Senator Brent Jackson: March updates

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From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson March 13, 2025

Dear Friend of Senate District 9, Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly. My team and I are committed to serving our community and our state, working hard each day to bring about positive change. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue addressing the important issues impacting our district! Your voices and concerns continue to guide our efforts in the General Assembly, and we remain focused on bringing your priorities to the forefront. Stay tuned for more updates on the important work we’re doing, and thank you for your continued support! Sincerely,

Late last week, the Senate unanimously passed the fourth round of Hurricane Helene legislation. This now brings the total amount of funding for relief and recover for Helene efforts to $1.4 billion. House Bill 47 includes: $140 million to the Department of Commerce, Division of Community Revitalization for the Home Reconstruction and Repair Program. Nearly $192.5 million for agriculture, including crop loss, debris removal, and other recovery needs. It allows the Agriculture Commissioner the ability to use funds from the Tropics Storm Fred fund within the department which amounts to about $10.5 million for crop loss needs for disasters that happened in 2024, bringing the total funding in the bill for agriculture needs to more than $200 million. $100 million to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management for the Private Road and Bridge Repair and Replacement Program. $55 million for the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program to provide grants to local governments to expedite needed infrastructure repairs for small businesses. $20 million to the Office of State Budget Management to distribute to state agencies and local governments for debris removal unmet needs. $10 million to the Office of State Fire Marshal to provide grants to the most affected counties to cover expenses incurred due to Hurricane Helene, to purchase equipment, or to make capital improvements to assist with readiness for future emergency response. $10 million to N.C. Emergency Management to provide grants to nonprofits for actual and ongoing repair and reconstruction projects. $3 million for targeted media campaigns to encourage tourism to counties in the affected area. $4.5 million for a new School Extension Learning Recovery Program to help address negative impacts due to lost instruction time in the affected area. As we discussed in our last edition, the Senate has heard and passed Senate Bill 153: The North Carolina Border Protection Act. Here is a recap on what that bill does: Require state law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, the State Highway Patrol, and the State Bureau of Investigation, to enter into memorandums of agreement (MOAs) with the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to fully cooperate with immigration laws. Those law enforcement agencies would also be required to determine the immigration status of any person in its custody or under its supervision. The Office of State Budget and Management would be required to determine whether, and to what extent, certain state-funded public benefit programs are being provided to unauthorized immigrants and post its findings publicly. The OSBM would then be required to take steps to ensure that state-funded public benefits are only being provided to those who qualify for it. While Sanctuary City policies are already prohibited in the state, municipalities across the state continue to defy the state law. To hold them accountable, any county or municipality that creates Sanctuary Cities will have its local immunity waived, thereby allowing citizens harmed by illegal immigrants to sue them. Finally, it prohibits UNC System campuses from adopting any policy that does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and/or adopting sanctuary school policies. To find out more about the NC General Assembly Committees you can visit the website by clicking here

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It was wonderful to meet the 4th and 5th graders of Clement Elementary School from Sampson County on their field trip to the General Assembly!

I am so appreciative that the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists have awarded me with their Legislator of the Year Award!

On Tuesday, I was honored to receive the "Healthy Foods Champion" award on behalf of the Reinvestment Partners' program "Eat Well" which provides healthy foods to those in need!

Opportunity Scholarship Program In 2013 the North Carolina General Assembly created the NC Opportunity Scholarship program. It recognized a simple yet important principle - choice. Every child has unique educational needs. North Carolina recognizes that uniqueness and offers support for the academic programs that best meet the needs of that child - be they traditional public schools, charter schools, home schools or private schools.  Last year the North Carolina General Assembly expanded the NC Opportunity Scholarship program for families choosing a private school option. You can find details on the program and how to apply here. "Scholarships are awarded based on a family’s household income and can be used to pay the required tuition and fees to attend an eligible private school. Who Can Apply? Parents of any North Carolina student entering kindergarten through 12th grade. What are the eligibility requirements? Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship: At least 5 years old by August 31 or at least 4 years old by April 16 and approved for Kindergarten according to state guidelines. Lives in North Carolina Has not graduated from high school Has not enrolled in a post-secondary institution full-time Note: Scholarship amount is determined by household income How much is the Scholarship? Scholarships range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 and are based on a family’s household income. Scholarships can be used to pay the required tuition and fees to attend an eligible private school."

GO Grant

GO Grants are a great way to get our students outdoors! Apply for a GO Grant today! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no deadline to apply!

Apply for a GO Grant

Cutting-Edge MRI Now a Reality in Bladen County

The new outpatient building housing a cutting-edge outpatient MRI has been a vision on the drawing board for quite a while. On Friday the vision came out of the planning and construction phases and has become a full functioning reality at 507 Doctor’s Drive in Elizabethtown. With a ribbon cutting and special ceremony the Cape Fear Valley Outpatient MRI was officially opened to the health community and the Bladen County public.

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Community Gathering in Warsaw Brings Locals, Leaders Together

The Warsaw Parks and Recreation Center was filled with light, laughter, and lively conversation Thursday evening as residents and local officials came together to discuss the town’s growth, upcoming developments, and current challenges in an open format hosted by the Town of Warsaw, its Chamber of Commerce, and several local area businesses. The event allowed the public a rare opportunity to connect with their community leaders on a human level and helped bridge the gap between the municipality and those it serves. Read More

Jones County Heritage Festival Announcement!

Jones County has announced that on Saturday, September 27th, 2025 will be their annual festival! They will have heritage skill exhibitors, food vendors, other selling vendors, rides, heritage activities, a Local Entertainment Show, Jones County Heritage Pageant, kayaking, Danny Heath Memorial Car Show, with more to be announced! Read More

Pender County Schools to Host Career Fair March 27th

Pender County Schools is set to host a Career Fair on March 27th from 4:30 – 7:00 PM at Heide Trask High School. Representatives from all 19 schools in the district will be present to discuss current job openings and highlight the district’s commitment to student success and professional development. Attendees will have the chance to speak directly with administrators and hiring personnel about available positions and potential career growth.

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Roseboro Continues Downtown Revitalization Efforts

Roseboro town officials took a leap forward toward furthering its “Growing Downtown Roseboro Roots, Building Rehabilitation Project,” after finally approving the contract for its Rural Transformation Grant. The town board unanimously voted to accept the renegotiated Roseboro Affordable Rural Housing Transformation Project contract during its recent special called meeting.

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Friends of Ag Rally Plows Through this Month

The annual Sampson County Friends of Agriculture Ag Rally returns this year on March 18. The rally is a long-held tradition for people to gather, fellowship and remember the importance that agriculture has on the Sampson County community.  The 2025 Ag Rally is scheduled to begin with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Sampson County Agri-Expo Center. Read More

March 1781: Battle of Guilford Courthouse

In a clearing in the woods in Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1781, British soldiers led by General Charles, the Lord Cornwallis, clashed with Whig troops led by General Nathanael Greene in a battle that changed the course of the American Revolution in the southern colonies and contributed to the ultimate defeat of the British at Yorktown, Virginia. Read More

Sen. Brent Jackson, District 9 | 16 West Jones Street 2022 Legislative Building | Raleigh, NC 27601 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice