From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson May 22, 2026 | | |
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, North Carolina lawmakers continued advancing several major proposals focused on delivering results to ensure North Carolinians are able to keep more of their hard-earned dollars and protect their way of life.
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Senate Bill 1080: Lower Taxes for All โ Senate Bill 1080 passed both chambers of the General Assembly this week. The proposal would lower North Carolinaโs constitutional cap on the state income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%.
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HB 1089: Property Tax Levy Limit โ House Bill 1089 also passed both chambers this week. The proposal would require the legislature to establish a constitutional limit on property tax levy increases. Supporters say the measure would provide greater predictability and protections for property owners across North Carolina.
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SB 1081: Right to Farm โ The Senate advanced Senate Bill 1081 in committee this week. The proposed constitutional amendment would add protections for farming and forestry activities into the North Carolina Constitution. Supporters say the proposal would help preserve agriculture, livestock production and timber operations across the state.
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SB 1082: Right to Work โ The Senate passed Senate Bill 1082 and it will head to the House for their consideration. The proposal would enshrine North Carolinaโs longstanding right-to-work protections into the state constitution. North Carolina has been a right-to-work state since 1947, meaning employees cannot be required to join a labor union as a condition of employment.
If approved by the General Assembly, the constitutional amendment proposals would ultimately be placed before North Carolina voters for approval during the 2026 statewide election.
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Clarkton to Celebrate 165th Anniversary with Memorial Day Spring Meet
The Town of Clarkton will celebrate its 165th anniversary on Memorial Day with a community-wide Spring Meet on Monday, May 25. The event will take place along Railroad Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a parade, live entertainment, local vendors, crafts and food.
Town leaders say the celebration is designed to honor Clarktonโs history while bringing residents, families and visitors together for a day of community fellowship and hometown pride. Organizers are currently seeking parade participants, community groups and craft and food vendors to join the festivities.
Mayor Jerome Myers said the anniversary celebration recognizes the generations who helped build Clarkton while also looking ahead to the townโs future growth and success.
Residents are encouraged to attend, bring family and friends, and help commemorate the townโs milestone 165th anniversary celebration.
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Duplin County Schools Highlights Strategic Plan Progress
Duplin County Schools leaders, educators and community members gathered at Kenansville Elementary School on May 4 to review progress on the districtโs 2022-2027 strategic plan and discuss priorities for the future. Superintendent Daren Tyndall highlighted the districtโs mission of preparing students for career, college and life success through a โunified approach to academic excellence.โ
School officials shared accomplishments in student achievement, career readiness, digital learning and school safety. Highlights included more than 850 students taking college courses through James Sprunt Community College, expanded CTE and entrepreneurship programs, strong teacher retention rates and continued investment in STEAMA education initiatives.
District leaders also emphasized community partnerships, grant-funded programs such as drone and building trades initiatives, and safety improvements including SRO officers, HVAC upgrades and enhanced security systems. During the public feedback portion, community members raised concerns about increasing bullying and mental health challenges among K-8 students, encouraging stronger prevention efforts moving forward.
The district plans to update its strategic plan next year as it aligns with statewide education priorities for 2025-2030.
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Jones County Fire Protection Proposal Delayed Until June
The Jones County Board of Commissioners voted Monday night to table a proposal that would create a countywide fire protection service district, delaying a final decision until the boardโs June 1 meeting.
The proposal would add a 3-cent property tax increase to help support the countyโs seven volunteer fire departments. County officials say the funding would provide each department with approximately $30,000 annually, while also creating a capital reserve fund for major equipment purchases and upgrades.
Emergency Services Director Ryan Mills said the additional funding is needed to replace aging equipment and improve firefighter safety. According to Mills, more than 60% of the countyโs fire apparatus is over 20 years old, and outfitting a single firefighter can cost roughly $13,000. Fire engines can range from $500,000 to $750,000.
Residents also had an opportunity to speak during a public comment period. Supporters of the proposal said the investment would strengthen emergency services and help prepare the county for future needs.
If approved, the proposed tax increase would add about $60 annually to the tax bill of a $200,000 home.
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Topsail Nature Preserve Officially Transferred to State
After more than two decades of conservation efforts, the 150-acre Topsail Nature Preserve at the southern end of Topsail Island has officially been transferred to the State of North Carolina. State and local leaders gathered Tuesday to celebrate the milestone, which ensures the undeveloped coastal property will remain protected for future generations.
The preserve will now be managed by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and includes valuable sand dunes, wetlands, wildlife habitats and nesting areas. Conservation advocates and residents have worked since 2005 to prevent development on one of the islandโs last privately owned undeveloped tracts.
The Coastal Land Trust purchased the property for $8 million, including $1.6 million raised through donations from approximately 800 local residents. Officials said preserving the land will also help strengthen the coastline against erosion, flooding and future storms.
Leaders celebrated the preservation effort during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, calling the transfer a major victory for coastal conservation and public access to natural spaces along the North Carolina coast.
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Sampson County Farmer Named N.C. Small Farmer of the Year
Sampson County farmer and Air Force veteran Darius McKoy of 12:03AM Farm in Faison has been named the 2026 N.C. Small Farmer of the Year by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University during the universityโs 40th annual Small Farms Week celebration.
McKoy, a first-generation farmer, was recognized for transforming a former sheep farm into a thriving 34-acre operation producing vegetables, herbs, eggs and honey using sustainable farming practices. Cooperative Extension leaders praised McKoyโs dedication, rapid success and commitment to educating young people about agriculture and farm-to-table food production.
A veteran who served seven tours of duty, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, McKoy said farming has helped him manage combat-related PTSD and other disabilities. He now works with fellow veterans on the farm, using agriculture as a form of healing and therapy.
โThis huge honorโ represents small farmers across North Carolina, McKoy said, adding that he hopes his work inspires young people to better understand where their food comes from.
The award was presented during Small Farmer Appreciation Night, which also honored the finalists from North Carolinaโs western and urban regions and celebrated the 40th anniversary of Small Farms Week.
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| | | | | N.C. Farm to School Calendar Contest Winners Announced | |
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently recognized 13 student artists as winners of the annual Farm to School Calendar Contest, sponsored by the North Carolina Grange. More than 3,500 entries from 58 counties were submitted this year, with each winning artwork representing a different North Carolina agricultural commodity.
The students were honored during the Got to Be N.C. Festival in Raleigh on May 15. Winners ranged from kindergarten through fifth grade and received prizes including gift cards from the N.C. Farm to School Cooperative and the School Nutrition Association of North Carolina.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler praised the creativity and agricultural understanding shown in the artwork, noting the wide variety of commodities represented, including hydroponics, flowers and alpacas.
Officials said the Farm to School Program continues to play an important role in connecting schools with North Carolina agriculture. Now in its 29th year, the program provided more than $1.8 million in North Carolina food products to schools across the state this year while also helping students learn more about farming and food production.
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| |  | Historical Spotlight: Battle of Bentonville | |
One of the most significant events in North Carolina Civil War history was the Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, in Johnston County. The battle was the largest Civil War land battle fought in North Carolina and one of the Confederacyโs final major attempts to stop Union General William T. Shermanโs advance through the South.
Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston attacked Shermanโs army near the small community of Bentonville, but Union reinforcements eventually forced the Confederates to retreat. Just weeks later, Johnston surrendered to Sherman at Bennett Place near Durham, effectively ending the Civil War in the Carolinas.
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Today, Bentonville Battlefield remains a North Carolina State Historic Site featuring preserved earthworks, monuments, reenactments and educational programs that help tell the story of one of the stateโs most important historic battles.
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