Political Opinion: From Sen. Jarvis' Desk - June 2, 2023
Dear Friends,
I hope you all took some time this past week to honor our fallen Heroes who selflessly fought to secure and protect our freedom on Memorial Day. We will never be able to repay our debts to them, but we can spend everyday working towards keeping their memory and mission alive.
Our time in Raleigh has been focused on budget processes as we prepare to head into conference. Conference is where both the House and Senate meet in a Joint conference committee to further review, discuss, and debate the state budget. The budget is a complex, multistep process so it is likely to undergo many changes before we produce a final version. You can reference last week's newsletter for a more in-depth section about how the budget process works!
Senate committees are seeing increased action as the number of bills being heard from crossover has steadily picked up. The majority of these bills are local bills, meaning they typically only pertain to the district of the primary sponsor. Nonetheless, they still have to make their way through the traditional bill to law process.
Big news has been released regarding the election and voting processes in North Carolina. Read the Senate Press Release below about the new proposals that will benefit the integrity of choosing our elected officials.
We had one rather large bill that came from the House for a vote in the Senate this week. HB 347 - Sports Wagering/Horse Racing Wagering made its way through Senate committees and up for its three readings on the Senate floor this week. On Thursday, the bill passed with a vote of 38-11. Ultimately, this bill authorizes, regulates, and taxes sports and horse betting in North Carolina. Most notably, it allows for sports wagering in two settings: 1) In-person at a place of public accommodation and; 2) As a registered player via an interactive account.
The North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents and the North Carolina School Superintendents Association partnered to create a scholarship fundraiser in honor of Dr. Darrin Hartness, President of Davidson-Davie Community College. The fundraiser totaled $35,800, which will go towards supporting students' educations.
Davidson and Davie County Schools were recently awarded grants from the Department of Public instruction to help support the development of local innovative digital learning models. Davidson County Schools secured a one time $30,000 grant, while Davie County previously won a grant during the 2022-23 school year that will continue to be funded through 2025.
The Annual Davidson Duck Derby is being held June 3rd at 10 am. The derby will support programs that benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more about the Duck Derby below.
Summer break is right around the corner for many, if not already here. Camp Cognition is a great choice for children who are looking for a fun and challenging summer activity.
Hospice of Davidson County is looking for local artists to submit their work to an art auction which will be held during the agency's annual gala in Lexington. You ca find more details bel0w!
Several Davie County students were recognized for their service to the community in a ceremony held by Davie Respect Initiative. Learn more about the DRI challenge and award recipients below.
In this week's Discovering the District, we head to Mocksville to explore the Farmington Dragway.
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!
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Senator Steve Jarvis,
NC District 30
