From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson September 25, 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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This week the General Assembly approved a measure that seeks to revive the death penalty in the state as part of a broader criminal justice reform package.
House Bill 307, "Iryna’s Law,"
makes several changes to remove roadblocks that have prevented the death penalty from being carried out in North Carolina. Under this proposal, instead of letting death penalty appeals sit indefinitely, they must now be heard within two years of filing, and continuances will not be granted unless the judge finds extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the bill eliminates cashless bail and removes some of the magistrate or judge's discretion, ensuring that it will be more difficult for violent and repeat offenders to get out of jail in the future.
"Back the Blue Pay Act,"
The Senate passed the "Back the Blue Pay Act." The law enforcement bonus would provide a total of $3,000 over the biennium for state and local law enforcement officers.
Under this bill, correctional officers will receive a 6.5% raise, for a total raise of 8.9%, including step increases. Probation and Parole Officers will receive a total raise of 6.9%, including step increases. State law enforcement officers, State Capitol Police, and law enforcement officers within the Division of Marine Fisheries, Forestry, Parks, and Wildlife Resources, will also receive a 6.5% raise.
This week the North Carolina Senate passed House Bill 192, "Defund Planned Parenthood and Cost Transparency," to increase transparency for patients receiving medical care and stop any state funding going to Planned Parenthood. The Bill follows in the footsteps of President Trump's Executive Order 14182 issued on Jan. 24, 2025, enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which dismissed the notion previously established by former President Biden that federal funding should be provided to promote or fund elective abortions.
Now that the General Assembly is in the interim, the newsletter will be on a bi-weekly schedule.
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| | 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! | | Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA)! | | |
The North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA) is currently accepting applications for the 2025–2026 session.
The Youth Legislative Assembly is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state, and national government.
This conference provides students with a deeper understanding of the legislative process while also developing their confidence, public speaking, and debate skills.
Any high school student in good standing at a public, private, charter, or home school in North Carolina is eligible to participate.
Students simply need to complete the application—no sponsorship from a member of the General Assembly is required.
Students can apply here
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Posthumously receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine
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Jimmy “Pete” Batton, has been posthumously awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious honors granted by the Governor of North Carolina.
“This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the state and its people, and I cannot think of a recognition more fitting for the life he lived,” Ryan Batton said.
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Duplin County is a stop on the Cycle N.C. route in the brand new Mountains to Coast tour
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This year’s event is scheduled for a Lake Lure to Fort Fisher trek from October 5 to October 11, with October 4 serving as the check-in day. With beautiful tourist stops along scenic back roads, the “Mountains to Coast” ride is the highlight of the year for many cyclists from across the nation.
Cycle North Carolina will begin its full-service, cross-state ride on October 5 from Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure and will arrive at the 1921 Fort Fisher Monument in New Hanover County on October 11, with roughly 750 cyclists in tow.
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Jones County Heritage Festival returns with parade and live music this Friday and Saturday!
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The Jones County Heritage Festival is set to make a grand return next weekend, offering a variety of attractions, including amusement rides, live music, and food vendors. The festival kicks off on Friday, September 26, from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring a live concert by "The Embers."
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Bannerman Vineyard marks 50 years of legacy and muscadine grapes in Burgaw
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One of North Carolina’s oldest vineyards is celebrating 50 years.
We went to Pender County to meet with a third-generation farmer who reflects on the farm’s past and its future.
“We’re one of the oldest Muscadine Vineyards in North Carolina and that’s something to take pride in,” third generation farmer Michael Bannerman said.
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Sampson County’s tourism numbers increase
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Tourism in Sampson County is on the rise, according to an annual study commissioned by Visit NC, which is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Last week, the report showed that visitors, both domestic and international, spent $68.47 million in the county in 2024, an increase of 2.7 percent over 2024.
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Farm Family of the Day at the N.C. State Fair
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The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its fifth year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $111.1 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.
The eleven farm families were nominated either by family or community members for their hard work and dedication to our state’s No. 1 industry, as well as their overall love for the N.C. State Fair. The lucky winners were chosen at random.
Each farm family is assigned a specific day of the 2025 N.C. State Fair, taking place Oct. 16-26, where they will be honored through public address announcements and on-grounds signage, as well as features on both the N.C. State Fair and the NCDA&CS blogs and social media platforms.
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Charlotte’s Thomas Polk Saved the Liberty Bell, 1777
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On September 24, 1777, Mecklenburg County resident Thomas Polk arrived safely in Allentown, Pa., after escorting the Liberty Bell there from Philadelphia.
Born in Pennsylvania, Polk and his family moved to Anson County, before becoming one of the first settlers of Mecklenburg County, and promoting the establishment of Charlotte. He became a prosperous planter and was active in the local and state political scenes. As the American Revolution began to come into full swing, Polk was appointed colonel of a regiment of North Carolina militia. He fought at Brandywine and spent a harsh winter at Valley Forge.
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