The American Values Agenda complements the broader House Republican agenda that was un-veiled by GOP leaders back in March. Rep. Howard Coble, who represents Moore County, sponsored one of the bills included in the agenda.
"The American Values Agenda is a collection of legislative initiatives that speak to the values many American citizens hold dear," said House Majority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican (R-Ohio). "Freedom to display the American flag, freedom of religious expression, the right to keep and bear arms, respect for the sanctity of marriage, and the dignity of all human life. These are values that have defined the American character, protected our families, and shaped our society."
Coble is sponsoring a bill to reform the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE) to protect citizens' rights.
Coble represents the 6th District, which includes Moore County.
HOLIDAY -- Government offices, banks and post offices will be closed Tuesday for the July Fourth holiday.
No garbage will be picked up in most towns. The village of Pinehurst recycling yard will be closed. The Pilot's offices will also be closed.
MANDATES -- The N.C. Association of County Commis-sioners (NCACC) says the state is increasingly expecting county governments to take on responsibility for state programs.
The association is expected to explore this issue at the annual conference scheduled for Sept. 17-20 in Forsyth County.
In an article in the June edition of the NCACC publication CountyLines, Todd McGee, NCACC director of communications, reports that counties spend more than $2 billion a year on school current expenses, to subsidize the Medicaid burden and to help pay for other state programs. Counties largely depend on property taxes for their revenue.
"The lines between who pays for what are becoming blurred as counties are forced to take on more and more responsibilities for state programs," McGee said.
