Chamber Represents Your Business in Raleigh

The North Carolina General Assembly was back in session on Wednesday and the Asheville Chamber was on the ground representing your business.

Wednesday and Thursday showed everyone present at the General Assembly that Republicans are going to be in charge and moving quickly. These two days saw a flurry of legislative activity and a lot of bills being filed. They also provided a great opportunity for the Chamber to drop in and visit with all our legislatures from Western North Carolina. It is always a pleasure to see the members on their “turf” and hear what they hope to accomplish in the coming months. Congratulations to all of WNC’s first time/rookie members (Rep. Whitmire, Rep. Ramsey, Rep. Presnell).

The Chamber closely followed the Unemployment Insurance legislation this week and was present at the House Finance Committee meeting. This bill (H.B.4) passed out of committee on party lines and is scheduled to be heard on the House floor on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The Chamber will keep you up-to-date on this legislation, which is being supported by the business lobby.

Other Legislative Issues of Note:

H.B. 6: This bill would ad right to work law to state constitution. It would also work to forbid card check.

H.B. 8: This bill would ad eminent domain language to state constitution.

H.B.9: This bill would constitutionally limit the term of the Speaker of the House and Senate Pro Tem.

S.B. 4: This bill would reject the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed out of the Senate Insurance Committee and will be taken up on the Senate floor Monday night.

Finally and maybe the most interesting bill of the week was H.B.34. The Clarify Indecent Exposure Bill was filed by WNC’s own Rep. Tim Moffitt and is in response to the Asheville topless rallies.

The Chamber is always there for your business. If you have any questions or concerns please email Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org. You can also follow Jeff on twitter @avlbizvoice