Today’s NC Political News briefs
North Carolina officials approved the state's first Workforce Pell programs, committed a $1 million economic-development incentive and opened several groups of state regulations for public review.
North Carolina government actions this week include the first state approvals for a new federal workforce-aid program, a $1 million state incentive connected to a major manufacturing expansion and new public-comment periods covering state administrative and public health regulations.
State approves first Workforce Pell programs
The NCWorks Commission has approved 43 short-term training programs as the first in North Carolina to receive state-level approval for the new Workforce Pell Grant program. The programs must still complete the federal approval process before eligible students can use federal Workforce Pell aid. The approved programs are offered through 16 community colleges and include training in health care, public safety, transportation and other workforce fields.
State offers $1 million incentive for Catawba County expansion
North Carolina has approved a performance-based $1 million One North Carolina Fund grant connected to Prysmian’s planned expansion in Claremont. The company announced plans to invest more than $1 billion and add 385 jobs while expanding fiber and glass manufacturing operations. Prysmian must invest at least $665 million to qualify for OneNC grant payments, and the grant also requires matching participation from local government.
Rules governing tribal recognition enter public review
A new public-comment period opened Aug. 12 for a periodic review of rules administered by the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. The rules include procedures and criteria governing petitions for state recognition as an American Indian tribe. The commission's initial review classified most of the recognition-related rules as necessary while identifying rules governing its executive committee and meetings as unnecessary. Comments are open through Oct. 12 before the rules proceed through the state's review process.
State employee charitable campaign rules under review
The Department of Administration also opened a public-comment period Aug. 12 on rules governing the State Employees Combined Campaign. The regulations cover the statewide campaign's organization, participating organizations, application requirements, solicitation methods and distribution of contributions. The department's initial determination classifies the reviewed rules as necessary. Public comments are open through Oct. 12, with Rules Review Commission consideration scheduled for December.
Public health rules open for comment
The North Carolina Commission for Public Health has opened periodic reviews covering several areas of state health regulation, including family planning, children's special health services, newborn screening for critical congenital heart defects and a broad group of environmental health and sanitation rules. The public-comment periods opened Aug. 7 and continue through Oct. 14. The reviews are conducted under state law requiring agencies to periodically determine whether existing regulations remain necessary.
