From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson July 30, 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.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
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Lawmakers returned to Raleigh this week for one of the most productive legislative sessions in recent history. Lawmakers overrode twelve of Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes—setting a new chamber record—approved a first-in-the-nation school choice initiative aligned with President Trump’s education agenda, and introduced a targeted mini budget focused on essential state priorities.
Senate Republicans’ veto overrides marked a decisive stand against policies that would have undermined public safety, parental rights, and fiscal responsibility. The twelve overridden bills include:
- SB 50 – Freedom to Carry NC
- SB 153 – NC Border Protection Act
- SB 227 – Eliminating DEI in K-12
- SB 558 – Eliminating DEI in Higher Ed
Of these twelve, eight will become law:
- SB 254 – Charter School Changes
- SB 266 – Power Bill Reduction Act
- SB 416 – Personal Privacy Protection Act
- HB 193 – Firearm Law Revisions
- HB 318 – Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act
- HB 402 – Limit Rules With Substantial Financial Costs
- HB 549 – Clarify Powers of State Auditor
- HB 805 – Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women Minors
In addition to the veto overrides, the Senate approved an updated version of House Bill 87 – “Educational Choice for Children Act”, making North Carolina the first state in the nation to opt into President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This historic legislation will allow residents to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 starting in 2027 when donating to eligible nonprofits that provide scholarships to students.
Senate leaders also introduced a focused "mini-budget" designed to address urgent funding needs while full budget negotiations continue. The plan includes:
- Salary step increases for teachers and other state employees
- $157.3 million for the State Health Plan and $40.3 million for the retirement system
- $600 million for Medicaid rebasing and administration
- $104.2 million for K-12 enrollment growth
- $75 million for community college enrollment needs
- $623.6 million in SCIF capital project funding and $200 million for repairs and renovations
- $9.4 million to modernize K-12 student data systems
- $9.5 million for the NC Promise college tuition program
- $142 million in additional crop loss relief
- Investments in economic development projects, DMV service expansion, and elections modernization
This targeted mini budget reflects weeks of negotiations and focuses exclusively on “must-do” items that protect essential services and support North Carolina families.
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| | It was a pleasure to take a trip down to Jones County and meet with the Mayor of Pollocksville, Mr. Jay Bender! | | Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present HB125 - Continuing Budget Operations on the Senate Floor. The mini-budget reflects weeks of collaboration between staff, budget writers, and the House to fund key “must-do” items addressing urgent state needs. For full details, you can view the bill at: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/h125. | | 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! | | BCC Establishes Karen Campbell Paramedic Scholarship | | Bladen Community College has established the Karen Campbell Paramedic Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Karen Campbell, a compassionate Bladen County native known for her dedication to helping others. The scholarship supports a Bladen County resident pursuing paramedic training and covers full tuition, books, and fees. Karen’s legacy of service spanned roles in Raleigh, Elizabethtown, and Wilmington, where she worked with individuals facing challenges and at-risk youth. Her family, grateful for the care shown by local emergency services, created the scholarship to help others give back to the community she loved. For more information, contact the BCC Financial Aid Office at (910) 879-5562 or the Foundation at (910) 879-5634. | | JSCC Receives $416K for TRIO Student Support Services | |
James Sprunt Community College has been awarded a $416,545 TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. This funding continues 35 years of TRIO SSS on campus, which has served over 4,000 students since 1990. The program offers academic tutoring, financial aid guidance, career exploration, counseling, and mentoring to improve student retention and graduation rates.
Director Candice Faison emphasized the program’s role in leveling the playing field and equipping students for success. Nationally, SSS participants are significantly more likely to graduate or transfer compared to their peers. The program is one of eight federal TRIO initiatives designed to remove barriers to higher education. For more information, visit jamessprunt.edu or contact cfaison@jamessprunt.edu.
| | Jones County Seeks Board Members for Long-Term Recovery Committee | | Jones County is calling on community-minded residents to join the Long-Term Recovery Committee and help shape the county’s disaster recovery efforts. Board members will play a vital role in strengthening resilience and preparedness through quarterly meetings with real impact. Applicants must live in Jones County, with preference given to those from disaster-affected areas. Apply online at: https://jonescountync.gov/government/governing-boards/county-board-vacancies/. | | Pender County Awarded State Grants for Local Intiatives | | Pender County has secured multiple competitive state grants to enhance infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience. Key awards include a $4.6 million NCDOT contract for road improvements, a $177,200 grant for a multi-use path on Country Club Drive and NC-210, and $1.4 million for water quality upgrades through the Olde Point Filtration project. The county also received an $85,000 grant for coastal resilience planning and risk assessment. Additionally, the Town of Burgaw was awarded $181,687 for a rain garden project to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. These investments highlight Pender County’s commitment to future-ready growth and environmental stewardship. | | Sampson County Hosts Disaster and Relief Training | | Sampson County Emergency Services recently conducted a two-day emergency response exercise at its new Emergency Operations Center, bringing together nearly 120 personnel from across North Carolina. Timed with Hurricane Preparedness Month, the training included simulations of hazardous materials spills, civil unrest, and extreme heat events. Funded by NC Emergency Management, the event tested real-time coordination through the Incident Command System and emphasized the importance of both internal readiness and public preparedness. Emergency Services Director Rick Sauer urged residents to prepare now using tools like ReadyNC.gov, reinforcing the county’s commitment to proactive disaster response. | | Large Animal Health Enhancement Grants Awarded to 11 Veterinary Practices | |
Eleven North Carolina veterinary practices recently received grants of $11,227 each—totaling $123,500—from a fund established by the N.C. General Assembly in 2023 to support large animal veterinary care in rural counties. Administered by the N.C. Ag Finance Authority, the grants can be used for student loan repayment, facility upgrades, equipment, and other resources to strengthen large animal practices.
Veterinarians eligible for the funding must practice in one of 70 counties with populations under 100,000 and dedicate at least 30% of their work to large animals. The next application period is open from August 1–31, and more information is available at this link or by emailing largeanimalvetgrants@ncagr.gov.
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July 1930: Duke University Hospital Opens
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Although it is the youngest of the nation's premier medical institutions, Duke Health has rapidly grown into one of the largest and most respected clinical and biomedical research enterprises in the country. Its expansive health system now serves patients across 32 counties in North Carolina and extends into neighboring states.
A key milestone in this journey occurred on July 21, 1930, when Duke University Hospital officially opened its doors. The opening was a momentous occasion, drawing an estimated 25,000 visitors and marking the beginning of Duke’s legacy in world-class patient care, medical education, and groundbreaking research.
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