A HOUSE RESOLUTION asking the democratic party to rely on north carolina companies and workers for the democratic national convention in 2012.
Whereas, the Democratic National Convention for 2012 is being held in Charlotte; and
Whereas, North Carolina's largest city expects more than 40,000 delegates, media representatives, and visitors for this event; and
Whereas, this event should provide a considerable economic boost to the city, particularly as the unemployment rate in Charlotte is 11.2%, two points higher than the national average; and
Whereas, the unemployment rate in the State of North Carolina is 10.5%, nearly two points higher than the national average; and
Whereas, it is estimated that the presence of the Democratic National Convention will generate over $160 million in revenue; and
Whereas, the City is already starting to undertake significant fund‑raising and infrastructure activity in preparation for this event; and
Whereas, the City of Charlotte has already raised nearly $60 million in funding to help bring the event to North Carolina; and
Whereas, despite the high unemployment rates in Charlotte, in Mecklenburg County, and throughout the State of North Carolina, the Democratic National Convention Committee is outsourcing contracts to vendors outside of the State because it prefers to do business with unionized companies only; and
Whereas, there have been reports in the media of Charlotte‑based companies being refused contracts and the Democratic National Convention awarding a printing services contract to a unionized company based in Washington, D.C.; and
Whereas, North Carolina is a right‑to‑work state; and
Whereas, the City of Charlotte should not bear the financial and infrastructure burden of the convention if a significant portion of the revenue goes to out‑of‑state firms because they are unionized; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina House of Representatives urges the Democratic Party to rely on North Carolina companies and workers for its contracts leading up to and during the 2012 Democratic National Convention, particularly those based in the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg County metropolitan area, and urges the Democratic National Convention Committee to change its rules to respect North Carolina's right‑to‑work laws and refrain from hiring workers and companies from outside the State of North Carolina when qualified business and workers are available within the State.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk of the House of Representatives shall send a certified copy of this resolution to each member of the North Carolina congressional delegation and to the North Carolina members of the Democratic National Committee.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.