I want to express my sincere gratitude for your readership of our legislative newsletter. Your dedication to remaining well-informed makes a real difference in our region, and I am honored by your willingness to make this newsletter a part of your monthly routine.

It is my top priority to keep you updated on crucial legislative initiatives, policy changes, and community events that shape the future of Beaufort, Craven, and Lenoir Counties. This newsletter serves as our key channel of communication, and your readership strengthens the bond between our office and the constituents we proudly serve – empowering us to advocate for your needs and ensure that your voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Thank you once again for your support and encouragement. Should you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we will make a lasting impact and shape a brighter future for Eastern NC.

At your service,
Jim

Happy Mother’s Day!

I hope all moms had a Happy Mother’s Day weekend! I would like to wish a special Mother’s Day to my mother, Sandra, and my bride, Rebecca!

SB 326: Firefighter Cancer Funding

Thank you to the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo for organizing a group of local firefighters to come out to the Legislature in support of SB 326. I am thrilled to share that SB 326 has passed in the Senate. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my colleagues Sen. Johnson, Sen. Barnes, Sen. Daniels, Sen. Hise, and so many others.

By establishing this program as a permanent fixture with dedicated funding, we are taking significant strides toward safeguarding firefighters from the financial burdens of cancer for generations to come. Your support and advocacy are crucial in protecting the well-being of firefighters – ensuring their long-term health and security. I look forward to continuing our efforts to prioritize the health and welfare of those who selflessly serve our communities.

North Carolina: First in Freedom

April 12, 1776, marks a historic milestone for North Carolina as it became the inaugural colony to formally proclaim its independence from Great Britain. The renowned "Halifax Resolves" resolution solidified this significant step towards freedom. To commemorate this pivotal event, April 12, 1776 proudly graces the North Carolina flag, symbolizing our state's unwavering commitment to independence.

NC Association of County Commissioners

It was an honor to spend time with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Board of Directors during their meeting in Craven County. Our time together was filled with fruitful discussions covering a wide range of important topics at the intersection of state and local government. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with county commissioners and collaborate on matters of significance to our communities.

National Military Appreciation Month

365 days a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, members of the U.S. military are on call around the world, defending the interests and security of the nation. This May, during Military Appreciation Month, is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude to them, and their families, for all that they do every day.

Military Appreciation Month was initially recognized by a resolution in the U.S. Senate in 1999 and traditionally takes place every year throughout the entire month of May, reminding Americans to celebrate this patriotic month that pays tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

More Flights at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

Exciting news for travelers in Eastern NC! The Coastal Regional Airport in New Bern is expanding its offerings just in time for peak season. American Airlines is introducing five daily flights, connecting passengers through Charlotte to destinations worldwide.

With these additional flights, travelers now have more flexibility to plan their business or leisure trips this spring and summer. Airport director Andrew Shorter highlights that these new flights will increase flight seating capacity by an impressive 84%, creating more job opportunities and benefiting both airport employees and TSA.

READ MORE >>>

NC Sports Hall of Fame

It was a pleasure to meet with Torry Holt to discuss the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Many of you may recall Torry as the exceptional wide receiver who made an indelible mark at NC State University from 1995 to 1998, earning his rightful place in the NC State Hall of Fame in 2013.

During his senior year, Torry displayed incredible talent, receiving accolades as a first-team All-American and being named ACC Offensive Player of the Year. He left an unforgettable impression with his remarkable statistics, including 88 receptions for 1,604 yards and a record-breaking 16 touchdowns for NC State. Even during his junior year, he set Wolfpack season records with 62 receptions for 1,099 yards, becoming the first player in team history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season.

Torry's exceptional journey continued in the NFL, when he was selected as the sixth overall pick by the St. Louis Rams in the 1999 NFL Draft. Remarkably, he achieved a Super Bowl victory in his rookie year. Notably, Torry holds a unique distinction in NFL history as the sole receiver to record 1,300 or more yards in six consecutive seasons. His outstanding accomplishments are truly deserving of recognition and serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the nation.

Fairness in Women’s Sports Act

The NC Senate recently debated and passed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," a measure to ensure the safety and integrity of women's athletics in our state. It is crucial to establish a level playing field for all girls and safeguard women's sports, which is why our common-sense legislation ensures that only biological females are allowed to compete in women's sports.

This common-sense policy is widely supported, as demonstrated by a recent statewide poll where 71% of North Carolinians expressed agreement with this perspective. Additionally, a nationwide poll conducted by the Pew Foundation in June 2022 revealed that only 17% disagreed with this position.

It is important to clarify that our legislation does not hinder any young person from participating in sports. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and I firmly stand by my support for laws that foster fair competition and prioritize the safety of young women. These measures play a vital role in upholding the integrity of athletic competition and ensuring a level playing field for all.

SUPREME COURT: Voter ID is the Law

I am pleased to share that the Supreme Court of North Carolina has upheld the Voter ID law passed in 2018, solidifying its status as the prevailing law of our state. This landmark decision serves to safeguard the integrity of our election processes by requiring valid identification at the polls, enhancing security, and instilling confidence in our democratic process.

Additionally, the Court's ruling affirming the legislature's authority to establish congressional and legislative districts without unconstitutional constraints underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting a fair and transparent democratic system. These significant developments highlight our dedication to protecting voting rights, preserving electoral integrity, and ensuring that every legal vote counts in North Carolina.

Happy Birthday, Simba and Nala!

Those who know our family know that we have a soft spot for animals. We have some famous "foster fails," and eight years ago, I found 5 puppies when walking with some friends. We brought them home and we were fortunate to find good homes for 3 of them, before our girls had decided to name these two… and if you are a parent, you know what that meant.

They have been great additions to our family. Happy Birthday, Simba and Nala!

NC State Firefighters Association

It’s always a joy to spend time with the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. I appreciate the dedication and bravery of our firefighters, who work tirelessly to keep our properties and our communities safe. Their commitment to service is truly admirable, and I look forward to our continued partnership.

Legislative Update

The NC General Assembly has made it past it's self-imposed "crossover deadline," the date which bills must pass out of their originating chamber and into the other (e.g. Senate Bills pass the Senate and go over to the House).

We have had a very productive session this far. In the last month, we have had the following bills which we've sponsored pass the Senate or become law:

PASSED THE SENATE

BECAME LAW

SB 157: Limited Provisional License Modification.

Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.

We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.

Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.