Legislative Republicans’ plan to spend $625 million this year on taxpayer funded private school vouchers instead of public schools will hurt rural communities the most. And school boards and leaders in rural North Carolina are speaking out. Voucher expansion would disproportionately impact rural North Carolina counties, where access to private education is limited and public schools serve as the backbone of communities. Recently, local papers have highlighted this attack on public education in North Carolina.Read how communities will be affected below:
Press Releases
Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Brunswick County to meet with local emergency management officials to assess storm damage and discuss impacts from the recent tropical system. On Tuesday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties in response to damages from the storm.
This week, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is releasing $67.5 million in stop gap funding to stabilize North Carolina’s early childhood education and child care centers, the last scheduled payment of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Initiated in 2021, Child Care Stabilization Grants have been critical in keeping child care centers open and improving early childhood teacher pay. Earlier this year, the Republican-led General Assembly provided the $67.5 million to continue Child Care Stabilization Grants through December 31, 2024, however at a reduced funding
Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 313 declaring a State of Emergency for four counties in southeastern North Carolina that suffered damage from hazardous weather including severe flooding and heavy rainfall on September 16, 2024.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Bethel Elementary School in Cabarrus County as part of the “Year of Public Schools” education tour and delivered supplies collected from the Governor’s School Supply Drive.
Governor Roy Cooper and state emergency response leaders continue to respond to hazardous weather impacting the state and are beginning the damage assessment process for communities impacted by the storm. State Highway Patrol and Transportation Officials are also working to respond to road closures and reports of damage. Areas of southeastern North Carolina experienced historical rainfall resulting in flooding, damage to roadways, and hazardous conditions. Carolina Beach, NC received a reported 18.32” of rainfall from midnight yesterday to yesterday afternoon.
Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders remind North Carolinians to please stay off the roads in areas where storms are occurring this evening and tomorrow as hazardous weather continues to impact the state. Earlier today, heavy rainfall caused major flooding in coastal communities in southeastern North Carolina, where damage to buildings and roadways have been reported in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Response to flooding has been largely conducted locally, with the North Carolina Swift Water Rescue Teams remaining ready to respond if necessary.
Veetee Foods, Inc., known as Veetee Food Group in the United Kingdom, will establish a major production plant in Johnston County creating 200 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The global food company specializing in the production of tasty shelf-stable meals will invest $35.7 million in Selma.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper named Mary Penny Kelley as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to succeed outgoing Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser, who is stepping down to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that GP Portable Buildings LLC, a manufacturer of outdoor storage buildings, will create 51 new jobs in Richmond County. The company will invest $7.4 million to locate a manufacturing facility in Marston.