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George Floyd Anniversary Edition |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
May 25, 2021
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India Covid Crisis Continues as they reach 300,000 deaths.
(See India Covid Section)
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12,987 Covid 19 Deaths in North Carolina.
52.5% Partially Vaccinated with One Dose.
47.9% Fully Vaccinated
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JOIN US ON THURSDAY MAY 26 at 10:10 am for a Virtual Fireside Chat and Update on India with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi |
We continue our Asian American Heritage Month Series with a Fireside Chat with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as he updates us on the United States Response to the India Covid Crisis, and Federal Responses Asian American Hate Crime.
Join us on May 26th at 10:10 am EST for a Virtual Discussion with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on the US Response to India Covid Crisis and celebrating the Achievements of Asian Americans during Asian American Heritage Month!
Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday, May 23h at 4 pm. 99.9 FM HD 4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Congratulations to Phil Mickelson for winning the PGA at 50! Inspiring! |
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My Message on the Disease of Racism and
the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death:
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George Floyd’s family presents $25,000 check to Fayetteville State University to create scholarship in his honor. |
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Documentary: The Skin We're In |
Tune in tonight to WRAL for the Documentary, The Skin We're In, which takes a look at racism through the personal stories of people in the Triangle who have experienced racial discrimination firsthand. |
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How George Floyd Has Changed the World |
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A day before the George Floyd Anniversary, Virtual Rally at George Floyd Memorial in Raleigh calls for change:
Live Stream is at:
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All of us remember where we were when we witnessed George Floyd die at the hands of Officer Derek Chauvin. Fear, Anger, Sadness, were all emotions I felt when I heard him ask for his late mother, in his last few gasps of breath he would ever take.
While his public execution was a tragic reminder of the systemic racism we still have in America, it did bring about significant change in one year.
1) People are still protesting with one message - Black Lives Matter.
They have marched in the past when other black people have been killed by police, but this time it's different.
There have been demonstrations in all 50 US states, including in places like Anna, a small village in Illinois - described locally as one of "the most racist places". Cities in 50 countries have also held demonstrations.
2) Confederate Statues and Monuments Have Been Taken Down
In the UK and the US statues and monuments of people with links to slavery have been toppled by demonstrators.
3) Police Officers Are Being Charged and Convicted for Violent Acts
Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter over George Floyd's death - three other former officers face charges of aiding and abetting murder. Other high-profile cases where black men died in police custody haven't led to officers being convicted.
4) Police Departments Have Made Changes/President Biden introduces George Floyd Policing Act
Minneapolis city council forced the police department to ban chokeholds and neck restraints.
Unannounced police raids, known as "no-knock warrants" have been scrapped in Louisville - where Breonna Taylor died. She was at home in bed when police officers entered her apartment. She died after being shot eight times.
Defunding the police is another change protestors want - they argue too much cash is given to the police and it should be reduced. I believe that we should not blindly defund Police Departments but invest in more racial bias and law enforcement training.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would divert money from the city's police department to social services.
5) Street Names Have Changed
Black Lives Matter Plaza is now the name of the street in Washington DC leading up the White House.
The mayor there changed the name because she wasn't happy with the way President Trump reacted to the protests.
The Mayor of New York says a street in each borough will be renamed "Black Lives Matter."
6) Donating to Charities and Bailing Out Protestors
7) More Are Speaking out Against Racism
More people are speaking out about the everyday racism and discrimination they have faced.
Radio 1's Clara Amfo was praised for speaking openly about the impact George Floyd's death had on her and her mental health. She said what happened had reinforced a feeling among black people "that people want our culture, but they do not want us". "In other words, you want my talent, but you don't want me," Clara added.
Leona Lewis posted on her Instagram talking about a past experience where the singer says she and her dad were racially targeted in a shop. She says she was told she was told she was "not allowed" to touch stuff in the store.
When the woman in the shop tried to apologize, Leona confronted her. "I said, 'you're a racist'."
In Cary, my dear friend Tru Pettigrew and Apex Police Chief Tony Godwin, are still leading their Barbershop Rap Sessions where community leaders from all walks of life, can have conversations on how we can heal and build bridges with each other.
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George Floyd Day of Action |
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George Floyd Day of Action Events
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Today, I encourage all of us to attend some events during the George Floyd Day of Action.
Let us use this time to reflect on how we can heal as a nation, and once and for all, find a cure for the disease of hatred and racism which holds our nation back from being all that she can be.
Virtual Phone Bank for Passing of the George Floyd Policing Act
(See George Floyd Policing Act Section)
Honor the life of George Floyd by joining activists from across the country in our virtual phone bank effort to demand the passing of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and hold law enforcement accountable.
CALL YOUR SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE PASSING OF THE ACT
To ensure this critical bill gets passed on or before the one-year mark of the murder of George Floyd, we're targeting state senators who are on the fence or opposed to the bill to surpass the three-fifths rule or 60 votes, which will unanimously pass the bill in congress. Join us in the fight for accountability and steps to end police brutality. Commit to calling your state senators to pass the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act.
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May 27 7 pm REUNITE TO REFORM, A DISCUSSION OF POLICING IN AMERICA |
UnidosUS and NAACP join forces for this town hall focusing on the complex relationship between the police and Black and Brown communities as we examine the events that led to the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement and the need for communities of color to come together to create lasting change.
Join us as we take a deep dive into recent reform efforts such as The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and as we discuss what we can do together to make police reform a reality.
The event will be hosted LIVE on Facebook on NAACP and UnidosUS pages. |
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GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT |
This Act has passed the House twice but the President needs at least 60 in the Senate for the bill to pass. The Senate has not introduced any Police Reform legislation of its own.
The Justice in Policing Act is the first-ever bold, comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, end racial profiling, change the culture of law enforcement, empower our communities, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives.
The Justice in Policing Act would:
- establish a national standard for the operation of police departments;
- mandate data collection on police encounters;
- reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs; and
- streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations.
The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 will:
- Work to End Racial & Religious Profiling • Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious and discriminatory profiling.
- Mandates training on racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement.
- Requires law enforcement to collect data on all investigatory activities. Save Lives by Banning Chokeholds & No-Knock Warrants
- Bans chokeholds and carotid holds at the federal level and conditions law enforcement funding for state and local governments banning chokeholds.
- Bans no-knock warrants in drug cases at the federal level and conditions law enforcement funding for state and local governments banning no-knock warrants at the local and state level.
- Requires that deadly force be used only as a last resort and requires officers to employ de-escalation techniques first. Changes the standard to evaluate whether law enforcement use of force was justified from whether the force was “reasonable” to whether the force was “necessary.” Condition grants on state and local law enforcement agencies’ establishing the same use of force standard. Limit Military Equipment on American Streets & Requires Body Cameras
- Limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement.
- Requires federal uniformed police officers to wear body cameras and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras.
- Requires marked federal police vehicles to have dashboard cameras. Hold Police Accountable in Court
- Makes it easier to prosecute offending officers by amending the federal criminal statute to prosecute police misconduct. The means requirement in 18 U.S.C. Section 242 will be amended from “willfulness” to a “recklessness” standard.
- Enables individuals to recover damages in civil court when law enforcement officers violate their constitutional rights by eliminating qualified immunity for law enforcement. Investigate Police Misconduct
- Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments. Empower Our Communities to Reimagine Public Safety in an Equitable and Just Way
- This bill reinvests in our communities by supporting critical community-based programs to change the culture of law enforcement and empower our communities to reimagine public safety in an equitable and just way.
- It establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just and equitable public safety approaches. These local commissions would operate similar to President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Change the Culture of Law Enforcement with Training to Build Integrity and Trust
- Requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama’s Taskforce on 21st Century policing.
- Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices.
- Studies the impact of laws or rules that allow a law enforcement officer to delay answers to questions posed by investigators of law enforcement misconduct.
- Enhances funding for pattern and practice discrimination investigations and programs managed by the DOJ Community Relations Service.
- Requires the Attorney General to collect data on investigatory actions and detentions by federal law enforcement agencies; the racial distribution of drug charges; the use of deadly force by and against law enforcement officers; as well as traffic and pedestrian stops and detentions.
- Establishes a DOJ task force to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct. Improve Transparency by Collecting Data on Police Misconduct and Use-of-Force
- Creates a nationwide police misconduct registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave one agency, from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability.
- Mandates state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age. Make Lynching a Federal Crime.
- Makes it a federal crime to conspire to violate existing federal hate crimes laws.
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NCLM Racial and Equity Task Force Recommendations |
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This past year, I had the honor of serving on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Racial Equity Task Force. By leading with our collective values, the NCLM recognizes we must, first and foremost, understand our own history and role in supporting systemic racism and inequities to move forward in a real and robust way. In order to have future-forward, viable and thriving economies, cities and towns must center racial equity in policymaking to potentially overcome the intergenerational disparities that exists in local communities.
The report’s recommendations are:
- Cities and towns consider an examination of their own historical practices related to redlining and other policies that may have harmed minority homeownership rates, home values and wealth accumulation.
- Cities and towns, as they can afford to do so, provide incentives that encourage investment in historically redlined neighborhoods or others disadvantaged by past discriminatory policies.
- Cities and towns consider targeted approaches and strategies, such as Target Universalism, to address inequities created by past policies and decisions that have had and continue to have the effect of causing residents in those areas to suffer economically, educationally, socially and from a health standpoint.
- Cities and towns make investments in social infrastructure, like parks and libraries, in historically neglected or redlined neighborhoods, or those disadvantaged by less desirable targeted public facilities or geography.
- Cities and towns consider assessments of their policing that examine approaches to racial equity and a shared sense of community.
- Cities and towns create intentional spaces and forums for brave and courageous engagement about race, equity, justice and policing.
- Cities and towns work with the NCLM and state partners to better identify, utilize, and win the extensive grant awards available at the federal level that support better training and education for officers.
- Establish education and training opportunities for city and town officials to establish a shared and common understanding and language from which to have dialogue at the local level.
I look forward to continuing on serving on the Task Force and look forward to working with my colleagues to establish anti-racist policies for the Town of Morrisville.
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MORRISVILLE PLAY OF THE WEEK:
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ON RACE AND EQUITY
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My Play of the week:
Community Conversations on Race and Equity
My Play of the week is to have our Staff and Council review the NCLM Task Force Recommendations and to see where they fit in our Strategic Plan, particularly on our goal of promoting inclusive neighborhoods. One takeaway for me is that we have to start our own Barbershop Rap Sessions/Community Conversations where our citizens of diverse faiths, and ethnicities learn from each other and we can push ourselves to be the most inclusive community we can be.
One next step would be to host a different cultural exhibit in Town Hall every month or two, where our residents can come and learn about different cultures, perhaps a lecture, and a Forum for having healthy conversations, often with people, who do not look like or think like us.
Together, in Morrisville, we can build Bridges!
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Governor Cooper has lifted Most Covid Restrictions with Executive Order 215. All kids 12 and older are eligible to receive Pfizer Vaccine in North Carolina!
Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order 216 / Unemployed must seek employment.
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Former President Trump to keynote Republican Convention in Greenville on June 5th.
New York AG probe into Trump Organization is now a criminal investigation.
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Wake County School Board Approves Budget/Wake County Commissioners Presented Budget
(See NC Updates)
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Biden may change course on Infrastructure Bill if negotiations falter, new estimates at $1.7 trillion.
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Secretary of State Blinken Arrives in Israel to Shore Up Cease Fire in Gaza.
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UBER and LYFT Providing Free Rides for Vaccination Trips |
The ride hailing companies Uber and Lyft have started providing free transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites in the United States. Uber said Monday that it will provide four rides valued at up to $25 each through July 4 while Lyft has said that it is offering two rides of up to $15 each |
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Biden commits sharing additional doses of Covid 19 Vaccines with World |
President Joe Biden says the U.S. will share an additional 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines with the world in the coming six weeks. The move comes as domestic demand for shots drops and global disparities in distribution have grown more evident and will bring the total U.S. commitment to 80 million.
Biden said Monday from the White House that "we know America will never be fully safe until the pandemic that's raging globally is under control." The doses will come from existing U.S. production of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine stocks. The administration previously committed to share about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of June.
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Millions of American Families to Receive Child Monthly Payments |
The payments are part of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which expanded the child tax credit for one year and made it possible to pre-pay the benefits on a monthly basis. Nearly 88% of children are set to receive the benefits without their parents needing to take any additional action.
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THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE MAY 24 - MAY 28 |
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Town Offices Closed May 31 for Memorial Day
In honor of Memorial Day, the Town’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 31. All essential services will remain available
Town Meetings
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Advisory Committee Meetings have returned to in-person meetings. Face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required in these meetings unless a member or staff member makes such a request. Each committee staff liaison is responsible for addressing this in advance of the meeting.
Council will provide direction on the status of Town Council Meetings at our May 20th Meeting.
May 25 - 6 pm In person Town Council Meeting
May 26 – 6 p.m. Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee
May 27 – 6:30 p.m. Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee
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Updates to Town of Morrisville Operations |
On Friday, May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that face coverings and social distancing are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals. The Town of Morrisville is lifting COVID-19 restrictions and updating Town operations to reflect the new public health recommendations.
Based on the most recent guidance, the following changes are effective Tuesday, May 18:
- A face covering will only be required in Town facilities for members of the public who are not fully vaccinated.
- Members of the public will no longer be required to sign in unless attending a public meeting where they intend to speak.
- The Town will continue to provide PPE stands and temperature monitors in building lobbies for now.
- The Morrisville Town Council has resumed in-person meetings that are open to the public. All Advisory Committees have resumed in person meetings. The Town's updated meeting guidance can be found here:
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Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center Operations |
In response to Executive Order No. 215 and updated guidance from the North Carolina Governor’s office, MAFC has lifted its face covering restrictions for most cases, effective Friday, March 14.
Fully vaccinated individuals may enter the building and use the amenities without a face covering, however, those who are unvaccinated are recommended to wear one until further notice. We will encourage and respect all individuals who choose to continue wearing a mask for individual reasons, regardless of vaccination status.
As always, we will continue to operate our facility in a way that prioritizes safety for all. In due time, we will update additional policies and procedures to adhere to this new directive. Thank you for all you have done to help stop the spread, and we look forward to this next phase at MAFC!
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project |
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project: Update for the week of May 24.
- Work on the south side of Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle) in connection with the road widening operations will continue. The temporary shoring work for the culvert is ongoing.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in this area between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.
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Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and CIP Portal Accepting Public Input Until May 25 |
The Town of Morrisville has developed a Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment Program (CIP) recommendation. The recommendation outlines the Town’s plan to Relaunch Morrisville! The budget outlines how your tax dollars will be put to work for our growing community to meet core services, provide program and service improvements, and plan for long-term needs.
Public input is welcome through the FY2022 Budget & CIP Portal forum until May 25 at noon. Input received will be provided to Town Council as they deliberate and prepare the budget and CIP for adoption. A formal Public Hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 25 at Town Hall.
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Morrisville Summer Board and Committee Recruitment opens May 24 |
Recruitment for Morrisville’s board and citizen advisory committees will begin on Monday, May 24, with an application submission deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday, July 2.
While applications for all boards and committees will be accepted during this period, the following board and committees have vacancies that may be filled during this appointment process:
- Planning and Zoning Board
- Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee
- Morrisville Public Education Advisory Committee
- Public Safety Advisory Committee
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National Senior Health and Fitness Day set for May 26 |
Mark your calendars for National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 26. Visit the Morrisville Senior Center online at https://www.townofmorrisville.org/msc for programs and activities for people age 55 and over. You can also call (919) 463-7140, or stop by the Senior Center at 4117 Davis Drive (McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center). |
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2021 Citizens Police Academy Applications Open |
The Morrisville Police Department is accepting applications for its 2021 Citizens Police Academy, being held August 25 through October 13. The academy helps residents and employees of Morrisville better understand how the police work in their community. The course is one night a week for eight weeks. Participants must be 21 years old and must live or work in Morrisville. A background check will be required. There is no cost to participate. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, June 30. To learn more and to apply, click here.
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Morrisville Senior Center Program Updates |
The Morrisville Senior Center would like to remind everyone to check out our website at www.townofmorrisville.org/msc for programs and activities for people age 55 and over. The Morrisville Fire Department will be presenting information on in-home safety on Wednesday, May 19 and a new art introduction program is starting Saturday, May 22.
Mark your calendars for National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 26. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, visit our website, call us at (919) 463-7140, or stop by the Senior Center at 4117 Davis Drive (McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center).
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Western Wake Farmers' Market is Open Year-round |
Come out to the Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., for healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses! Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to learn about the WWFM, to see a complete list of local vendors, for special event dates, and to learn more about how you can support your community by shopping local. Sign up for the weekly WWFM newsletter sent out on Friday mornings! Email debbie@wwfm.ag to subscribe! |
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Participate in the Town’s New Community Engagement Platform! |
Engage Morrisville is a place for residents and businesses to get involved by sharing ideas and feedback on a variety of projects and topics affecting the Morrisville community. Click here to watch this introductory video from Community Relations Liaison Brianne Gill on how to register and participate on Engage Morrisville!
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Cooper Signs Exec. Order 216/Unemployed must seek Employment |
In Gov. Roy Cooper's latest Executive Order 216 issued Friday, all existing claimants of unemployment benefits will be required to fulfill work-search requirements beginning June 6. All existing claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov during the next several weeks.
The order also directs the state's Department of Commerce to explore opportunities in line with federal law and using certain federal funds to establish a reemployment incentive program for those without jobs who can find and maintain employment.
Under the order:
- Claimants must make contact with at least three different employers each week and keep a record of their work search, as is required by state law. One of the three weekly job contacts can be satisfied by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
- To continue receiving benefits, all unemployment claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov, North Carolina's online portal for employment and training services. Jobseekers can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information and find opportunities for workforce training. Over the next several weeks, existing claimants will receive notifications about registering for NCWorks.
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NCDHHS to Offer Summer Vaccine Cash Cards |
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering $25 Summer Cash Cards at select vaccine sites.
From May 26 through June 8, select vaccine sites will offer Summer Cash Cards in Mecklenburg, Guilford, Rowan and Rockingham counties.
Anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination - or drives someone to their vaccination - will receive a $25 cash card after vaccination at a participating location while supplies last, NCDHHS said in a news release.
The $25 Summer Cash card pilot is part of the state's campaign to get more people vaccinated. State Employees' Credit Union is providing the cash cards and waiving the card production fees.
More than 50% of North Carolina adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the state health department.
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Governor Cooper Lifts Most Covid 19 Restrictions |
The state is completely lifting all mandatory capacity, gathering limits and physical distancing requirements, effective immediately
That means that in most settings, indoors or outdoors, the state will no longer require North Carolinians to wear a mask or be socially distant.
Cooper said the mask mandate will remain in effect on public transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health setting.
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Wake County School Board Approves $567 million Budget |
Leaders of North Carolina's largest school district met Tuesday and approved the $567 million proposal for the next school year's budget.
Wake County Commissioners voted to give the district $539 million last year. That was $28 million shy of what Superintendent Cathy Moore asked for last year.
This year, she's once again asking for $567 million. She says the extra money would allow the district to hire more counselors and psychologists--something she says is more important than ever because of pandemic-related stress on students.
Wake County Commissioners will now have to approve this Budget Request.
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Wake County Commissioners Presented with 2022 Budget |
Following the close of the comment period on May 18, all comments will be posted and publicly available via wakegov.com. The Board of Commissioners welcomes the public to submit comment
Wake County Manager David Ellis presented his Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget to the Wake County Board of Commissioners on May 3. The $1.56 billion proposal includes significant investments in public health and safety, housing, education and quality of life to help the county meet its growing service demands and achieve outcomes identified by the board.
During his presentation, Manager Ellis also praised county employees for their hard work over the past year in response to COVID-19 and proposed making investments to strengthen the organization, which he described as being “too lean for too long.”
Manager Ellis’ budget proposal does not include a property tax increase for the county’s General Fund. It would keep the property tax rate at 60 cents per every $100 of property value.
The FY2022 Recommended Budget includes:
- Dedicating an additional $1.6 million to address longer-term public health-related needs to ensure the county is prepared to respond to any future disease outbreaks, potential case surges, or additional guidance from the state or federal government;
- Restoring the nearly $1.5 million for affordable housing that was cut in the FY2021 budget. By reinstating this critical funding, the county can help more lower-income families find safe and comfortable places to live;
- Restoring two peak-load ambulances and the eight EMT and paramedic positions needed to run them – all of which were cut in the FY2021 budget. Reinstating them will help Wake EMS respond to increasing calls for life-saving care;
- Investing more than $700,000 in early voting for the March primary election and increasing the stipend for early voting and election day workers to $15 an hour to serve the growing number of voters who want to cast their ballots early;
- Investing more than $890 million – or 57% of the county budget – into education. This includes $350,000 to launch Wake ThreeSchool, a new Pre-K program for 3-year-olds, and more than $539 million to support Wake County Public Schools’ operating expenses;
- Creating a new position for a Diversity and Inclusion Director in the County Manager’s Office and committing funds to help this position identify strategies to encourage equity and develop a plan to implement them; and
- Opening Sandy Pines Preserve – a 563-acre former farm in Eastern Wake County where staff envision offering hiking, horseback riding, fishing and more to the public.
Proposed Increase to the Fire Tax
The FY2022 Recommended Budget proposes raising the fire tax from 9.10 cents to 10.27 cents per $100 of property value for households in the unincorporated areas of the county and the Town of Wendell. These communities don’t receive municipal fire services and, therefore, pay a tax for fire response.
Increasing the fire tax will not only ensure a continued prompt response in rural communities during emergencies, but it will also help us retain great firefighters and provide them with equipment that works well and keeps them safe.
The public comment period will remain open until May 18 at 5 p.m. At that time, the county will provide a summary of all feedback received to the board. On May 24 at 9 a.m., the commissioners will discuss the public comments and identify any changes to the recommended budget.
The board will consider adopting the budget during the 5 p.m. board meeting on June 7.
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INDIA COVID CRISIS CONTINUES |
India crossed another grim milestone Monday with more than 300,000 people lost to the coronavirus, while a devastating surge of infections appeared to be easing in big cities but was swamping the poorer countryside.
The milestone, as recorded by India's Health Ministry, comes as slowed vaccine deliveries have marred the country's fight against the pandemic, forcing many to miss their shots, and a rare but fatal fungal infection affecting COVID-19 patients has worried doctors.
India's death toll is the third-highest reported in the world after the U.S. and Brazil, accounting for 8.6% of the nearly 34.7 million coronavirus fatalities globally, though the true numbers are thought to be significantly greater.
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Engaging Outreach to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India |
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Reach out to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India |
As we kick off Asian American Heritage Month, I am saddened to see so many Morrisville and Cary families affected by the Covid Crisis in India with over 3600 deaths a day in a nation where only 2% are vaccinated.
My play of the week is that we need to work closely with the Tech CEOs and companies to help raise money for local charities, that are sending supplies, and resources directly to India. Many Indian Americans work in the Tech industry and companies here, like Cisco, IBM, Infosys, Lenovo, SAS, HCL and a number of other these companies also have offices in India. We need their to help India get through this crisis and rebuild a strong, vibrant Indian economy, which will result in increased trade and investment between North Carolina and India. In addition, India is also the pharmacy of the world, so we also ask our market leading Pharma and Life Science companies to help us in these efforts.
I am working to organize an event in the next few days with CEOs of our Tech Companies for a fundraising event to raise money for India.
How can Tech and Pharma help raise funds for India Relief?
I am working with the local temples, BAPS and Hindu Society of NC and leaders across the nation to help in raising funds for India.
As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and communities are facing unforeseen challenges. Beginning in April 2021, the situation in India has become very dire, stressing hospital systems in many parts of the country to the brink of collapse. India currently has the largest number of confirmed cases in Asia, and, as of April 2021, has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world. The daily case count as well as death count continue to rise. There is a dire need for medical supplies as well as support for livelihood.
Through its affiliated centers and hospitals in India, BAPS Charities has already supported many activities including medical equipment and supplies, temporary hospital beds and food to those in need. But the need now is much more than ever.
Sewa International’s Help India Defeat COVID-19 Campaign and is seeking your support. They are raising funds for buying supplies, and ensuring that the much-needed lifesaving medical equipment like oxygen-concentrators and ventilators are acquired and shipped to hospitals across Bharat.
The goal is to raise Ten million dollars to purchase following equipment.
Cost:
- $501 for Oxygen Concentrator
- $25,000 for Ventilators
- Any amount as per your convenience
WEST BENGAL OXYGEN ON WHEELS INITIATIVE
West Bengal is one of the hardest hit States in India from the Covid Pandemic as hundreds are dying every day. Given very limited Oxygen supply in West Bengal– community leaders ARE PUTTING A PROGRAM OF OXYGEN ON WHEELS. This is a critical and dire situation in many of the rural villages in India, particularly in West Bengal. Providing a steady supply of Oxygen will cost at least $700 per concentrator and we are planning to send 100 to India.
Funds raised will go directly to purchase Oxygen Concentrators in ambulances, which will then get to rural villages in West Bengal and to develop field COVID CARE Facilities in rural villages… Each of these could be having 30 -50 beds and will be manned by TRAINED HEALTH WORKERS, controlled by TELE GUIDANCE (Doctors availability is sparse).
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United States Aid to India for Second Covid Surge |
The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India. In addition, U.S. state governments, private companies, non-government organizations, and thousands of Americans from across the country have mobilized to deliver vital oxygen, related equipment, and essential supplies for Indian hospitals to support frontline health care workers and the people of India most affected during the current outbreak. U.S. Government assistance flights will start arriving in India on Thursday, April 29 and will continue into next week.
Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need.
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United States to provide India Emergency COVID-19 Assistance |
Immediate U.S. Emergency COVID-19 Assistance The United States is providing:
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Oxygen Support: An initial delivery of 1,100 cylinders will remain in India and can be repeatedly refilled at local supply centers, with more planeloads to come. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also locally procured oxygen cylinders and will deliver them to support hospital systems in coordination with the Government of India.
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Oxygen Concentrators: 1700 oxygen concentrators to obtain oxygen from ambient air, these mobile units provide options for flexible patient treatment.
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Oxygen Generation Units (PSA Systems): Multiple large-scale units to support up to 20 patients each, and additional mobile units will provide an ability to target specific shortages. A team of U.S. experts will support these units, working hand-in-hand on the ground with Indian medical personnel.
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Personal Protective Equipment: 15 million N95 masks to protect both patients and Indian health care personnel.
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Vaccine-Manufacturing Supplies: The U.S. has re-directed its own order of Astra Zeneca manufacturing supplies to India. This will allow India to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
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Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): 1 million rapid diagnostic tests – the same type used by the White House — to provide reliable results in less than 15 minutes to help identify and prevent community spread.
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Therapeutics: The first tranche of a planned 20,000 treatment courses of the antiviral drug emdesivir to help treat hospitalized patients.
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Public Health Assistance: U.S. CDC experts will work hand-in- hand with India’s experts in the following areas: laboratory, surveillance and epidemiology, bioinformatics for genomic sequencing and modeling, infection prevention and control, vaccine rollout, and risk communication.
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U.S. Support for India from the Outset of the Pandemic |
The United States and India have closely worked together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. COVID-19 assistance has reached more than 9.7 million Indians across more than 20 states and union territories, providing life-saving treatments, disseminating public health messages to local communities; strengthening case-finding and surveillance; and mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms to bolster emergency preparedness:
- Partnered with more than 1,000 Indian healthcare facilities to strengthen preparedness, including training of over 14,000 people on infection prevention and control.
- Helped keep more than 213,000 frontline workers safe — including risk mitigation training for doctors, nurses, midwives, community volunteers, sanitation workers, and others who are actively responding to COVID-19 in India.
- Launched joint public messaging with UNICEF on COVID prevention that has reached more than 84 million people.
- Provided 200 state-of-the-art ventilators to 29 healthcare facilities in 15 states to care for critically-ill COVID-19 patients.
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52.5% of Adults are Partially Vaccinated
47.9% of Adults are Fully Vaccinated.
Total Doses Administered: 8,111,058
- First of Two Doses Administered: 4,134,177
- Second of Two Doses Administered: 3,683,888
- Single Shot Doses: 292,993
Appointments No Longer Needed for Free Vaccines in Wake County
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Wake County: Wake County Public Health Vaccine Hotline 919-250-1515. It is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit website at https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine!
Duke Raleigh Hospital at (919) 620- 5167.
Process is to Call or visit website, join the waiting list, receive notification, and get your Vaccination Appointment!
Walgreens will offer Covid 19 Vaccine in 300 Stores (31,200 doses) in North Carolina starting on Feb 12 as a distributor under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and is planning to distribute 1 million doses of the Moderna Vaccine. For more information, sign up at walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19.
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Morrisville Walgreens is taking appointments at 3601 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560 and call (919) 468-6880.
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Vaccine Clinic in Zebulon! |
A new vaccine clinic is opening in Wake County. It's located at the Eastern regional Center in Zebulon on Dogwood Drive near Highway 96 and Arendell Avenue. Anyone 12 and older can get a vaccine at that new clinic between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. |
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Wake County has Resumed J&J Vaccine at all Vaccination Sites.
Appointments No Longer Needed for Free Vaccines in Wake County
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Appointments are no longer required to get a free shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in Wake County. All vaccination locations will allow walk-ins and drive-ins.
Appointments are still encouraged, but no longer necessary.
The locations accepting walk-ins include Wake County Public Health Center, Wake County Northern Regional Center, Wake County Human Services Center at Departure and Green Road Park.
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Thanks for Attending May 22 National Black Journalist Forum on Hate and Violence Towards Asians Hate in America |
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Thanks for attending our National Tennis Month Event with Andy Andrews and Katrina Adams. |
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May 26th 11 am Create Animated Personas for Your Agency’s Digital Transformation |
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May 26th India Covid Update with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi at 10:10 am |
Join us on May 26th at 10:10 am EST for a Virtual Discussion with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on the US Response to India Covid Crisis and celebrating the Achievements of Asian Americans during Asian American Heritage Month!
Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday, May 23h at 4 pm. 99.9 FM HD 4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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May 28, 2021 6-7:30pm at Chatham Community Library Honoring AAPI Heritage Month |
May 28, 2021 6-7:30pm at Chatham Community Library Honoring AAPI Heritage Month
We Are Proud Americans U.S. History of Asian American Pacific Islanders
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May 31, 2021 - 10:30am Memorial Day Town Hall with Mark Haupt, Chair of NC Vet Biz |
Topic: Memorial Day Town Hall with Mark Haupt, Chair of NC Vet Biz and other special guests.
Summary: Join us on Memorial Day at 10: 30 am for a Memorial Day Town Hall with Mark Haupt, NC Vet Biz Chair and other special guests. We will celebrate our American Heroes, and also talk about the ways NC Vet Biz is supporting Veteran owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
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Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio Mirchi for another update on local issues.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.
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- For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.
- Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.
- For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.
- 1,501,650 NC citizens have applied for UI Benefits, 989, 760 have been paid benefits, and $11.7 billion of benefits have been issued.
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Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/.
April's seasonally adjusted state jobless rate of 5% marks a decline for a seventh consecutive month, according to the state Commerce Department. It compares to the top pandemic rate of 13.5% recorded in both April 2020 and May 2020.
581 new COVID-19 cases were reported in North Carolina on Monday.
The state hasn't seen a daily number that low since August 17, 2020 with 431. Monday's number is a 15.5% decrease from last Monday.
The percent of positive tests is at 3.7%. That marks the sixth day in a row under 4%.
680 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in North Carolina. That's the fifth day in a row of a decrease and the lowest since June 4, 2020.
29 more deaths have reported since Friday. A total of 12,987 have died in the state as a result of COVID-19.
CASES:
581 Newly reported Cases
+ N.C. = 998,176 Cases (Deaths = 12,987)
+ 680 Hospitalized
+ 3.7% Positive Rate
+ Wake County = 94,104 Cases (Deaths = 729)
+ US = 32,713,671cases/ 581, 056 K deaths
+ India = 22.3 million cases/242K Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 156,077,747 cases/ 3,256,034 deaths
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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