All in Politics
Following yesterday’s guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others, the state will remove its indoor mask mandate for most settings. Additionally, the state will lift all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements. These changes are now in effect as of 1:30 PM today.
Tonight, Governor Roy Cooper delivered his third State of the State address. The speech highlighted North Carolinians’ resilience throughout the pandemic and reinforced the need for legislators to work together to help the state rebuild from the pandemic even stronger by expanding Medicaid, raising teacher pay, investing in workforce training and solidifying the state’s infrastructure.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. gave an update on the state’s current data, trends and vaccination progress. As the state’s metrics and key indicators remain stable, Governor Cooper also signed an Executive Order outlining safety measures for the month of May.
More than 3 million North Carolinians are now fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. This is a remarkable step forward in our fight against the pandemic, and soon we can begin safely returning to our lives. But scammers have used the pandemic as an excuse to take advantage of people for the past year, and they’re still at it. The next fight against COVID-19 vaccine scams is stopping the spread and use of false vaccine cards.
North Carolina remains one of three states that does not allow business owners to deduct expenses covered by the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). NC House representatives hope to change that with a bill passed by the house and discussed in a press conference on Thursday.
The General Assembly will consider a measure to enshrine North Carolina’s right-to-work policies in the state constitution.
Two bills sitting on Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk are designed to remediate learning losses for K-12 students left behind by classroom closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today Governor Roy Cooper joined bipartisan legislative leaders to release a PSA urging North Carolinians to get COVID vaccines now that all adults are eligible for vaccinations. The Governor joined House Speaker Tim Moore, Rep. Robert Reives, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and Senator Dan Blue in advocating for vaccinations.
Governor Roy Cooper has appointed Major Freddy L. Johnson Jr. as the next Commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Since 2016, North Carolina has experienced $22 Billion in damages related to major flood events related to two hurricanes, Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018). Eastern North Carolina communities are on the frontlines of flooding, whether it be from tropical storms, hurricanes, or just strong thunderstorms. Senator Jim Perry (R-Lenoir, Wayne) and Senator Danny Britt (R-Columbus, Robeson) serve as Co-Chairmen of the Senate Select Committee on Storm Related River Debris and Damage in North Carolina and introduced the “Flood Resiliency and Prevention Act” this week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
