Senator Thom Goolsby

Board of Education chairman opposes sales tax increase

January 27, 2012 in Uncategorized

I commend Don Hayes, chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Education, for opposing a sales tax increase.

He cited “the overall economy of the people in this state” and the difficulties faced by parents as reasons this is “not a good time to be raising taxes.”

This is bold leadership and a compelling insistince on education reform from our board chairman. Mayor David Cignotti of Wrightsville Beach and Mayor Bill Saffo of Wilmington both support the tax increase along with more than 50 other mayors in North Carolina.

Thank Chairman Hayes for taking this stand against the tax and spend cycle preferred by the Democratic governor and mayors promoting this regressive sales tax hike.

http://www.wwaytv3.com/2012/01/25/wrightsville-beach-mayor-school-board-chair-disagree-sales-tax-increase-plan

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Sanctity of Life Sunday

January 22, 2012 in Uncategorized

Rev. Allan Blume is the respected editor of the Biblical Recorder, the news journal of the N.C. Baptist State Convention. He wrote a heartfelt column on the tragedy of abortion since Roe v. Wade.

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Technology, teacher benefits focus of NHCS legislative breakfast

January 13, 2012 in Uncategorized

Here is an excerpt from the Lumina News’ coverage of the New Hanover County Schools legislative breakfast on Wednesday. New technology, local control and teacher benefits are my priorities for the Senate Education Committee hearings during the next session:

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The truth about the North Carolina Association of Educators

January 12, 2012 in Uncategorized

Here is a must-read about the North Carolina Association of Educators and its misleading operations. Now that SB 727, which prevents automatic payment of dues by teachers to the NCAE, is law by veto override, we should revisit why the General Assembly took this initiative.

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Failure of DC debt deal harms NC education, military

January 9, 2012 in Budget and Appropriations, Education

The N&O reports the failure of a Congressional debt deal will trigger automatic cuts to spending that disproportionately affect the military and education in North Carolina. The cuts often come as reductions in federal grants, creating a foggy picture for the future of those benefits and the initiatives they support.

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Floor speech on Racial Justice Act

January 5, 2012 in GA News, Judiciary, Justice and Public Safety

I spoke on the floor last night defending modifications to the Racial Justice Act vetoed by Gov. Perdue.  The Senate voted to overturn the veto 31-19.  Thanks for listening! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7XlgttZViU

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Attorney General Roy Cooper silent on Racial Justice Act

January 3, 2012 in Uncategorized

The General Assembly convenes tomorrow to consider overriding Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of Senate Bill 9, a measure to amend the Racial Justice Act. I introduced the bill to the Senate floor on Nov. 28 and will defend these important changes to the law again on Wednesday.

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UNCW trustees blame budget, tax cuts for steep tuition hikes

December 22, 2011 in Uncategorized

Last week UNCW trustees unanimously approved a 10.7% tuition hike for in-state students, a $600 increase in annual costs. The Star News Online and individual trustees blamed Republicans in the General Assembly because they cut the budget and the sales tax.

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Opinion Editorial – Reconsider DNC union contracts

December 21, 2011 in Commerce, GA News

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is slated to come to Charlotte in September 2012, bringing upwards of 40,000 delegates, media representatives and visitors with it. This event will provide a much needed economic boost to our state. As a member of the North Carolina Senate and the owner of two companies, I understand the struggles [...]

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DA quits Governor’s Crime Commission over SB9 Veto

December 20, 2011 in GA News, Judiciary, Justice and Public Safety

Gov. Bev Perdue called the General Assembly back into session on Jan. 4 to consider an override of her recent veto to Senate Bill 9, a reform to the Racial Justice Act. I included a letter of resignation from Richard Shaffer, the Democratic prosecutor for Lincoln and Cleveland Counties, from the Governor’s Crime Commission.

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Johnnie Mercer’s Pier lands cover of 2012 NC Travel Guide

December 16, 2011 in Uncategorized

Johnnie Mercer’s Pier is featured on the cover of the 2012 NC Travel Guide! This is great exposure for Wrightsville Beach and our region – the travel guide is the primary material given to our state’s visitors. Thank you to the NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development for honoring New Hanover County with [...]

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