From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson November 10, 2026 | | We extend our heartfelt thanks to all United States veterans for their service, courage, and sacrifice. We are forever grateful for their dedication to protecting our nation and the freedoms we enjoy every day. We also recognize the families of our veterans, whose unwavering support and sacrifices are an important part of their service to our country. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our nation. | | |
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,
| | Now that the General Assembly is in the interim, the newsletter will be on a bi-weekly schedule. | | |
With the General Assembly now in an extended recess, lawmakers will spend the coming months working in their districts and assisting constituents. The legislature is expected to reconvene later this year to address any unfinished business and consider additional legislative matters as needed until next year's long session.
Legislation of the Week
Senate Bill 295 – Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws
Primary Sponsors: Senators Brent Jackson, Michael Lazzara, and Vickie Sawyer.
Senate Bill 295, signed into law on July 1, 2025, makes several changes to North Carolina's motor vehicle dealer laws. The legislation strengthens protections for local dealerships and helps ensure fair business practices between vehicle manufacturers and dealers across the state.
The law addresses unfair dealership franchise terminations, protects dealership owners when transferring ownership or passing their businesses to successors, and clarifies requirements for manufacturer reimbursements for warranty and recall repairs. It also establishes compensation requirements when manufacturers sell certain vehicle upgrades and services directly to customers.
These changes help support North Carolina's automobile dealerships by promoting fair competition, protecting local businesses, and providing greater stability for dealership owners and employees.
Status: Became law July 1, 2025, as Session Law 2025-41.
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What is a Conference Committee?
When the North Carolina House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, a conference committee may be formed to help resolve their disagreements. A conference committee consists of lawmakers appointed from both chambers who work together to negotiate a version of the legislation that both sides can support.
Once an agreement is reached, the committee presents a conference report outlining the proposed final version of the bill. Both the House and Senate must approve the report before the legislation can move forward. If approved, the bill can then be sent to the Governor for consideration, when required.
Conference committees play an important role in the legislative process by helping lawmakers find common ground and move legislation toward becoming law.
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Bladen Community College Expands Aviation Programs
Bladen Community College is opening new doors for students interested in aviation careers with the launch of its Aviation Management degree program this fall. The program prepares students for careers in airport operations, aviation administration, logistics, and other aviation-related fields. Courses cover topics such as air navigation, aviation meteorology, federal aviation regulations, and management.
The college is also planning to introduce an Air Traffic Control program in spring 2027, potentially becoming the first community college in North Carolina to offer this type of training. The new programs are designed to address growing workforce needs in southeastern North Carolina while providing students with opportunities to enter high-paying careers.
With Fayetteville Regional Airport, Wilmington International Airport, and Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field nearby, Bladen Community College is well-positioned to connect students with internships and future employment opportunities. These programs represent an exciting step forward for workforce development in Bladen County and the surrounding region.
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Longtime Duplin County Schools Leader Steps Down After Nearly 50 Years
After nearly five decades of service to education in Duplin County, Claudius Morrisey has announced his resignation from the Duplin County Board of Education. His departure was announced during the board's November 5 meeting, marking the end of a long career dedicated to local students, teachers, and families.
Morrisey began his career with Duplin County Schools in 1978, serving in several roles throughout the district, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and student support services. In 2016, he joined the Duplin County Board of Education, where he continued advocating for students and supporting the school system.
Throughout his career, Morrisey earned the respect of colleagues and community members through his dedication, kindness, and leadership. The Board of Education and Superintendent Daren Tyndall recognized his many contributions and thanked him for his years of service.
Morrisey leaves behind a lasting legacy in Duplin County Schools, having dedicated nearly 50 years to improving education and supporting generations of students across the community.
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Jones County Farmers Eligible for New Agricultural Grant Opportunities
Farmers and agribusiness owners in Jones County have a new opportunity to receive financial assistance through the University of Mount Olive's 2027 AgPrime Cost-Share Grant Program. The program, supported by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, provides funding to help agricultural businesses expand, improve operations, and explore new opportunities.
Eligible farmers and agribusiness owners can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support innovative projects that could increase profitability. Priority will be given to agricultural businesses that rely heavily on farming income, as well as current and former tobacco farmers.
The program aims to strengthen rural agricultural communities by encouraging new ideas, business growth, and diversification. Applications opened November 1 and will remain open through December 15, 2026.
This opportunity could provide valuable support to Jones County farmers looking to invest in their operations and strengthen the local agricultural economy.
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Burgaw Prepares for Holiday Celebrations and Annual Blueberry Drop
The Town of Burgaw is getting ready for the holiday season with a variety of festive events planned throughout November and December. The celebrations will begin November 28 with the Christmas on the Square Vendor Market and the 18th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Pender County Courthouse Square. Residents can enjoy local arts and crafts vendors, holiday shopping, and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree.
Additional festivities include Santa in the Park on December 4, Santa's Workshop and the annual Christmas Parade on December 12, and Breakfast with Santa on December 19. These events will provide opportunities for families and residents across Pender County to celebrate the holiday season together.
Burgaw will also continue its annual New Year's Eve tradition with the Blueberry Drop on December 31. The celebration will take place at the Pender County Courthouse Square from 5 to 7:30 p.m., featuring live music from the '80s-themed band Cassette Rewind, food trucks, and fireworks.
With activities planned for all ages, Burgaw's holiday lineup offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the season.
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Sampson County Sees Increased Voter Turnout in 2026 Midterm Election
Sampson County saw an increase in voter participation during the 2026 midterm election, with 18,558 residents casting ballots through early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day. This surpassed the 17,965 voters who participated in the 2022 midterm election. According to Elections Director Niya Rayner, preliminary turnout reached approximately 47.6% of registered voters, with additional ballots still being reviewed before the county's official certification on November 13.
Several local races and ballot measures drew attention, including the reelection of Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and the approval of a proposed half-cent sales tax increase for education. Voters also returned Senator Brent Jackson to represent District 9 in the North Carolina Senate, while Wellie Jackson was elected to the District 22 House seat.
Election officials also reported positive feedback on the county's updated ballot tabulation system, which was introduced in 2025. The system features a more user-friendly display and has now been used in both municipal and midterm elections.
With turnout increasing compared to four years ago, the election highlighted continued civic participation among Sampson County residents. Final results will be determined following the county's canvassing process.
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NC Agriculture Spotlight: Squash Remains a Tradition on North Carolina Farms
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North Carolina ranks eighth in the nation for squash production, with both summer and winter varieties playing an important role in the state's agricultural industry. For generations, squash has been a staple on North Carolina farms and dinner tables, and family farms like Skinner Farms in Littleton are helping continue that tradition.
Skinner Farms is an eighth-generation family operation that has expanded beyond traditional row crops to grow squash, zucchini, sweet corn, watermelon, tomatoes, and other produce. The farm grows several varieties of squash, including yellow crookneck, straightneck, jumbo, and white button squash. Planting begins in the spring, with harvesting typically continuing from late June until the first frost.
For the Skinner family, growing squash is about more than producing food. It is about preserving agricultural traditions and providing fresh, locally grown products to families across North Carolina. Their commitment to farming highlights the importance of supporting local agriculture and the generations of farmers who help feed our state.
As one of North Carolina's leading squash-producing states, our agricultural communities continue to demonstrate the value of family farming and the importance of keeping these traditions alive.
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Historical Spotlight: Eleanor Roosevelt Visits Penderlea
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On June 11, 1937, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Penderlea in Pender County, one of North Carolina’s most unique New Deal communities. Penderlea was created during the Great Depression as a planned farming community to help struggling families build new lives through agriculture, homeownership, and self-sufficiency.
During her visit, Roosevelt toured the homesteads and met with residents to learn more about how the project was helping local families. Her visit brought national attention to Penderlea and highlighted the importance of rural recovery efforts during a difficult period in American history.
Penderlea remains an important part of North Carolina history because it reflected the larger goals of the New Deal while also shaping the development of Pender County. Today, it stands as a reminder of how communities across the state worked to overcome the hardships of the Great Depression.
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