This second disaster relief package for Western North Carolina is sorely needed. However, I am disappointed that House Democrats were not directly involved in writing this legislation.
NC House Approves Second Installment of Hurricane Relief Legislation
Raleigh, NC – Today the NC House of Representatives approved SB 743, the "Disaster Recovery Act of 2024" in a unanimous vote.
Senate Passes Second Round of Helene Relief Funding
Today, the North Carolina Senate passed a second Hurricane Helene relief package, allocating another $644 million for storm recovery. When combined with the first relief package, the General Assembly has provided over $877 million for Hurricane Helene relief and over $917 million in total disaster relief for Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, and the tornado that hit Nash County.
North Carolina's September Employment Figures Released
The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2024 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, remaining unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.
Governor Cooper Proposes $3.9 Billion in State Funding to Spur Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery
Less than a month after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper today shared a state budget recommendation to help rebuild stronger to withstand future storms. Governor Cooper recommends an initial $3.9 billion package to begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, schools, and farms damaged during the storm.
Gov. Cooper's Disaster Recovery Agency Blows $175 Million Hole in Budget
The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), Gov. Roy Cooper's agency responsible for assisting victims of natural disasters, informed legislative leaders it requires an additional 27% of its budget to continue operations. This financial catastrophe is a direct result of top-down mismanagement from the agency.
Cooper announces Environmental Justice Advisory Council report
Governor Roy Cooper announced the release of the Governor's Environmental Justice Advisory Council report, representing a significant step towards addressing Environmental Justice (EJ) concerns in North Carolina.
How Stein and Robinson waged a tense, high-profile campaign for governor
WASHINGTON, N.C. — Tempers were rising among the political faithful on Market Street. Local leaders with the Beaufort County Democratic Party had assembled on the sidewalk outside Shep’s Grill, holding signs that say “VOTE BLUE” and “Josh Stein for Governor.”
John Hood: North Carolina Is a State in Play
As we enter the final weeks of the 2024 campaign, here’s the stay of play: North Carolina is a state in play.
North Carolina Tops 1 Million Votes Cast
More than 1 million voters had cast ballots in the 2024 general election.
Attorney General Josh Stein Announces Lawsuit Against Illegal Robocallers
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today announced legal actions to protect North Carolinians from illegal robocalls that destroy their peace of mind and scam them out of hard-earned money.
Budd Statement on Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar
Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Cooper and Buttigieg survey storm damage and receive updates on recovery efforts
Governor Roy Cooper joined United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Western North Carolina for a briefing on recovery efforts with federal officials and view damaged areas in Asheville and Canton. The Governor and Secretary Buttigieg also visited a damaged section of I-40.
John Hood: Why College Return-on-Investment Matters
RALEIGH — The University of North Carolina system enrolled more students this fall — about 248,000 — than ever before. But continued growth is far from ordained. Indeed, as America’s college-age population levels off and then begins to decline over the next decade, many institutions will see enrollment declines. Some will be forced by shaky finances to merge or shut down.
Court Rejects Meta’s Efforts to Dismiss Attorney General Josh Stein’s Case
A federal judge rejected an attempt by Meta to dismiss the lawsuit that Attorney General Josh Stein and other bipartisan attorneys general filed in 2023. The attorneys general sued Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, alleging that it designed its social media platforms to hook children and teenagers and deceived people about the apps’ harms.
Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson Sues CNN for Defamation
RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina's Republican lieutenant governor and gubernatorial nominee, Mark Robinson, filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN on Tuesday, seeking $50 million in damages. The lawsuit concerns a CNN report that linked Robinson to racist and sexually explicit comments on a pornographic website between 2008 and 2012.
John Hood: Helene Shows Value of Fiscal Restraint
The devastation wreaked on North Carolina by Hurricane Helene will take weeks to assess, months to clear out, and years to repair or rebuild. Second only to the value of the lives lost will be the exorbitant fiscal and economic costs of our recovery.
Attorney General Stein’s October Column: Hurricane Helene: Protect Yourself After the Storm
The impact of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina is devastating. As I’ve traveled the western part of the state to visit with and hear from the people who were affected, at the same time I’ve been heartbroken by the loss, I’ve been inspired by their optimism and the many ways they are showing up for each other.
Bishop Sues Jackson Campaign for Defamation
U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, the Republican nominee for North Carolina attorney general, is suing the campaign of his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, alleging defamation based on a campaign "push poll" and a partisan media article.
Governor Cooper Signs One Bill Into Law
"Recovery for Western North Carolina will require unprecedented help from state and federal sources and this legislation is a strong first step. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage but also showed the resiliency of North Carolina’s people and its communities and we must continue the bipartisan work to help them build back strong."