North Carolina Democrats are committed to improving the lives of all who call our great state home.

In the past year, we’ve made great strides in health care, education, public safety and ethics reform.

Here’s a summary:

Health

- Legislators are concerned about the dangers of secondhand smoke. We passed a bill (HB 24) that bans smoking in buildings owned, leased, or occupied by state government. Under the new law, local governments have the authority to regulate smoking in buildings and vehicles they use.

- Another new law prohibits smoking in long-term care facilities. The law (HB 1294) prohibits smoking in adult care homes, nursing homes, and any other facilities that provide long-term care.

Governor Mike Easley, Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight and House Speaker Joe Hackney today announced the members of a blue-ribbon committee to examine the condition and needs of North Carolina’s transportation system and make recommendations to the General Assembly.

The 21st Century Transportation Committee is a cross-section of 24 elected officials, transportation and engineering experts, business leaders and citizens who will make a preliminary report to the General Assembly by May 1, 2008, and a final report by the end of next year.

NCDP Chairman Jerry Meek issued the following statement on the passing of Sandy Basnight:

“On behalf of the North Carolina Democratic Party, I would like to express our deepest sympathies on the passing of Sandy Basnight,” Meek said.

“North Carolina has lost one of its finest citizens in Sandy Basnight,” Meek said. “She was a woman of integrity and grace who brought happiness to the lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Basnight and his family during this difficult time.”

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek made this statement:

"Today, Marc Basnight made history and was elected to an eighth term as Speaker Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. Anyone who knows Senator Basnight know that he's much more concerned about making North Carolina a better state than about breaking records. I congratulate Senator Basnight and look forward to working with him this session."