Rep. Chris Humphrey: The Hwy 58 Connector Legislative Update
Dear Neighbor,
We've had a highly productive month preparing for the 2024 Legislative Short Session and actively serving our constituents in Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties. Please take a few minutes to read the latest edition of our newsletter for highlights on some of the things we've been doing to make our community the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
At your service,
Chris Humphrey
State Representative
FUNDING FOR NEW EB FRINK MIDDLE SCHOOL
I was pleased to join Senator Jim Perry, NC Superintendent Catherine Truitt, and several local leaders to announce the $52 million grant to Lenoir County Public Schools for a new, more advanced EB Frink Middle School building to be located adjacent to the current school's location.
This significant investment, coupled with the $5 million match from the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, will replace the oldest school in our county and provide students with the state-of-the-art learning environment they deserve.
Before my election to the General Assembly, I served on the La Grange Town Council and lived in La Grange for about eight years. Both of my daughters attended EB Frink Middle School. It is very special for our family to see this project take shape.
READ MORE >>>
SCHOOL SAFETY FUNDING FOR ENC
We are pleased to announce $900,000 in school safety grant funding coming to our district from the Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools. This funding will be used for safety equipment, training, and services for students in crisis. Every student in our community deserves a learning environment where they can feel safe, and I’m proud to support this work.
NEW YEAR, NEW TAX CUT
We’re continuing to enjoy everything 2024 has to offer, including the new tax cut implemented by the NC General Assembly. This year, our state income tax rate falls to 4.50%, eventually dropping to 3.99% in 2026. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to responsibly lower taxes for North Carolina families & individuals!
ENC BOY SCOUTS ANNUAL BANQUET
Earlier this month, I was honored to join Congressman Greg Murphy at the Boy Scouts' East Carolina Council Annual Banquet to recognize great Scout leaders, volunteers, and Eagle Scouts. As a proud Eagle Scout myself, it is always a joy to witness young men achieve this esteemed rank.
HUMPHREY STANDS WITH TEXAS GOVERNOR
My House Republican colleagues and I sent a letter to Governor Cooper to demand that he take swift action on behalf of our state to support Texas. The Biden Administration has left the border wide open, and it's time we band together as states, united, to secure our nation and protect our citizens.
REAR THE LETTER >>>
CPAC AWARDS HUMPHREY FOR CONSERVATIVE EXCELLENCE
I’m honored to receive the Conservative Excellence Award from the American Conservative Union’s CPAC — in recognition of my strong conservative voting record in the 2023 legislative session. Founded in 1964, this group is the nation’s oldest conservative grassroots organization. I will continue standing up for our principles and defending our values — preserving the life, liberty, and property of every North Carolinian.
3RD ANNUAL WATERS SUMMIT
We enjoyed thoughtful discussions at the 3rd Annual WATERS Summit, hosted by Congressmen Greg Murphy and David Rouzer. We also heard a special presentation from Jay Faison of the American Flood Coalition. It is my top priority to enhance our flood mitigation strategy & protect communities from natural disasters. Thank you to our partners who support this important work.
WELCOMING NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
Please join me in congratulating John Wiggins of La Grange, who was chosen to fill the District 2 vacancy on the Lenoir County Board of Education. I look forward to continued collaboration with our school board to ensure every student in our community receives a quality education.
READ MORE >>>
EARLY VOTING HAS STARTED
Early Voting has started and Election Day is on March 5, 2024.
Please do your civic duty and cast your ballot in the Primary Election.
CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE >>>
APPLY NOW: OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The expanded N.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is officially open for applications! Thanks to the N.C. General Assembly, all families of K-12 students in North Carolina are now eligible to apply. Scholarships range from $3,000 to $7,000 and are based on a family’s household income. Scholarships can be used to pay tuition and fees to attend an eligible private school. I am proud to have supported the expansion of this successful program and look forward to more families having access to school choice and opportunities.
LEARN MORE >>>
APPLY NOW: GOLDEN LEAF SCHOLARSHIPS
The Golden LEAF Scholarship application is now open!
Each year, the Golden LEAF Foundation awards 215 scholarships to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural North Carolina county (including Lenoir, Jones, and Greene) and are planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina.
High school seniors entering college as freshmen are eligible for a scholarship totaling up to $14,000 ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to 3 years.
HOW TO APPLY >>>
Visit CFNC.org and fill out the Golden LEAF Scholarship application form. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024. Awards to be announced in April.
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