For an idea without many specifics, the proposal to prohibit people on government assistance — or in bankruptcy — from purchasing an N.C. Education Lottery ticket has been getting a lot of attention.
Wednesday, the News & Observer state politics blog reported that Rep. Paul “Skip” Stam, R-Wake, plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming session of the General Assembly that would do just that. He admitted the task would be difficult for retailers, except in clear situations when someone uses an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card.
Currently, you can pay for lottery tickets with cash, a check, a debit card or a gift card, though retailers retain discretion as to what they will accept.
Local legislators are waiting to see what specifics would be in the bill before passing judgment on the plan.
Rep. George Graham, D-Lenoir, said he didn’t know enough about it yet. Sen. Don Davis, D-Greene, said he is waiting on specifics, and Sen. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, said he hasn’t formed an opinion, either.
Rep. John Bell, R-Lenoir, wants to see the bill first.
“We don’t go into session until Jan. 30, and right now you’re going to hear a lot of proposals, a lot of ideas that people want examined and looked at during the session, and this is just one of many,” Bell said. “But, I have not seen anything formally presented on that, as of yet.”
Davis said it’s entirely possible a bill may not be soon in coming.
“Even though he’s come out and said, ‘These are my thoughts and I’m going to start working on some legislation,’ he technically has until March 15 to file it,” Davis said of Stam’s proposal. “Whether he has it on the 30th or March 15, for all practical purposes it still complies with the rules.”
The General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, and the local representatives and senators are getting their ducks in a row, as well. For Lenoir County, its two representatives are preparing for their first terms.
“I don’t think — I know — that you’re going to see a lot of new faces in the General Assembly on the House side and the Senate side,” Bell said. “So, you’re going to have a lot of people that are in session for the first time like myself, like Rep. Graham. We’re going to be doing a lot of learning, but we’ve got real good guidance by some of the senior members and the leadership there.”
Graham acknowledged that with Republican supermajorities in both chambers, the GOP will be driving the debate. Bell said the focus would be on jobs, bringing economic growth to Eastern North Carolina and reform of state taxes, unemployment insurance and regulations. He added that voter ID legislation will be in the mix, as well, and he would personally be an advocate for gun rights.
Jobs and the economy are also part of Graham’s outlook for this session.
“I support education, jobs — job creation, job development — (and) senior citizens,” Graham said. “These are the kinds of things that I will be looking at closely. But given the way the General Assembly is designed, Republicans will be providing the leadership, and one of the major things I’ll be doing is trying to make certain the proposals and bills they bring forth are open and involved, and include everybody and are good for North Carolina.”
On the Senate side, Davis said he is, “looking forward to getting back to work for our residents,” and taking time to evaluate issues of interest and potential legislation.
Pate reiterated that job growth would be a priority in the Senate, also.
“It may involve changes to the tax code somewhat — revamping the tax code,” Pate said. “Several different things contribute to bringing jobs to North Carolina. I think our main job will be bringing more jobs to North Carolina for the citizens. We still have a high unemployment rate, and we’ve got to attack that.”
He added that one of his personal goals is to prevent federal cuts or relocation of military bases in North Carolina, as they’re, “a big economic impact driver for counties.”
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at WolfeReports.
Breakout Box
The N.C. General Assembly convenes on Wednesday. Legislators have between that day and March 15 to introduce most legislation. The deadline for local bills — those that apply to 15 counties or fewer — is March 5.