Political Opinion: From Sen. Jarvis' Desk - February 24, 2023
Dear Friends,
The pace is consistently busy at the General Assembly in Raleigh this week! The Senate is continuing to introduce legislation, bills are being read in the chambers and votes are being counted.
A new bill that will provide some expansion of representation for our law enforcement members on the NC Training Education and Standards Commission. My additional primary-sponsors, Senator Hise and Senator Hanig were happy to join forces with me to provide this measure for ensuring that practicing law officers' voices can present real-world experience for the creation of training procedures.
Click on the link below for a look at the other bills that I have co-sponsored so far this session.
Senator Jarvis' Co-Sponsored Bills
In other bill news, Senate Bill 83, known as the Ban on TikTok Bill, is working its way through committees. This bill serves to protect government-issued devices from possible foreign intrusion and will help with providing security for digital communications. I fully support this measure introduced by Senators Moffitt, Perry and Hanig. The apps that will be included in this ban are TikTok, WeChat and Telegram, which are all owned and operated in foreign countries.
Two important healthcare bills were also discussed in Healthcare committee this week. Senate Bill 45 involves the training of alcohol and drug counselors and Senate Bill 46 would require transparency for billing practices. This bill would mandate that during every doctor visit, you would need to be notified if your provider is out of your insurance network. This is so important for helping you understand what costs you may incur when you have a medical visit!
In other state news, Senator Pro Tem Phil Berger made an official announcement last week about revenue surplus. NC's economy is predicted to provide over $3 billion in additional funds at the end of this fiscal year. While this is welcome news, Senator Phil Berger reminds us to "prioritize responsible spending" as budget negotiations in the Senate and the House ensue.
I was happy to attend an important announcement from Governor Cooper on Thursday regarding a windfall of funds that the City of Lexington will be receiving. $27.9 million is being provided from a combination of federal and state funds and grants to upgrade and expand Lexington's Wastewater Treatment Plant. We have heard stories across the nation of how aging water systems have drastically impacted residents' quality of life in some unsettling ways. I am pleased that our area can improve the water system, which is so vital to both our personal health and our economic rigor.
If you are a grower who enjoys sharing our selling your produce, check out the continuing education class that is being offered by the Davidson County Local Food Network. Proper food handling is important for good health, and this course can teach you some helpful tips to manage the process before your customers take home some of your harvest.
Please take some time to enjoy your family and friends by visiting our newest barbecue restaurant in the community of Welcome! Perhaps you can grab a bite to eat there before going to see the new production musical, Bright Star, in Mocksville. The ticket link is provided below.
If you have concerns, or questions, you can reply to this newsletter, email, or call my office at (919) 733-5743.
I also take time each day to personally call citizens in our district to listen to their concerns. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you!
Senator Steve Jarvis,
NC District 30
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