N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis and members of the Gaston County legislative delegation toured the Textile Technology Center last Monday with director John Anderson. It was a gold-plated event as far as impact is concerned.
Speaker Tillis was impressed. Within an hour he gained an understanding of the important role of the center as a research and development asset for the state’s 1,600 textile companies. During a meeting with area legislators, center board members, and Gaston College officials including President Pat Skinner, Tillis said he would arrange for presentations with the Education Appropriations Subcommittee to address funding issues.
Accompanying the Speaker was N.C. Rep. John Torbett. Senator Kathy Harrington and Representatives William Currence, Mike Hager, and Kelly Hastings attended the discussion session which included Paul Fogleman, director of the Hosiery and Textiles Governmental Affairs Council.
MONEY AND MANAGEMENT
House and Senate members of the Joint Appropriations Committee are meeting to have a budget draft in place when the short session of the General Assembly Convenes in May. The committee in January convened to hear presentations from the Legislative Fiscal Office. The meeting was to track progress on the 2011 – 2012 budget and monitor expenditures. Some state employees were criticized for avoiding the mandate to eliminate certain programs.
State revenue officials report that collections are running slightly above projections, but the majority of extra dollars are expected to be needed to cover Medicaid overruns. Still, most legislators are hopeful additional cuts to education—including community colleges—will not be required. Maintaining funds are the current level for the Manufacturing Solutions Center and the Textile Technology Center will be a priority.
NEW FACES
The official filing period for the fall elections is Feb. 13 – 29 and dozens of legislators are saying “no more.” Some 18 members in the Republican caucus have announced plans to leave and retirements and redistricting will impact a like number in the Democratic ranks. Some like Rep. Dale Folwell of Forsythe plan to seek higher office, in his case lieutenant governor. Four of the five Democrats who joined Republicans to overturn vetoes are leaving.
Among those leaving are lawmakers who have been staunch supporters of the hosiery and textile industries and their legislative priorities. They will be missed. Our Council will contact new members and candidates and explain the importance of our centers and their role in strengthening U.S. manufacturing.
HIGHLIGHTS
Number of hosiery and textile companies in North Carolina: 1,600; number of people employed in these plants: 48,000; annual sales: $20.6. Textiles and hosiery make up 11 percent of manufacturing in N.C.
TIME IS NOW!
We need memberships to continue our work. The pace has picked up and your support is important…no, critical. Corporations can join the Hosiery and Textiles Council. The council is not a political action committee (PAC).
Please contact us if your need more information: pfogleman@informinc.net