FRANKLIN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
101 WEST NASH STREET
P.O. BOX 909
LOUISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA 27549
(919) 496-1469
www.FranklinNCGOP.com

December 14, 2007


Folwell: 80% North Carolinians Agree with GOP
Near-Capacity Crowd at Christmas Dinner Meeting

Republican Joint Caucus Leader and candidate for state treasurer, Rep. Dale Folwell of Winston-Salem, addresses
Franklin County Republicans at their Dec. 13 Christmas dinner meeting.

Eighty percent of North Carolinians agree with the Republican Party on issues, and "less government is even better," said Republican Joint Caucus Leader Rep. Dale Folwell at the Franklin County GOP's December 13 Christmas dinner meeting at party headquarters in Louisburg.

Folwell, who is campaigning for state treasurer next year, touted his record on stop arm violations, uninsured motorists and the motor tax bill.

He said there are approximately 2,400 stop arm violations daily -when a vehicle passes a stopped school bus- or 450,000 a year. Folwell sponsored legislation to penalize drivers which resulted in a 6,000 decrease in Wake County alone for one year.

600,000: That's the number of uninsured motorists in the state, and when caught, usually paid a $50 ticket. Folwell said they account for 12,500 accidents at a cost of $82 million un-reimbursed for medical and other expenses.

Now, thanks for Folwell's legislation, when an uninsured motorist is pulled over the license tag is removed by police. So far, 32,868 plates have been removed.

$24 BILLION. It used to be state employees only had to work five years and one day to get free health care for life which has resulted in $24 billion which the state does not have, even though the state has billions in surpluses it was wasted on pork barrel spending.

Folwell introduced legislation which now requires at least 20 years before a state employee is eligible for health care upon retirement.

$212 MILLION. That's the amount not paid by people by the due date for their license tags due to property tax statements mailed separately. Folwell's legislation requires all of the information on one statement which will result in an extra $80 million a year in revenue for counties and cities to collect.

Folwell said that $468,000 has not been collected by Franklin County due to those who have not paid property taxes on their vehicles. That amount alone can help stop a property tax increase.

It's as simple as "no tax, no tags," said Folwell.

Other bills sponsored by Folwell include the Identity Theft bill, the Heart Prevails bill and the Kindergarten Cut Off bill which requires a child to be five-years-old by August 31 before entering First Grade.

The Identity Theft bill requires a photo be taken of a driver who has no license on him. The Heart Prevails bill ensures that a donor's wishes are followed through as shown on drivers' licenses. There are 3-1/2 million who have a heart on their North Carolina driver licenses.

Folwell says he opposes the lottery, economic development incentives and illegal aliens staying here. The highest growth rate of illegal aliens is North Carolina even though the southern border is 1,100 miles away. This can result in a devaluation of currency and population, he added, and that 26 percent of Mexico's birth rate is in the U.S.

Folwell said North Carolina's budget is $20.9 billion. Just 10 years ago it was about $10 billion.

He said the job of the state treasurer is to defend the AAA bond rating which Folwell intends to do if elected.

Prior to Folwell speaking, Republicans enjoyed a Christmas dinner covered-dish style. Thanks to all who provided a very scrumptious meal.

The next GOP meeting is Jan. 10, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at headquarters.