All tagged ncga

BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency

Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?

Gov. Cooper signs two COVID-19 relief bills into law

Gov. Roy Cooper signed two relief bills into law on Monday, May 4, that will provide assistance to the state as it deals with COVID-19. The two bills, House Bill 1043 and Senate Bill 704, include almost $1.6 billion in relief measures related to public health and safety, education, small business assistance and state government operations.