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.
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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.
North Carolina Extends Modified Stay At Home Order as Numbers Begin to Stabilize in an Effort to Continue to Slow the Spread
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended.
Murphy Joins House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, the House Republican Steering Committee announced Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) will serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee during the 117th Congress.
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.
“I will be unable to attend President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, as I am continuing to care for my wife as she recovers from her recent back surgery. If this were not the case, I would have chosen to be there for it,”
The inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America
On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States as the oldest man to take the oath of office. His running mate, Kamala Harris will become the first female Vice President of the United States, as well as the first female of color to assume the role.
Rep. Chris Humphrey to chair House Insurance Committee
North Carolina Representative Chris Humphrey has been selected to chair the House Insurance Committee. House Insurance reviews legislation that impacts the markets that provide a very unique type of financial service product that consumers may need to have.
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.