House Bill 40, introduced by Rep. Darren Jackson & cosponsored by Rep. Saine, states that a person commits habitual impaired driving if they are caught driving impaired and have been convicted of two (rather than three) or more offenses involving impaired driving within 10 years of the offense.

House Bill 31, introduced by Representatives Pat Hurley, Marcus Brandon, Allen McNeill, and Nathan Baskerville, allows prosecutors to file a habitual DWI charge against an individual who drives while impaired and has previously been convicted of habitual impaired driving.

Both bills demonstrate efforts by the House to crack down on DWIs and improve safety on North Carolina roads.

“Gov. McCrory’s recommended budget is a positive first step in a long budgeting process.  The Governor and his staff have worked tirelessly to produce a complex financial plan in a short amount of time, and they are to be commended for their efforts.  Many aspects of Gov. McCrory’s budget are much-needed and long overdue, and I am especially glad to see the inclusion of the Eugenics Compensation Program.  The House stands ready to work closely with the administration as the budget moves through the legislative process, and I am confident that together we can continue to put North Carolina back on the path to economic prosperity.”

The Senate will first take up the budget before sending their version to the House in the coming months.

Additionally, we were notified this week that North Carolina is predicted to have a $100 million surplus heading into budget negotiations.

Just two years ago, Republicans inherited a $3 billion deficit.  After implementing our conservative policies of responsible budgeting, prioritized spending, and tax cuts, we have turned that deficit into a surplus.

Our budget philosophy is obviously working, and we will continue to take a common sense, fiscally responsible approach to the North Carolina’s state budget.

Lincoln County Emergency Medical Services plans to use a more than $60,000 grant awarded this month to purchase life-saving technology for local fire departments and other emergency responders to better care for individuals exposed to heavy smoke conditions.

Both the Federal Emergency Management Association and the Department of Homeland Security approved the $64,914 grant in June.

N.C. Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, and U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry recently presented the check to EMS, according to an EMS press release.

Complete Story: http://www.lincolntimesnews.com/?p=53229

SARAH LOWERY | Staff Writer
Lincoln Times-News 

State and national legislators gathered Wednesday at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Legislators Luncheon,” giving those in attendance a chance to hear about the issues straight from the source.

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, N.C. Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, and outgoing N.C. Sen. Chris Carney were all present at the event, which took place at the Lincoln Cultural Center in downtown Lincolnton.

Organized by the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, the luncheon is designed to allow legislators the chance to update Chamber members on current issues affecting the region.

Complete Story: http://www.lincolntimesnews.com/?p=53190

Today in the mail I received the endorsement of my candidacy by the North Carolina Right to Life State PAC for my commitment of upholding the sanctity of human life. You can read their endorsement letter here.

I also received a nice note of thanks from the NC American Heart Association for my support of HB 837: Completion of CPR by Students Required and HB 914: AEDs State Buildings bills. These bills certainly will make an impact in saving lives. I have also uploaded the letter if you would like to read more by clicking here.

I am humbled to receive these letters.

Best,

Jason

DENVER – Republican candidates vying for offices, ranging from Lincoln County Commissioner to U.S. House Representative, took aim at public education during a Monday, Jan. 23, political forum at Unity Presbyterian Church.

The Fourth Monday Forum hosted seven local candidates for the 2012 election in its lead up to the May 8 primary.

“There are a lot of dedicated teachers that are trying to navigate through a system of bureaucracy that it broken,” N.C. Rep. Jason Saine said. “There are so many hoops that you have to jump through just to teach a child. It’s absolutely ridiculous. There is so much red tape that you have to go through.”

Read the full article here.

There was more agreement than disagreement at a public forum Monday night at which citizens had their opportunity to question candidates for local, state and national office.

That may be a good sign of what’s to come as the date of the May 8 primary draws closer.

Lincoln County is notorious for having some very bitter and nasty elections, but the tone Monday night was for the most part focused on issues.

Job creation remains at the forefront of most peoples’ minds these days, and the candidates seemed to be acutely aware of that Monday night.

Read the full piece here.

DENVER – About 50 citizens braved a cold and rainy night Monday to become more acquainted with the candidates who will be on the May 8 primary ballot.

Candidates for Lincoln county commission, state legislature and the U.S. Congress fielded questions at the 4th Monday Forum, and gave voters some insight into their political ideologies and why they are seeking office.

Read the full article here.