Grier appeared on News 14′s “Capital Tonight” yesterday and debated HB2 with Sen. Jeff Tarte (R-Mecklenburg). He argued forcefully for the discriminatory bill’s repeal and decried the abusive process by which it was passed and signed into law by Governor McCrory.
Watch a video of the show (beginning at 8:45 minutes) on News 14′s website.
The NC Sierra Club endorsed Grier Martin for the NC House of Representatives.
Rep. Grier Martin (D-Wake) and Rep. Skip Stam (R-Wake) joined a panel of professors at N.C. State’s annual Holtzman Public Policy Forum. The topic of this year’s event was redistricting reform. Martin and Stam introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to reform the way legislative and congressional districts are drawn.
Read more about the forum at the NCSU Technician.
Rep. Martin appeared on the regular Friday “Bow Tie Caucus” on News 14′s “Capital Tonight”.
Though lacking a bow tie, Martin still discussed gun legislation, the budget, and other issues with host Tim Boyum and Rep. Skip Stam. Watch the video here. (The Bow Tie Caucus segment begins at about 6:00 minutes)
Today, the House nominated members to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. In determining my vote, I considered the fact that one of the most important functions of the Board is to select and retain the President of the University system. I noted that this year the Board was confronted with the important issue of the continuation of the President in that role.
In their handling of that issue, the judgment and courage of the Board members were tested and were found lacking.
This sort of failure should not be rewarded with another term on the Board of Governors.
I would have preferred to not vote for any incumbent who either actively participated in this matter or who passively sat by and allowed it to happen. I regret that the applicant pool was diminished to the point that there was no choice but to vote for some incumbents. The secrecy by which the Board of Governors took their action does not permit those of us charged with their re-appointment to make a fully informed decision on which, if any, members merited re-appointment.
I am under no illusions that my vote will make a difference. But, I hope that those who today were granted another term on the Board of Governors will hear the message I deliver on behalf of my 80,000 constituents, and pledge themselves to find the courage to never again fail the people of our great state.
Rep. Skip Stam, Rep. Jon Hardister, Rep. Chuck McGrady, Rep. Rick Glazier, and Rep. Grier Martin were joined by a bipartisan group of legislators calling for reform to the way North Carolina draws legislative districts.
Currently, the General Assembly draws its own districts. ”The growing perception among citizens is that they cannot have a voice in our system of democracy,” said Martin. Legislation to be introduced by Stam, Hardister, McGrady, and Martin would create an independent commission to draw legislative districts.
Read more here: WRAL, News & Observer, WNCN. View a video of Rep. Martin’s comments at UNC-TV.
The “Voter Update” interviewed Rep. Martin about his priorities for the upcoming 2015 Long Session. Watch the brief interview here.
Rep. Grier Martin appeared on News 14′s “Capital Tonight” program this week. Interviewed by News 14′s Tim Boyum, Martin noted he was glad to see the Governor and legislative leaders say they wanted a teacher pay increase in the coming short session. However, Martin said that a one-time raise is inadequate and anything less than a full commitment to raise teacher pay to at least the national average would represent a failure.
Watch the full video at News 14′s website.
Rep. Grier Martin spoke at the 2013 Capital Area Veterans Stand Down held October 18. The event is held yearly at the South Wilmington St. Center and is aimed at helping homeless veterans get off the streets.
Over 40 federal, state, local and non-profit agencies to provide information and services to homeless veterans. Martin’s legislative assistant Sylvia Hammons worked at the Stand Down for several hours, helping to link veterans with state resources.
For coverage of the Stand Down see “Veteran homelessness is dropping, but jobs still hard to find” in the Raleigh News & Observer.
Planned Parenthood Votes Endorses Grier
Planned Parenthood Votes-South Atlantic announced its endorsement of Grier Martin for the North Carolina House of Representatives:
For more info click here.