Kay Hagan | News http://www.hagan.senate.gov News & other important information from Senator Kay Hagan. en-us Copyright 2013 Kay Hagan Tue, 21 May 2013 23:30:48 EST Hagan Speaks at Grand Opening of Syngenta’s Advanced Crop Lab in Research Triangle Park Research Triangle Park, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today spoke at the grand opening of Syngenta's Advanced Crop Lab in Research Triangle Park. Syngenta, a global company with more than 27,000 employees dedicated to bringing plant potential to life, celebrated the opening of their $72 million Advanced Crop Lab. Hagan also toured he new lab, which is part of Syngenta's facility that includes 400 employees. The lab allows scientists to grow corn, wheat, sugarcane, sunflowers and more with precision control and metrics. This research will help farmers grow more for less. 'This new, first of its kind lab and greenhouse will take Syngenta's work to the next level by enabling greater productivity and allowing researchers to pinpoint the needs of farmers all across the world,' said Hagan. 'Making these types of investments in research and development is how we're going to power our state forward and solve the must pressing challenges facing our country - from feeding a growing population to staying competitive in the global marketplace. While we face difficult budget decisions in Washington, I'm going to continue to fight for investments at the federal level that will keep the United States at the forefront of global innovation.' 'We appreciate Senator Hagan's participation in the event celebrating Syngenta's $72 million investment in the Research Triangle Park,' said Vern Hawkins, Regional Director, Syngenta North America. 'Her ongoing support of agriculture and biotechnology is helping our farmers provide a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. Our work in North Carolina will help solve the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050.' Senator Hagan is committed to ensuring federal policies work for North Carolina farmers. She supported the 2012 Farm Bill that passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis, but fell victim to partisan gridlock in the House of Representatives. Earlier this week, Hagan announced that the 2013 Senate Farm Bill, which reduces the deficit by $23 billion, includes programs she requested for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and North Carolina's cotton and textile industries, as well as initiatives to make information about federal programs more accessible to farmers and livestock producers. To read more about Hagan's priorities that are included in this year's Farm Bill, please click here. Last month, she introduced a bill to remove a redundant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on pesticides that places an unnecessary burden on farmers and increases liability for a host of agriculture entities. Hagan will continue working to support farmers and eliminate redundant regulations that add unnecessary costs during these difficult economic times.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2130 Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST Senate Passes Hagan-Supported Bill To Authorize Key NC Water Infrastructure Projects Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan helped pass bipartisan legislation to maintain North Carolina's critical waterways and protect communities against future storm damage. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate by a vote of 83 to 14, authorizes key projects carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers including dredging and shoreline protection. Hagan worked to ensure the bill made two projects in North Carolina eligible for federal funding. 'North Carolina's beaches, inlets and waterways are vital to our state's economy and our ability to compete in the global marketplace,' said Hagan. 'Projects authorized under WRDA prevent and reduce flooding and storm damage, make important investments in our coastal infrastructure, and enable dredging so that our fishing and shipping industries can operate efficiently and continue to drive our economy.' Highlights for North Carolina include: · Surf City and North Topsail Beach: Surf City and North Topsail Beach would be eligible under the bill for beach nourishment and other measures to prevent further shoreline erosion and to protect the community from coastal storms and flooding. · West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet (Topsail Beach): The West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet would be eligible under the bill for the Corps to construct sand dunes and sand berm to protect the community from flooding. Additionally, Hagan also secured a critical provision to ensure beach nourishment projects can continue in Carolina Beach. In 2015, Carolina Beach will be the first community in the country to reach the end of the 50-year authorization for federal assistance for beach nourishment projects. The bill approved by the Environment and Public Works Committee would have prevented Carolina Beach from even being considered for a 15-year extension for receiving federal assistance. However, Senator Hagan worked in a bipartisan fashion to modify the bill and ensure Carolina Beach can be considered for an extension. 'Our federal policies have to keep pace with the needs of our communities,' added Hagan. 'I am committed to ensuring our coastal communities have the resources they need to continue to thrive, and I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill swiftly.' WRDA now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2128 Thu, 16 May 2013 17:03:00 EST Hagan Urges Secretary Hagel to Report to Congress on Progress of Addressing Military Sexual Assault Crisis Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel asking him to report to Congress on what progress has been made implementing new laws that aim to combat sexual assault in the military. Hagan, who has worked in the Senate to prevent military sexual assault, met with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel during his confirmation process earlier this year and received assurance he would implement a set of directives from the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA) aimed at reducing these incidents and changing the culture. 'We must take swift and meaningful action to address the military sexual assault crisis, and the NDAA directives passed by Congress last year are a good start,' said Hagan. 'Defense Secretary Hagel assured me that he would act to immediately implement those provisions, and today I sent him a letter asking him to report back to Congress on what progress has been made. Sexual assault cannot be accepted as part of military culture, and we owe it to our servicemen and women to ensure they don't have to worry about their personal safety while serving on U.S. bases at home and abroad.' Hagan's full letter to Secretary Hagel can be read HERE. Among the provisions passed by the Senate in the NDAA are regulations establishing special victim support units, enhanced training and education for sexual assault prevention, and two independent panels to review the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate sexual assaults. The Department of Defense has reported that half of all servicemembers say they do not report out of fear of retaliation or that their confidentiality will not be maintained. 'I hear from too many servicemembers in North Carolina who live in fear of becoming a victim of sexual assault,' added Senator Hagan 'The fact that an estimated 26,000 incidents of sexual assault took place in our military last year is alarming, and even worse is how few victims came forward and reported them. This problem simply cannot wait another day to be addressed.' Last week, Senator Hagan attended a bipartisan meeting at the White House with the President's top advisors to address the sexual assault crisis facing America's military. Among the topics discussed at the meeting was the need for special victims advocates for individuals who come forward to report an assault, as well as a need to include the Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves in any programs aimed at reducing sexual assault.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2126 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:45:00 EST 2013 Senate Farm Bill Includes Several Hagan Priorities Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today announced that the 2013 Senate Farm Bill includes programs she requested for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and North Carolina's cotton and textile industries, as well as initiatives to make information about federal programs more accessible to farmers and livestock producers. Hagan wrote a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Thad Cochran to request that these programs be included in the 2013 Farm Bill. 'Agriculture is North Carolina's biggest industry, and passing the Farm Bill is absolutely critical to ensuring our farmers have the certainty they need to operate their farms,' said Hagan. 'I applaud Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Cochran for their commitment to advancing this bill that reduces the deficit by billions of dollars while improving the comprehensive safety net and other programs important to North Carolina's farmers. When the bill moves to the Senate floor, I will continue to fight for polices that ensure our farmers can keep North Carolina's agriculture economy growing.' Hagan supported the 2012 Farm Bill that passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis, but fell victim to partisan gridlock in the House of Representatives. 'It is my hope that partisan politics will not continue to get in the way of good policies for our farmers,' added Hagan. 'Agriculture is a $74 billion industry in our state, and we need a Farm Bill to make sure our North Carolina farmers can keep this economic engine humming.' Hagan has long advocated for a comprehensive safety net that protects farmers against losses caused by events outside their control. At Hagan's request, the following additional provisions were included in the bill to support North Carolina farmers: · Additional funding for a key program that provides technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers in successfully acquiring, owning, operating and retaining farms. Hagan also requested that the program be expanded to include military veterans. · Funding for the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (EAAP), which is vital to North Carolina's textile and cotton producing sectors. EAAP has stimulated new investment in textile plants and manufacturing equipment, which has resulted in increased domestic cotton consumption and jobs. Hagan will continue pushing for another program important to the state's textile manufacturers, which she discussed in a recent letter. · A plain language amendment that would make information about federal crop insurance policies more readable and accessible to farmers. Hagan successfully included the same amendment in the 2012 Farm Bill to ensure farmers have the information needed to make informed decisions about new and existing crop insurance products. · Language to ensure farmers can access information about a USDA conservation incentive program that promotes agriculture production and environmental quality. The voluntary Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) offers technical assistance to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agriculture land. Hagan's full letter to Agriculture Committee leadership from earlier this month can be read here. Senator Hagan is committed to ensuring federal policies work for North Carolina farmers. Last month, she introduced a bill to remove a redundant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on pesticides that places an unnecessary burden on farmers. Hagan will continue working to support farmers and eliminate redundant regulations that add unnecessary costs during these difficult economic times.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2127 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 EST Hagan Applauds Decision to Save 149 Contract Towers Greensboro, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today applauded U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's decision to forego the planned closure of 149 contract towers. In April, Hagan cosponsored a bill that provided Sec. LaHood the funding flexibility to end both the furloughs for 47,000 FAA employees and the closure of the contract towers. Earlier this month Hagan sent a bipartisan letter to Sec. LaHood urging him to use the funding provided by this legislation as Congress intended. 'This decision is a victory for communities in North Carolina and across America that depend on the jobs and critical services these towers provide,' said Hagan. 'I am pleased that Secretary LaHood will use this funding as Congress intended. Saving these towers is the result of a bipartisan solution that will save North Carolina jobs and keep our communities safe. I will continue working everyday to bring my colleagues together to pass commonsense legislation that protects jobs in North Carolina.' Five towers in North Carolina will be saved because of this decision including those at Concord, Hickory, Winston-Salem, New Bern and Kinston airports. These municipalities depend on the contract tower program for commercial and general aviation services, jobs and support for the military and a variety of air ambulance services.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2125 Fri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EST Hagan Touts Bipartisan Bill To Support Small Businesses Hagan with Wynn Davis, Managing Partner of Mac's Speed Shop and Whitney Christensen, Government Affairs Manager for North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Charlotte, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan visited Mac's Speed Shop and Restaurant in Charlotte today to discuss bipartisan legislation that would promote new construction and investments in property at restaurants, offices and other commercial properties across North Carolina. The bill, which was introduced last month with Hagan as an original cosponsor, would increase access to capital by permanently extending the 15-year tax depreciation period for leasehold improvements, restaurant improvements and new construction and retail improvements. 'The goal of this legislation is to give North Carolina small businesses, especially restaurant owners, the certainty they need to plan ahead and make improvements and investments in their companies,' said Hagan. 'Businesses like Mac's Speed Shop and Restaurant are engines for economic growth and we must provide them certainty about the tax code so they can plan for the future. This bipartisan bill is the kind of commonsense legislation I am fighting for every day in the Senate because it will fuel economic growth and create North Carolina jobs.' Current law sets the tax depreciation period for capital investments at 39 years. Since 1996, Congress has temporarily extended the 15-year depreciation period. These temporary solutions have created uncertainty that makes it difficult for North Carolina businesses to plan future restorations and improvements. 'The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association appreciates and supports Senator Hagan's legislation that would make the 15-year restaurant depreciation schedule permanent,' said Lynn Minges, President and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. 'Encouraging restaurant owners to reinvest in their facilities and their equipment is good for business, the economy and job growth. We thank Senator Hagan for her leadership on this important issue.' 'As a business owner, I want to ensure that we have the best quality in our equipment and facilities,' said Wynn Davis, Managing Partner of Mac's Speed Shop and Restaurant. 'We are constantly investing money back into our operations. In addition to our current businesses we would like to keep growing our concept. Allowing businesses the certainly of a 15-year tax depreciation period would help in planning for improvements and expansion by putting more dollars to work for our business while also helping our economy. I am glad that Senator Hagan is behind this bill.' This legislation will give companies the certainty they need to invest in their businesses and expand. These capital investments fuel economic activity and create jobs. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, every dollar spent in the construction industry generates an additional $2.39 in spending in the rest of the economy. In addition to construction jobs, as employers expand their stores and restaurants, they will also hire additional workers. This legislation will be particularly beneficial to North Carolina's $15 billion restaurant industry, which supports more than 400,000 jobs around the state.

 

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2124 Fri, 10 May 2013 16:25:00 EST Hagan Cosponsors Bill to Simplify Tax Returns for Seniors & Veterans Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Kay Hagan announced she is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation with Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson of Florida to simplify federal tax returns for seniors. The Seniors' Tax Simplification Act of 2013 would create a basic, easy-to-read federal income tax form specially designed for individuals 65 and older that would include the option to list Social Security and pension income. 'With so many different forms to fill out, filing their taxes can be complicated and confusing for many Americans, especially seniors,' said Senator Hagan.'Seniors with Social Security and other retirement income should have the option to use a short, straightforward and easily understandable tax return, and I am proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to simplify the process for older Americans, including many of our nations' veterans.' Many Americans file their tax return using the simple 1040-EZ form, but seniors are currently unable to use the 1040-EZ because it doesn't allow for items such as Social Security and pensions, which for many seniors - including military veterans - are their only sources of income. The bill directs the Treasury Department to create a new 1040-SR where seniors can list their Social Security and pension income instead of having to use multiple forms. 'I talk to so many North Carolina seniors who are having trouble navigating complicated tax forms and are forced to spend money on extra tax preparation software and services,' said AARP North Carolina State Director Doug Dickerson. 'This legislation will save seniors' time, cut back on mistakes, and save them money by not having to spend more on the full version of tax software, and on behalf of our AARP members, I am pleased that Senator Hagan is working to decrease the burden on older Americans.' 'The Seniors' Tax Simplification Act has support from Democrats and Republicans and is exactly the type of commonsense legislation that we can all unite around in an effort to make life easier for our seniors,' added Hagan.

The Seniors' Tax Simplification Act of 2013 is also endorsed by a number of groups, including AARP, the Association for Mature American Citizens, the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, and the 60 Plus Association.

 

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2123 Thu, 09 May 2013 14:53:00 EST Hagan Participates in White House Meeting on Combating Military Sexual Assault Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers at a high-level meeting at the White House on the prevention of military sexual assault. The meeting, led by Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama Tina Tchen, comes on the heels of a Department of Defensereport released this week estimating that over 26,000 servicemembers were sexually assaulted in 2012, up from approximately 19,000 in 2010. The number of cases actually reported remains just a fraction, with 3,374 sexual assault reports in 2012, compared to 3,192 in 2011.

'I have heard first-hand from servicemembers in North Carolina about the military sexual assault crisis in our armed forces, and today I spoke with some of the president's top advisors about concrete steps we can take to address this problem,' said Hagan. 'It is appalling and unacceptable that an estimated 26,000 incidents of sexual assault took place in our military last year and even more alarming that so few victims actually reported them. Our servicemen and women should not have to worry about their personal safety on bases in the U.S. and around the world while they are bravely serving to protect our nation's safety.' Among the topics discussed at the meeting was the need for specialvictims advocates for individuals who come forward to report an assault. Participants also talked about a need to include the Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves in any programs aimed at reducing sexual assault. During her time in the Senate, Hagan has raised awareness of the problem of military sexual assault and routinely pressed military leadership on their specific plans and efforts to reduce the alarming number of assaults that take place and often go unreported. Hagan spoke with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel during his confirmation process and received assurance he would implement a set of directives from the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA) to reduce military sexual assault and change the culture. After today's White House meeting, Hagan is calling on Secretary Hagel to report to Congress on the progress of implementing those directives. 'We must take action now to eliminate sexual assault in the military, and after today's meeting, I am calling on Secretary Hagel to report to Congress on the implementation of the NDAA provisions aimed at fixing this problem,' added Senator Hagan. 'These victims deserve to be treated with respect and concern, and we cannot accept sexual assault as part of military culture. This is a problem that cannot wait another day to be addressed.' Among the provisions passed by the Senate in the NDAA are regulations establishing special victim capabilities, enhanced training and education for sexual assault and prevention and two independent panels to review the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate sexual assaults, as well as judicial proceedings.

 

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2121 Thu, 09 May 2013 09:45:00 EST Hagan Urges Secretary LaHood and FAA Administrator Huerta to Prevent Contract Tower Closures Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan yesterday sent a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration asking Secretary LaHood and Administrator Huerta to use authority provided by recently passed legislation to avoid the planned closure of 149 contract towers. The bill, which Hagan cosponsored, was designed to give Secretary LaHood the flexibility to end both the furloughs for 47,000 FAA employees and the closure of 149 contract towers. 'While ending furloughs for tens of thousands of FAA personnel is a common sense decision due to the impact that flight delays had on the traveling public, we are equally concerned about the status of the contract tower program,' Hagan and her colleagues wrote in the letter to Secretary LaHood and Administrator Huerta. 'The contract tower program is a vital public safety and economic development asset for dozens of communities - many of them rural - in every corner of the country.' To read the entire letter to the President, please click here. 'We passed bipartisan legislation in the Senate because these contract towers provide critical services to many North Carolina communities,' said Hagan. 'Keeping these towers open will save North Carolina jobs and will help to ensure that our air transportation system remains safe and efficient.' Five towers in North Carolina are slated to be closed, including those at Concord, Hickory, Winston-Salem, New Bern and Kinston airports. These municipalities depend on the contract tower program for commercial and general aviation services, jobs and support for the military and a variety of air ambulance services. The intent of the legislation passed by Congress was to both prevent furloughs and contract tower closures. It provided authority for the Department of Transportation to use up to $253 million in existing FAA funding to avoid the proposed furloughs and tower closures.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2118 Fri, 03 May 2013 16:15:00 EST Hagan Urges Full Funding for Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line Extension Washington, DC - U.S Senator Kay Hagan has sent a letter urging full funding for the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Starts Program, which supports the LYNX Blue Line extension in Charlotte. Hagan, along with seven of her Senate colleagues, sent the letter to Senators Patty Murray and Susan Collins, chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. In the letter, Hagan said that providing funding in the 2014 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for the New Starts Program would have the effect of 'helping upgrade our national infrastructure and spurring economic growth in our states.' Since opening in 2007, the LYNX Blue Line light rail system has resulted in more than $1.4 billion in new and planned economic development along Charlotte's South Corridor. 'Providing funding for the LYNX Blue Line extension would create jobs and boost economic development in Charlotte while putting North Carolinians back to work,' Hagan said. The Administration requested $1.98 billion in fiscal year 2014 for the New Starts Program, which will provide funding for 20 projects-including the LYNX Blue Line extension project- that have received, or are recommended to receive, a financial commitment from the FTA through a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). 'Adequate funding will ensure the timely progression of all 20 projects and their associated job growth and economic development,' Hagan wrote in the letter. 'Therefore we respectfully ask that you include $1.98 billion to fund the New Starts Program. This action is absolutely necessary to maintain momentum in projects around the country.' Please click here to read the full letter urging funding for the LYNX Blue Line extension. According to the Department of Transportation, the FTA's discretionary New Starts program is the federal government's primary financial resource for supporting locally-planned, implemented, and operated transit 'guideway' capital investments. From heavy to light rail, from commuter rail to bus rapid transit systems, the FTA's New Starts program has helped to make possible hundreds of new or extended transit fixed guideway systems across the country. For more information about the New Starts program, please click here: http://www.fta.dot.gov/12304_2608.html.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2122 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:00:00 EST Hagan Speaks at Expanded Wilmington VA Medical Center Ribbon Cutting Hagan and members of the Eugene Ashley High School JROTC.

Wilmington, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke today at the Wilmington VA Health Care Center expansion ribbon cutting. This expansion will allow veterans to receive a new array of services at the center, including day surgery, mental health, cardiology, women's health, MRI, mammograms and cat scans. By providing these services at the Wilmington clinic many veterans will no longer have to make the long drive to the medical center in Fayetteville. 'This center is the type of investment in our veterans and in our communities that we not only need, but that we must protect,' said Hagan. 'The new 80,000-square-foot facility we are opening today will not only provide specialty care for veterans, it will also reduce their travel time. Many of our veterans simply don't have the time or are unable to make the trip to Fayetteville, so I am thrilled that this new facility will allow our veterans in Southeastern North Carolina to spend less time driving, and more time receiving top-notch health care right here at home.' 'I'm very pleased to be able to increase the access to quality VA health care for so many area veterans,' said Daniel Hoffmann, Network Director of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN 6). 'With all the new services available here, we've actually created an intermediary hub for Veterans using our clinics up and down the eastern North Carolina region from Morehead City, to Jacksonville and Brunswick. Veterans throughout this region will have access to many more services without having to travel all the way to Fayetteville.' With almost one million veterans in North Carolina, Hagan has made veterans issues a top priority during her time in the Senate. Since she began serving in Washington, Hagan's office has handled 3,225 veteran constituent cases. 'For me, veterans issues are about more than just policy, they are personal,' said Hagan. 'We must do everything within our power to protect the promises we have made to our veterans and their families.' Last month the President signed into law Hagan's bipartisan amendment to restore the Tuition Assistance program for servicemembers, a key program that helps future veterans when they transition into civilian life. Hagan also recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requesting that Secretary Eric Shinseki dispatch senior VA officials to North Carolina to help the Winston-Salem regional office address its backlog of claims. For a copy of that letter, please click HERE. Hagan, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, comes from a strong military family. Her father-in-law was a two-star Marine General; her brother and father served in the Navy; her husband, Chip, is a Vietnam veteran who used the GI Bill to help pay for law school; and she has two nephews who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2113 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:51:00 EST Hagan Statement on Mayor Foxx Nomination Greensboro, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan released the following statement today after the President announced he would nominate Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx to be the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. 'I am thrilled that Anthony Foxx will be nominated to serve as Secretary of Transportation. Mayor Foxx has done terrific work for the people of Charlotte, and I know he will be a strong leader at the Department of Transportation. He has a deep understanding of the urgent need to rebuild our national infrastructure, which is critical to maintaining a strong and growing economy. This is great news for North Carolina and our country, and I look forward to a swift confirmation for Anthony. 'I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank current Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for his many years of public service. As a Republican serving in a Democratic administration, Secretary LaHood's career embodies the bipartisanship that we need more than ever these days. I appreciate the particular attention Secretary LaHood has paid to North Carolina, including his support for the Blue Line extension project in Charlotte, and I wish him and his family the best of luck in his next pursuits.'

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2112 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST Hagan Urges President Obama to Take Action to End VA Backlog Greensboro, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today continued her efforts to end the unacceptable Veterans' Administration (VA) disability claims backlog by urging action from President Obama. Hagan joined 66 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the President urging him to take direct action to end the backlog, which has prevented more than 65,000 veterans inNorth Carolina from receiving their benefits they are due. 'In the last four years, the number of claims pending for over a year has grown by over 2000%, despite a 40% increase in the VA's budget,' Hagan and her colleagues wrote in the letter to President Obama. 'During this same time period, Congress has given VA everything it has asked for in terms of more funding and more employees; however, this has not eliminated the backlog of claims. Solving this problem is critical for veterans of all generations. We need direct and public involvement from you to establish a clear plan to end the backlog once and for all.' To read the entire letter to the President, please click here. 'North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and we are proud that almost one million veterans call our state home,' said Hagan. 'The men and women who sacrificed for our country deserve better than this, and I am committed to reducing the VA claims backlog effectively and efficiently by whatever means necessary.' Last month, Hagan sent a letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki asking him to dispatch additional personnel to the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office to address the claims backlog. Last week, Hagan responded to the VA's new initiative to end the backlog by saying that the effort marks a step in the right direction, but more must be done. More than 7,000 veterans have been waiting at least a year for that office to rule ontheir disability claims and more than 700 veterans have been waiting more than two years. In the last year, delays for disability claims have gotten worse for North Carolina veterans. Most claims from North Carolina veterans are processed at the Winston-Salem office, including those from the Fayetteville and Cape Fear region. On average it takes the Veterans Benefits Administration's claims office in Winston-Salem 365 days to process a claim, up from 329 in September. The wait time is the second longest in the Agency's southern region. Hagan, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, comes from a strong militaryfamily. Her father-in-law was a two-star Marine General; her brother and father served in the Navy; her husband, Chip, is a Vietnam veteran who used the GI Bill to help pay for law school; and she has two nephews who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2111 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST Hagan Seeks Reversal of Reshuffling of Greensboro Housing Office Greensboro, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), requesting that he reconsider a reorganization plan thatwould force dozens of North Carolinians to relocate, take a buyout or retire early. This week, HUD announced plans to downsize the Greensboro Multifamily Hub as part of nationwide reorganization. 'I am deeply concerned about the impact that this decision could have on middle-income families, the elderly, the disabled, HUD employees and many others in NorthCarolina,' Hagan wrote in her letter to Secretary Donovan. 'I am concerned that a reorganization that moves North Carolina employees to another state could lead to a drain of local knowledge and delays in the project approvalprocess.' The Greensboro Multifamily Hub processes applications for multifamily housing projects in North Carolina that are designed to increase the supply of quality and reasonably priced rental housing. Sponsors frequently meet with Hub employees to determine feasibility of a particular project prior to its approval, and these North Carolina-based employees remain engaged with investors, builders, developers and others throughout the complex closing process. 'Employees at HUD's Multifamily Hub possess direct knowledge of North Carolina and are best situated to evaluate project applications and participate in closings,' Hagan wrote in the letter. 'I am also concerned about the impact that this decision will have on North Carolina families who are currently employed at the Greensboro Multifamily Hub. HUD's employees affect by this change would be forced to relocate to another state or take retirement before they are ready. 'I would urge HUD to reconsider its decision to give careful consideration to the impact this change could have on the ability of HUD to serve middle-class families, theelderly and the disabled in North Carolina.' Please click here to read Senator Hagan's letter to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2110 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:36:00 EST Hagan Announces Financial Literacy Bill at Raleigh School Raleigh, NC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, Chair of the Subcommittee on Children and Families, today announced legislation to promote financial literacy education during a visit to Leesville Road High School in Raleigh. Hagan announced that she has introduced the Financial Literacy for Students Act, which would create an incentive grant program for states that agree to provide financial literacy education in Title I public elementary and secondary schools. Hagan was joined by Dr. A.J. Muttillo, Leesville Road High School Principal; Holly Laird, a teacher at the school who teaches a financial literacy course; Leslie Walden, Senior Public Affairs Director at Fidelity Investments; and Sandy Wheat, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Economic Education. 'I am here today, because I want to see financial literacy courses, like the one taught here at Leesville Road, incorporated into schools all across the country,' said Hagan. 'I am reintroducing the Financial Literacy for Students Act because I strongly believe that empowering our young people to make intelligent financial decisions is how we're going to build stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger economy in the future. I will continue working with our educators to promote financial literacy and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation in Congress.' During the visit, Hagan toured the classroom of Leesville teacher Holly Laird, who teaches a financial literacy course. Under current federal law, individual states are left to create and implement financial literacy education curriculum and courses in their districts and schools. As a result, only four states require a minimum of one semester of financial literacy education and only 20 states require that the topic be taught within another subject area. 'I would argue that financial literacy is one of the most critical and relevant topics in which we would want students to demonstrate understanding,' said Dr. Muttillo. 'Financial decisions students make now, have a direct and lasting impact on their future. I couldn't think of a more compelling reason for the importance of teaching financial literacy than the future lives of our students.' 'Fidelity's heritage of investing expands beyond the financial markets. We also invest in educating and supporting students in need since we know that education - particularly financial education - is fundamental for people to succeed personally, professionally and financially,' said Leslie Walden, vice president public affairs, Fidelity Investments North Carolina. 'Through a partnership with school districts, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers in North Carolina who share this focus, together we are helping make an impact on students' future opportunities for success.' 'We focus on fostering economic and financial literacy because we believe that greater understanding promotes better decision-making,' said Sandy Wheat of the North Carolina Council on Economic Education. 'Preparing our K-12 educators to teach personal finance is key. They are at the front lines of preparing a new generation for making informed economic choices.' The Financial Literacy for Students Act would create incentive grants for states that agree to provide financial literacy education in Title I public elementary and secondary schools. It will allow for significant flexibility, creativity and innovation in the integration of financial literacy and entrepreneurship education into existing curricula. The bill also encourages appropriate professional development for teachers for the teaching of financial literacy education. States are urged to foster partnerships with community-based organizations, financial institutions and local businesses by securing a match to carry out the required activities. It has been endorsed by the Council for Economic Education, the North Carolina Council for Economic Education, the American Bankers Association, Junior Achievement, Operation Hope and Business Roundtable. Groups endorsing this legislation include: Junior Achievement, Council for Economic Education, North Carolina Council for Economic Education and the American Bankers Association. April is Financial Literacy Month and on Wednesday Senator Hagan chaired a hearing in Washington on 'The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy for Students,' as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Children and Families. Hagan has championed financial literacy education going back to her time as a state Senator where she passed a law to include financial literacy education in North Carolina's high school Civics courses.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2109 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST Hagan Helps Pass Bill to Reduce Flight Delays at North Carolina Airports Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan last night helped pass legislation to reduce the flight delays that travelers in North Carolina and around the country have experienced since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began to furlough air traffic controllers on Sunday. The bill, which Hagan cosponsored, would provide the Secretary of Transportation the flexibility to transfer certain funds to prevent furloughs of essential employees at the FAA. 'I'm pleased the Senate has taken a bipartisan step to reduce the long, unnecessary delays that North Carolinians have experienced at airports this week, and I urge the House to act soon,' Hagan said. 'The people of our state shouldn't have to pay the price of partisan gridlock in Washington. I continue to seek bipartisan solutions that will reduce spending, grow our economy and help put North Carolinians back to work.'

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2107 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST Hagan Opposes Reduction in Benefits for Seniors, Veterans, Surviving Military Families Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today cosponsored a resolution opposing a reduction in cost of living adjustments (COLA) for Social Security or veterans' benefits. More than two million North Carolinians depend on Social Security and hundreds of thousands of North Carolina veterans and surviving military family members receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 'We cannot balance the budget on the backs of the millions of North Carolina seniors, veterans and survivingmilitary family members who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits,' Hagan said. 'I strongly oppose reducing their cost of living adjustments because doing so would shortchange middle-class North Carolinians who are still struggling to put food on the table, pay the bills and afford critical health care services. Instead, we must take steps to reduce the deficit in a balanced and responsible way.' The negative effects of the proposed new method for calculating Social Security COLAs would grow as a beneficiary ages. In the long-term, benefits would be cut significantly, meaning seniors on average would receive $658 less at age 75; $1,147 less at age 85; and $1,622 less at age 95. Furthermore, disabled veterans would face significant cuts in benefits. For example, a 30-year-old disabled veteran who started receiving VAdisability compensation due to a 100 percent service-connected disability would have his or her benefits reduced by $1,425 at age 45, $2,341 at age 55, and $3,231 at age 65. To view the text of the Senate resolution that Senator Hagan is cosponsoring to oppose the proposed new method for calculating Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments, called Chained CPI, please click here.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2106 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:08:00 EST Hagan Chairs Hearing on “The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy Education For Students” Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Children and Families, chaired a hearing today on 'The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy for Students.' The hearing brought together a diverse panel of witnesses who testified that integrating financial literacy education into K-12 coursework is critical for students to make informed decisions about their economic future. 'Having a basic understanding of financial concepts is an absolutely critical skill for establishing economic success and security,' said Hagan. 'Unfortunately, most of our high school graduates are entering college or the workforce without the basic knowledge and skills they need to manage their personal finances effectively. I was proud to lead the effort in the state Senate that established North Carolina's financial education requirement. Teaching financial literacy to our students is common sense, and more states should follow North Carolina's lead by integrating it into their curricula.' Hagan and the subcommittee received testimony from a diverse panel of witnesses including two witnesses from North Carolina, Nicole Lipp, a social studies teacher from Garinger High School in Charlotte, and Cathy Pace, CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union in Winston-Salem. Additional testimony was provided by Curtis Biggs, VP, Wyoming Chapter, Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy; Annamaria Lusardi, PhD, Director, Global Center for Financial Literacy at GW University; and Cy Richardson, VP, Housing and Community Development, National Urban League, New York, NY. 'My classroom and my students are the greatest testimony as to why teaching financial literacy should be a must for students around the country,' said Nicole Lipp. 'Becoming financially literate can give someone without a lot of money the tools they need to take control of their finances and break a cycle of overspending and debt.' 'In a struggling economy the need for financial literacy is emphasized as millions in our state and across the country struggle to make ends meet,' said Cathy Pace. 'The National Credit Union Foundation supports and helps coordinate the financial literacy efforts of the credit union system, cementing these efforts as a key part of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.'' During the hearing, Hagan announced plans to reintroduce her Financial Literacy for All Students Act that would create incentive grants for states to incorporate financial literacy education into their elementary and secondary school curricula and provide professional development for teachers so they are well-prepared to teach the courses. The law Hagan passed as a state Senator to include financial literacy education in 9th grade Civics courses has gone into effect and high school students across North Carolina have started learning this important skill set. April is Financial Literacy Month, highlighting the importance of the subject as a critical life skill for American youth and teens to learn. Many students are ill prepared to understand or manage their own finances as they enter the workforce or take on debt to finance their education. Research indicates that if students are taught these skills in schools they are more likely to display positive financial behavior.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2105 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:32:00 EST Hagan, Crapo Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Unnecessary EPA Regulation on Farmers Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) today announced they will introduce a bipartisan bill to eliminate an unnecessary and costly Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on pesticides. The Sensible Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) of 2013 is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators, including: Carper (D-DE), Coons (D-DE), Risch (R-ID), Heitkamp (D-ND), Vitter (R-LA), McCaskill (D-MO), Inhofe (R-OK), and Donnelly (D-IN). 'Agriculture is the largest industry in North Carolina, and I am committed to ensuring federal policies work for our farmers,' said Hagan. 'This bill is not about whether pesticides should be regulated, but rather about eliminating a redundant regulation that provides little or no environmental or public health benefits, and imposes unnecessary burdens on our farmers, states and municipalities and other entities that use pesticides responsibly. I will continue working with my colleagues to eliminate redundant regulations that add unnecessary costs and create legal uncertainty during these difficult economic times.' 'Farmers and ranchers throughout Idaho's rural communities are being buried by costly regulations that provide little benefit to their intended purposes,' Crapo said. 'A duplicative pesticide permitting system is a waste of tax payer dollars that the federal government does not have to spend, and more importantly, hinders Idahoans ability to do business. Unneeded regulations only stifle an already struggling economy. Congress must provide relief to our local communities in order to kick-start job growth and economic prosperity.' 'Some people believe that we must choose between a cleaner environment and a stronger economy, but I couldn't disagree more,' said Sen. Carper. 'We can have robust environmental protections that don't hamper the private sector's ability to create jobs as long as we're smart about implementing them efficiently and effectively. In everything I do, I know I can do better - and the same is true of some federal regulations, like those affecting hard-working farmers in Delaware and across the country. This bill will help ease the burden of duplicative regulations on our farmers by reforming the pesticide permitting process in a responsible way that protects our health without wasting taxpayer dollars or straining our agricultural producers.' For nearly 40 years, the EPA has implemented a comprehensive regulatory scheme for pesticide applications under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). According to the EPA, a new pesticide must undergo over 100 different tests to characterize its potential risks to the environment and human and wildlife heath. Unfortunately, a court decision forced EPA to begin requiring Clean Water Act permits for pesticides applied in, over, or near water. The new permitting system went into effect on November 1, 2011. SEPA clarifies that Clean Water Act permits are not required for pesticide applications in or near water. The bill also asks EPA to report back to Congress on whether the FIFRA process can be improved to better protect human health and the environment from pesticide applications. EPA has estimated an additional 365,000 pesticide users - including farmers, ranchers, state agencies, cities, counties, mosquito control districts, water districts, pesticide applicators, and forest managers that perform 5.6 million pesticide applications annually - will be required to obtain Clean Water Act permits. This is nearly double the number of entities previously subject to permitting requirements - forcing states and localities to spend time and precious resources to comply with this unnecessary regulation. SEPA is supported by 150 farming and forestry groups and state regulators from across the country, including: the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Agriculture Retailers Association, National Cotton Council, National Alliance of Forest Owners, United Fresh Produce Association and the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2103 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:21:00 EST Hagan Tours Stanley Furniture Showroom at High Point Market High Point, NC- U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today visited the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, where she toured the new showroom and corporate headquarters for Stanley Furniture. Stanley Furniture recently relocated to High Point from Virginia with the help of the One North Carolina Fund. The 90-year-old company currently makes one of its two major product lines in North Carolina. 'There is nothing I love more than seeing a company like Stanley Furniture move to North Carolina,' said Hagan. 'Our state continues to be the best place for companies like Stanley Furniture to thrive and provide the country with beautifully crafted, high-quality furniture, and the High Point Market is critical for our state's economy. After many years in the state Senate representing an area that included High Point, it's great to come home to the Market. I am proud to be an advocate for our state's furniture industry and the High Point Market, which continues to be a crucial economic engine in North Carolina.' 'Stanley Furniture is proud to welcome Senator Hagan to our brand new 70,000 square foot showroom in the Design District of High Point, North Carolina,' said Glenn Prillaman, President and CEO of Stanley Furniture. 'High Point, North Carolina is the furniture capital of the world and we appreciate all that the state, county and local governments are doing to help us to compete in a global economy.' The High Point Market has an annual economic impact of over $1 billion and supports more than 13,000 North Carolina jobs every year. The Market brings 170,000 people from 106 countries to High Point annually who boost the economy by patronizing restaurants and hotels in the area. Stanley Furniture manufactures it's Young America furniture line completely in Robbinsville, NC where it employed over 350 people. With the help of the One North Carolina Fund, Stanley was able to relocate to from Virginia to High Point. This move will allow Stanley Furniture to invest more than four million dollars in North Carolina and create approximately 50 high paying jobs.

As a state senator, Hagan fought to keep the Furniture Market in High Point, and she continues working in the Senate to ensure that High Point and North Carolina remain global leaders in the furniture and textile industries. She visits the Market regularly each year. Last summer, Hagan fought to pass legislation that closed an outdated loophole in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that severely hurt a number of North Carolina textile manufacturers. The correction cost no money and supported approximately 1,800 textile jobs in North Carolina. On today's tour, Senator Hagan was joined by Glenn Prillaman, President and CEO, Stanley Furniture, Randy Wells, VicePresident of Marketing and Brand Development, Tom Conley, President and CEO, High Point Market Authority and Tammy Nagem, COO, High Point Market Authority.

 

]]> http://www.hagan.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2102 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:20:00 EST