(The Center Square) – State Rep. Jason Saine, stalwart leader from Lincoln County in North Carolina’s Republican Party, is tendering his resignation from the House of Representatives effective Aug. 12.
In an email to The Center Square on Monday, Saine wrote, “The remainder of the year I plan to look at what opportunities are available to me and continue my talks with a mental health provider that is looking at me to head up their multistate efforts in marketing as well as consider potential public policy options.”
Saine will depart having served as senior chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and vice chairman of two other panels: Appropriations, Information Technology, and for Redistricting. He was a member of seven other standing or select committees; co-chairman of three joint legislative oversight committees; and on four other nonstanding committees, one of which is the Legislative Ethics Committee.
Saine arrived on Jones Street by appointment Aug. 24, 2011, just under a year after the historic 2010 midterms. Amid the first terms of President Barack Obama and Gov. Bev Purdue, Republicans garnered majorities in the state Senate and House of Representatives for the first time in 140 years – since Reconstruction following the Civil War.
It led to an unprecedented decade-plus of fiscal reform that wiped out the state’s $3 billion deficit – and then some. In April, with the state at a $1.4 billion surplus, a report from the Office of State Budget and Management said an extra $1 billion in surplus would be available for 2024-25.
The state has grown to 10.8 million population, with multiple analyses calling it the third-most desired destination state for intercontinental migration. Unprecedented success in rankings for states to do business has come with it.
Though he's a big part of those accomplishments, Saine says his proudest moments are elsewhere.
“I would point to my support and shoring up of child advocacy centers in North Carolina, work on getting firefighter cancers covered, sports wagering, and expansion off broadband throughout our state including House Bill 319 in 2017 that mapped the way for expansion into our state,” Saine wrote in his email to The Center Square.
He also shared, related to a future in politics, “I am not seeking another office, for now or the foreseeable future, but you never know. I can honestly attest that I have no future plans in that arena.”
Saine planned to make the announcement at 4 p.m. Monday, but a media outlet posted earlier in the morning. Others followed.
In his letter to Speaker of the House Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, Saine wrote in part, “For the past 13 years, it has been an unparalleled honor to serve the people of Lincoln County in District 97 and the state of North Carolina. Together, we have navigated the complexities of governance and policymaking, always striving to uplift the lives of our constituents and enhance the welfare of our beloved state.”
He wrote that he is hopeful of contributing to policy development in the state and beyond. He said his son Jackson refers to the pending change as “Dad entering the portal,” a play on college athletics transitions.
“They have sacrificed for me while I have served the people of the 97th District,” Saine wrote of his son and wife Kathryn. “I look forward to spending more time with my family and working in policy, but also pursuing other professional opportunities to help give back to my family.”
Twenty awards dot his legislative tenure, including Legislator of the Year five times. He's been honored in the areas of information technology and internet security; animal protection; firefighting; public safety; public schools; education; children’s advocacy; energy; economic development; sales tax; alcoholic beverages; the hospitality industry; and libraries.
Saine was a candidate for reelection. No Democrat filed to run in the district.
He's the third Republican in just under 100 days to change course. Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford , lost in the Super Tuesday primary running for Labor Department commissioner, then resigned from the House on April 8. State Sen. Jim Perry, R-Lenoir, left his chamber on July 2.
In comments release later Monday, Moore said, “As Appropriations Chair and an advocate for broadband access and esports, Rep. Saine has been a pivotal figure in passing significant state policies that have helped shape the future of North Carolina. Rep. Saine has made an indelible mark on our state and in the NC House of Representatives, and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
Rep. Destin Hall, the House chairman of the Rules Committee, said in a statement, "I wish him great success in his future endeavors, and I thank him for his dedication to public service and the State of North Carolina."
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