In February, we asked you what you wanted to know about Asheville, and we received over 100 questions, which we answer right here in AVLtoday (check out the check marks + links next to the ones we’ve already tackled). Here’s another installation of #Asked+Answered –
Asked: Who represents us in the N.C. General Assembly?
Answered: This question is extremely relevant currently, as the General Assembly convened for the 2018 session mid-month + this year’s bill is being voted on this week.
Below, we’ll answer who makes up GA + what they do, and how what happens in Raleigh affects us here in Asheville.
However, we understand there is a plethora of issues + info we won’t be able to fully hit here. We’ll be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest in Raleigh + report throughout the session. (Pro-tip: Our #Civic NewsNotes generally signify a political piece of news).
Have questions? Let us know by commenting below. We’ll add them to the list + keep informing you about the N.C. Capitol and it’s ongoings.
1. What is the N.C. General Assembly (GA)?
The GA drafts + legislates the state laws of North Carolina. It’s made up of the N.C. House of Representatives + the N.C. Senate.
2. Who makes up the GA?
Representing Buncombe County in the House is*:
- Susan C. Fisher - Democrat, District 114
- Primary sponsor: Equality For All/Repeal HB2, NC Adopt Equal Rights Amendment, Living Wage By 2022, Supporting Clean Energy/Creating Green Jobs + more.
- John Ager - Democrat, District 115
- Brian Turner - Democrat, District 116
*All 3 Buncombe County house members sponsored Create Debtor Exemption for Firearms, Domestic Violence Fatality Review in Buncombe, Prohibit Hunting From ROW/Buncombe County.
Representing Buncombe County in the Senate is*:
- Terry Van Duyn - Democrat (whip a.k.a. a special position which ensures party discipline in a legislature), District 49
- Primary sponsor: Legalize Medical Marijuana, Whole Woman’s Health Act, Black Mountain/Montreat Corporate Limits, North Carolina Equal Pay Act + more.
- Chuck Edwards - Republican, District 48 (also, Henderson + Transylvania)
*Both Senators sponsored the Domestic Violence Fatality Review in Buncombe.
3. What is the political makeup?
As of May 2018, the party count is:
- Senate: 15 Democratic, 35 Republican
- House: 45 Democratic, 75 Republican
4. What are the issues being voted on this session?
For one, the budget is being voted on this year (it was introduced yesterday, and will be voted on this week - but it’s basically already set, here’s why). This budget will generally stay in effect for 2 years + is one of the most impactful bills of the session.
Check out what the budget means for teachers (a 6.5% pay schedule increase), for state employee raises (min. $15 an hour for full-time) + disaster funding ($60 million).
Plus, here are 11 other things that the bill does, thanks to the N.C. Capitol team at WRAL.
Want to follow along? The #NCGA hashtag on Twitter is the most up-to-date (but not always verified info) + this article from News & Observer is being updated in live-time.
5. What about the November elections?
We’re glad you asked. But, only one seat from the GA is up for grabs, which is NC House of Representatives District 115 – Republican. Amy Evans – Fiscal + social conservative, supports women in business, closed borders, and the 2nd amendment in its entirety (51.95% of the vote). She’ll up against John Anger who has served 2 sessions in the House.
Check out our election guide for the full list of who is advancing to the election in November, inluding the District Attorney, U.S. House of Representatives + local commissioners.
