It's been a busy BlueNC week. We closed out February with the first-ever Women on Wednesdays, and a record 13,008 unique visitors for the shortest month of the year. We got the scoop on "new rules" for the NC House, and today we have a second-term representative, Grier Martin, stopping by to answer your questions. He's a primary sponsor on the Renewable Portfolio Standards bill, and is intensely interested in veterans affairs and family issues.
He should be online around 8, so keep your eyes peeled and your questions coming. We'll have him for about an hour.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Comments
It is not.
The utilities traditionally object to allowing this because it, in essence, turns every family with excess (solar, for example) energy capacity into a competitor.
I have spoken to a major solar energy company CEO who says that this, along with our existing solar tax credits and the RPS bill, is what it would take to lure him to bring many, many jobs to NC. He says many of his competitors would likely follow suit.
THIS is the kind of incentive we need more that the kind of incentive that benefits just one company.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Maybe we need one of those last minute
sneaky amendments to get this into the bill, then.
:)
Health Care for All
Hi,
Sorry I haven't been able to participate more, getting the kids to school. But, I haven't seen any mention of Verla Insko's Health Care for All bill. Your position? Are you a cosponsor? It's not too late : )
1. 48 Million Uninsured Americans, in a system that demands it.
2. 17 Million Underinsured Americans, who use health care only when it is too late.
3. Over 250,000 Uninsured Children in North Carolina.
4. More than half of individual bankruptcy filings in NC related to medical bills, with about three-quarters of those individuals health-insured at the time they got sick.
5. A country that spends twice as much per capita on health care than other developed countries, yet ranks lower in health outcomes.
6. A system where 2/3 of health care spending is financed by public dollars, where private insurance companies announce record-breaking profits, yet 65 million go without the insurance they need to be healthy.
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
I'm disappointed you waited until 8:47
to ask!
We have to find a way to ensure all North Carolinians have access to affordable health insurance. There are many proposals out there, including the Governor's. I am not yet persuaded his approach is the best way to go, but I am truly pleased that he is taking the lead on trying to address the problem.
Of course, Verla has been leading on this issue for years. I'm a co-sponsor of her High Risk Pool bill. As you know, this bill isn't the solution to the entire health care problem, but it does help some of those on the bleeding edge of the problem.
The good thing about her Health Care for All bill (at least in the form I saw it in last session) is that, though it doesn't proved a solution, it forces the state to focus on finding a solution quickly instead of engaging in the seemingly endless debate we're in now. So, I'll be signing on to it as a co-sponsor. I would've done this already, but Verla moved her office from next door to mine to another building!
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Locked Out of NC Health Choice
Health Care for all or when is comprehensive not really comprehensive?
I am very concerned that health care for all really will mean health care for all. My son and I have Tricare. Though my income qualifies him to be covered by NC Health Choice they would not enroll him because they said Tricare is comprehensive. However, there is no dental, no optical and a 20% copay for us on treatment.
In short - Tricare is not very comprehensive. In fact, the very programs that are supposed to serve us, end up limiting our access to programs that we would otherwise be eligible for. And this is not the first time.
In the past I have had and have also declined insurance coverage through my employers because it would cost more for me to use it than it would be as a value. In other words, it would cost me more while delivering less.
How can we avoid making bigger messes than we already have?
Universal does not mean Universal
unless you fight for it. It doesn't MEAN mental health parity, it doesn't MEAN dental (and we all saw the story of the young boy that died of a cavity recently), and it might mean you get screwed if you have access to a lousy plan.
Good info, thanks.
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
RPS
We are awash in biomass, a cheap source of renewable energy. Like Rodney Dangerfield, it gets little respect from the solar/wind lobby. Can you speak to biomass and ensuring markets for our changing rural economies?
biomass is explicitly mentioned
in HB77. It will be a big part of a renewable energy solution in NC. I've met with representatives of a company that is planning on coming to NC to take advantage of the gold mine of chicken waste here. They'll be bringing good jobs, too, along with the renewable energy.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Thanks
Let's hope it stays in the HB77. Biomass was a very contentious part of the NC Greenpower discussions.
"awash in biomass"
... but enough about the General Assembly...
heh.
"85% of Republicans are Democrats who don't know what's going on." -Robert Kennedy, Jr.
"Man is free at the moment he wishes to be." -Voltaire
Perhaps I will amend H77
to include provisions for hot air and attach a collector to the Legislative Building. I think we produce enough while in session to meet NC's energy needs.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
I'll second that amendment.
You might have just made "Under the Dome."
Good morning, Rep. Martin
School car pool duty has kept me busy this morning, so I apologize for being late. We have a blogger who is in class this morning and he (Blue South) would like to know if you would entertain the idea of running for Senate against Liddy Dole in '08. If you haven't ruled it out he's wondering if you would give it serious consideration and if so when you might make a decision.
Thank you for your service.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
I am really enjoying the
opportunity I have in the NC House of Representatives to be a part of improving education, providing jobs, and improving health care. Plus, now that I have some seniority, I'm able to take the lead on veterans and environmental issues. I'd only give this up if I thought I could do more good elsewhere.
NC deserves a senator who has the independence to be more than a rubber stamp for the president, regardless of party. And, we deserve a senator with the credibility on defense issues to stand up to a president who makes disastrous military decisions. In the NC Democratic Party we certainly have many people with these traits.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Thank you for answering....
.....and you're one of them.
We all appreciate your service to our country, and our state. I look forward to watching you over the next couple of years. You should know though, you would probably have quite a few folks getting your back should you choose to seek higher office.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Thanks for asking
I had to try didnt I?
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition
"Keep the Faith"
Gotta Go - Thanks grier.
Gotta Go - Thanks grier.
Thanks for joining us, Invest4Change
Don't be a stranger!
Tax base
We have a narrow tax base in NC and it gets narrower with every Dell and Google.
A broader tax base could solve a lot of our funding problems by providing a less volatile revenue stream allowing for reductions in the sales tax rates and income tax rates.
Will we see revenue reform this session?
NC needs to move its revenue generation into the 21st century.
Even the latter half of the 20th century would be acceptable. But, I am not certain we in the GA are equipped to resolve this issue without a prod from an external source. Any attempt to reform the system would be difficult. Even "revenue neutral" reforms could fail due to fears the reforms would be perceived as tax increases. Also, when you open up the tax structure to a major overhaul, every special interest in the state will seize the opportunity for tax breaks. So, you run the risk of ending up with a system that is actually worse.
In spite of these pitfalls, this reform needs to get done.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Blue South would also like to know
How many of your colleagues blog or know about blogs? Why do you read BlueNC?
My question: Does Rep. Drew Saunders have his email turned on? (You really don't have to answer that)
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Is it true
Is it true that some technologically challenged legislators carry emergency single button cell phones programmed to dial Rufus Edmisten?
Just kidding.
We're getting better.
My seatmate is a grandmother, yet she has a Treo that she uses to sync to her legislative calendar on her laptop.
But, most legislators still use "bill books" with paper versions of bills rather than using laptops to read the bills "in electrons".
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
are those the same
legislators who complained about mandatory treasurer training for their campaigns but who also complained about how complicated campaign law is?
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition
"Keep the Faith"
I heard they were programmed
on the right side of the aisle to call Art Pope . . . and that the button was a dollar sign.
Not too many blog, but many know
about them. I know Pricey Harrison has blogged in the past. When I mentioned to a few colleagues I would be live blogging on BlueNC, I was pleasantly surprised how many knew of the site.
I read BlueNC for a variety of reasons. It provides a depth of coverage on state politics (slightly biased towards Democrats!) that traditional media does not. Some print and broadcast journalists are starting to do a nice job filling this void with their own blogs, however.
I also found BlueNC to be one of the best sources of news on the Larry Kissell campaign. Since I'm not in that district (being ably represented by Brad Miller) it was tough to get coverage of that race.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
I'm not biased toward Democrats
I'm biased toward sanity. Dems just happen to have more of it.
Another thing about blogging - at BlueNC anyway - is the fact that it's a public conversation. Yeah there's a little bit of behind the scenes, but not much.
Thanks for the nice words, Grier.
This is fun.
Yeah...but most behind the scenes
involves peer review (like the post I asked you to look over today before I posted) or BlueNC WoW planning group.
Even what little communication the admins/fp team has is for future planning of BlueNC. The "overthrow the gub'ment" planning is all done here out in the open. ;)
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
in Brad's district
so if we get him to run then i can draft either you OR rep ross to run for his seat. sweet.
(just kidding...or am i?)
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition
"Keep the Faith"
you dont have to respond
to that one.
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition
"Keep the Faith"
Blue South also wanted to know
As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, what are your feelings on the war in Iraq and what do you think of the CIA rendition program?
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Grier - sorry I'm late
Hope you are still here. Work called way too early this morning.
Couldyou speak to what, if any, difficulty the rural/urban divide in the GA poses for transit funding for areas like the Triangle? How are you working with rural legislators to help them comprehend the enormity of the transit challenges faced by places like Raleigh and Charlotte?
"85% of Republicans are Democrats who don't know what's going on." -Robert Kennedy, Jr.
"Man is free at the moment he wishes to be." -Voltaire
Thank you DFL.....I was trying to pose that question
without sounding like I was whining. Charlotte has horrible transportation/traffic/mass transit/roads issues.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
It's just very noticeable as
It's just very noticeable as you tool down 64 through the Alligator Refuge or on any number of beautiful four lane roads in various far-flung parts of the state that someobody there has a whol lot more clout with the BOT than we seem to have.
"85% of Republicans are Democrats who don't know what's going on." -Robert Kennedy, Jr.
"Man is free at the moment he wishes to be." -Voltaire
Yup...there are some awful purty roads
that will be under water in 50 years. :)
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
The thing I try to remember
when I'm sitting in Triangle traffic is that many parts of the state have transportation issues. However, by any measure, our urban areas do not receive a proportionate share of transportation funding. At the same time, our rural areas are experiencing tough times. Transportation improvements can bring along much needed jobs and business.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
This is absolutely true
however, roads alone will not attract industry/business. We have to do something about retraining the jobless textile workers who live in these rural areas. Attractive transportation options alone will not attract business/industry. It also takes an educated workforce.
That was a very diplomatic answer, though. :)
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
I agree completely. And I think Robert P would add
that affordable quality health care can be a nice lure for development.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
All of those things would require that NC lead.
We don't seem to like the idea of that. As long as we're doing better than South Carolina, Mississippi, and Alabama we seem to be happy.
It's going to take a major change for North Carolinians to realize they DESERVE better.
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Anglico Admin
I suspect Representative Martin has a busy day ahead, so don't be surprised when he has to drop off. I have asked him to circle back later, and maybe over the weekend, in case there are questions to mop up.
In any event, I want to officially thank Grier for spending time with us this morning. It takes a person of character to embrace the free-for-all that is the blogosphere.
I also want to thank the BlueNC community for being so gracious and engaging. It's my hope we'll be doing a lot more of this in the months and years ahead.
Thanks Grier
Hope to see you at the preschool (and the coffee shop).
I look forward to it!
Though my back still hurts from pulling weeds at the last preschool workday.
______________________
Grier Martin
www.griermartin.com
Thank you, Grier
You are now an official pro at this. Seriously, thank you for giving us your time.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Thanks, Representative Martin!
For visiting with us today. I do hope you can come back and answer some of the questions that may have slipped by.
I'd really like to know if there is a way around my Locked Out of NC Health Choice problem.
Thanks once again!
Plus I forgot to ask about the NO OLF fight
I hope you'll plan to co-sponsor the bill rejecting the Navy's plans for an OLF at Site C. I know it's under development, but hasn't hit the big time yet.
Man, you are so fired from the No OLF spokesperson job
:)
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Ummmm
Some of the NO OLF grandmothers would be happy for me to be fired. I heard they don't approve of my colorful language anyway.
I just wish they'd get grand-mama mad themselves.
What Do They Expect?
When former Navy takes on the Navy?
The phrase'swear like a sailor' didn't come out of thin air. ;)
Granny needs to get her game on
Your "language" gets this issue noticed and publicized beyond previous efforts. You pushed Perdue to come out with her statement before the SEIS was released. I don't think she would have bothered otherwise.
I'm getting ready to put up a numbers post today. Your OLF efforts have brought in more new registered users than any series the past two months and they aren't all grandmothers from Washington County.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
Sorry I missed this, but
I had to say the 'grand-mama mad' line brings visions of blue hairs swinging umbrellas. Love it!
Pages