RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A former North Carolina Senate leader has been remembered by the General Assembly for getting important policies approved and for being a good man.
The Senate and House approved a resolution Tuesday honoring the life of former Senate President Pro Tempore Henson Barnes, who died last November at age 81.
The Democrat represented Wayne and Greene counties in the Senate from 1977 until 1992, serving in the pro tem position the last four years. Barnes became one of the state’s most powerful politicians as Democrats shifted powers held by the lieutenant governor to his position. He served briefly in the House.
Sen. Dan Blue was House speaker while Barnes was Senate leader. Blue recalled Barnes’ efforts to overhaul criminal sentencing and worker safety following a chicken plant fire in Hamlet.