SHARE:  
Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Steve Rao. Don't forget to add sr@steverao.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS AND UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE DAY EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

August 21, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

My Weekly Update


Today, we want to wish all our Seniors a very Happy National Seniors Citizens Day. It is also National Fentanyl Prevention Awarenss Day. (See Fentanyl Awarenss Day Section).

 

Mayor Cawley will be reading a proclamation at the Luther Green Center at 11:30 am, Brierpointe Community at 1:30 pm and Preston Pointe at 2:30 pm. 


We pray for Ukraine!  


Next week, we will celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last week and will also share insights from the North Carolina Digital Summit!   

URL ALERT:


Please Note that the town of Morrisville URL has changed from www.townofmorrisville.org to www.MorrisvilleNC.gov


Email address will change in a few weeks. (See This Week In Morrisville for more details)

Sports Alert:


Novak Djokovic pulls off a huge victory against Alcaraz in Cincinnati!  


US Open final?  Let's hope so! 

Coco Gauff wins second summer Series Title in Cincinnati!  


Sizzling before US Open! 




Congrats to Spain for winning FIFA World Cup! 




Get your tickets for the Winston Salem Open, the last summer series event before the US Open!


The final is next Saturday!


https://www.winstonsalemopen.com/en/

Get your Tickets for the Atlantic Tire Tennis Championships! 



https://atlantictirechampionships.com/

Check out Minor League Cricket Schedule at


https://www.minorleaguecricket.com/schedules


Support Hawaii at American Red Cross. 


https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/about-us/contact-us.html

Rayan Rao starts at NC State!  


Komal and I are officially Empty Nesters!  Go Pack! 



MEDIA ALERT





  • TUNE IN ON FRIDAY at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM for my Commentary on the Nate Saunders show!   


www.wptf.com 


WPTF - 98.5FM and 680 AM. 


PBS Carolinas Fall Season begins in August, State Lines and Black Issues Forum


https://rss.com/podcasts/wptf-afternoon-news/

HAPPY NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY!


My Message to Seniors:  https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/834709214666967


National Senior Citizens Day is celebrated in the United States on August 21st each year. This day is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions, wisdom, and achievements of senior citizens in society. It is an opportunity to show appreciation for the older generations and to acknowledge the valuable role they play in families, communities, and the nation as a whole.


On National Senior Citizens Day, people often take time to engage with seniors, spend quality time with them, and express gratitude for their experiences and insights. It's also a day to raise awareness about the challenges that senior citizens might face, such as healthcare, social isolation, and elder abuse, and to work toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for them.


Activities on this day can include hosting events, workshops, and discussions focused on senior citizens' well-being and issues affecting them. It's also common for families and individuals to visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers to interact with older adults and make their day special.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY 


National Senior Citizens Day recognizes seniors who have spent their lives contributing to society and have impacted everyone’s lives for the better. Improved healthcare has changed demographics and increased productivity of older citizens, allowing them to be more active than ever before. 


With more opportunities available as well, many senior citizens now begin second careers and are an example for younger generations. The country’s foundation and stable sectors are the result of the hard work of our senior citizens and they deserve all our gratitude.

President Ronald Reagan took the initiative to honor seniors in 1988 when he signed Proclamation 5847 and marked August 21 as the day seniors will be celebrated. 


“Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land,” Reagan proclaimed. “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”


His words have withstood the test of time and are now, over 30 years later, more important than ever as older people are leading more productive lives. Reagan himself set an example for everyone — he was 69 years old when one of the world’s most powerful titles of president of the U.S. was given to him on January 20, 1981. Reagan lived till the ripe old age of 93, and not only was he the oldest person to be elected president, he was also the oldest when his term ended at 77 years and 349 days.


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 78 million people aged 65 and older will reside in America by 2035. This figure will surpass the number of the population under the age of 18 for the first time in the nation’s history.

UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE DAY


My Message on Ukraine Independence:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/125425323974656


Note: 70,00 Ukrainians have died since the war began, 100,000 casualties and over 500,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.  


Ukraine Independence Day, also known as "День Незалежності України" (Den' Nezalezhnosti Ukrayiny) in Ukrainian, is a national holiday celebrated in Ukraine on August 24th every year. It commemorates the day in 1991 when the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) declared the country's independence from the Soviet Union.


After the declaration of independence, Ukraine embarked on a path of building its own identity, forming its government, and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries. The country's journey towards full sovereignty was marked by challenges and changes, including economic and political reforms.


Ukraine Independence Day is celebrated with various events and activities across the country. These include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, concerts, fireworks, and cultural performances. It's a day of national pride and unity, as Ukrainians come together to celebrate their history, culture, and achievements as an independent nation.

The blue and yellow national flag of Ukraine is prominently displayed during these celebrations. The blue represents the sky and the yellow represents fields of wheat, symbolizing Ukraine's natural beauty and agricultural heritage.


It's worth noting that the celebration of Ukraine Independence Day also highlights the ongoing geopolitical context and Ukraine's relationship with its neighboring countries, especially Russia. The holiday often carries deeper political and historical significance due to Ukraine's complex history and its ongoing efforts to assert and maintain its independence.


THE RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR: CONFLICT AT THE CROSSROADS OF EUROPE AND ASIA


Ukraine has long played an important, yet sometimes overlooked, role in the global security order. Today, the country is on the front lines of a renewed great-power rivalry that many analysts say will dominate international relations in the decades ahead.


Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a dramatic escalation of the eight-year-old conflict that began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and signified a historic turning point for European security. A year after the fighting began, many defense and foreign policy analysts cast the war as a major strategic blunder by Russian President Vladimir Putin.  


Many observers see little prospect for a diplomatic resolution in the months ahead and instead acknowledge the potential for a dangerous escalation, which could include Russia’s use of a nuclear weapon. The war has hastened Ukraine’s push to join Western political blocs, including the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).


Read more at: 

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/ukraine-conflict-crossroads-europe-and-russia

CELEBRATING UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN DURHAM


Golden Belt Event Celebrating Ukrainian Independence:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1346038022934161


I was honored to spend time with the Ukrainian community of the Triangle at the Golden Belt Art Plaza, where Ukrainian art is on display until August 30th.  The Golden Belt Art Gallery is located at 800 Taylor Street, Durham, NC.  


A special thanks to the Ukrainian Association of North Carolina for their invitation and to Christine Long, who opened up her studio to host Ukrainian Artists.  


I enjoyed addressing the community and will be at the State Capitol Vigil this Thursday evening. 

INSPIRING STORY FROM UKRAINIAN ARTIST YULIA SATNYK


Insights from Ukrainian Artist and Immigrant Yulia Synt:  

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/832004855155453


NATIONAL PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY IS AUG 21 


The Town Council of the Town of Morrisville recognizes August 21 as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and encourages people to promote prevention of the use of fentanyl, promote drug prevention and the creation of drug-free communities, and to educate young people to commit to healthy, drug-free lifestyles.


Healing Transitions Executive Director Chris Budnick and Men’s Director of Recovery Services Justin Garrity accepted the proclamation at the August 8 Town Council meeting. Healing Transitions offers innovative peer-based, recovery-oriented services to homeless, uninsured, and underserved individuals with alcoholism and other drug addictions. 


Learn more at https://bit.ly/45oLXsU.

Highlights of the Week:

Morrisville Council meets on Aug 22 at 6 pm.

Aug 25th Blood Drive at Morrisville Senior Center from 12 pm to 5 pm. 


NC Technology Secretary Jim Weaver joined us on WPTF Friday show.  


Congrats to the Town of Morrisville for receiving a Digital Innovation at the NC Digital Summit!  

Indian Independence Day Celebration inspires all of us at The Hindu Society of North Carolina.  



Celebrating Ukrainian Independence at the Golden Belt Art Gallery, and Vigil is on Thursday at 6:30 pm at State Capitol. 


GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!


Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.


Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

BREAKING NEWS: 

Tropical Storm Hilary batters California with catastrophic floods and rains. 


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/weather/hurricane-hilary-california-southwest-tropical-storm-sunday/index.htmlji9vi

Former President Trump will not participate in first debate and Georgia indictment lands hard on his candidacy.



https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/politics/donald-trump-gop-primary-debates/index.html

President Biden to visit Maui and many criticize his administration's response to fires.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/21/politics/biden-hawaii-fire-visit/index.html

NC General Assembly Overrode 6 vetoes in One Day. 


LGBTQ and Trans Community takes Hit. (See NC News) 

The town of Morrisville awarded Smart City Innovation Award at North Carolina Digital Summit by NC Secretary Jim Weaver!  


(An update on Smart Cities in next newsletter)

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VISITS

Mi Cancun:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/563048302582861

EMPANADAS NOW:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1443909203062868

The Shed at Perimeter Park: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/905867964052478

Bond Brothers Beer at Park West Concert:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/737542471497889

PBS CAROLINAS:

STATE LINES AND BLACK ISSUES FORUM: 

STATE LINES: 


A roundtable discussion about political affairs and current events in North Carolina.


https://video.pbsnc.org/show/state-lines/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

Black Issues Forum

Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!


https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/black-issues-forum/


Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.

Link to the show:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg

Radio Nyra

Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit.  99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 


Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders


99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!


Great Interview on Radio Nyra with Hill Carrow on the 2029 FISU World University Games.  

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596450559170578/?t=18


Radio Nyra Interview with NAACP Raleigh President Gerald Givens

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1498398340651739/?t=35

Radio Nyra Interview


Radio Nyra Asian American Heritage Interview with AAPI Caucus

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/201692958860555/?t=39

ROKU and POD TV

Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!


https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79

88.1 FM Geet Bazaar


Wonderful interview with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on 88.1 FM Geet Bazaar!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/454623026620604

On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch



WPTF

September 20 - Steve Rao on WPTF Talking Direct Flight To India.  

http://steverao.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Steve-Rao-9-20-2022.mp3

WPTF Steve O'Bryan show
Get with the Program

Get with the Program with Gary Jones!


GARY JONES SHOW - GET WITH THE PROGRAM - 2/2023


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1UyROGNX4

Op Ed Alert:

Join Our Mailing List

This Week in Morrisville. August 21- August 25

Upcoming Meetings

Aug 21 - 2 pm Wake County Commissioner Meetings 

Aug. 22 – 6 p.m. – Town Council Meeting

Aug. 24 – 6 p.m. – Town Council Work Session

Aug. 24 – 6:30 p.m. – Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee

Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team


The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:


Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.

Town of Morrisville Website Has a New .Gov URL


The Town website has a brand-new URL! The website has moved from www.townofmorrisville.org to www.morrisvillenc.gov. By adopting a new .gov URL, the Town is creating a safer and more authoritative online presence. Only official government entities can maintain a .gov domain, which is sponsored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and comes with increased security measures. While the new Town of Morrisville domain went live on Aug. 14, the previous URL will automatically redirect to the new URL, but visitors are asked to update their bookmarks.


Cedar Fork Community Center Hiring Before- and After-School Counselors


The Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050B Town Hall Drive, is currently recruiting counselors for its before- and after-school programs for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Before-school counselors work Monday-Friday, from 6:45-8:45 a.m., and they make $15 per hour. After-school counselors work Monday-Friday, from 3-6 p.m., and they make $13 per hour. Individuals who are motivated, enthusiastic, and enjoy working with kids are encouraged to apply. Click here to view the full job posting and to apply.


Rocket League Esports Meetup Set for Aug. 28

The Town of Morrisville invites youth ages 9 to 18 to sign up for Mission Control to join leagues and tournaments to play Rocket League competitively with other players. The Mission Control platform allows users to sign up for open leagues or tournaments that they can then join from anywhere they feel most comfortable playing, allowing them to build community and gain experience. A Rocket League Meetup will be hosted on the platform on Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. Supported consoles include PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Sign up for Mission Control to join.


Morrisville Senior Center Hosting Blood Drive on Aug. 25

The Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, will host a blood drive with The American Red Cross on Aug. 25, from noon-5 p.m. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, but there is a looming blood shortage. Your donation is needed now to help save lives! Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. For an appointment, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org and enter the key word Morrisville. You can also call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).


Morrisville Senior Center to Host Ice Cream Social on Aug. 30

The Morrisville Senior Center (MSC), 4117 Davis Drive, will host an ice cream social on Aug. 30, from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $3 for residents and $4 for non-residents. Register here for the event and join fellow seniors for a sweet treat and a refreshing afternoon.


Registration Now Open for White Goods Collection on Sept. 7

Residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of household appliances in the fall white goods collection on Sept. 7. The collection will include washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, stoves, ovens, and dehumidifiers. Please note that microwaves are not included in the collection. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill at 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex. Registration is required to participate in the white goods collection. Please register here by 5 p.m. on Sept. 4.


Sign Up Now for Pop-Up Dog Parks Sept. 10, 17, and 24

The Town of Morrisville is pleased to announce that our pop-up dog park is back! Did you say "Dog Days of Summer Fun" for your little (or not so much) fur-baby? Bring your doggo out for a run and some fun on our fields at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, for one of our pop-up dog parks on Sept. 10, 17, and 24. The pop-up dog parks will be held on Fields 1 and 2. Find more information about rules, as well as a link to the waiver and registration, on the Town’s website. This summer’s program will be one of the last as we gear up to move to a permanent home on Franklin Upchurch Senior Street.


Registration Now Open for Life Sciences Networking Event on Sept. 27

Join the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce for an exciting after-hours workshop and networking event tailored for professionals in the thriving life sciences industry of the Triangle, with representatives from prominent companies like FujiFilm Diosynth, Trinity Capital Advisors, Skanska USA Building, Messer Construction, EXP, and Wake Tech Community College leading the way. Attendees can expect to gain insights from Sumitomo Pharma and Keel Labs – plus have the exclusive opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art lab and research development spaces at the Southport Innovation Center. Don't miss this unique chance to connect, learn, and grow in the dynamic world of life sciences! Register here to attend.


Registration Now Open for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Nov. 4-5

Registration is now open for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training that will take place Nov. 4-5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Fire Station No. 1, 200 Town Hall Drive. CERT training teaches volunteers basic disaster response skills to safely help themselves and others in the community when disaster strikes and professional responders aren’t available. Topics covered during the training will include disaster preparedness, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, fire safety and utility controls, light search and rescue operations, terrorism and hazardous materials safety, and more.

 

An online training course must be completed before participants can attend the in-person training in November. The online course takes 12 hours, and is completed at each participant’s own pace – but must be completed by Oct. 30. By registering now for the in-person training, participants gain access to the online training and give themselves more time to complete it. Register here for the training.


Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers' Market


The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.  


Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.

AUGUST MORRISVILLE SENIOR CENTER EVENTS


Pizza and Bingo


Monday, Aug. 21 from 4-6 p.m.

Register at https://bit.ly/46WAiDr


Ice Cream Social


Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 1-3 p.m. 

Register at https://bit.ly/3rw0JPX


National Eat a Hoagie Day


Thursday, Sept. 14 from 1-4 p.m.

Register at https://bit.ly/3Kbf1fb


The Morrisville Senior Center hosts activities all month long including bingo, chair yoga, Zumba, and line dancing. Register for these and more at https://bit.ly/44wHqUL

Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive


919-463-7140

Around the Region

Senior Resources Fair!



Greater Raleigh Convention Visitors Bureau!  



Hanging out with the Mayor with the Golden Shoes, Jacques Gilbert. 


Insights from GCVB CEO, Denny Edwards:


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/623199966548511

Attended reading of Indian Independence Day Proclamation by NC General Assembly. 


 

A wonderful and festive Indian Independence Day Celebration at the Hindu Society of North Carolina. 

Dropped in at Kiran Bazaar! 


Insights from Kiran:  https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/197336796676170


Ukrainian Independence Day at Golden Belt Art Gallery! 


Senior Day Proclamation at Brierpointe! 

Small Business Listening Tour: 

Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company.

SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK


NATIONAL Minority Economic Development Institute at NC Tech Leadership Summit


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/255410763968554


NC State Extension Composting:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/959841225036371

Yes Solar Solutions

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1080676136223189

Towards Zero Waste and NC Composting Council:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/537361191935765

Insights from ExtoBio:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/969332764115332


I had a wonderful visit with Jose Pecheco, CEO of ExtoBio, whose company pitched at the TIE Carolinas Launch Event at the American Underground Bull Penn in Durham.  Leading with scientific research and a thorough dedication to data, ExstoBio is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry, formalizing cannabis-as-a-medicine, and personalizing patient care.


Congratulations to all of the Companies who pitched to the Expert Pitch Panel and a special congrats to Pitch Winner, Wolfspider. Wolfspider is an Ag Tech company that brings together genetics and robotics to ensure confidence in crop yield and limiting chemical use. The company would love to connect individuals with experience in the ag tech space. 


Thanks to ExstoBio (UNC), Aurganics (Duke), Vistara (NCSU), WolfSpider (NCSU), BioSensys (NCSU), and Collab (UNC) for participating in the event.  

 

WolfSpider will be going to Silicon Valley for a global pitch tournament with ~40 other companies to compete for $100K+ in cash prizes.


And Thanks to Tim Scales from American Underground for hosting and to all the judges and attendees!   

SBA ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS AND I VISIT SMALL BUSINESSES IN MORRISVILLE!


During Allen Thomas’ visit to Morrisville, he and I were able to drop in and visit some Small Businesses in Grace Park Office Center.  During our visits, he was able to connect with these companies, and provide them guidance on how to navigate through a very complex system to get access to SBA resources.  

Visit with New York Deli:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596452855872694

Visit with Acme Pizza:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/971277980525504

Visit with Empanadas and More:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/607568900925114

Morrisville Compounding Pharmacy


Visit with Morrisville Compounding Pharmacy at Brierpoint: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/240100088382575

North Carolina News

LGBTG and Trans Community takes a hit with Override of Governor's Vetoes


On Wednesday, both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly overrode six of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes, a new record, ensuring the bills become law despite Cooper’s objections.


“While Governor Cooper has tried to stand between parents and their kids, today the NC House will continue to affirm parent’s rights, protect female athletes, and advocate for the health and safety of our children,” Speaker of the House Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, said of the House’s role in the override votes.


SENATE BILL 49: PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS

The “Parents’ Bill of Rights” (S.B. 49) “strengthens the rights of parents in regard to the education of their children… ensures age-appropriate material is being taught to the youngest students, and keeps parents informed on the well-being of their children,” according to a press release from Senate Republicans.


According to a Washington Post/KFF survey, 77 percent of adults think it’s inappropriate for teachers to discuss trans identity in public schools with students in K-3.


Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, was the bill’s chief sponsor.


“Democrats want to keep North Carolina’s education system shielded from parental accountability,” Galey said following the override vote. “They want to use our schools to advance their partisan, political agenda instead of working to improve student outcomes. The Parents’ Bill of Rights fights back against those efforts. It increases accessibility to what’s being taught in our schools, notifies parents of the well-being of their children, and keeps school curriculum focused on core subjects.”


The bill passed in the Senate along partisan lines by a vote of 27-18 and cleared the House by a margin of 72-47.


The first section of the bill, which outlines parental rights over their children’s education, becomes law immediately.


HOUSE BILL 574: FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS ACT

The “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” (H.B. 574) bans biological men from competing in women’s sports.


According to a Gallup poll, 69% of Americans say transgender athletes should only be allowed to compete on sports teams that align with their birth gender.

Read More at #


Wake County Schools to address Bus Shortage


The start of the traditional school calendar is almost here -- and Wake County Schools is trying to make sure there are enough bus drivers to ensure every child has a ride to class.

With less than two weeks until the first day of school, we’re expecting to get an update today from Wake County Schools about their bus driver shortage.


A couple of weeks ago, WRAL News told you there were 17 bus routes without a full-time driver. This means about 2,000 students won’t have normal bus transportation at the start of the school year.


Here’s how that could impact your kids depending on where they go to school:


The school system is using substitute drivers to pick up elementary schoolers every day.

But middle and high schools will get service every other week.


The school system hasn’t determined which schools would be impacted, but they say they plan to avoid higher-needs middle and high schools where students may struggle to get their own transportation.


The district says they’ve got 16 bus driver candidates that have already completed their CDL training.


NC Speaker says House Budget will be delayed


A final North Carolina state budget won't be enacted until September, the House's top leader said Monday. That could scuttle efforts by Gov. Roy Cooper's administration for Medicaid expansion to begin in early fall.


House and Senate Republicans are whittling down dozens of outstanding spending and policy issues within a two-year spending plan that was supposed to take effect July 1.

The top leader in the North Carolina House warns that a final state budget won't be enacted until September


House and Senate Republicans are whittling down dozens of outstanding spending and policy issues within a spending plan that was supposed to take effect July 1


GOP legislators are still aiming for a budget agreement in August, but House Speaker Tim Moore said Monday that the actual passage won't happen until September given the outstanding issues and legislators' schedules


Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper could veto the budget bill, leading to override votes


The delays could scuttle efforts by Cooper's administration to begin Medicaid expansion Oct. 1

While some big-ticket items like tax cuts and worker raises have been settled, other details remain unresolved. Add travel and other activities by rank-and-file lawmakers and the narrow GOP veto-proof majorities in the General Assembly, and House Speaker Tim Moore said the periods during which formal business can be conducted in Raleigh are limited.


Sen. Ralph Hise, a Mitchell County Republican and one of the chief budget negotiators, told reporters that votes on a budget agreement could happen in two weeks if differences can be worked out in a reasonable time. Any final budget could be vetoed by the Democratic governor, with override votes to follow.


When asked later Monday to describe the chances that a final budget could be carried out by the end of August, Moore replied: “Zero.”


“Just with some absences I know that the Senate has on their side, and with just some of the logistics that have been talked about at this point ... you’re talking about a September date for actual passage — signing (the bill) into law and all that,” Moore said.


A separate law that Cooper signed in March would expand Medicaid to potentially 600,000 low-income adults, but it can't happen until a state budget law is enacted.


Cooper health Secretary Kody Kinsley unveiled a plan last month by which the expanded coverage would begin Oct. 1 as long as his agency received a formal go-ahead by legislators to accept expansion by Sept. 1. Otherwise, Kinsley said, implementation would be delayed until at least Dec. 1.


Legislative leaders have refused to permit the implementation of expansion without the budget's passage, as Cooper has sought. His administration has said the state misses out on more than $500 million in federal funding for each month that expansion isn’t implemented.  


Read More at https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2023/08/08/north-carolina-state-budget-won-t-become-law-until-september--house-leader-says


The Fight Begins to Replace Tim Moore as Speaker


North Carolina's embattled House Speaker Tim Moore, the longest-serving speaker in state history, has made it clear that this term will be his last as head of the Republican-led chamber.


Moore's exit from the position has long been anticipated by political observers, igniting a race to replace him that has been playing out behind the scenes for months.

Why it matters: North Carolina's House speaker, though not elected by the general public, is one of the most powerful politicians in the state.


The speaker has the authority to determine what bills ultimately become laws, what state agencies and programs are funded — and given the ability to carry out their mission — and who is granted power over the influential state boards and commissions, like the UNC System Board of Governors and the state's utilities commission.

Details: On the shortlist to replace Moore are two of the most powerful people in the chamber:


House Majority Leader John Bell, who has served in the legislature for six terms and is the longest-serving House majority leader in state history.


House Rules Committee Chair Destin Hall, a 30-something who quickly ascended to become a Republican leader and Moore's right-hand man when he was appointed to the position nearly three years ago.


Though Bell has already made clear his plans to run for speaker, Hall confirmed for the first time to Axios Friday that he also plans to campaign for the position.

Read More at https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/21/nc-state-house-race-house-speaker-power-tim-moore-destin-hall-john-bell


Concerns mount about Overreaching of Legislature 


Senate Bill 512 takes appointments held now by Gov. Roy Cooper and shifts them to the General Assembly. Nine boards would be affected, and the governor would still have at least some appointments to each board.


Here are the nine boards in the bill and a brief description of what would change:

N.C. Utilities Commission: Add two members for a total of nine, with four appointed by the General Assembly, four by the governor and one by the state treasurer. The governor currently appoints this full board, which regulates Duke Energy and other public utilities.


Economic Investment Committee: Add two members for a total of seven, with three members of the executive branch serving with two General Assembly appointees and two legislators. This committee decides economic incentive grants.


Environmental Management Commission: Currently the governor appoints nine members and the General Assembly six. The bill would give the governor seven appointments, the General Assembly six and the state’s commissioner of agriculture two. This commission sets pollution regulations.


Commission for Public Health: Right now the governor appoints nine members and the N.C. Medical Society, a doctors group, elects four. The bill would leave the governor five appointees, give four to the General Assembly and let the Medical Society elect four.


Board of Transportation: Now the governor appoints 14 members and the General Assembly appoints six. 


The bill flips that, giving the legislature 14 appointments and the governor six. The Secretary of Transportation, appointed by the governor, would continue to serve as a non-voting board member.


Coastal Resources Commission: Right now the governor appoints nine members and the legislature four. The bill would give the General Assembly six appointments, the governor six and the state’s insurance commissioner one.


AG Stein says that this is a powergrab that violates Separation of Powers...  


Fowell Concerned that Rising Health Care Costs May Affect State Workers 


Since becoming North Carolina’s treasurer in 2017, Dale Folwell has energetically asserted that rising health care costs could significantly impact the State Health Plan.


It’s gotten to the point that lawmakers are considering a request from Folwell to force hospitals to cut what they charge the plan — or face shutdowns.


The plan, which Folwell’s office oversees, serves roughly 740,000 state employees, teachers, retirees and their dependents.


Adequate funding for it matters because it helps keep premiums low, co-pays at bay and benefits robust, he told The News & Observer.


If health care costs keep rising without adequate funding, Folwell said his office won’t be able to “hold the dam in terms of freezing family premiums and deductibles or copays,” which he said has been a priority for him.


Nationally, health care costs have increased faster than those in almost any other economic sector, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, which monitors the U.S. health system. From 2000 to 2021, health spending tripled, to $4.3 trillion, according to the tracker.


About half of that growth in spending can be attributed to hospital costs.


Is there a funding shortfall?

The revenue for the State Health Plan mostly comes from premiums paid by employees and contributions paid by employers, including state agencies, school systems, universities and community colleges.


The state, via the budget, funds the employer contributions for active state employees and qualifying retirees.


The State Health Plan had a cash balance at the end of May of $796.6 million. This was well above the target stabilization reserve, set at $359.9 million. This reserve is meant to tackle any unexpected costs and hiccups.


If the plan’s revenue increases by more than 18% from this year to 2027, and health care expenses grow by over 28%, there would be a nearly $1 billion deficit.  

Read More at https://www.aol.com/news/rising-health-care-costs-might-090000079.html

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

Hilary became the first tropical storm to hit California in 84 years. Nearly 26m people are under flood watch in America’s southwest. Residents were told not to drive to prevent mudslides and road deterioration. The amount of rain from the storm could be “life-threatening”, according to the National Weather Service. Storm Hilary has already brought fierce winds and flooding to Mexico, where at least one person died.


A grand jury in Georgia indicted Donald Trump and 18 of his allies over their attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result in the state. The charges were brought under the state’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, which is typically used to combat organized crime. The indictment means that Mr Trump, who is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 election, now faces four sets of criminal charges.


Donald Trump, a former American president, said he would not take part in Republican primary debates, the first of which takes place in Wisconsin on Wednesday. Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, a social-media platform, that “the public knows who I am”. He is favorite to win the Republican nomination for next year’s presidential election, with a huge poll lead over his rivals.


At a summit hosted by President Joe Biden at Camp David, America, Japan and South Korea agreed to step up military cooperation. As well as holding high-level meetings every year, the three countries will participate in joint military exercises and improve intelligence-sharing. In a joint statement, the countries condemned China’s “unlawful maritime claims” in the South China Sea. Mr. Biden said the pact, which comes in a period of rapprochement between South Korea and Japan, “made history”. A Chinese official said the Indo-Pacific region should not be “turned into a wrestling ground for geopolitical competition.”


Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the president of Egypt, pardoned several political prisoners. Among them was Ahmed Douma, a liberal activist prominent in the Arab spring uprising of 2011 that toppled Hosni Mubarak, who since 2019 had been serving a life term for anti-government activity. Egypt, where Mr Sisi took power in a coup ten years ago, is estimated to have around 65,000 political prisoners.


Russia launched an attack on Chernihiv, a city in northern Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, said a Russian missile had hit a theatre and university in the centre of the city, and that there were casualties. Chernihiv has been largely peaceful since the early months of Russia’s invasion last year.


China began military exercises in the seas and skies around Taiwan as a “stern warning” to “separatists and foreign forces”. Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned what it called the “irrational, provocative moves”. China’s drills around the island, which it maintains is part of its territory, are widely seen as a response to a visit by Taiwan’s vice president to America last week.


Seven senior commanders in Brasilia’s military police were arrested for allegedly aiding insurrectionists who stormed Brazil’s capital on January 8th, protesting against Jair Bolsonaro ’s election defeat. The police allegedly knew that some supporters of the ousted president planned to invade government buildings, but failed to stop them. None has yet been charged.


A state of emergency was declared in British Columbia, Canada, where a wildfire has forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 people. A separate blaze in the neighboring Northwest Territories has displaced some 22,000. South of the border, a fire in Spokane County, Washington, has led to another evacuation order.


A UN spokesperson said that vigilante “self-defense” groups in Haiti had lynched over 350 people, mostly alleged gang members, since late April. More than 2,400 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 kidnapped in gang violence this year. The UN’s secretary-general has urged the global community to send a police and military force to Haiti to restore security, but progress has been slow.


Word of the week: Schuldenbremse, or “debt brake”, which bars Germany’s federal government from net borrowing of more than 0.35% of GDP. Read the full story.

UPCOMING EVENTS

See you Sept. 8th for the next Music In the Park concert! 


Aug 24th NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit.  


www.ncvetbiz.org


Aug 27th Emotional and Spiritual Well Being Seminar from 6 pm to 7 pm at HSNC. 




TIE CAROLINAS Social & Pitch (LiveSwitch);

Tuesday, August 29th (6-8pm);


https://events.tie.org/TiECarolinasPitchLiveSwitch


Sept 30th Morrisville Community Fire Academy 


Have you ever dreamed about being a firefighter? Attend our Community Fire Academy from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. It is limited to 20 persons, participants must be at least 18 years old, and advance sign-up is required. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3FmekO0

Sept 24th, Town of Morrisville International Fair!  

Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.



99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!


99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 

ROKU and POD TV
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.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com
Join Our Mailing List
See what's happening on our social sites:
Facebook  Twitter  Youtube