Legislative Bulletin March 9 2001

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Names in the News: Jim Hunt institute to open in Chapel Hill

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The Legislative Bulletin

March 9, 2001

This week's top stories
Ergonomics rejected in Washington, Raleigh
Pivotal actions in Washington and Raleigh this week mean that the most expensive and most controversial regulations imposed on employers in a decade are about to be repealed. The U.S. House and Senate vote to stop the federal Labor Department from adding an ergonomics standard to existing OSHA rules. And in Raleigh, the new state commissioner of Labor rescinds an earlier decision imposing ergonomics rules on practically every employer in the state. We have these stories for you:

A little-known procedure is used for the first time to halt ergonomics rules.

Ergonomics vote shows new clout of business interests in Washington.

How the state's congressional delegation voted on ergonomics

Easley finally finishes his cabinet
Two months after taking office, Gov. Mike Easley finally gets around to appointing leaders of two of the state's most important agencies -- the departments of Commerce and Revenue. Jim Fain (right) will lead Commerce and Norris Tolson will run Revenue.

N.C. keeps its cherished Triple A rating
The three major debt ratings agencies reaffirmed North Carolina’s Triple A credit rating despite the state’s current budget problems. The action came as the state on Tuesday prepared to sell $380 million in bonds for state universities, public schools, community colleges and clean water. Treasurer Richard Moore said the Triple A ratings will allow the state to save more than $18 million in interest costs over the life of the bonds.

Small raises likely for state employees
The state’s uncertain finances probably mean that state employees, including school teachers, won’t get substantial raises this year. The situation means it’s doubtful teachers will get raises sufficient to keep their pay at the national average.

NCCBI gets serious about traffic problems
NCCBI announced its participation this week in NC Go!, a statewide coalition that will focus on educating North Carolina citizens and legislators on the serious transportation needs that are facing the state.

Where does NCCBI stand on the issues?
Learn what issues your association is advocating in the General Assembly this year by reading position papers drafted by our seven public policy committees:

Economic Development Committee

Education Committee

Environmental Concerns Committee

Health Care Committee

Legal Issues and Workplace Policies Committee

Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee

Transportation Committee

Extra bonus: We've grouped all the legislative positions together in a 46-page booklet, the NCCBI Committee Notebook, that's easily downloaded. The document is in PDF format requiring Acrobat Reader, which is free software.

Worth a second look:

Did you see the pictures we snapped at the Legislative Reception?

Let's thank the members who sponsored the reception and conference

NCCBI Membership News

Wall Street genius Julian Robertson (left) of Tiger Management fame and Gov. Easley will be the keynote speakers at NCCBI's 59th Annual Meeting on March 21 in Raleigh.

Check the NCCBI calendar of events to see which ones you should attend.

NCCBI offers a seminar to train business people how to improve your media relations skills, including how to conduct yourself during a TV interview.