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33 21 EXHIBIT C Triangle J Council of Governments 9 2003 Regional Legislative Agenda In the North Carolina General Assembly Priority Legislative Issues for the Triangle J Council of Governments Each year the Triangle J Council of Governments revises and updates its Regional Legislative Agenda setting forth the priority legislative issues of its member local governments from across the seven-county area of led for the purpose of conveying vitally important information to the General Region J. This agenda has been compi s review, consideration and use as the legislature conducts its legislative session . After taking into Assembly for it consideration the various challenges that will be confronting the State of North Carolina during its 2003 -05 Session, it is the intent of Triangle J that this Regional Legislative Agenda serve as an aid to the legislative delegations serving Lee , Chatham, Orange, Durham, Wake , Johnston and Moore Counties in assisting our cities , towns and counties with their legislative needs . The following information has been set forth in priority form for this purpose . VERY HIGH PRIORITIES Protect State-Collected Revenues for Local Government: Commitments are sought from Triangle Ps legislative delegations to protect existing local government revenue sources . In an environment of state budget crisis it is extremely important that existing state-collected local government revenues be protected for use by our cities , towns and counties . Additionally, Triangle J seeks action by the legislature to ensure the continued availability of longstanding and traditional local government revenue sources . Legislation is sought that constitutionally limits the authority of the governor to suspend, seize , or otherwise deprive local government of revenues that are levied, assessed, or otherwise appropriated for or on behalf of cities , towns and counties . Provide Revenue Options for Local Government: Triangle J continues to seek legislation that authorizes a variety of revenue options for local governments to fund municipal and county services . Notwithstanding the state ' s fiscal crisis and in the face of almost insurmountable growth issues demanding local government services within Region J -- transportation, schools , water, sewer , elderly care, public safety, courts , solid waste , etc . -- it is imperative that the legislature provide options to local government to address these needs . An overarching principle that we propose is that any local government revenue source that ' s presently available to one or more local governments in the state should be available to all local governments uniformly throughout the state . Triangle J seeks authority for local government, on a reasonable basis , to levy local option sales taxes, impact fees and/or taxes , land transfer fees, increased court cost fees , etc . Should there be an option provided on sales tax, it is further expected that elimination of the application of this tax to food would be included . Also , Triangle J seeks the provision of revenue by the state sufficient to cover the full cost to counties of Medicaid expenses and the de-institutionalization of individuals within the mental health program. Triangle J Council of Governments Mission Statement To serve as an intergovernmental organization for local elected officials that works proactively on regional issues in order to sustain and improve the quality of life for our citizens.