Chris Humphrey: The Hwy 58 Connector January Updates
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family are enjoying the new year. We are thankful for the people of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties for their continued support, and we're appreciative of you taking the time to read our latest newsletter.
Take a look at the below to gain insight and information on everything we're doing to serve you, both in Raleigh and at-home in Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. As always, please let me know if our office can be of any assistance to you.
At your service,
Chris Humphrey
State Representative
HUMPHREY OPPOSES INSURANCE RATE INCREASE
This week, I sent an open letter to Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey — calling on him to oppose the proposed homeowners’ insurance rate increase.
It is important to highlight that the proposed 42.2% increase is merely an average, obscuring the fact that many regions, including our district, face substantially higher hikes. Specifically, Lenoir County is bracing for a staggering 71.3% increase, while neighboring Greene and Jones counties are confronting rises of 57.8% and 25.6%, respectively.
As elected representatives entrusted with the well-being of North Carolinians, it is our duty to prioritize and fiercely defend the interests and welfare of our constituents. The proposed increase, coming on the heels of recent hikes in auto and motorcycle insurance rates, poses a significant burden on the homeowners of our state.
Such an unprecedented increase in rates could have far-reaching negative impacts on family budgets, especially in these challenging economic times.
STATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT GREENE COUNTY
Senator Buck Newton and I met with local leaders in Greene County — including the Sheriff, members of the school board, and leaders from towns of Hookerton, Snow Hill, & Walstonburg — to hear about their recent priorities, share a legislative update, and present ceremonial checks to highlight critical funding we were able to deliver in the State Budget.
We look forward to continued collaboration as we deliver results for the people of Eastern North Carolina.
NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS
Starting January 1, 2024, several new laws took effect to enhance election integrity, cut government red tape, hold government accountable, and protect children from inappropriate online content. I was proud to vote for these bills and look forward to seeing the positive impact they have on North Carolina.
HUMPHREY APPOINTED TO KEY LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES BY NC HOUSE SPEAKER
Representative Chris Humphrey has been appointed by House Speaker Tim Moore to serve on three key legislative committees for the 2023-24 interim period, as follows:
Revenue Laws Study Committee
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources
House Select Committee on Oversight & Reform.
Joint legislative committees are comprised of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, wherein each chamber selects a chairman from their own chamber to serve as a co-chair for each committee.
“I am honored to accept appointments to these critical committees, where I will continue to champion conservative policies that spur economic growth and protect our valuable natural resources,” said Humphrey.
Historically, legislators use these committees to do the bulk share of policymaking, taking an in-depth look at the issues facing our state. This work often culminates in the form of draft legislation that lawmakers pursue the following session, in this case, the 2024 short session, set to begin in April.
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SUPPORTING MARY'S KITCHEN IN KINSTON
It was an honor to present a ceremonial check to Mary's Kitchen in Kinston, representing the $100,000 in state funding we’ve secured to support their work providing hot meals to those in need. Mary’s Kitchen has been a vital part of our community for 39 years and I’m grateful to have played a small part in helping secure the grant funding needed for this important project.
CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SENATOR JIM PERRY
Senator Jim Perry has been a highly effective leader of unwavering character throughout his tenure in the North Carolina Senate. His ability to craft common-sense conservative policies has left an indelible mark on our state.
Senator Perry has earned the respect and admiration of not only me, but all our colleagues in the General Assembly. While his retirement from legislative service saddens us, we are certain that he will remain a beacon of influence, continuing to contribute to the betterment of Eastern North Carolina and the whole of our great state.
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WELCOMING NEW HIGHWAY ENGINEER FOR EASTERN NC
We are delighted to welcome and congratulate Jeremy Stroud on his appointment as Division Engineer for N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division 2, which includes Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties. Jeremy's expertise and dedication promise a bright future for our transportation infrastructure in Eastern North Carolina. I look forward to collaborating with Jeremy on many projects that will enhance our region’s growth and prosperity.
I also take this opportunity to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Jeff Cabaniss for his 32 years of committed service and significant contributions to our state. It has been a pleasure working with Jeff and I wish him well in retirement.
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IN MEMORY OF JUAN ERIC CANTU
Juan Eric Cantu, a Vietnam War veteran and Kinston native, passed away at age 77. A 1964 Grainger High School graduate, Mr. Cantu served in the US Army and founded the GI Joe's Living Military History Museum. He was involved with the American Legion Post 43, and served as Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars 27-71 and the North Carolina VFW Color Guard.
Mr. Cantu was a tireless advocate for veterans and our community at-large. He never met a stranger and was always willing to use his talents to help others. I never knew a more selfless individual. Please join me in praying for his loved ones as they navigate this loss.
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