Legislative Updates

Last week at the North Carolina General Assembly saw major bills acted on in a short two-day special session.  They included major investments in Medicaid, salary and bonuses for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement, making essential budget adjustments, and adjusting 2 Congressional districts.

     Senate Bill 405 – Healthcare Investment Act provides $192 million to the Medicaid program, among other provisions.  It passed 110 – 0 in the House and goes back to the Senate, since it was changed in the House.  Additionally, House Bill 491 – Medicaid Rebase Funding appropriates an additional $190 million to the Medicaid program, among other provisions. It passed 111 – 0 in the House and goes to the Senate.

     Senate Bill 378 – Align Medicaid Eligibility with Federal Law directs the Department of Health & Human Services to discontinue providing funds to Planned Parenthood and to engage other providers to offer healthcare services, except for abortion, for example.  It passed 61 – 47 in the House and it also goes back to the Senate.

     Senate Bill 449 – Continuing Budget Operations Part IV makes adjustments and appropriations to a variety of state and local provisions. It passed 104 – 6 in the House and 46 – 0 in the Senate and became law.

     Senate Bill 599 – State Teachers/Employee Pay & Local LEO Bonuses provides raises and bonuses to our teachers and state employees, and bonuses to our local law enforcement sworn officers.  It passed 110 – 0 in the House and must go back to the Senate for their approval.

     Senate Bill 249 – Align Congressional Districts 2025 adjusts 2 Congressional districts to balance the formerly race – based districts.  It does not affect state House or Senate districts.  It passed 65 – 40 in the House and 26 – 20 in the Senate and became law.

     Due to groups putting out slanted information, we received more hate voicemails and hate emails on this last bill than almost any other issue in memory.  We are used to yelling and insults, but not outright threats of violence.

     This is a good time to mention that, based on recent violence and threats of violence against state and federal officeholders and other public figures, we have been advised by our General Assembly Police and others to take additional precautions for our safety both on and off the property.  In this climate we are urged to be aware of our surroundings, what to do if in jeopardy walking or driving and other suggestions.  I will add that I encourage all my friends and colleagues to have personal protection such as pepper spray or more lethal means.

     We should be back in our districts until sometime in November.  The best part of the job is meeting with and listening to our citizens back home.  I go to Raleigh when I absolutely must to conduct committee business and attend voting sessions.