Legislative Update
The North Carolina General Assembly is currently in the long session.

The Office of Senator Kirk deViere will remain open to assist constituents with concerns, as well as to field opinions regarding the Senator's legislative actions.

Filed Public Legislation as of March 12:
-SB81 Teacher Diversity/PED Study
-SB231 Military Family Sports Act

Notable Co-Sponsorships:
-SB4 Equal Tax Treatment of Government Retirees
-SB12 Military Retiree State Income Tax Relief
-SB15 NC Adopt ERA
-SB59 Restore Masters Pay for Certain Teachers
-SB121 Community College System Salary Increases
-SB143 Juneteenth Observance Day in NC
-SB154 Fully Fund School Social Workers and Psychologists
-SB165 NC CROWN Act
-SB178 Reenact Child Care Tax Credit
-SB182 Restore Educational Sales Tax Holiday
-SB199 Freedom from Abuse
-SB207 Various Raise the Age Changes
-SB218 Restore Educator Longevity
-SB249 The SAVE Act
-SB274 Restore Masters Pay for Teachers and ISP

Federal Relief Package Update
The North Carolina General Assembly unanimously approved SB36 2020 Covid Relief Bill Modifications. This bill distributes the federal government's December stimulus package.

Key funding allocation includes:
  • $1.6 billion to help reopen classrooms for in-person instruction
  • Purchase educational technology and work to help reduce learning gaps exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
  • $546 million towards emergency rental assistance
  • $95 million to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to assist with the distribution of vaccines.
  • An additional $155 million in rental assistance will go to local governments with more than 200,000 residents.

Update on SB220 - The Reopen Our Schools Act of 2021
Wednesday night following a joint press conference featuring Governor Cooper along with Democratic and Republican leadership from the NC House and Senate, the legislature passed a bipartisan bill that sets up a return to in-person learning for our children.

This agreement ensures schools will return to in-person learning while requiring necessary safety measures and preserving the ability for state officials to respond to local emergencies.

Here's a quick rundown:
  • Bill requires grades K-5 to open under Plan A (full in-person)
  • Local districts can choose between Plan A or Plan B (hybrid in-person and virtual) or take advantage of both plans with grades 6-12
  • Governor Cooper still retains ability to close school by district if deemed necessary by NCDHHS
  • ABC collaborative will partner with schools and collect data and analyze data


Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office:
Directly: DeviereLA@ncleg.gov
Office: (919) 733-5776
VIDEO: Update on School Reopening Legislation
In The Community
ABOVE: Senator deViere speaks on the floor to the life of beloved community member Sgt. Maj. Kenneth "Rock" Merritt who passed away Wednesday.
ABOVE: Senator deViere attends celebration of appreciation for Fayetteville State University interim chancellor Dr. Peggy Valentine.
Covid-19 Vaccination Update
A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all who want it.

The North Carolina Dept. of Health & Human Services' goal is to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible given the limited supply of vaccines. North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while empowering local vaccine providers with the flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete phases and have vaccines available.

Rest assured: you have a spot to take your shot.
  • You will likely need an appointment to get vaccinated. You may have to wait to schedule your appointment to get your vaccine.
  • Your local vaccine provider can help you get your shot. Because supplies are very limited right now, most doctors cannot provide vaccinations in their offices. 
  • You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center 1-888-675-4567. It's a free call.

All front line essential workers are now eligible to receive their vaccine.
Need transportation to and from your vaccine provider? People who need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment should reach out to their local transit agency. You can find your local transit agency online and can call the phone number listed for assistance.

As of March 11, North Carolina has administered over 3.1 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine:

Statewide:
-1,951,825 first doses
-1,179,400 second doses
-31,410 single shot doses

Cumberland County:
-43,281 partially vaccinated (12.9%)
-28,930 fully vaccinated (8.6%)
Resources for Those Facing Eviction
Governor Roy Cooper has issued an extension of North Carolina's eviction moratorium until March 31, 2021.

The Office of Senator Kirk deViere has set up a website that will be regularly updated with information and resources for those facing eviction or utility shutoff:
Contact Us:
North Carolina General Assembly
Legislative Office Building
300 N. Salisbury St. Room 515
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925

Phone Number: (919) 733-5776
Fax Number: (919) 754-3229

www.SENATORKIRKDEVIERE.com
Make sure to follow us online: