All in Politics

BJ Murphy: Killing the American Dream One Stimulus Check at a Time

Whatever happened to tax credits and tax deductions? How many more payments will people expect in the future before we declare the pandemic over? The utter reliance and potential household budgeting for future stimulus payments disincentivizes Americans from using their skills and creativity to find a way to meet their obligations. The unintended consequence of stimulus payments may very well be a methodical way of killing the American dream by taking away all incentives of hard work and individualism.

North Carolina continues its commitment to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., outlined Wednesday how North Carolina is working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They were joined by Charles Evans, president of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials and Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.

2020 was a difficult year for all of us. Our lives were turned upside down because of a global pandemic that has caused great pain throughout our community. We were forced to adapt to various safety regulations and a completely new way to go about our lives. Through all those changes, I’m proud of how we’ve responded as a state. Our communities have found a way to bend – not break – in uncertain times and find creative ways to keep us moving forward.

NC Leaders work with ABC Commission to get permit issue resolved

Governor Cooper issued a mandate on March 16, 2020, that forced bars to shut down due to the global pandemic. On January 4, 2021, the ABC Commission revoked the status of 120 bar permits across the state. Yearly permit renewals were due by April 1. As not all bars were able to renew their permits in time, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill that allowed a 60-day renewal permit.

Governor Cooper sworn in for second term

On Saturday, Governor Roy Cooper was sworn in for his second term as North Carolina’s Governor. Members of North Carolina’s Council of State also took the oath of office. The theme of the Inaugural ceremony was North Carolina: Strong, Resilient, Ready, and due to the ongoing pandemic, the ceremony was altered to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

John Hood: Trashed Capitol should revolt us all

Led into the building and encouraged by a cadre of alt-right provocateurs, the mob also produced priceless propaganda for the enemies of our country. “The celebration of democracy is over,” one Russian official wrote. “America no longer forges that path, and consequently has lost its right to define it. Much less force it on others.” A state-run Chinese newspaper headlined its coverage this way: “An iconic humiliation! The madness of the Capitol has dragged the U.S.’s standing into its Waterloo!”

Influential Sen. Harry Brown issues final statement

Today is my last day of being the senator for Jones and Onslow Counties. It has been a humbling sixteen years of serving the people of these two great counties. As I think back and start thinking of all the good things that have happened in my district and the state in those years I honestly feel a great sense of accomplishment.