Economic panel bill advances

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that would establish a regional economic development commission for North Carolina and six other Southeastern states.

The bill would set up five regional commissions across the country, all with paid staff to assess the economic needs and coordinate economic development strategies. It also would approve grants to states, local governments, nonprofit agencies and tribes for infrastructure, job skills training, tourism promotion and local assistance in areas such as health care.

In the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, North Carolina would be joined by Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat, introduced legislation on his first day in Congress to set up a commission he called the Southeast Crescent Authority.

His proposal was wrapped into a bill with other regional commissions around the country.

The measure also sets up or continues other regional commissions around the country, including those to serve the Southwest, the Northern border, the Upper Great Plains and the Mississippi Delta region.

The bill authorizes $40 million for the commissions beginning next year, up to $60 million in 2012. That money would still need to be appropriated.

The bill passed 264-154, largely along party lines, in the House. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

"Passage of this important bill brings us one step closer to helping bring jobs and economic development to our area," McIntyre said in a statement. "This bill will help with resources and capital, so that we can attract jobs and improve lives."

Disability laws in spotlight

In commemoration of Disability History and Awareness Month, Julie Leggett, the policy coordinator for the Arc of North Carolina, will speak at the Frank Porter Graham Student Union at UNC-Chapel Hill on Oct. 30.

Her speech is titled "Disability Access and Why It Matters."

Leggett plans to give examples of changes in North Carolina state law and their effects.

The event, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is part of the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders and the UNC School of Law Disability Law Organization.

Edwards reading in Durham

Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, will be at the Regulator Bookshop in Durham -- that's Durham, N.C., not Durham, N.H. -- to read from her memoir "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength From Friends and Strangers."

The reading is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The author will take the usual writers' perch in the basement and, anticipating an overflow crowd, the Regulator plans to pipe audio upstairs. Edwards will take questions and sign books.

OVERHEARD

'As Barney would say to Andy, "Going to Raleigh is big." '

- Dr. Jerry Wallace, president of Campbell University, which announced that it is moving its law school to downtown Raleigh