Issues

Bruce greets Les Meinhart at the W.N.C. Farmer's Market.

Right now, North Carolinians are suffering more than they have in a generation because of the economy and job situation. I believe that government has the responsibility to do as much as possible to encourage job growth and stimulate the economy. That’s why I support legislation encouraging research and growth in green technology (HB 462), making it easier for small businesses to grow, and supporting workforce development programs like the one at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College so that we can ensure our workforce has the skills to meet the demands in the market place.

Affordable health care is one of Bruce's signature issues. Here he confers with Dr. Richard Bock from Asheville Vein Specialists.

Access to affordable health care is essential to the overall wellness of our community. While Congress has spent its time talking about health care, I sponsored legislation again in 2009 that makes health care more accessible and more affordable for the working-class people in our county. This is an effort to reduce the number of uninsured North Carolinians and to reduce the cost of health insurance for all purchasers of health insurance. Despite opposition by large insurance companies, the bill passed. The new state law (S.L. 2009-568) provides a model for affordable employer-based health insurance. I also support providing tax incentives to small businesses who want to do the right thing by providing health insurance for their employees.

Talking agriculture with Jamie Ager from Hickory Nut Gap Farms in Fairview.

Our beautiful mountains are a source of pride for us all and it is our responsibility to protect this priceless natural resource. I believe every mountain county should create ordinances to protect our ridgetops, prevent building on steep slopes that would put homeowners and our community in danger of rock slides (2007 HB 1406), and encourage sustainable growth and energy-efficient building (HB 504 & HB 1015).

Bruce speaks to a group of attentive students at Owen High School.

I began my public service on the Buncombe County School Board. I ran for school board because I wanted to make sure that the children in our community are getting the best education possible. I support increasing classroom spending, raising teacher salaries, building and maintaining safe school buildings (S.L. 2009-123) and fostering a safe learning environment (S.L. 2009-498).