Question of the Week
Thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s question. I enjoy reading your responses and appreciate you taking the time to write me.
For this week’s question, I would like to focus on the recent good news that North Carolina is expected to have a $400 million surplus in this year’s state budget. This comes just two years after the General Assembly passed the largest tax cut in state history. The surplus is a reflection of our recovering economy, a simplified tax code and the productive actions that are unleashed when government lives with in its means and lets businesses expand.
How do you think the extra $400 million should be spent? Increase Education Funding; Lower Taxes Again; Rebuild The Rainy Day Fund; Finance Infrastructure Projects; or Other?
I look forward to hearing from you.
District Headlines
Community Gospel Sing
for Project Eagle Song
On Saturday, May 30th, at 6 pm the Community Gospel Sing at Central Baptist Church event will take place. The event is set to be hosted by Stephen Carroll to benefit his Eagle Scout project “Project Eagle Song”. Music will include a list of church choirs, individuals, along with the Midway High School band and choir. A love offering will be taken to support Stephen’s Eagle Scout Project. Stephen plans to build a 34×34 storage building costing around $45,000 for the Midway District Band Program to store equipment and two trailers. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, checks may be made to the Midway District Band Boosters. Otherwise checks are made to “Project Eagle Song”. There is no admission fee for the event.
Kenansville Festivities
A celebration of Kenansville’s rich history is set for Saturday, May 16th, at Region Hall in Kenansville. Festivities will start at 11 am and end at 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Throughout the day, a series of events, such as, spinning wool, basket weaving, knitting and other crafts will be on display. The event celebrates Duplin County’s ancestors, culture, traditions and history. Families will be able to witness life of Duplin County in the 1800s. Parking will be made available at Kenan Park and Southern Bank.
District Spotlight
Four band students from Sampson Middle School recently made the North Carolina All-State Honors Band. They participated in a clinic on the campus of UNC-Greensboro from May first through the third. Sampson Middle School had the highest number of middle school students participating in the NC All-State Honors Band from the Southeastern District Band Director’s Association and the second highest in the state. Pictured, from left, is Turner Edwards – 7th chair trombone, Carter Lowe – 3rd chair baritone, Vevlyn Lowe – band director, Isaiah Wynn – 5th chair tuba and Hayley Melenas – 18th chair clarinet.
In Closing
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative in the North Carolina Senate. I read every email that comes to my legislative account and I encourage you to reach out to me with your thoughts and concerns. If you would like to stay informed of my actions in the legislature, I encourage you to friend me on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.