2.7 million to hire 54 more school nurses and allocated $250,000 for pediatric diabetes prevention and education.

_ Senior citizens built a strong foundation for this state and we showed them our thanks through this budget. We set aside $7 million to provide a tax credit for families that purchase long-term care insurance and $250,000 in grants for community groups that help seniors enrolling in state and federal prescription drug plans. We established a rating system for adult care homes so families can rate and compare these facilities. We also allocated $2 million to expand the state Health Care Personnel Registry, which will now include information on unlicensed personnel who work with patients.

_ This budget includes $4.6 million to improve and expand community-based treatment and support services for those with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance abuse disorders. We appropriated $2 million for HIV prevention programs in local health departments and historically black colleges and universities, $2 million for screenings for breast and cervical cancer, $8.3 million to purchase and store 635,000 doses of flu vaccines, and $500,000 to reduce health disparities among whites and minority groups. The Healthy Carolinians initiative will receive $1 million to help local health departments lower rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and infant mortality. The UNC system will receive $25 million for cancer research, growing to $50 million in three years, and $8 million will be used to construct a cancer center at UNC- Chapel Hill.

_ Insurance parity for mental health services was signed into law this session. The bill (HB973) requires insurance companies to cover bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa and bulimia and three other mental illnesses the same way that they treat physical illnesses. All other metal health conditions will be covered for up to 30 inpatient/outpatient days and 30 office visits. Mental health parity has been debated in the North Carolina Legislature for 15 years. 36 other states already offer some form of mental health parity. The bill is expected to save the state money spent by reducing the amount of money spent for public mental health services

_ We created a high-risk health insurance pool with HB 265. The pool will help those who suffer from serious illnesses and are often considered uninsurable have access to health insurance. These people are often forced to pay expensive premiums because of their illness. North Carolina is the 35^th state to enact such legislation.

_The General Assembly has agreed to take over the counties' share of Medicaid expenses - estimated at $520 million this fiscal year -- over the next three years. Rural counties are particularly burdened by the increasing costs of Medicaid. In addition, we decided to give counties more flexibility by allowing them to raise additional taxes for school construction, infrastructure, and other improvements. Counties can decide to raise the sales tax by a quarter of a cent or the land transfer tax to 0.6 percent with local voter approval.

Environment - We have some of the most beautiful natural habitats in the nation. We have set aside $120 million for the Land for Tomorrow program to protect our forests, parks and greenways, historic areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and land bordering streams. We will spend $8 million more for farmland preservation and $100 million to help municipalities improve their water and sewer systems. We also allocated $2 million to study better ways to improve the treatment of swine waste.

_ We gave the State Energy Office $2.7 million for operating costs and $5 million to start a reserve fund to pay for energy efficiency programs. The Center for Bioenergy Technologies will receive $1.5 million to research and develop technologies for efficient and clean use of traditional energy sources, alternative and renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment and economy.

_ We increased protection of our natural resources with bill (SB1492) that provides strict regulations for the construction of landfills including a statewide disposal tax and assurance of adequate funding to maintain, close, and provide post-closure maintenance for a landfill. The bill will protect the state's ground water supply and plants and animals in surrounding areas. However, we still need to pass aggressive recycling measures to reduce solid waste since we continue to be a net exporter of waste.

Economy and Finance - We have managed to make the budget fiscally sound and have set aside $175 million for our reserve fund and $145 million for repair and renovation of state owned buildings. We also gave local governments authorities to enact a quarter-cent sales tax or a land transfer tax of 4/10 of a penny with voter approval. This will help them build new schools to lessen the demands of increasing school populations and to make other infrastructure improvements without raising property taxes.

_ We provided hard working citizens and families a 3.5 percent refundable earned income tax credit to help working families, small businesses, and people who earn about $40,000 or less. We also appropriated $3 million to the NC Minority Support Center and $1.5 million to the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development to support businesses owned by minorities and women. We provided $3 million in tax breaks to help put released inmates back to work and help keep become productive, tax paying citizens. To stimulate job growth, we gave the One North Carolina Fund $14 million and appropriated $12.4 million for Job Development Investment Grants. These investments will stimulate our economy statewide rather than in limited areas, create more jobs in diverse industries and increase North Carolinians ' earnings.

Military - Upon the recommendation of the Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee on which I serve, the General Assembly approved business tax credits for employing reservists or National Guardsmen who are called to active duty. We have also set aside $420,000 to run three assistance centers to help families of deployed National Guardsmen. We will use $240,000 to hire four additional school counselors for largely military communities.

_ We will spend $1 million for morale, recreation, and welfare on our five military bases; $1.25 million for the North Carolina Military Business Center, which develops business in our military bases; and $1.5 million on the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator, which develops businesses related to homeland security and national defense. We have also created a $750,000 grant program to train sheriff's departments in immigration enforcement and monitor their performance.

Security - We took measures to protect our children from Internet sexual predators. The bill (HB29) will require recidivist sexually violent predators to enroll in a satellite-based monitoring system for life. I was especially proud to work on the Judiciary-I Committee, which recommended we protect victims of domestic violence with bill (HB46) that provides secure areas separated from the courtroom where victims can wait until their trial is heard. I also help advocate for bill (HB47) which makes it a felony to violate a protective order related to a domestic violence case while in possession of a deadly weapon.

Energy - North Carolina will be the first state in the South East to adopt a renewable energy standard if Gov. Easley signs the energy bill into law. The bill (S3) requires North Carolina utility providers to obtain 12.5 percent of retail electricity from renewable energy. It also provides a phaseout of the tax on the sale of energy to farmers and manufacturers. The bill is expected to help cut pollution, greenhouse gas levels, and our dependence on foreign oil.

Ethics -We continued improving ethical standards in government. Under bill (SB1218) which requires Candidates who have been convicted of a felony to disclose that information when running for office. Additionally, bill (SB659) forfeits the pensions of elected officials convicted of a violation involving public corruption or election law. Finally, we changed the State Government Ethics Act (HB 1110 and HB 1111) to make government proceedings more transparent to the public, both have already been signed into law.

Larry D. Hall

Please remember that while we are out of session you can find information on bill signings, commission appointments, newly enacted laws and other items on the General Assembly's website at www.ncleg.net

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(May 20, 2008 09:17 PM)

N.C. House of Representatives

Representative Larry Hall

Rm. 417B, Raleigh , NC 27603-5925

919-733-5872

Larryh@ncleg.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Larry Hall

July 2, 2007 919-733-5872

Ronnie Williams SERVES AS PAGE IN RALEIGH FOR N.C. STATE HOUSE

RALEIGH - Ronnie Williams, a student at Southern High School, recently served as a Page for the North Carolina House of Representatives. He is the son of Ronnie Williams, Sr. and Robyn Tate of Durham and was sponsored by Representative Larry Hall (D-Durham). Speaker of the House Joe Hackney (D-Chatham, Orange and Moore) appoints the Pages and introduces each one to Members and citizens in the House gallery at the start of each week during Monday night's session.

For decades, the State House has relied on the service of Pages, who help deliver bills and amendments for Representatives during daily House sessions and committee meetings, offer assistance in individual Representatives' offices, and run errands around the Legislature. Pages spend a week at the General Assembly assisting members and their staff and learning about the structure of North Carolina government.

###

NCCUsmbc

[-]

Posts: 8795

(October 9, 2008 04:04 PM)

Picture of Larry D. Hall

Larry D. Hall

House of Representatives

29^th District

October's Preview

From the Office of Representative Larry D. Hall

October 9, 2008

During uncertain economic times, retirees and people with fixed incomes are often hit the hardest. Many of these people are senior citizens. During the past biennium, we have worked in the General Assembly to ease their burden by providing tax relief, affordable health care and housing. We also continue trying to make them feel safer and more secure when they have to live away from home.

In view of the financial turmoil of this past week, I want to share a few of our successes in these areas. It will certainly be necessary to be vigilant in the coming session to protect these gains for seniors. We owe them an unbelievable debt of gratitude for what they sacrificed as generations to get our county and state to where it is today. Certainly we owe them to carry on their great legacy of service and achievement.

I am proud to announce that I have completed the National Council of State Governments week long Toll Fellowship Program which is made up of forty government officials selected from the United States and the territories. We worked on strategies and solutions for problems facing us in our states. It was a great experience and I befriended officials from all over the nation and from the Virgin Islands .

Thank you as always for allowing me to communicate with you. Please contact me if I can be of any service.

Taxes - We expanded the state's homestead exemption by increasing the income cap and the value of the exemption. Income eligibility has increased from $18,000 to $25,000 and those who qualify can reduce the tax value of their home by up to $25,000. That's $5,000 more than the law previously allowed. This change allows them to reduce their tax burden. The bill also allows qualified residents to defer a portion of what they owe for property taxes.

_ We established a state tax credit for the purchase of long-term care insurance. The credit allows married couples who earn up to $100,000 to claim a credit of up to $350 when they purchase long-term care insurance. Single people who earn up to $60,000 are also eligible.

Health - We appropriated $1.2 million to implement and provide staff for a ratings and certificate program for adult care homes and to expand the Health Care Personnel Registry. The registry will now include those workers who have indirect contact with residents or clients and who have been found guilty of neglect, fraud, abuse, drug theft, or misappropriation of patient or facility property. We have also set aside $75,000 for a program to improve direct care worker recruitment and retention.
_Legislators created a high-risk insurance pool for people who do not have access to affordable private health insurance. The program should be available by 2009 and will immediately benefit about 2,000 people.

_ North Carolina now guarantees insurance parity for people who receive mental health services. The new law (H973) requires insurance companies to cover major mental illnesses just as they cover physical illnesses. Other mental health conditions must be covered for up to 30 inpatient/outpatient days and 30 office visits.

_ We set aside $250,000 in grants for local organizations helping seniors enrolling in the NC Rx program and Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

_The Department of Health and Human Services agreed last year to not issue licenses for new home care agencies before 2009. The department is using the extra time to ensure that existing agencies comply with the new home care rules. Another bill (HB 424) directed the department to study ways to improve respite care for people with dementia, chronic or terminal illness, disabilities and the elderly.

_ A new law (HB 554) increased the penalty for assaulting a patient in a health care facility. It is now a Class H felony to assault a resident of a residential or health care facility if the assault shows a pattern of behavior that is negligent or causes bodily injury to the resident. Another law (HB 1294) prohibits smoking in long term care facilities. A violation can result in a fine of up to $200.

_Legislators passed a bill (HB 748) that allows pharmacies to override time restrictions on prescriptions during a state of disaster or emergency. People who live in these areas can get one refill of a prescription if there are any more authorized refills or as a replacement for one that was recently filled.

Housing - The NC Housing Trust Fund has grown over the past two years as the state tries to do more to provide safe and affordable housing for people with low incomes. The fund also assists seniors with necessary repairs and renovations. The fund now receives $10 million annually, up from $3 million in 2006. The fund received an additional $15.5 million to increase the number of independent-and supportive-living apartments for people with disabilities. Another $8 million has been set aside to pay for the operational costs of these apartments. The General Assembly also appropriated $3 million to expand the state's Home Protection Program statewide.

Miscellaneous - My colleagues and I created the Silver Alert System in the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons to share information about missing persons with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Like the Amber Alert System, this system will work in cooperation with broadcasters and the Department of Transportation. The new law (HB 38) authorizes caretakers at a care facility to request the alert and allows emergency medical workers to help search for them.

_ The funding for Home and Community Care Block Grants has increased by $2.5 million a year. The money is used to help some seniors remain in their homes while they receive services such as home delivered meals, home care and adult day care.

_ The General Assembly has clarified the right to make advance directives and designate health care agents. The law (HB 634) also simplifies the method of making these directives and designations, and even includes a copy of the necessary forms. Another bill (HB 765) updates the law dealing with testamentary additions to trusts.

Larry D. Hall

NCCU Public Relations - News and Events	College Sporting News.com	EagleLand HBCU Merchandise	The NCCU "EAGLE" Club on Facebook
Onnidan's Black College Sports	NCCU Campus Media	The 5th Quarter HBCU Bands	Durham Chapter - NCCU Alumni Association
WNCU Jazz Radio 90.7 FM	The NCCU Ticket Office	Famous Black Inventors and Scientists	NCCU Campus Echo OnLine
HeraldSun.net: NCCU Sports Page	Inside Black College Sports	Black Excel: The College Help Network	The Charlotte Post OnLine
The MEAC Fans Zone	The SWAC Page	Black Ahtlete Sports Network	NCCU Alumni Association Web Sites
How Stuff Works.com	HSRN Black Sports Radio	The Black Press USA.com	Washingston, DC Chapter - NCCU Alumni Association
Ebony-Jet Magazine	Any Given Saturday.com Message Board	BlackVoices (Sports) Central	The Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia
NCAA Sports.com	The Triangle Business Journal	College Foundation of North Carolina	BSTM Sports Magazine
The Black Commentator.com	Common Name Meaning Search	Afrocentric Names	The Triangle Tribune OnLine
Afro-Am Registry	NCCU 'Eagles' Networking Unit	HBCU Sports Blog	Today's (Afro-Am News) Drum
NCA&T BlueDeathValley Forum	College Football Data	From Press Box To Press Row	TheWhoa.com
MEAC sports.com	SCSU DogHouse	College Sports Report.com	CSTV College Sports

Yuku free message boards

House District #29 April '08 Review

House District #29 April '08 Review

REVIEW OF RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Quick Reply