North Carolina House Majority Leader John Bell led a letter with sixty of his Republican colleagues in calling on Governor Roy Cooper to reinstate unemployment work search requirements.
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Following New CDC Guidance on face coverings, Governor Cooper lifts many COVID-19 restrictions
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.
Governor Cooper highlights state’s resilience throughout the pandemic
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.
Gov. Cooper issues Executive Order to relax state’s outdoor mask mandate and ease mass gathering limits
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.
Josh Stein: Don’t fall for fake vaccine cards
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.
House passes bill allowing NC businesses to deduct PPP covered expenses
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.
General Assembly to consider adding ‘right-to-work’ to N.C. Constitution
The General Assembly will consider a measure to enshrine North Carolina’s right-to-work policies in the state constitution.
Legislature sends Cooper bills designed to address learning losses
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.
Governor Cooper and Legislative leadership release PSA encouraging North Carolinians to get the COVID-19 vaccine
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 Cooper names new Highway Patrol commander
Governor Roy Cooper has appointed Major Freddy L. Johnson Jr. as the next Commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
John Hood: State has too much debt already
Thanks to the fiscally responsible policies of the North Carolina General Assembly, state government has some $5 billion in unspent funds and unanticipated revenues in its General Fund.
Sen. Jim Perry and fellow lawmakers develop comprehensive flood plan
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.
NC House votes to strengthen bipartisan check on Governor's unilateral emergency authority
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.
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.