Map of District 49

[Press Releases from 3rd Term Long Session, 2007] [3rd Term Interim Work, 2007-2008] [Press Releases from the 2008 Short Session] [Summary of Short Session, 2008]

May 13, 2008: Interim Ends and Short Session Begins For information and updates, please see my special Short Session 2008 web page. During the 3rd Term Interim, I continued to participate in events of interest to citizens in District 49, as well as to attend legislative committee meetings in Raleigh. The photo at left was taken at a ribbon-cutting for Peebles department store in Roanoke Rapids. The photo below was taken on my visit to Halifax Regional Medical Center. (published in Stat-US, March 28, 2008)

A List of Links to My Press Releases Below you will find a list of quick links to press releases concerning news from District 49 and from Raleigh during the interim: New voter lookup feature on SBOE website Important Tax Information New Laws Now in Effect   April 29, 2008 -- Update on Health Care Issues April 9, 2008 -- Rated 18th Most Effective Representative March 27, 2008 -- Work of Legislative Committees March 20, 2008 -- Work of Legislative Oversight Committees February 23, 2008 -- "Legislator of the Year" award
February 21, 2008 -- Rural Center Grants for Franklin, Halifax, and Nash Counties February 7, 2008 -- activities of local interest February 4, 2008 -- Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse January 28, 2008 -- activities of local interest January 28, 2008 -- Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change January 24, 2008 -- Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response November 29, 2007 -- activities of local interest November 19, 2007 -- appointment to select committee on rising home foreclosures November 14, 2007 -- meetings, tours, Veterans' Day November 8, 2007 -- 21st Century Transportation Committee September 17, 2007 -- Special Legislative Session and notes of local interest August 16, 2007 -- events of importance to our district
New Laws Go into Effect With the General Assembly in recess, I have focused for the past few months on working in my district. Still, there are great things to share about the work we recently completed in Raleigh. Many of the new laws that we approved this past session went into place at the beginning of December 2007. For my comments on the work accomplished this past session, please see my session review web page, or you may wish to view a specific topic, such as: strengthening our higher education system, protecting our land, air, and water, seeking renewable energy, helping our first responders, addressing our transportation needs, decreasing the rate of mortgage foreclosures, reducing gang activity in the state, making our roads safer, making things better for farmers and agribusiness, helping citizens with disabilities, creating opportunities in education, economic development, and health care, and helping those with issues of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. You may have special interest in the changes we made that increase areas of local authority in District 49. Or you might wish to check on changes in Tax Laws for 2007 & 2008. If you would like more information about any of the 45 new laws that went into effect on December 1, please visit the General Assembly’s Web site at www.ncleg.net. Return to list of links

Important Tax Information For Individuals & Families This session, the General Assembly came up with several ways to cut taxes for the people of North Carolina without sacrificing the quality of our public services.  Some of these changes will benefit you this tax season, while others can’t be claimed until next year. I hope this information is of use to you as the deadline for tax filing approaches: see my web page of useful tax information.  Tax Measures For Small Businesses Small businesses are important to our economy. This year legislators passed several tax measures to protect our small businesses. These changes will also help us bring more quality high-paying jobs to our state. For updates on changes, see my web page of useful tax information. North Carolina's New WOTC As we near the end of 2007, I hope that your business will be able to take advantage of North Carolina’s new Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Many businesses, both large and small, routinely employ people that would make the business eligible for the federal WOTC and now for the State WOTC. For more description of the state WOTC, please see my web page of useful tax information. If your business has not been taking advantage of the federal WOTC, please see these instructions from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission about the steps to utilizing this valuable federal tax credit. Return to list of links

Work of Legislative Committees -- March 27, 2008 As legislators, we understand that our constituents face issues in many different areas of their lives.  Even during the interim, we work to find solutions to problems you face so that we can make North Carolina stronger and better. This week I would like to give you an update on issues some of our committees are studying. I am providing a special web page for you to read a report about the work of various legislative committees, which include the following: The Environmental Review Commission, which I co-chair (currently focusing on allocation of surface water resources) The 21st Century Transportation Committee (studies transportation infrastructure needs in North Carolina) The Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response (discusses possible long-term solutions) House Select Committee on Rising Home Foreclosures (discusses ways to decrease the number of foreclosures) The Joint Legislative Study Committee on Public School Funding Formulas (studies all public school formulas and distributions) Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change (considers policy recommendations for the General Assembly) Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Recovery (looks at ways to better protect and safeguard North Carolinians)

Work of Oversight Committees -- March 20, 2008 I am providing an informative web page for you to read a report about the work of our oversight committees and the Program Evaluation Division. These committees are vital to the work we do in the legislature and help us make sure we protect your investment in state government. It is also important that we hear from you about your concerns and ideas to improve the work we do. In our General Assembly, we know that it’s not enough to simply spend taxpayer money. We must make sure that money is used wisely. We put a great deal of effort into trying to determine beforehand whether creating or expanding programs is the best use of public money, but we also realize that one of the best ways to measure performance is to follow up after the money is allocated. We have set up a system at the General Assembly that tracks performance during the time between sessions through the use of oversight committees, among other tools. During this interim, there are nearly a dozen oversight committees with legislators who meet regularly to monitor areas such as education, transportation, health care, mental health, capital improvements and corrections. During this past session, the General Assembly also created a new division to evaluate programs funded by the General Assembly. The non-partisan Program Evaluation Division is made up of policy and fiscal analysts with experience in government and the private sector. Return to list of links

Recognized by the N. C. Wildlife Federation as "Legislator of the Year" -- February 23, 2008 At a banquet in Research Triangle Park on February 23, I was among those receiving conservation achievement awards from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Governor's office. I was honored to receive the "Legislator of the Year" award in recognition of my commitment to protecting natural resources in our state. Return to list of links

Rural Center Grants for Franklin, Halifax, and Nash Counties -- February 21, 2008 I have received a recent announcement from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. My congratulations to all those receiving Rural Center Grants in District 49! Franklin County East Youngsville Sewer Expansion Project, Economic Infrastructure Supplemental Program:  $250,000.00 Novozymes Sewer Improvements Project, Economic Infrastructure Supplemental Program:    $297,000.00 Town of Franklinton, Uptown at the Cornerstone Restaurant, Building Reuse Development Program:  $50,000.00 Town of Louisburg, Scoggins Building Revival, Building Reuse PRE-Development Program:  $25,000.00   Halifax County Town of Enfield, VP Morgan / The O Perfume Company, Building Reuse Development Program:   $400,000.00   Nash County City of Rocky Mount, Douglas Block, Building Reuse PRE-Development Program:  $25,000.00 Return to list of links

Activities of Local Interest -- February 7, 2008 On Tuesday, February 5, I was privileged to be a part of the Founders’ Day Convocation at Louisburg College.  The theme was “Reflections on 220 years of higher education.”  Speakers included Joe Pearce, local historian and retired Louisburg High School teacher; Sarah Foster, professor emerita; and Dr. C. Ray Pruette, professor emeritus.  Following the ceremony, a commemorative wreath was placed on the grave of Matthew Dickinson, first principal of the Franklin Male Academy.  Wednesday morning, February 6, found me in talking with Joy Widmann’s fourth grade class at Crosscreek Charter School in Louisburg.  I discussed my role as a Representative and helped them better understand the legislative process.    Thursday morning, February 7, took me to a meeting of the Regional Transportation Alliance where 175 triangle leaders gathered to hear an update on the 21st Century Transportation Committee’s work.

Activities of Local Interest -- January 28, 2008 In addition to attending interim committee/commission meetings in Raleigh, I have been busy in the district visiting with constituent groups. On Tuesday, January 8, I attended the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Elected Officials’ Reception in Louisburg. On Thursday, January 10, I met with the folks at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government’s Rural Planning Organization Annual Meeting On Monday, January 21, I was privileged to be a part of the Martin Luther King Day Program at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Louisburg. On Tuesday, January 22, I took part (along with Senator Doug Berger and Representatives Bryant and Wray) in an annual area-wide public forum held at the Civic Center at Vance-Granville College in Henderson.  Valuable ideas were discussed at this meeting.  I thank all of you who attended and provided input and/or assistance. Attending these events allows me to keep abreast of the focus and needs of my constituents in District 49.  I thank all of you for including me whenever possible. Return to list of links Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse -- News from Raleigh, February 4, 2008 There are several efforts across the state to improve our services and facilities for those with developmental disabilities and a history of substance abuse. I want to update you on the work of the oversight committee that deals most directly with these issues The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse met recently to discuss ways we can improve the lives of people in our state who are affected by these conditions.  The committee received an update on the state’s psychiatric hospitals, Community Support Service, and the external groups appointed by Secretary Dempsey Benton of the state Department of Health and Human Services to work on key issues. One group will focus on construction and operational questions at the new Central Regional Hospital.  Another group will work with state hospital directors to examine the standardization of policies and processes associated with patient treatment, facility safety and levels of services. The third group will analyze the implementation of the state Crisis Service System.  The committee also received an update on how the money appropriated last year for crisis services and facilities was spent.   Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change -- News from Raleigh, January 28, 2008  North Carolinians are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of global warming.  We are currently experiencing the worst drought on record in our state, and many scientists believe it has been exasperated by climate change. Legislators share your concerns and are working hard to come up with solutions to problems caused by global climate change.   The Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change (of which I am a member) met recently to discuss the effects of climate change and what North Carolina needs to do to prevent the catastrophic effects of global warming.  The Climate Change Commission heard a summary of the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which  is made up of 2,500 scientists from countries around the world.  We members of the Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change are considering policy recommendations for the General Assembly.  Some of these include setting a cap for carbon emissions, establishing a cap and trade system for carbon emissions, developing a market for carbon offsets that could help our farmers, and adopting cleaner car standards as 11 other states have done. The commission is also considering developing more renewable energy opportunities such as offshore wind and wave energy along with other policies. The commission will make formal recommendation to the Legislature in May.  In February, Rajendra K. Pachauri, the Nobel Prize winning chairman of the IPCC will address members of the commission and offer suggestions on other policies North Carolina should consider to maintain our quality of life.  For more information, please see my web page on Possible Effects of Climate Change. Return to list of links

Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response -- News from Raleigh, January 24, 2008 Since the Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response is beginning to meet on a regular basis, I thought it would be a good time to update you on the state’s drought planning and response. Every county in the state is suffering from drought, according to the latest information from the state’s Drought Management Advisory Council. Sixty-seven counties are in exceptional drought, the highest classification; 20 are in extreme drought and 13 are in severe drought.  Franklin, Halifax, and Nash Counties currently fall in the “Exceptional Drought” category.  The Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response met for the first time last week as my fellow legislators and I continue work to address the ongoing water shortage in our state. The committee -- formed by House Speaker Joe Hackney and Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight – used the first meeting to get updated about the impact of the drought and what has been done so far to address it. The members of the committee will lead the General Assembly’s response to this crisis and work closely with Gov. Mike Easley and state agencies to lessen the damage the drought has already caused in the agribusiness sector. Please know that all of us are working together in Raleigh to limit the harm caused by this drought and to look at ways we can do things better in the future. If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.  Please go to my web page on Drought Response for further information about this important issue. You may also find additional information on www.ncdrought.org, the Web site for the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.  Return to list of links

Activities of Local Interest -- November 29, 2007 I chaired the Environmental Review Commission on Tuesday the 27th, where we discussed, among other topics, the current drought conditions facing our state and considered recommendations to improve future responses.  This group will next meet on January 23.  Also on Tuesday, I attended the North Carolina Awards for Public Service held at the Embassy Suites in Cary.  Two recipients of Public Service Awards have local connections: former Supreme Court Justice Burley Mitchell, Jr. is a well-known Franklin County citizen, and Charlie Rose, a nationally known TV interviewer, grew up in Warren and Vance Counties.  Both are very deserving of this recognition.  On Thursday, November 29, I visited Novozymes in Franklinton at the invitation of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, Bill Ross.  This meeting involved a large number of Novozyme employees and was designed to highlight the environmental stewardship taken by the company and to showcase the importance of these things to both the environment and the economy of North Carolina.  Novozymes is a leader in North Carolina and was the first recipient of the Environmental Steward Award, jointly presented by DENR and the Department of Commerce a couple of years ago.  On the afternoon of the 29th, I attended the Regional Transportation Alliance’s annual meeting in Cary.  This is a business leadership group that focuses on relieving traffic congestion and enhancing mobility in the Triangle and surrounding localities.  The featured speaker was N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett.  The intent of this meeting was to focus on the most critical regional transportation issues facing our area and to explore ways of dealing with them. Return to list of links

From Raleigh--November 19, 2007--Representative Allen appointed to House Select Committee on Rising Home Foreclosures   I have been appointed by Speaker Joe Hackney of the North Carolina House of Representatives to serve on a select committee established to study the increasing number of home foreclosures in the state. As a member of the committee, I would welcome input from local citizens on this issue. During my tenure, I have been a strong supporter of laws that give consumers additional protections against foreclosures and clarify practices in the industry. The crisis in the subprime lending market is affecting many homeowners in my district who have lost or are in danger of losing their homes. Popular loans with a two-year fixed mortgage rate and 28-year adjustable rate mortgages often raise monthly payments to amounts beyond a homeowner’s ability to pay.  These homeowners, Wall Street, the construction industry, new and existing home sales, and all citizens are affected by the general economic uncertainty and prospect of greater numbers of lost jobs. The committee will study the causes of foreclosures in North Carolina and the appropriate role of state and federal governments in helping people remain in their homes. The committee has also been directed to determine whether real estate or mortgage workers are contributing to the problem; evaluate mortgage and borrowing trends to help first-time homebuyers obtain mortgages; consider ways to collaborate with state’s banking community to protect confidence in the mortgage industry; identify trends in home foreclosures and consider counties’ ability to provide information on each foreclosed loan. The committee may also consider any other relevant issues. The committee may submit an interim report, including proposed legislation, by May 1, 2008. It will submit a final report by December 31, 2008. Rep. Dan Blue and Rep. Walter Church will co-chair the committee. Return to list of links

News From District 49 -- November 14, 2007 Town Hall Meeting and Tours The Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a breakfast and town hall meeting at the Youngsville Community Center on the morning of Wednesday, November 7.  Senators Marc Basnight and Doug Berger and I attended and addressed questions on business-related issues.   The town hall meeting format provided a wonderful opportunity for residents to share their thoughts with their elected state leaders.    From there, the group moved on to Hill Ridge Farm, where owner John Hill shared information about the need for a sewer line to help with economic development initiatives in that area.  Next stop for the tour was Franklinton with visits to several small businesses and a discussion with Mayor Edwards regarding the potential for growth in that area of the county. These were very productive meetings and brought to the forefront a number of concerns facing the citizens of Franklin County.  I appreciate the efforts of the Chamber, Senator Berger, and all who worked to bring about these events.   On the morning of Thursday, November 8, I attended the Franklin County Economic Development Commission meeting, where Senator Berger and I gave legislative updates and heard about the economic development activities going on within Franklin County.   Candlelight Reflections The Franklin County Adult Day Program hosted their annual Candlelight Reflections on Thursday, November 8.  I was pleased to be a featured speaker and to help promote their goal: “To honor caregivers, to offer hope to victims of dementia and to caregivers, to remember our loved ones.”  This group brings an invaluable service to our area; we are grateful for all the programs that they offer.   Veterans’ Day Sunday, November 11, was Veterans’ Day, the day we recognize our nation’s veterans and the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe and independent.  That afternoon, I was honored to be present with approximately 2000 citizens at the dedication ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial at Jack Laughery Park in Rocky Mount.  On Monday, November 12, I was privileged to speak at the Veterans’ Day Observance at the Franklin County Court House in Louisburg.  These were both very moving tributes to those who served and gave their lives for our freedom.  The Assistant Secretary of the North Carolina Veterans’ Affairs Regional Office, Charlie Smith, provided us with the following information about veterans in our state:  There are currently 790,000 veterans living in the state, which is expected to reach 800,000 by the end of the decade.  The veteran's affairs office in Winston-Salem is the third busiest in the nation (behind Texas and Florida; California has two offices instead of the normal one office/state).  North Carolina is losing around 40 WWII and Korean War Veterans a day, but gains between 12,000-15,000 veterans per year.  The North Carolina Veterans' Affairs Regional office distributes $1.4 billion each year to 105,000 direct beneficiaries.  104 service members who registered North Carolina as their home state have died in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Mr. Smith suggests using the Washington Post's Faces of the Fallen for the most accurate and up to date information on Veteran's Affairs.  He said it's even more up-to-date than the Department of Defense's numbers and has detailed information about the service members including their home states, obituaries, family members, and how they died. Other Events On Tuesday, November 13, I attended one of the series of community meetings on the proposed school bond issue at the Louisburg High School.  Many worthwhile points were discussed and considered. November 14th brought about the annual Farm City Week Breakfast in Louisburg, sponsored by the Franklin County Extension Center.  Not only was the meal delicious, but the event included an important program on food safety by Ross Williams, Assistant Director of Marketing with the NC Department of Agriculture.  Also unveiled was the new marketing website for small Franklin County farms: www.franklincountyfarmfresh.com On Wednesday evening I attended another in a series of Franklin County meetings.  This was on development of growth plans for Franklin County and was held at the Bunn Fire Department.  Timely topics were discussed and many potential solutions to growth problems presented. Return to list of links

News From Raleigh -- November 8, 2007 Even though the General Assembly is out of session, we are taking new steps to improve roads and the transportation system in North Carolina.  The General Assembly made important progress toward this goal this week when the newly appointed 21st Century Transportation Committee met for the first time. The 24-member committee is comprised of elected officials, transportation and engineering experts, business leaders and citizens. Its members have been asked to examine the condition and needs of North Carolina’s transportation system and to make a preliminary report to the General Assembly by May 1, 2008. A final report is due by the end of next year.  The work of this committee will help us refine and improve the way we build and maintain roads in this state. We can then approach our transportation system with a full understanding of the problem areas and a clear set of priorities. The committee is led by Brad Wilson, the chief operating officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and a former member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.  At its meeting Wednesday, committee members reviewed their purpose and their charge. They also received an overview of the state Department of Transportation, the Transportation Improvement Program and a study by the department that found needs of $65 billion. They also scheduled meetings for Nov. 26 and Dec. 12. For further information on the purpose and membership of this committee, please see my press release concerning the 21st Century Transportation Committee. Return to list of links

News from Raleigh -- September 17, 2007 Special Session of General Assembly I returned to Raleigh last week along with many of my colleagues for a special session to reconsider an economic incentives bill that Governor Easley vetoed in August.  We reached a compromise that encourages large businesses that pay well to stay in North Carolina. The compromise bill (House Bill 4 for the extra session) requires the companies to be in one of the state's poorest counties, to invest $200 million at the site within a six-year period, to employ at least 2,000 full-time employees, to pay for all full-time employees' health insurance and provide wages 40 percent higher than the county average. The incentives would help us keep jobs in these regions, and develop and stimulate the economy.  Of Local Interest  The last two weeks have been very busy! In addition to the extra legislative session called by Governor Easley, I have been out and about in the district quite a bit.  On Thursday, August 30, I heard reports on the "State of the Community" at the Roanoke Valley Chamber luncheon in Roanoke Rapids.  Many exciting developments are raising economic hopes and spirits in the Valley.    Saturday, September 1 marked the annual Lake Gaston-Littleton Festival, which drew thousands of visitors. Good food, music, and an Antique car show were featured. I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds and talking with area citizens. Held in downtown Littleton, this event gets bigger every year.    On Tuesday, September 4, I spoke to the Franklin County Home Builders on issues of importance to the development of the community. Watch for news of their Parade of Homes coming up.    On Wednesday, September 6, I joined the Franklin County Chamber Board of Directors for their early morning Board meeting. Chamber Chairman Jim Duncan and these civic-minded business leaders contribute much to the county's economic and community health. I especially thank them for the crucial role they played in securing funds for the widening of US HWY 401.They are now busy making plans for the June 2008 Tar River Festival.    On Friday, September 7, I joined area citizens at Embarq's Regional Headquarters in Youngsville to hear Ted Abernathy, the Executive Director of the Triangle Regional Partnership give an update on Triangle North's economic activity (Granville, Franklin, Vance and Warren counties included).    Later on Friday I enjoyed the Justice community Tractor, Car and Engine Show. It was a huge success on Friday and Saturday. As always, I was impressed with the energy and hard work which goes into such and undertaking. The food was great.....the pecan pies are my favorite.    Along with Department of Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippet and his DOT staff and Governor Easley's budget advisor, Dan Gerlach, I spoke to a group of UPS executives on transportation and legislative issues on Wednesday, September 12. I was pleased to learn that UPS provides almost 10,000 jobs in North Carolina. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, is not only an important business partner for NC but also a very responsible environmental steward.    Thursday, Sept 13, found me in Oxford for a Regional Planning Organization (RPO) meeting dealing with transportation issues in our Division 5 rural counties (Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren). Later I attended an annual NAACP banquet in Roanoke Rapids where the featured speaker was Rep. Angela Bryant of Nash County.  A Personal Note On Saturday September 8,our family attended the graduation of my youngest son, Stuart, from the MBA program at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC-Chapel Hill.  His last two years included evening classes and a hard course of study as well as a full-time job!  Return to list of links

News From Raleigh -- August 16, 2007 Even though the General Assembly has adjourned for the 2006-07 Session, the work of my office continues to keep me very busy.  This week, in addition to helping constituents with various requests and issues, I have attended three events dealing with issues of importance to our district. Mental Health Last Saturday, August 11, I joined Representative Angela Bryant at a Mental Health Forum, which she organized for Halifax County citizens. This was held in Roanoke Rapids at the Lloyd Andrews meeting facility. The forum gathered mental health providers, those using mental health services, interested citizens, and public officials to talk about and look for solutions to the mental health needs of our community.  The state-mandated transition to private provision of services has been a rocky road and I commend Representative Bryant for bringing us together to address this topic. Education On Wednesday, August 15, I helped welcome new teachers to Franklin County during a luncheon sponsored by the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at Louisburg Elementary School.  It was a pleasure to meet and talk with these fine educators who will be so important in the lives of area students.  I thanked them for choosing Franklin County.  I also learned that the local supplement now provided by our county school system has proved a wise investment in recruiting good teachers! Agriculture On Thursday, August 16, I attended the third annual AgFirst Forum at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.  Commissioner Troxler and representatives of the Department of Agriculture led a panel discussion on food safety.  This was an important opportunity for me to learn more about the measures North Carolina is taking to protect our citizens' health and the health of NC's agribusiness $66 billion impact on our state's economy.  I took extensive notes and was particularly struck by facts such as that 85% of the seafood we consume is now imported from countries whose production regulations are far less stringent than ours. Congressman Bob Etheridge called for more international transparency in food production.  The intense and rapid response of our Department of Agriculture to such public health crises as the recent Castleberry's food recall was quite impressive.  As Commissioner Troxler stated, "Food safety is about partnership: the Department of Agriculture works with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, state and local public health agencies, USDA, the Department of Defense, industry, and many others to protect consumer confidence in our food supply." Return to list of links

[Press Releases from 3rd Term Long Session, 2007] [3rd Term Interim Work, 2007-2008] [Press Releases from the 2008 Short Session] [Summary of Short Session, 2008]