Senator Thom Goolsby

Coastal Reform Act lifts cap on terminal groins in NC

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:23 +0000

A new bill that would lift the cap on the number of terminal groins allowed in the state passed the Senate Wednesday.

NC House bill to clarify public defender fees owed by convicted criminals

Jessica Ferrer — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:59:48 +0000

Under North Carolina law, convicted criminals are only responsible for paying back attorney fees during their probation and if the probation is terminated. House Bill 388 would add those whose probation term expired as well.

Bill to exempt Monkey Junction from 6 months of Wilmington property tax passes General Assembly

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:58:29 +0000

A bill that exempts Monkey Junction residents from paying Wilmington property taxes has passed the North Carolina Senate and House. The bill is currently in the hands of Governor Pat McCrory to be signed into law.

Goolsby's death penalty bill opposed by NC professors

Jessica Ferrer — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:44:06 +0000

Over 70 university professors from across North Carolina have signed a letter opposing a bill that will make amendments to the state’s death penalty law. Republican Senator Thom Goolsby of New Hanover County is the primary sponsor of the bill. His bill would lift the moratorium on the death penalty in North Carolina. WHQR’s Jessica Ferrer reports that it would also overturn the Racial Justice Act, a law enacted to investigate the impact of racial bias in capital sentencing.

Bill to block Medicaid expansion passes state House and Senate

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:29:09 +0000

North Carolina lawmakers have approved a measure that blocks the state from expanding Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul. While supporters of the bill say it’s prudent to avoid an as-yet undefined obligation, opponents – which include hospitals in the state -- now worry that paying for care for the indigent gets more complicated.

States across the country are making decisions on three options under the Affordable Care Act – popularly known as Obamacare.

In spite of distaste, Sen. Goolsby works to distinguish film tax credits from traditional incentives

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:02:18 +0000

As lawmakers in Raleigh consider how to approach the mammoth task of tax modernization, business incentives are poised to be at the center of heated debates.

Goolsby sponsors bill to legalize certified professional midwives in NC

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:21:07 +0000

Editor's Note: Goolsby's legislative efforts are focused strictly on certified professional midwives which are distinct and separate from nurse midwives.

Local officials join state leaders to represent New Hanover County interests in Raleigh

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:46:10 +0000

On Thursday, local leaders from beach towns, the City of Wilmington, UNCW and Cape Fear Community College joined New Hanover County Commissioners and newly-elected state leaders for the first meeting of the local officials’ caucus.

Wilmington minority voting bloc part of SD 8; experts weigh opportunity or disenfranchisement

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:15:00 +0000

As New Hanover County residents head to the polls this election season, a small percentage of them will be choosing a different state senator. WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn takes a closer look at how the latest round of redistricting could affect one small Wilmington neighborhood that now has Brunswick, Bladen and Pender County residents as fellow constituents.