Dear Neighbor, Over the last few weeks, we’ve been hard-at-work wrapping up the State Budget process. We’ve also had the opportunity to override six more of Governor Cooper’s vetoes (more information below). These victories would not be possible without the support of our wonderful constituents, who continue to call & email us with positive encouragement and feedback that is a valuable part of the legislative process. Thank you again for taking the time to stay up to date on the latest happenings in both Raleigh and Onslow County. Should you have any questions, concerns, or require assistance navigating state government, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are happy to serve as a resource for you, your family, and our community. At your service, Michael Lazzara North Carolina Senator
More VETO Overrides
Last week, my Senate colleagues and I delivered on our promise to govern North Carolina with common-sense policies by overriding six more of Governor Roy Cooper’s vetoes. In doing so, we expanded access to charter schools, prevented men from competing in women’s sports, prohibited transgender surgeries for minors, affirmed parental rights in education, and kept home ownership affordable. These new laws are a big win for parents, students, athletes, families, and business across our great state.
Grant Awarded to Onslow Community Outreach Food Bank
Earlier this month, the Golden LEAF Foundation awarded $104,246 to Onslow Community Outreach, a food bank serving our area. These funds will be used to enhance and expand their food distribution operation with increased storage capacity, expansion of onsite distribution, and the ability to expand mobile distribution. This award to Onslow Community Outreach was funded by the General Assembly’s recent appropriation to Golden LEAF for the Food Distribution Assistance Program, through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. We’re proud of the continued partnership with Golden LEAF as we work to enhance and expand the capacity of nonprofits, increasing access to food for those in need.
Updates to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
It’s already time to get to work on the next State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) — and NCDOT wants to know what projects matter to YOU. Throughout the month of August, we’re inviting people to submit comments on transportation projects they want to see included in the next STIP, which will cover 2026-2035. You can submit your comments online at NCDOT.gov, or you can drop by your local division office in-person during designated weeklong open houses that are scheduled throughout this month. LEARN MORE >>>
New Laws to Fight Human Trafficking
The NC General Assembly has taken a stand against human trafficking and rioting with new laws that went into effect on August 1. I'm thrilled to share that SB 626 will make a positive impact on our communities by allowing more human trafficking victims to seek compensation under the Crime Victims Compensation Act. This much-needed provision offers support and hope to those who have endured unimaginable hardships. Our state ranks 12th in the nation for incidents of human trafficking, and this legislation addresses that head-on, while strengthening penalties for rioting and providing more protections to trafficking victims. LEARN MORE >>>
Paying Off the State's Debt
When Republicans took majority-control of the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011, we inherited a massive load of state debt. We take the obligations of our state very seriously, and we did not want this debt to be passed on to our children — the future taxpayers of North Carolina. That’s why we’ve put in motion a plan to retire 60% of the state debt in 8 years time. 5 of these years are already behind us, and we’re making great progress, as demonstrated in the above graph. We’ve been able to do all of this through conservative policies and responsible budgeting — all the while cutting down the personal income tax and working to eliminate the corporate income tax. When you see that NC is the #1 State for Business (two years in a row), this is the reason. State Treasurer Dale Folwell has been a tremendous leader in this arena, partnering with the General Assembly to ensure fiscal responsibility and sound financial footing for generations to come. Treasurer Folwell recently spoke on this topic in an interview with Fox Business. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW >>>
Legislative Update
In addition to the previously mentioned Veto Override votes, we have continued our work to produce a conservative State Budget that will deliver meaningful resources and reforms to the benefit of all North Carolinians. There is a lot going on behind-the-scenes as negotiations continue with our colleagues in the NC House of Representatives. At this point in time, it's looking like we are on track to have a final State Budget passed by mid-September. More information will follow soon. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STATE BUDGET BILL >>>
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