Political Opinion: From Sen. Jarvis' Desk - March 10, 2023
Dear Friends,
On Monday evening, the state of NC listened to Governor Cooper's assessment of our state and then heard Lieutenant Governor Robinson's evaluation of our state's status. For the first time in two years, we were able to gather in the Assembly for this special event in which highlights of NC's economic growth, budget needs and expectations for the future were summarized by Governor Cooper. Lt. Governor Robinson connected with the audience by focusing his speech on education and the important, unbiased role that teachers play. He also reminded listeners to not let partisanship become entrenched in extreme views.
I was so excited to be able to attend Governor Cooper's announcement event in Lexington on Tuesday. The City of Lexington will be welcoming a new business, Siemens Mobility, that will generate over 500 jobs for the local economy. This company's investment will not only be impactful in the Lexington area, but it will also provide funds for our state coffers. What a great piece of news for our area!
We have accomplished so much this week in the General Assembly! With the bill drafting deadline looming, Senate members were eager to get their bill requests completed. Meanwhile, bills that were heard in committee and voted on in Senate chambers were also plentiful. Here is a brief summary of a few other bills that have been gaining ground in the legislative pathway.
HB 40-Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder-a pivotal bill proposed in the House and voted to pass in the Senate will increase the penalties for inciting rioting, the act of rioting and looting.
SB 246-Property Owner's Protection Act-this bill would change the terms of first-degree trespassing to include remaining on a property between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.
SB 275-Streamline Community and Multi-family Building Plan Review-this bill will speed up the approval process for building plans in local communities. Plan reviews must be completed within 21 days and 3rd party licensed engineers or architects will be allowed to review building plans.
SB 58-Securitization of our Electric Grid- imposes tougher penalties for damaging energy facilities like the electrical substations in Moore County that were damaged in December, was also approved on Wednesday.
SB 41 Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections has been sent to the House for further review.
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
The majority party in the Senate held an important press conference this week regarding the prioritizing of legislation to combat fentanyl and opioid overdoses in NC. Currently, opioid overdoses are the number one cause of fatalities in children under age 5, so changes need to occur rapidly for increasing criminal penalties and holding those who commit these harmful acts accountable. From 2000 to 2020, more than 28,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to opioid overdosing. I intend to fully support and stand by my fellow Senators in this legislative process to protect our citizens.
In budget news, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore have reached an agreement on how much money the state budget will spend. This indicates that the budget process is still on track to finish on time, in June.
In other news around the state, the much-discussed nursing shortage may receive some help from a $5 million pledge to UNC-Chapel Hill, which will go toward supporting nursing students and developing nurse educators. The historic gift is the largest in school history to support students, and more than doubles the amount of annual scholarship funding available for the school’s baccalaureate program, UNC said in a news release Thursday.
There are a variety of events occurring this weekend around Lexington and Davie County. Help prepare for the Easter parade in Welcome by decorating the float for the Keep Davidson County Beautiful group. Save the date for the upcoming job fairs at Davidson-Davie Community College. Pick something outside and enjoy nature with your family or friends!
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
