The North Carolina Chamber remains committed to high levels of learning that prepare each student with critical thinking and problem solving skills for the workplaces of tomorrow. As I reported last week, the Senate and House are working to reconcile their versions of Senate Bill 812 and House Bill 1061 in a conference committee.

Yesterday The News & Observer and other local media outlets began reporting that the House and Senate conferees have reached an agreement. The current reports are that the agreement looks much like the original Senate bill which maintains higher standards that will be revised to best meet the unique needs of our students as they prepare for college, career and life. While this news is encouraging, we await the official decision of the legislative conference and look forward to providing more details next week.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber