GOP House Speaker Thom Tillis and Rep. Earline Parmon, a Democrat from Winston-Salem, are hosting an information session next month in Charlotte on the history of the state's eugenics program.
A task force appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue has recommended that people sterilized under the state's eugenics program receive $50,000.
Tillis said he is interested in setting up a compensation plan. A press release from his office said he is working with Parmon "to map out a strategy to create a working group that will discuss the best way to pursue a legislative solution to the eugenics problem."
The Feb. 1 meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., will include comments from the NAACP, the Locke Foundation and legislators. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The state Eugenics Board approved sterilizing about 7,600 people between 1929 and 1974. The state estimates that about 1,500 to 2,000 are still alive.
Holding to file for District 13
Former U.S. Attorney George Holding plans to file for the 13th Congressional District seat on Feb. 15.
Holding put out the word after rumors were circulated, presumably by rivals, that he was considering switching to run for attorney general.
Also seeking the GOP nomination for the 13th District are Paul Coble, the chairman of the Wake County commissioners and former Raleigh mayor, and Bill Randall, the party's nominee last time. The seat is held by Democrat Brad Miller, who has indicated he is unlikely to run if the newly aligned district is upheld by the courts.
Preston won't run again
State Sen. Jean Preston, who has served in the legislature for two decades, announced she will not seek re-election.
Preston, 76, a retired teacher and principal from Emerald Isle, served seven terms in the House before being elected to the Senate six years ago.
"It has been my distinct pleasure to serve the people of North Carolina, first as an educator and now as an elected official," said Preston. "However, the time has come to move on to another chapter of my life and give more attention to my family."
She said she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Preston, a moderate Republican, has been particularly involved in education issues.
