This week marked the first full week for North Carolina legislators as the General Assembly legislative session got under way. As the session continues, Neuse News will keep you updated on what area legislators are doing, and the progress of bills that impact our area.

Since the session just began, there were no votes on legislation this week. Bills were introduced that will come up for a vote later in the session.

Senate Bill 28

The first bill co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir), this bill would restore Master’s pay for teachers whose master’s degree is in the field they are teaching. Perry said this is a step he believes is important to teachers and students, since it rewards teachers for expertise in their fields. “This is something good and right to be able to do and a wise way to spend the people’s money,” he said. Read the draft of the bill here: https://webservices.ncleg.net/ViewBillDocument/2019/121/0/DRS35020-MT-28

Senate Bill 22

Co-sponsored by Sen. Don Davis (D-Greene), this bill would waive tuition at state universities and community colleges for the spouses and children of correctional officers who are killed or disabled in the line of duty.  Read the draft of the bill here: https://webservices.ncleg.net/ViewBillDocument/2019/98/0/DRS45014-MK-48

Check back with Neuse News next week for another update on the state legislature.