From the Galleries of the General Assembly for the opening day ceremonies:

The 2007-2008 Senate is called to order by Lt Gov Beverly Perdue. Proceedings get underway for the election of the President Pro Tempore.

Not surprisingly, Marc Basnight was nominated. Phil Berger was nominated as well. During a roll-call vote, Fletcher Hartsell and Jim Forrester were the only Republicans to cross party lines and vote for Basnight. Berger moved that Basnight be elected by proclamation. Basnight was elected.

During Basnight’s speech to the body, he highlighted some of the state’s nationally recognized characteristics:

  • Good place to live,
  • Excellent Universities and Community colleges,
  • Low Tax burden,
  • Strongest pension fund in the counrty, and
  • One of seven states with a AAA bond rating

He also pointed out some areas that need improvement:

  • Higher pay for teachers;
  • More for science and math teachers;
  • Differential pay;
  • Testing should be accurate and fair;
  • Faculty salaries;
  • Capital needs are lacking because of growth;
  • Mental health is under-funded;
  • Medicaid funding needs to be fixed once and for all. The state needs to take over that responsibility;
  • Health care needs to be affordable to all. To accomplish this, we have to work with small businesses;
  • Global warming: it’s a manmade problem;
  • Infrastructure needs for water and sewer of over 15 billion dollars. Need roads and water and sewer for development;
  • Land preservation;
  • Encourage every agency to spend money wisely

Sen. Tony Rand discusses changes to the rules. The rules establish how bills are filed and ultimately debated on the floor. The changes seem pretty minor.

A rules change was proposed by Sen. Phil Berger to cut off debate in certain circumstances. Voted down.

Other officers for the Senate:

  • Dep. Pro Temp ? Charlie Danelly
  • Janet Priutt as Principal Clerk
  • Ted Harrison as Reading Clerk
  • Cecil Goins as Sgt. at Arms.

Other leadership:
Democratic Caucus

  • Majority leader ? Tony Rand,
  • Permanent caucus leader ? R. C. Soles
  • Whip ? Katie Dorsett

Rep. Caucus

  • Caucus Leader ? Phil Berger
  • Deputy Leader ? Tom Apadoca
  • Whip ?
    Jerry Tillman

  • Policy Chair ? Jean Preston

After some additional ceremonial thank-you’s, the Senate adjourned for the day.

Looks like the 2007-2008 Senate session is off and running!