From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson June 4, 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,
| | |
Lawmakers returned to Raleigh this week as the 2026 Short Session resumed, with budget negotiations and several major policy proposals continuing to advance through the General Assembly. Key measures receiving attention include:
HB 87 โ Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)
This week, the North Carolina General Assembly completed its override of Governor Josh Stein's veto of House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act. The legislation allows North Carolina to participate in a new federal scholarship tax-credit program that provides taxpayers with a federal tax credit for donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations supporting K-12 educational opportunities. The House voted to override the veto in May, and the Senate's vote this week completed the override process, allowing the bill to become law.
Data Center and Energy Policy Discussions-
Committees continued reviewing legislation related to large-scale data center development, electric grid reliability, and energy generation as North Carolina prepares for increased demand from economic growth and emerging technologies.
State Budget Negotiations Continue-
Lawmakers also continued discussions on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 state budget. Budget negotiations remain a primary focus of the Short Session as legislators work to reach agreement on education funding, state employee compensation, healthcare programs, infrastructure investments, and other key priorities before the session concludes.
| | |
We appreciate your time in reading our newsletter and would love to hear your thoughts! What do you enjoy most, and what could we improve to make it more valuable to you?
๏ปฟYour feedback is invaluable in helping us refine and enhance our content. Feel free to share your suggestionsโweโre listening!
| | Invite your Friends/Family! | |
๏ปฟIf you'd like to invite others to receive our weekly district newsletter, you can invite them using the button below!
| |
Major Flood Reduction Project Announced for Bladenboro
The Town of Bladenboro will receive $1.6 million through the N.C. Department of Environmental Qualityโs Flood Resiliency Blueprint program to help reduce recurring flooding in the downtown area.
The Bladenboro South Main Street Flood Resiliency Project will improve drainage by clearing and widening a blocked culvert, restoring natural streamflow, and creating more than 3.9 million gallons of floodplain storage. The project will also include planting native trees and vegetation to stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wetland habitat.
State and local officials announced the project on May 29, citing the devastating impacts of recent flooding events, including Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Florence, and Tropical Storm Debby. Officials say the project will help protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure while improving the communityโs long-term resilience to future storms.
The project is one of dozens funded through North Carolinaโs Flood Resiliency Blueprint, which has invested more than $43 million in flood mitigation projects across the state since 2024.
Read More
| | Downtown Bladenboro flooded during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 | | | |
| |
Duplin Nonprofit Provides Free Child Care and Family Support
Diversity Nurtures Achievement (DNA), a Warsaw-based nonprofit founded in 2015 by Earlean Rivers, continues to provide free after-school and summer child care services to families across Duplin County. What began as a small after-school program has expanded to multiple locations, including a site at Big Zion AME Zion Church near Kenansville.
In addition to child care, DNA offers meals, homework assistance, reading programs, and structured learning opportunities for students who have been suspended from school. The organization also works with foster youth and students on probation, providing educational support and a safe environment during challenging periods.
๏ปฟ
By offering these services at no cost to families, DNA helps ease the financial burden of child care while creating opportunities for children and teens to learn, grow, and succeed. The program is funded through grants and community donations and continues to make a positive impact throughout Duplin County.
Read More
| | | |
|
Jones County Proposed Budget Maintains Tax Rate, Adds Fire Protection District
Jones County Manager Kyle Smith has presented a proposed $26.1 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 that would keep the county property tax rate unchanged at 74 cents per $100 of valuation. The budget includes a new 3-cent Fire Protection Service District tax that would create a dedicated funding source for volunteer fire departments.
The proposed General Fund totals nearly $21 million, representing a 6% increase over the current year's budget. Major expenditures include public safety, education, social services, and health services. The plan also provides county employees with a 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment and a $500 holiday bonus.
Under the proposal, volunteer fire departments would receive funding through the new Fire Protection Service District rather than direct General Fund appropriations. The district would generate approximately $355,000 annually to support fire protection services, run-pay incentives, and future equipment and capital needs.
County commissioners were scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider adoption of the budget on June 1.
Read More
| | | | |
| |
Pender County Opens New Health and Human Services Facility
Pender County officials recently celebrated the opening of a new 89,000-square-foot Health and Human Services facility in Burgaw. The $40 million building brings the countyโs Health Department and Department of Social Services together under one roof, improving access to services and increasing efficiency for both residents and staff.
The new facility offers a wide range of resources, including public health programs, dental services, immunizations, WIC assistance, and social services support. County leaders say the centralized location will make it easier for residents to access multiple services during a single visit while enhancing coordination among county employees.
๏ปฟ
The building also features upgraded security measures, modern exam rooms, and specialized visitation spaces designed to support families and provide hands-on life skills training. Officials expect the facility to serve Pender County residents for decades while creating additional employment opportunities in the community.
Read More
| | | |
Sampson County Board of Education Recognizes Outstanding Educators and Students
The Sampson County Board of Education recently recognized several educators and students for outstanding achievements during its latest meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Jamie King was honored as the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year by the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium. The award recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to students, staff, and school communities across the region.
Student-athletes also received recognition for success at the state level. Midway High Schoolโs Samuel Dudley captured the NCHSAA 3A State Championship in the 300-meter hurdles, while Tilyn Monk earned a state championship in the high jump and a state runner-up finish in the long jump.
Several Midway High students were recognized for their musical accomplishments, including selections to the North Carolina All-State Honors Band, Eastern Regional Orchestra, and Eastern Jazz Band.
The board also recognized Emma Clark of Clement Elementary School as the 2026-27 Beginning Teacher of the Year. A former student of Clement Elementary, Clark was honored for her dedication and growth as an educator during her first years in the classroom.
The recognitions highlight the exceptional achievements of Sampson County students, teachers, and educational leaders and their continued commitment to excellence.
๏ปฟRead More
| | | | | Agricultural Spotlight: North Carolina's Beekeepers | |
June is National Pollinators Month, providing an opportunity to recognize the important role honeybees and beekeepers play in North Carolina agriculture. One example is Elevated Apiary, a family-owned operation in Colfax that manages more than 100 bee colonies and produces approximately 2,000 pounds of honey each year.
Founded by beekeeper Stoney Berry in 2016, Elevated Apiary produces a variety of honey products, including wildflower honey, sourwood honey, hot honey, and flavored creamed honey. The operation also produces beeswax candles, pollen, propolis, and other bee-related products.
Beyond honey production, bees provide critical pollination services that support North Carolina's agricultural industry. Beekeepers work year-round to maintain healthy hives, protect bees from pests and disease, and ensure colonies have adequate food supplies during the winter months.
As North Carolina's number one industry, agriculture depends heavily on pollinators to support crop production across the state. National Pollinators Month serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions made by beekeepers and the importance of protecting pollinator populations for future generations.
Read More
| |  |
Historical Spotlight:
June, 1940-
๏ปฟU.S.S North Carolina
| |
On June 13, 1940, the USS North Carolina (BB-55) was launched from the New York Navy Yard, becoming the first American battleship built in nearly two decades and the first of the Navy's modern fast battleships. Sponsored by Isabel Hoey, daughter of North Carolina Governor Clyde Hoey, the vessel would become the third ship in U.S. Navy history to bear the state's name.
Nicknamed the "Showboat," the USS North Carolina combined speed, firepower, and heavy armor, making it one of the most advanced battleships of its time. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the battleship was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where it participated in every major naval campaign from 1942 through the end of World War II. During its service, the ship traveled more than 300,000 miles and earned 15 battle stars for its wartime accomplishments.
After being decommissioned in 1947, the battleship remained in reserve until North Carolinians launched a successful campaign to preserve the vessel. In 1961, the USS North Carolina arrived in Wilmington, where it remains today as a museum and memorial honoring the service and sacrifice of North Carolina veterans who served during World War II.
Read More
| | | | | |
