The state House voted on Wednesday to approve the Emergency Powers Accountability Act (HB 264) to strengthen and clarify the intent of the law regarding the Governor’s executive powers during an emergency.
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North Carolina lawmakers file ‘No Veteran Left Behind Act’
A bill introduced by House Majority Leader John Bell, R-Wayne, is meant to help improve crisis intervention and services for veterans suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues.
Gov. Cooper announces North Carolina will relax some COVID-19 restrictions
As North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases with 31.7% of North Carolinians over 18 having received at least one dose of vaccine, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 204 will take effect March 26 at 5 pm is set to expire April 30 at 5 pm. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.
Senator Perry selected for another Chairmanship
State Senator Jim Perry was appointed recently as co-chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Storm Related River Debris and Damage for the 2021-22 legislative biennium.
Cooper, state lawmakers announce school reopening deal
By David Bass, Carolina Journal News Service
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers have reached an agreement on reopening public schools for in-person instruction under a compromise plan that returns most decision-making autonomy to local school boards.
Senator Lazzara Announces School Funds for Jones and Onslow County
Jones County Public Schools are eligible for up to $1,590,296 of assistance. Onslow County Schools are eligible for up to $24,361,635 of assistance.
Rep. Bell and Sen. Davis Announce School Funds for Greene County
Thanks to $1.6 billion in funding approved by the General Assembly for North Carolina Public Schools, Representative John Bell and Senator Don Davis announced that Greene County Public Schools is now eligible for up to $5.7 million in assistance as part of recent COVID-19 relief efforts.
North Carolina WIC program receives telehealth intervention strategies grant
The North Carolina Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is one of seven WIC State Agencies to receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture/Tufts Telehealth Intervention Strategies for WIC (THIS-WIC) grant.
Senator Perry and Rep. Humphrey Announce School Funds for Lenoir County
The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1.6 billion in funding for NC Public schools as part of the Covid relief efforts. Last week, the State announced the projected LEA allotments. Local school systems must apply for grants from earmarked funds from the Emergency Needs for Elementary and Secondary Schools of the State (ESSER II Funds). Senator Perry, the Senate Majority Whip, stated, “Our LCPS faculty, staff and administration will put these resources to good use.” Representative Chris Humphrey offered, “I am really concerned for our children because they struggle the most. We need to do everything possible to help them recover and advance academically and with regards to their mental health.”
Efforts to reopen N.C. classrooms ramp up, despite Cooper’s veto
The N.C. State Board of Education passed a resolution Thursday, March 4, calling on all public school districts to give parents the option of in-person learning by the end of March. The education board’s action is the latest step in a growing consensus to swiftly reopen school classrooms across the state.
Gov. Cooper announces frontline essential workers eligible for vaccination beginning march 3
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning tomorrow, March 3. The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.
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: Modified Stay at Home order will end on Friday
The only restriction we will lift is the Modified Stay at Home order. That means no more curfew starting Friday, and more opportunities to gather, shop and attend events if done safely. When it comes to easing some restrictions, we're depending on people to be responsible.
Sen. Jim Perry Op-Ed: PPP - I support small businesses
NC State Senator Jim Perry (R - Lenoir, Wayne) issues an op-ed on how the State of North Carolina should handle tax liability associated with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). “The State of NC shouldn’t think about these extraordinary events through the lens of normal operations. We shouldn’t saddle business people with a surprise state tax liability just because they helped distribute federal stimulus dollars to the people of North Carolina. I worked with Senator Chuck Edwards and Senator Dave Craven to file Senate Bill 104 requiring that NC not burden small business owners who participated in the Paycheck Protection Program.”
Bell introduces legislation to combat growing litter problem
A recently introduced bill in the NC General Assembly would stiffen the penalties for littering in an effort to combat the worsening problem of trash disfiguring local highways.
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.
Jackson Robol, autistic teenager, launches statewide podcast
The Jackson Robol Show, a podcast by 17-year-old Jackson Robol, has interviewed Methodist University Head Coach Kevin Williams and ECU baseball Athletic Trainer Zac Womack. On January 28, 2021, Robol interviewed US Congressman Greg Murphy and on the first of February, he interviewed NC Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby.
Constitution, Green parties no longer recognized in North Carolina
The Constitution Party and the Green Party are no longer recognized political parties in North Carolina.