From the Desk of State Senator Steve Jarvis
Dear Friends,
We have crossed the threshold to welcome in the year of 2025. I hope you were able to close out the past and embrace the new beginning with fond farewells and open minds!
We have big news this week to make you aware of. Our office has moved locations within the General Assembly complex. Our new office home is in the same building, but on a different floor. Pictures will be forthcoming once boxes have been unpacked and our transition is complete.
Our newly sworn in Governor has issued new Executive Orders for his first actions in office. The theme of the orders revolve around Hurricane Helene recovery in the western part of the state.
In other state news, there are a few statutes that are new for 2025. I have provided a few that may be most impactful to you.
Next week, I will be attending the Senate Swearing-In Ceremony with my family. I look forward to providing highlights from that event, along with other news about the upcoming biennium.
Stay warm and safe until then!
Warm regards,
Senator Steve Jarvis,
NC District 30
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New Changes in Laws For 2025
Heralding the new year means changes are eminent. Often when new laws are passed, they become effective immediately. There are also laws and policy changes that don't take place until a new year arrives.
Here are a few of the new statutes that may affect you:
State employee health coverage changes Aetna is scheduled to assume the role of third-party administrator for North Carolina’s State Health Plan on Jan. 1, 2025, succeeding Blue Cross NC, which has held the position for over four decades. This transition will impact teachers, state employees, retirees, and their dependents, including with updates to the network of providers.
Tighter rules regarding fees or changing prices on ticket sales for concerts and sporting events, when sold by companies in the secondary market.
Lower income tax rates for people and businesses, plus new tax credits for corporations that donate property for environmental conservative, historic preservation or similar uses. Tax changes North Carolina’s 2023 budget bill reduces the state’s individual income tax rate across several years. Starting in January, the individual income tax rate will decrease from 4.5% for 2024 to 4.25% for 2025, followed by a drop to 3.99% the following year. North Carolina’s corporate income tax will also see changes. For 2025, the tax rate will drop from 2.5% to 2.25%, with further reductions planned in subsequent years, eventually reaching 0% by 2030.
Looser rules for new home construction.
Stricter requirements for auto insurance coverage amounts, and higher toll road costs.
First Actions By Governor Stein
Governor Stein is getting busy in a hurry, just one day after being sworn into office on Wednesday. Five new executive actions were signed by Governor Stein after making a trip to Asheville.
Western North Carolina officials were in attendance at the announcement on Thursday at the Buncombe County Government Administration building in Asheville. Stein created the bipartisan rebuilding committee in November to help advise his work to address the communities affected by Helene, according to a prior news release. “The needs facing this region are vast and require attention. I pledge to do everything in my power as governor to accelerate recovery and the rebuilding of a more resilient region for the long haul,” Stein said Thursday. “That’s why today, on my first day as governor, I signed five executive orders dedicated to keeping people in Western North Carolina safe and moving forward,” he said.
The following topics were focused on in the Executive Orders:
Temporary housing units
The first order provides a limited waiver on state procurement regulations to facilitate a quick workaround to increase temporary housing units that can be supplied for living arrangements during property owner's repairs. This will allow residents to remain in their communities and proceed with property recovery.
Repairing private roads and bridges
Gov. Stein's purpose for this order is“to quickly procure the services of bridge and road builders to get to work repairing” this critical infrastructure. The order will “establish emergency assistance funds” to the director of the emergency management division to administer state assistance for the repair of private roads and bridges.
Western NC Recovery Office establishment
Establishes a dedicated team in the Governor's office to coordinate state government efforts in response to the emergency. The new Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) will focus solely on recovery from Hurricane Helene.
State employee community service
Directs the Office of State Human Resources to allow state employees to take an additional 16 hours of community service when requested for volunteer services
Advisory committee for storm relief efforts
Formalizes the advisory committee set up to address Helene recovery efforts
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