Sandhills Seniors » Public Policy

North Carolina’s Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law

Sandhills Seniors — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:40:12 +0000

North Carolina’s Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law goes into effect on January 2, 2010. Restaurant and bar patrons won’t be allowed to light up in enclosed places, starting on the 2nd of January. The law also applies to enclosed areas of most hotels and motels. The law requires affected businesses to have signs posted. If you have any question about where you may or may not smoke in any North Carolina business, check with the management.

Will this new law have any impact on bar business? Will it result a reduction in smokers quitting the habit? Let us know what you’re thinking!

For more information, visit the NC DHHS web site (opens a new window):

http://tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov/smokefreenc/

National Health Care Debate

Sandhills Seniors — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:47:52 +0000

Where are you these days on the debate over health care? Do you believe the government should have a hand in providing health care? Negotiating with the insurance companies over their policies? How serious a problem do you believe we have, and what solutions do you see out there?

Share your ideas.

Governor Says Offenders Will Not Be Turned Loose

Sandhills Seniors — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:53:18 +0000

Statement from the Governor Regarding Prisoner Release

Governor Says Offenders Will Not Be Turned Loose

When I learned that the Supreme Court had issued a ruling that meant offenders serving life in prison would be released after a mere 35 years, I was appalled. Like most of my fellow North Carolinians, I believe life should mean life, and even if a life sentence is defined as 80 years, getting out after only 35 is simply unacceptable.

Since that ruling, my staff and I have been doing everything we can to stop the release of these rapists and murderers. These are people who have been denied parole repeatedly, and many who have numerous infractions during their prison stay. I do not believe they are ready for release onto the streets of our communities.

While I understand the decision of the Supreme Court, I believe there remain unresolved legal issues that were not addressed. Before Mr. Bowden or any other offender affected by the Court’s decision is turned loose, these issues must be heard.

At issue is the application of good behavior credits to these violent offenders serving life sentences since the 1970s. Since last week, we have been scrutinizing the good behavior credits applied to the 20 inmates eligible for immediate release. This morning, legal counsel and Department of Correction staff met with officials who oversaw the application of those behavior credits during the 1980s. At the time, the DOC gave inmates day-for-day credits under the authority of the then-secretary. There is a real question whether the General Assembly intended for the DOC to have that kind of authority. I do not believe they did, and my legal counsel agrees. This raises the very real question that these inmates should not be eligible for early release.

Mr. Bowden’s case is in the process of being sent back to the trial court to recalculate his sentence. These issues can be resolved by the courts.

Until these new legal issues have been resolved by the courts, Mr. Bowden and the other violent offenders will not be released.

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The Proposed NC Legislation on Puppy Mills

Sharon — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:31:43 +0000

Formally called The Commercial Dog Breeder Regulation bill, the NC Legislature recently voted down a puppy mill bill that many state animal protection groups applauded and the state lawmakers, the NRA, the AKC, and various hunting interests opposed.

This section of Sandhills Seniors is designed to help you know the issues that impact us so you can formulate a position independently.

Comments welcome.