Carolyn Justus - Preserving Our Past



		Health Care/Medical Malpractice Our citizens need and deserve affordable health care. Many senior citizens in our area cannot afford their medications. As vice-chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I will continue to pursue with all means available some solution to this problem. The high cost of health care is directly tied to malpractice lawsuits, and I am determined to follow through with until some action is taken on this issue. Mental Health I worked very hard with the State and Henderson County to save "6th Ave. Club House." After much "campaigning," I have been appointed to the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Oversight Committee. The General Assembly adopted a multi-faceted plan which accomplishes what has been countiesí No. 1 legislative goal for many years ñ the removal of the onerous requirement that counties foot 15 percent of the stateís Medicaid services bill. Once fully implemented, the plan eliminates an uncontrollable expense increasing at roughly 10 percent or more per year in exchange for a revenue source growing at about 5 percent. Specifically, counties relinquish a half-cent of sales tax revenue, which is projected at $592.6 million in 2012, in exchange for the state assuming the entire nonfederal Medicaid share, which is projected at $744.5 million in 2012. I will work to see that this plan continues to be implemented. Lottery Monies for Education The distribution of lottery funds is very flawed. We have worked hard and will continue to work to have the funds distributed on a per pupil basis, not on a formula that gives more to counties with the highest property tax. Education We must provide quality education for our young people. The students are not the only ones who benefit from improvements in education. A well educated work force is a powerful magnet for attracting business and industry to an area. There is a shortage of teachers in North Carolina and I, along with the entire Republican House Caucus, am committed to working on legislation to improve recruitment and retention of quality teachers. Eminent Domain I support a constitutional amendment to protect individual property rights by prohibiting the government from seizing private property for commercial use. Marriage: I stand with the House Republican Caucus in its support of and commitment to defending marriage by a constitutional amendment recognizing only marriage between one woman and one man. Roads Good roads are important for the safety of our citizens and also for attracting new business and new jobs to the area. Currently of special concern is the Upward Road improvement and the widening of I-26. I will work with the people of Henderson County and with the Transportation Committee to see these projects completed. Public Safety Good law enforcement, fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services are necessities for a good community. I will support these vital issues at every opportunity. Taxes I support zero based budgeting as an effective means of estimating, justifying and prioritizing North Carolinaís spending plan. I will work to see that responsible budgeting and government efficiencies result in a reduction of personal income taxes. In addition, together with other House Republicans seek to eliminate the inheritance (ìdeathî) tax to protect small businesses and farmers in our state. Jobs I will work to bring local and state resources to bear on the effort to attract clean, quality jobs to our area. Abandoned Cemeteries I chaired this Study Committee, and we introduced three bills. Two became law, and the other one was included in the budget. We were very fortunate to have Jenny Giles Jones, Jay Jackson, Chair of the Henderson County Cemetery Committee, and Toby Linville attend one of our meetings. Their presentation made a tremendous impact on the committee members.