In light of current economic and employment conditions, 2009 Business Ratings provide valuable insight into the performance of state lawmakers on key business issues during the 2009 Legislative Session.

“The 2009 Business Ratings come at a time when jobs and the economy are top issues on the minds of North Carolinians,” said John Rustin, Executive Director of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation. “We are pleased to provide this valuable insight into the performance of state lawmakers on issues critical to business and industry in our state, which is the engine that drives our economy and provides jobs for our working families.”

Sen. David Hoyle (D-Gaston) topped the list of state senators with a rating of 90.8, and Sen. Neal Hunt (R-Wake) earned the second-highest rating in the Senate with an 89.5, making him the highest-scoring Senate Republican. Rep. Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) earned the highest score in the state House with an 89.6 and Rep. Marilyn Avila (R-Wake) earned an 88.3, the second-highest rating. Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville) was the highest-rated House Democrat with a score of 82.9, putting him at tenth overall in the House.

“We congratulate all members of the North Carolina General Assembly who supported free enterprise principals during the session, especially those who rated in our ‘Base’ category and consistently upheld pro-business ideals,” said Jay Rouse, Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation. “These lawmakers demonstrated a level of understanding and commitment to our state’s business community that is vital to maintaining a positive economic climate in North Carolina.”

This year, 21 of the 50 state senators received a Business Rating of 70 or higher, placing them in the “Base” category and identifying them as consistent supporters of the free enterprise position. Fifty-seven out of the 120 members of the state House scored above 70 and earned the “Base” designation.

About the NC FreeEnterprise Foundation:

The North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation, Inc., is a statewide, nonpartisan research and education organization that serves business and industry by providing innovative educational programs, nonpartisan political research, and objective analysis to foster informed civic involvement, promoting the ideals of the free enterprise system.

                

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