Amendments weaken smoking ban

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:51:41 -0400

A smoking ban was weakened on the House floor today.

Rep. Hugh Holliman, the Democratic majority leader and bill sponsor, took different stances on four amendments that exempted different types of businesses:

CIGAR BARS: Rep. Wil Neumann, a Gaston County Republican, proposed exempting cigar bars. Holliman did not object. Adopted 93-24.

ADULTS-ONLY: Rep. Nelson Cole, a Rockingham County Democrat, proposed exempting restaurants and bars that do not allow minors. Supporters said it would gut the bill. Adopted 70-46.

SINGLE OWNERS: Rep. Paul Stam, a Wake County Republican, proposed exempting small home-based businesses. Holliman called it "far-fetched" but did not oppose it. Adopted 113-3.

GROWERS: Rep. Thom Tillis, a Mecklenburg County Republican, proposed exempting tobacco growers, processors and dealers. Holliman did not object. Adopted 115-2.

In addition, Holliman said another amendment would likely be proposed Thursday exempting Veterans of Foreign Wars halls.

Vets group names top goals

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:26:09 -0400

The N.C. Veterans Council has set its sights higher.

Despite the proliferation of bills giving new perks to active-duty and retired members of the military, the coalition of state veterans groups is pushing for three more substantial bills:

* Studying traumatic brain injury. The state Institute of Medicine would study mental health services for injured veterans.

* Extending tax exemptions on military pensions. Veterans with pensions that began before 1989 do not pay state income tax. This bill would extend that benefit to all vets.

* Creating a Cabinet veterans position. The state Division of Veterans Affairs would be elevated to a Cabinet-level position appointed by the governor.

Bruce Edwards, a retired Army colonel who heads the state Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the tax exemption may be the toughest sell, but he argued it would attract a lot of retirees to the state.

He said the other perks — which include free tours of state museums and free parking — are nice, but they're not the main mission right now.

"It's all good," he said. "But those are the three big ones."