Recommendations Would Give Health Care To More Children, Increase Access To Child Care

Gov. Mike Easley said today his 2008-09 budget proposal will recommend spending an additional $31 million to help those who often are overlooked by society but are the most in need. The budget the governor will present to the General Assembly next week will provide additional funds for: health insurance for children in need through the Health Choice program; assistance to those at the greatest threat of foreclosure on their homes; increased aid to those in need of child care; and job-site inspections and assistance to workers in the state’s poultry industry.

Opposes legislation to modernize air travel

North Carolina Senator and former Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole today voted against the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act which would modernize air travel by improving air safety and enhancing passengers’ rights. Dole’s vote comes despite hundreds of flights cancelled last month due to safety problems and reports of passengers trapped on planes for hours with overflowing toilets and no food.

In his 22 years in the Senate, John McCain has never voted against a single Republican judicial nominee at any level. How far to the right does a judicial pick have to be for John McCain to vote against him or her?

Why would John McCain tout his so-called "moderate" views on issues like campaign finance reform and climate change when the right wing judicial nominees he favors would gut those reforms and dismantle the regulatory framework designed to implement them?

John McCain often cites John Roberts and Samuel Alito as examples of the types of judges he would appoint to the Supreme Court. Would he also appoint extremist judges like Robert Bork, William Pryor and Pricilla Owen to the Supreme Court?

When and Where is the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner being held?
The dinner will be held at the J.S. Dorton Arena on the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Friday, May 2, 2008.

When should I arrive at Dorton Arena?
We are strongly urging our dinner guests to arrive NO LATER than 6:30pm.

Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Due to a increased level of security, it may take far longer to gain entry to the venue than in past years.

When and where can I pick up my credentials or wristbands?
You can pick up your credentials at Dorton arena.

I did not receive my credentials in advance - what do I do?
Your credentials are being held by North Carolina Democratic Party staff, and can be picked up at the Registration and Ticketing Tent located at Dorton Arena. You will be ask to present a photo-ID at the Registration and Ticketing Tent when you arrive, so please be prepared. The Registration Tent will be open beginning at 10:00am on Friday morning.

I have purchased theater tickets, will the concession stands in Dorton be open?
Yes, the concession stands will be open and will have food and drink items available for purchase.

I have never been to an event with so much security. What will I need to know?
Besides a potential delay in gaining access to the venue, you should not be inconvenienced by the heightened security. Please wear your dinner credential or wrist band so that it is clearly visible. Also, women should be advised that an agent may conduct a visual search of the contents of their handbag or purse. Please carry as little as possible in your bag in order to make sure this process moves quickly.

Can I bring a camera?
Yes, you should feel free to bring a camera with you to the event.

How will I know where to go?
If you are confused about where to go when you arrive, please show one of our staff your ticket at the Registration and Ticketing Tent. They will direct you to the proper entrance.

Where should I park for the event?
Parking will be available on the N.C. State Fairgrounds and volunteers will be on hand to assist with directions. We do encourage everyone to carpool as much as possible as spaces will be limited.

Are there any events after the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is over?
Yes, the Young Democrats of North Carolina have planned an event to be held at the Clarion Hotel immediately following JJ. You can find more information on their website at www.ydnc.org.

The offensive ad is scheduled to air on the same day as Cheney’s Raleigh fundraiser.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek today called on Vice President Dick Cheney to demand that state Republican leaders withdraw a degrading and divisive ad, or himself withdraw from a scheduled fundraising trip to North Carolina.

Cheney is slated to raise money on Monday in Raleigh on behalf of the state Republican Party’s “Victory Fund”.

NCGOP leaders are adamant that a controversial ad will begin running the very same day.

Opposes Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to protect victims of discrimination

Elizabeth Dole today voted against the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act which would ensure that victims of pay discrimination can hold their employers accountable under existing anti-discrimination laws. Dole’s vote comes one day after Equal Pay Day, which highlights the disparity in wages between women and men – currently at 78 cents to the dollar in North Carolina.

“The last thing hardworking North Carolina families need is a paycheck further slashed by discrimination, but Elizabeth Dole passed on guaranteeing equal pay for equal work today,” DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. “With Elizabeth Dole’s record, it’s no wonder she voted against holding people accountable today, but that’s exactly what the voters are going to do to her in November.”