Today, Governor Roy Cooper pardoned two turkeys, Ethel and Bertha, from the Thanksgiving table at the North Carolina Turkey Pardon Ceremony at the Executive Mansion. The Governor was joined by NC Poultry Federation Executive Director Bob Ford, MANNA FoodBank CEO Claire Neal, and Representatives from Prestage Farms.
Press Releases
Roger E. “Chip” Hawley has been sworn in as the Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation following his appointment by Governor Roy Cooper and confirmation by the General Assembly.“Chip Hawley has set a high standard throughout his career and will lead the SBI well thanks to his decades of experience and leadership in law enforcement,” said Governor Cooper. “I am thankful for his willingness to serve our state and work to keep North Carolina families and communities safe.”
This week, Governor Roy Cooper will lead a delegation of state and local leaders and officials to Washington, D.C. to present a request for $25.57 billion in federal aid to support the recovery process from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. While in Washington, the Governor will meet with President Biden, Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Congressman Chuck Edwards and other federal officials.
Today, Western North Carolina local leaders and educators are speaking out and asking the legislature to prioritize substantial investments in storm recovery instead of locking in billions of taxpayer dollars on private school vouchers.“The people of Western North Carolina need our support right now to continue recovery and rebuilding their communities,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “When legislators return to session, they must prioritize helping our neighbors in Western North Carolina instead of sending hundreds of millions more in taxpayer dollars to private school vouchers.”
Today, Governor Roy Cooper urged Republican legislators to provide more much-needed funding for Western North Carolina recovery instead of spending millions of taxpayer dollars on private school vouchers for the wealthy when they return to session next Tuesday. Legislators are considering funneling $463 million in taxpayer money to unaccountable private schools while North Carolina faces significant recovery needs and is forecasted to experience a budget shortfall due to tax cuts pushed for by Republican leadership.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced over $14 million has been donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina earlier this fall. Help has poured into the state from across the country and around the world, including in the form of monetary donations to the relief fund that are already supporting nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Judge Roy Wijewickrama to serve as Superior Court Judge in Judicial District 43B, serving Haywood and Jackson counties. Wijewickrama will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Brad Letts.“Judge Wijewickrama has the experience, legal ability and deep knowledge of Haywood and Jackson Counties to be an excellent Superior Court Judge there,” said Governor Cooper. “I am grateful for his willingness to step up and continue serving his community in this way.”
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced $1 million in new funding for public school field trips with North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Secretary Reid Wilson at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. The “Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund” will provide North Carolina public school students with access to enriching field trips to the over 100 DNCR locations across the state.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentences of six people in North Carolina prisons and granted pardons of innocence to two others. All of the clemency actions followed thorough review by the Office of Executive Clemency, the Office of General Counsel and the Governor.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that more than $129 million in food assistance has been distributed to more than one million children through the SUN Bucks program during its first summer of operation in North Carolina.