FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Contact: Katie Todd; katie@nclcv.org; 919-244-5868
NCGA Exploits Special Session for Partisan Pet Projects
Blatant political maneuver fuels lack of faith in government
RALEIGH: Legislative leaders in Raleigh announced an unprecedented fourth special session for 2016 this afternoon after fulfilling the mandate by Governor Pat McCrory to address critical funding needs for North Carolina communities impacted by severe weather over the last few months. In his announcement of the session, Senate Leader Phil Berger refused to name any specific topics of legislation to be considered by lawmakers.
Dan Crawford, director of governmental relations for the NC League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement in response to the NC General Assembly’s move to convene a last-minute fourth special session:
“North Carolina legislators had one job to do for the special session convening in Raleigh: help communities impacted by Hurricane Matthew and the fires in Western North Carolina secure the necessary resources to start rebuilding their lives and businesses. It is another embarrassment to our state for Senate Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore to exploit this urgent matter to call for another special session. North Carolina voters and taxpayers deserve better than politicians who want more power and to push through pet projects on our dime.
Legislators had ample opportunity to give the appropriate time and space to review legislation during the 2016 session. They decided when they wanted session to end, and they need to honor that commitment to their constituents. This unprecedented political maneuver is the reason why people have no faith in government and should give pause to all folks who believe in fairness and transparency. Just like we don’t want refs changing the outcome of games, voters don’t want their leaders to keep changing the rules just because they’re not happy.”
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NC League of Conservation Voters is a nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing North Carolina’s natural environment. NCLCV has been working to protect North Carolina’s environment and our citizen’s health for nearly 50 years, turning environmental values into North Carolina priorities. NCLCV’s vision for the future of North Carolina is that all citizens and our elected decision-makers will better understand and appreciate North Carolina’s unique natural environment, and the integral role it plays in North Carolina’s economy and quality of life. Visit nclcv.org for more information.
