N.C. Senate District 1 Update | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    The North Carolina Rate Bureau is back at it again, proposing a 25-35% increase for the coastal area. I have talked to N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin's office and expressed my concern about these increases. His office assures me that the Commissioner is doing everything possible to stop these proposed rates. The increases could devastate the coastal economy. In light of the fact that these rates were increased just last year, I don't see why the insurance companies need this increase now. Homeowner, insurance in the East is three to four times more than in the larger populated areas such as Charlotte. Senator Sanderson and I introduced a bill in the Senate that addressed homeowner insurance concerns. Although, it did not become law, it would have been a good step in the direction of rate parity across the state. I will continue to work on this issue and to lobby the Insurance Commissioner for reasonable rates.

    Biggert Waters Flood Insurance

    I have contacted Senator Burr, Senator Hagan and Congressman Jones about the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. I encouraged them to delay the implementation until FEMA submits its congressionally-mandated affordability report. The affordability study is imperative to understand the full scope of impact, and I expressed that a federal agency should not pick and choose which parts of a law it can or will implement. The Biggert-Waters legislation proposes dramatic increases in flood insurance premiums as a result of recent changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Furthermore, I and several other eastern legislators have written a letter to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the United States Senate Majority Leader. Respectfully, explaining the negative consequence that it has on our State, Country and most importantly the constituents in which I represent.

    Buxton Beach Nourishment

    I have talked with several residents of Hatteras Island that have expressed concern to me about the overwash on N.C. Hwy. 12. Currently, my staff is working on scheduling a meeting with the National Parks Service, Division of Coastal Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineering, N.C. Department of Transportation and Dare County Government. The meeting is to see how we can begin the process of needed permits for beach nourishment in Buxton. NCDOT acquired $20.8 million in Hurricane Sandy emergency response funding from the Federal Highway Administration to pay for beach nourishment in Rodanthe. The project in Rodanthe is scheduled to be complete by May.

    Meeting with Commercial Fishermen

    Last week, I met with a few individuals in the commercial fishing industry to talk about how I can help them. This is an industry that is under attack by extreme government regulation. Examples, Fishermen are required by N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission rule, the federal Endangered Species Act and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act to carry observers on board when asked. Failure to do so may lead to enforcement action against the fisherman and could close the fishery for all users. Furthermore, I will be looking into legislation that I can put together on the state level to help this industry strengthen and grow.

    Shown with me is Mikey Daniels, owner of the Wanchese Fish Company. Mikey, is a former chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners and current board member of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.

    Common Core Town Hall

    I have scheduled a town hall meeting in Washington N.C., on Monday, Feb. 03, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is for me to hear from the general public on the recent implementation of Common Core Standards in the N.C. Public School System. Lindalyn Kakadelis, from the John Lock Organization will start the meeting by giving a brief review of Common Core Standards. Becky Taylor, State Board of Education member will be present to listen as well. The event is free and open to the general public. It will take place at the Beaufort County Community College in Building #8 (5337 U.S. 264, Washington, N.C. 27889).

    Sincerely,

    Senator Bill Cook


    Contact:

     300 N. Salisbury Street
     Room 525 • Raleigh, NC 27603

    Phone: (919) 715-8293  •  Fax: (919) 754-3296  •  bill.cook@ncleg.net