By Senator Joyce Krawiec

It is springtime again in North Carolina. The dogwoods are blooming, the robins are chirping, and the General Assembly has just started its 2016 legislative session. Just as spring is a time of hope and renewal, the beginning of a new session is also a fresh start, and full of possibilities.

In even-numbered years like this one, the General Assembly has a short session—usually around 2-3 months, as opposed to the long sessions in odd-numbered years, which can go, well… longer than that. The purpose of the short session is to make budget adjustments and limited policy decisions, while the long session is more extensive.

However, even though session has just started, we have been dealing with big issues so far this year. As many of you are aware, a federal trial court overturned the Congressional electoral map which had been in place since 2011. This was a disappointing decision to many of us in the General Assembly, as that map had passed judicial tests on multiple occasions (including approval of the Obama Justice Department). Even so, in order to comply with the court’s ruling, the General Assembly met in special session to approve a new map, which we believe will pass even the most stringent legal muster. The new map, drawn within two weeks of the decision, splits fewer counties and precincts than any map since 1990—only 13 counties and 12 precincts.

Unfortunately, these changes have created some confusion. This year, Congressional primary elections are taking place on a different day than the rest of the primary elections. While primary elections for other races, including president, were held on March 15, the primary date for only U.S. House of Representatives seats is June 7. It remains to be seen what impact that this will have on the elections, but that is why it is important that folks are aware that they will need to return to the polls on June 7 to cast their vote for who will represent them in Congress.

Even so, it has been a joy to run for re-election in this district. Having the opportunity to meet so many great folks every day and learn their stories is truly a blessing. Furthermore, being at home with family and friends has been wonderful.

As a senator, it is easy to get a little homesick from time to time. Even during the interim—that is, when the General Assembly is (technically) not in session—interim committees are meeting frequently to discuss the next steps for the upcoming session. It has been wonderful to serve on many of these committees during this interim, as they offer lots of great information and opportunities to provide input on behalf of the citizens of the 31st District. The topics are diverse, from transportation to health care, and from the evaluation of government programs to the oversight of elections.

But it is all well worth it, because we are at a critical juncture in America, and in North Carolina. It is hard not to see the world changing around us in very real ways, such as by looking at what happened in Charlotte recently. As many of you are well aware, the City of Charlotte recently decided to allow men to use women’s restrooms, and vice versa. This is a clear example of how many of the most basic notions that our society holds are being called into question. While it is easy to be discouraged in light of these kinds of events, it is important that we continue to press forward, and not let ill-conceived liberal policies place North Carolinians in harm’s way.

As session gets underway, please continue to pay close attention to your state government, and feel free to touch base whenever there is something we can do to help. If you are not aware of the resources that are available through the General Assembly’s website, www.ncleg.net, I would encourage you to check it out. You can listen to live streaming committee meetings and legislative sessions, and research bills extensively.

It is an honor to serve you in the General Assembly. Thank you for reading!