Political Opinion: From Sen. Jarvis' Desk - January 27, 2023
Dear Friends,
This week has started with plenty of energy and enthusiasm in the General Assembly for the opening week of our 2023 Long Session. It has been wonderful to see the hard-working members and staff as they get settled and ready to begin on legislative projects.
The following projects are currently being discussed in the legislation, and some actions have been taken in the form of bill drafts already. Redistricting, immigration and medical marijuana use are all topics that are working their way through the legislative process, and will likely be widely discussed during conversations on the chamber floor. Senate Bills Search.
Additionally, petitions were filed this past Friday in NC's Supreme Court in regards to voter redistricting maps and voter ID laws. The majority party has turned the NC Supreme Court in their favor with the election of two new justices. The addition of these new justices could lead to the overturning of recent rulings that threw out NC's Senate election map and made the 2018 voter ID law unconstitutional.
On Monday, I had the honor of participating in Davidson County's 200th Anniversary. I gathered with the county commissioners to recognize both the origin of the county as well as to celebrate the current successes we have experienced in Davidson county and those yet to come!
Later in the week, I had a great opportunity to meet with sheriffs and business leaders from all over the state. I deeply appreciate their willingness to share concerns and accomplishments, and I am grateful to be entrusted with their thoughts.
This is National School Choice Week, and I had the pleasure of attending an event on Thursday. It was an informative event and I am proud to support school choice options for families and their students in NC. We are lucky to have choices in the type of school that can best support the needs of our students!
In other news, Senator Ted Budd made local history during his recent swearing in ceremony as the first U.S. Senator from Davie County. Senator Budd has roots in the community of Advance, and he graduated from Davie County High School. Senator Budd said, "Davie County's values of faith, family, and patriotism will be guide throughout this journey."
I would like to extend a message of congratulations to Larry James, Davidson County's EMS Director, who will be retiring after 35 years of dedicated service in Emergency Services. Mr. James began his career as a junior firefighter, moving into EMT and paramedic roles before his leadership position as Director. The citizens of Davidson County have benefited from Mr. James' high level of training and we wish him a restful, happy retirement!
If you would like some help with preparing your taxes, there is a program called VITA that is offered through the IRS for eligible people. Eligibility requirements can be found here - VITA. The VITA program is staffed by volunteer tax preparers and there are several locations that will be accepting appointments soon. Please see below for a link to the locations.
EnergyUnited is offering a wonderful scholarship opportunity called Empowering the Future for high school seniors. Students that live or go to school in an area serviced by EnergyUnited are eligible to earn $5000 towards college expenses.
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
