From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson May 6, 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 at the North Carolina General Assembly, we acted on numerous bills delivering results for the people of North Carolina, including:
SB889 (Property Tax Moratorium): I am proud to be a primary sponsor of this legislation, which brings relief and certainty to taxpayers across the state. The bill temporarily pauses reappraisals while lawmakers continue examining long-term property tax reform solutions. Far too many families, farmers, and retirees are facing sticker shock from rapidly increasing property values, and this bill is an important step toward protecting taxpayers. The Senate passed the bill, and it now awaits action in the House.
H301 (Social Media & AI Safety): This bill addresses social media and artificial intelligence safety concerns and helps put safeguards in place as technology continues to rapidly evolve. It currently awaits discussion in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
S840 (Teacher Licensure Modifications): This legislation aims to modernize teacher licensure pathways and strengthen North Carolina’s education workforce by creating more flexibility for qualified educators entering the classroom. It currently awaits discussion in the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee.
H727 (Limit Medicaid Reimbursement for Facility Fees) and H390 (Medicaid Prepaid Health Plan Practices): H727 works to limit Medicaid reimbursement for certain facility fees, while H390 increases oversight of Medicaid prepaid health plan practices to better serve patients and taxpayers alike. Both bills passed the Senate and now await action in the House.
As budget negotiations continue, we remain committed to working toward a responsible budget that invests in North Carolina’s priorities while maintaining the fiscally conservative approach that has helped make North Carolina one of the strongest states in the nation for economic growth and opportunity.
| | We enjoyed meeting with the North Carolina Green Industry Council. | We also were glad to get to meet with James Sprunt Community College and President, Dr. Shannon Hair. | |  | It was also a pleasure to meet with members of the Four County and South River EMC staff as well as Co-Op leadership. | We were also excited to meet with the North Carolina Cattleman's Association. | | | |
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Over 1,100 to Graduate from Bladen Community College
Bladen Community College will celebrate more than 1,100 graduates during six commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9. Ceremonies will take place throughout the day in the college auditorium, recognizing students across health sciences, business, public safety, skilled trades, college transfer, and technical programs. Following each ceremony, graduates and their families are invited to gather under the big tent for food and celebration. The public is welcome to attend, and no tickets are required.
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Carolina Strawberry Festival Brings Large Crowds Despite Rain
Carolina Strawberry Festival brought large crowds to Wallace despite rainy weather over the weekend, proving once again to be one of the area’s most popular annual events. Festivities included live music, carnival rides, food vendors, a chicken wing contest, and the annual Strawberry Festival 5K, which drew a record turnout of nearly 450 runners. Organizers also recognized winners of the strawberry baking competition and Strawberry Pageant during Saturday’s opening ceremony. More than 80 vendors, community activities, and performances from several bands helped create a festive atmosphere throughout the weekend celebration.
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Honoring Outstanding Community Volunteers
The Jones County Board of Commissioners recently recognized five exceptional residents as recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Together contributing more than 1,500 hours of service, Sloanthe Williams, Joan Taylor, Halle Powell, Timothy Coward, and Celeste Cavanaugh were honored for their dedication and impact on the community.
Mary Ann LeRay, Commissioner for the NC Commission on Community Service and Volunteerism, joined the ceremony to present the awards and offer congratulations on behalf of the state and county. The honorees exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that strengthens Jones County.
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Pender County Prepares for Hurricane Season
The newly announced THINK Pender Strong Emergency Food & Resource Drive is helping local families prepare ahead of hurricane season while supporting vulnerable residents across Pender County. Running from May 1 through June 6, the community-wide effort will collect food, water, hygiene products, first aid supplies, and other emergency essentials to assist residents during severe weather and recovery situations.
Collection events will take place throughout the county, including special food drives on May 16 in Rocky Point and May 30 in both Rocky Point and Burgaw. Donations collected through the drive will be distributed during the PLTRG Disaster Expo on June 6.
The initiative highlights the importance of community preparedness and neighbors helping neighbors during hurricane season. Local businesses, churches, volunteers, and community organizations are all partnering together to strengthen emergency readiness efforts across Pender County.
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Clinton-Sampson Rotary Awards Scholarship Funding
The Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club recently presented a $1,000 scholarship donation to Sampson Community College, supporting local students through the college’s scholarship fund. The contribution, accepted by Director of Advancement Lisa Turlington, reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to education and community impact.
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| | | | | Got To Be NC Festival Coming Up in Raleigh | |
The annual Got to Be NC Festival will take place May 15–17 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, bringing together some of the very best food, agriculture, music, and family fun from across the state. The festival celebrates everything that makes North Carolina agriculture special while giving families a chance to experience local products, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food from all across the state.
Hosted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the festival highlights the importance of supporting local farmers, growers, and agricultural businesses through the state’s “Got to Be NC” program. Visitors can expect a packed weekend filled with vendors, agricultural showcases, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy North Carolina-made products.
The Got to Be NC Festival has become one of the state’s premier spring events and continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. From agriculture exhibits to classic fair food and family-friendly entertainment, the festival offers something for all ages while celebrating the strong agricultural heritage that plays such an important role across eastern North Carolina and our entire state.
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| | | May 20,1775- Mecklenburg Declaration Remains Part of North Carolina History | |
The legendary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence has long been celebrated as an early declaration of independence reportedly signed by Mecklenburg County residents on May 20, 1775. Although many modern historians believe the original document was likely not authentic, the story continues to hold an important place in North Carolina history and remains a symbol of the state’s revolutionary spirit.
The declaration first surfaced decades after the Revolutionary War and quickly became a source of pride for North Carolinians. Debate over its authenticity continued for generations, with historians questioning whether the document had been reconstructed from memory or confused with another historical document.
While scholars largely reject the Mecklenburg Declaration itself, historians agree that the Mecklenburg Resolves were very real. Adopted on May 31, 1775, the Resolves rejected British authority and established local governing principles nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. The Resolves demonstrated the strong independent spirit already growing in North Carolina during the early days of the American Revolution.
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