Invitae announces $114 million investment in Morrisville and becomes first tenant in the Stitch. (Old Outlet Mall)

https://www.cbs17.com/news/investigators/morrisville-leaders-excited-as-high-tech-firm-to-take-over-abandoned-site-bring-nearly-400-high-paying-jobs/

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157726432691360/?t=27

Former Vice President Walter Mondale dies.  We honor his service to our nation.

Wake County Schools Approves Virtual Academy for 2021-2022 School Year.

Apr 22 Registration Begins and runs until May 2.

Chauvin found guilty on all charges for the death of George Floyd. Biden calls it a huge step forward in the March Towards Justice in America. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.

Drawing by Rayan S. Rao at Art with Rayan on Instagram

Justice Amy Comey Barrett asked to recuse herself from Case involving Donor Privacy

Check out Liz Johnson and me on The Policy Vibe Episode 4

Thanks to BAPC Charities and Eastern Carolina Medical Center for holding a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Morrisville on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic was held at BAPS Charities, located at 1020 Aviation Pkwy.

During the clinic, 1,170 doses of the were given.

Thanks also to Morrisville Fire Department for being at the event!

“In the Joy of Others Abides our own Joy.” - Pramukh Swami

President Biden calls for the Passing of the George Floyd Policing Act.

VP Harris pushes Biden Jobs Plan in North Carolina. Visits Greensboro and High Point.

(In Next newsletter, I will highlight NC Projects which could be funded if Infrastructure Bill Passes)

Wake Tech President Scott Ralls addresses US Senate Committee on how community colleges can support workers and employers during and after Pandemic.

Thanks for everyone who attend my Virtual Fireside Chat with Dr. Ralls on Facebook on April 13th! https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157711505666360/?t=21 

and on IBM TV on April 15th: www.ibmtv.tv.

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157726462586360/?t=67

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day continues to grow as a worldwide phenomenon focused on promoting clean living and a healthy, sustainable habitat for people and wildlife alike. Celebrating Earth Day serves as a conscious reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it. If it weren't for Senator Nelson taking a stand in the 1970s, we may be still producing lead guzzling automobiles and expanding industrial production via smog, smoke, and waste.

We celebrate Earth Day to continue promoting environmental awareness and to remind us that we can protect the earth in our everyday lives as well.  I wanted to take time in this newsletter to highlight our Sustainability Initiatives for the Town of Morrisville.

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157727492471360/?t=17 

President Biden has made action on climate change a centerpiece of his presidency. He has also paused new oil and gas drilling on federal lands and proposed a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan that would remake the U.S. power grid and add 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles, among other actions intended to sharply cut fossil fuel pollution that contributes to global warming.

President Joe Biden continues his bold leadership on climate change by pledging to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at least in half by 2030 as he convenes a virtual climate summit with 40 world leaders, according to three people with knowledge of the White House plans. The climate summit that Biden is hosting today is among his first international actions since the United States officially returned to the Paris accord. 

The 50% target would nearly double the nation’s previous commitment and help the Biden administration prod other countries for ambitious emissions cuts as well. The proposal would require dramatic changes in the power and transportation sectors, including significant increases in renewable energy such as wind and solar power and steep cuts in emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

The nonbinding but symbolically important pledge is a key element of the two-day summit, which begins Thursday as world leaders gather online to share strategies to combat climate change.

The emissions target has been eagerly awaited by all sides of the climate debate. It will signal how aggressively Biden wants to move on global warming, a divisive and expensive issue that has riled Republicans to complain about job-killing government overreach even as some on the left worry Biden has not gone far enough to address a profound threat to the planet.

Biden has sought to ensure that the 2030 goal, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, is aggressive enough to have a tangible impact on climate change efforts — not only in the U.S. but throughout the world — while also being achievable under a closely divided Congress.

The climate target is a key requirement of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which Biden rejoined on his first day in office. It’s also an important marker as Biden moves toward his ultimate goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Scientists, environmental groups and even business leaders had called on Biden to set a target that would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157726479086360/?t=19

At last Tuesday’s Council Meeting, Kimberly Conley, Sustainability Program Manager for the Town, presented to us on the Town Sustainability Initiatives.

The position was designed to help develop a platform to support sustainable clean energy, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in Morrisville.

Before joining the Town, Kimberly was a clean energy industry project manager for NC State University, working on a myriad of industry and local government projects.

Adding a renewable energy system is one of the best ways to demonstrate the Town’s commitment to sustainability because it directly offsets or replaces electricity generated and provided by our utility, Duke Energy. Solar is a powerful visual for progressive, future-thinking renewable energy technology that offsets Morrisville’s environmental impact. The dashboard monitor for the solar panel array will be another example of transparency and accountability through our Smart Cities initiative. The dashboard provides a way to engage with our residents and demonstrate, in real-time, what our solar array is producing or conversely, what it’s saving in emissions; the equivalent of trees planted or maybe even something specific such as fire trucks charged or first responders’ oxygen tanks refilled as a portion of the electricity we harness from the sun.

Optimize building HVAC, air quality and energy consumption based on the use of the building / occupancy. Sensors will help us monitor systems and make decisions in real time.  RFP for a Study will be issued and Implementation of Study will begin in third quarter of 2021.

Assess Town of Morrisville as a corridor for EV charging stations considering location, access to highways and airport. Comprehensive study to assess strategic placement of charging stations on growth and EV adoption throughout the Town, including public / private partnerships that support Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.   A vendor will be selected for this study, and the town will be looking at implementing this initiative during the next few months.

Work with Dedicated to Our Community NC (DOC NC) to provide opportunities for student leaders to engage in a real-world recycling campaign including a mailing and social media support. The Town received a grant for 10K for this program and will be implementing the community program in 2021- 2022.

In 2020 Morrisville’s Fleet Division converted their police vehicle purchasing plan from gasoline powered vehicles to pursuit-rated hybrid police SUVs. The conversion started in the summer of 2020 with the purchase of Ford Police Interceptor SUVs that are a combination of gas engines and on-board electrical motors powered by lithium-ion hybrid batteries. Each SUV has factory default law enforcement specific options. The Town further upfits them to fit our local needs. Once they arrive from the factory, the Town installs all the lights, radios, radars, computers, cameras, and markings in the vehicles prior to their use. To date, the Town has nine Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid SUVs in the Fleet Division. The advantage of a hybrid vehicle over a standard vehicle comes from the savings while idling. Police vehicles sit idle for long periods of time. The hybrids use battery power to reduce the engine running time, saving both fuel and emissions.

Based on information from Ford’s Hybrid SUV savings calculator, the advantages of using hybrids versus nonhybrids in the fleet include the following annual savings and reductions per vehicle:

The Town will continue working toward reducing our carbon footprint by exploring new technologies in our fleet.

On an individual level, we can be mindful of the decisions we make daily. Those decisions include proper recycling, minimizing food waste, walking or biking, considering solar for your home, or buying an electric car. Additional opportunities include supporting the local vendors at the Western Wake Farmer’s Market, volunteering in the Community Garden, and taking part in the Morrisville Stewardship Program.

We are also currently participating in the Morrisville Stewardship Program, hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. We are participating in the program by bringing together 25 community members which helps support our local parks, greenways, and water resources. We look forward to helping plant trees and flowers, pick up litter, and do other activities to beautify and protect these Morrisville resources in February and March 2021!

The Town’s Open Data Portal provides an opportunity to engage and learn about how we’re striving as a community to create a smarter and more sustainable Morrisville every day. The sustainability-focused projects will largely live under the “Environmental” tab being built, allowing residents to see insightful and actionable information. As an example, we plan on showing information on our electric vehicle (EV) charging stations so that EV owners can make decisions on where to charge based on their travel plans. Another example is the addition of sensors at Cedar Fork District Park, which has a history of flooding. Park sensors will feed data to a portal that residents can check before visiting the park. Those same sensors will automatically close the park gates so that a Public Works employee doesn’t have to jump in a truck (generating emissions) to close the gate.

My Thoughts on Developing a Sustainable Innovation Strategy: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157726494526360/?t=34

In his book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates discusses the roles that philanthropists, investors, and governments can play in accelerating the innovation pipeline, from early stage research to the mass deployment of affordable, green, and reliable technologies. Gates, along with Mike Bloomberg is a principal investor in a $2 billion green innovation fund, which invests aggressively in green innovation.  The portfolio companies of the fund range from Injecting Carbon from cement, plant based meats, protein based yogurts, and air filtration systems.   Keep in mind that manufacturing results in about 80% of all Carbon Emissions.  

Gates reminds us in his book that government policies and Executive Orders are not enough, but that we need to develop a pipeline of startups, all focused on assisting us in reducing the 51 billion tons of greenhouse gases that people add to the atmosphere each year. By 2050, if we don’t get to zero, the temperature rise will be so damaging that life will actually get worse for humans and most of the natural ecosystems.  

Over the past few weeks, I have been hosting listening sessions and Focus Groups across the Town with the Business Community, Neighborhoods, Technology Leaders/CEOs, and entrepreneurs, and HOAs to get your feedback to develop a Long Term Vision for the Town.

I am still considering how I will continue to serve the citizens of Morrisville, either running for the same At Large Seat, and based on many citizens’ request across the Town, have put together an Exploratory Committee for Mayor as I explore serving in another role on the Council.

The election could be delayed until 2022, which will also affect my decision as I am weighing my options for the future in how I can continue to serve the citizens of North Carolina, whether in local or state government. I will make my final decision after the election date is set and would be honored to continue to serve the citizens of Morrisville and the Triangle region.

Either way, I want to thank all of the citizens for allowing me to serve you or the past decade, both as an At Large Council Member and a former Mayor Pro Tem (2015-2017)

Every week, I will be sharing a Play from the Morrisville Playbook which will transform us to be the number one Town to Live, Work, and Play in the country.

It is time to imagine what the Mosaic of Morrisville can be, a nonpartisan, coalition of diverse, engaged citizens, bringing out the best in each other, so we can be the Champions of the World!

Please email me to sr@steverao.com to set up a Listening Session and Stay tuned for our Play of the Week, over the weekend or early next week.

Weekly Update: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157726432691360/?t=27

Streamed Live at www.townofmorrisville.org and https://www.facebook.com/TownOfMorrisville/.

Streamed Live at www.townofmorrisville.org and https://www.facebook.com/TownOfMorrisville/.

Morrisville Carpenter Road Project: Work on the south side of Morrisville-Carpenter Road (between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle) in connection with the road widening operations will continue. 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.  

For current project details visit: https://bit.ly/mcrcp1

Governor Cooper and Invitae Corporation, a life sciences company specializing in genetic testing, announced yesterday that it plans to make a $114.6 million capital investment in the Town of Morrisville!

Joining the more than 600 life sciences organizations in the Research Triangle region, the San Francisco-based company harnesses the power of genetics and technology to make medical genetics affordable and accessible. The project brings 374 jobs, with an average salary of $91,176.

Invitae will become one of the first occupants of The Stitch, the adaptive reuse project of the former Morrisville Outlet Mall. The up-fitted facility boasts 245,000 square feet of office and lab space minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle Foundation, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, Wake Tech, the Capital Area Workforce Development Board, the Town of Morrisville, Wake County, the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, and Wake County Economic Development and Triangle Diversity Equity and Inclusivity Alliance, programs of the Raleigh Chamber.

Beginning Monday, April 19 through Friday, May 14, Morrisville voters will be able to share their input about the November 2021 Bond Referendum. Citizens can access the bond comment portal to share their feedback on the Town’s website: https://www.townofmorrisville.org/government/2021-general-obligation-bond-referendum .

On November 2, 2021, the Morrisville Town Council will provide voters the opportunity to vote on financing up to $37 million in future capital projects that can be impactful for our growing community for generations to come.

Be sure to follow the Town’s social media accounts for additional engagement opportunities about the bond referendum through May 14.

Town Council proclaimed April 17 as Nepal Day in Morrisville, in recognition that Nepalese citizens living in the Town of Morrisville and in Wake County comprise a significant portion of the Asian demographic, which makes up almost one-third of local residents. Nepalese citizens play a key role in Morrisville, by making significant contributions to the economic and social wellbeing of the Town.  I was honored to attend the Nepal Day event at Church Street Park this Saturday.

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157717884261360/?t=43

A virtual open house that will inform the public about the Town of Morrisville’s Intersection Improvement Study will be available online Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 23. During that week people can click here to access the open house, provide input, and learn about the project, which involves a comprehensive study of more than 10 intersections. For complete details click here

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has scheduled a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, April 20, at 7 p.m. to present information on the proposed extension of Airport Boulevard from Garden Square Lane to Chapel Hill Road (N.C. 54), in Morrisville. During the meeting NCDOT staff will answer questions and accept comments before the project’s design plans are completed.

To join the virtual public meeting online or by phone and to provide input, visit the NCDOT public input page by clicking here.

Saturday, April 24 is Morrisville’s Green Day! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Church Street Park, Morrisville will have a socially-distanced, touch-free collection event. Document shredding and an opportunity to recycle electronics (including laptops), fats, oils, grease and textiles will be provided.

Expired medications may be dropped off on-site with the Morrisville Police Department during the event as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (April 24).

Save the date and visit www.townofmorrisville.org/greenday for details and updates as they are published.

Town Council recognizes April 30 as National Arbor Day and encourages all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

Morrisville’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources has organized a kids scavenger hunt in the park Saturday, April 24 through Friday, April 30; a special Storytime Anytime with Morrisville Community Library staff on the Town’s YouTube Page; and a tree planting event with Town Council, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee and the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee.

For details on Morrisville’s Arbor Day recognitions, click https://www.townofmorrisville.org/residents/community-programs/arbor-day

The Town of Morrisville is excited to announce that a six-month pilot of a new community engagement platform, Engage Morrisville, has launched! 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. The new platform allows members of the community to participate and contribute to important selected community decisions from anywhere at any time.

Active projects that have already launched on the new platform include:

Community members can visit https://engagemorrisville.com/ to register and start providing their input on these and future important projects.

The new Morrisville Senior Center, located in the McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center at 4117 Davis Drive, is now open! A variety of programs are offered, and walkthroughs are available during our standard hours of operation. Due to COVID-19, all visits and programs will be limited, requiring registration to maintain a safe environment for our participants. Programs through April 17 are listed. For details on the Center’s programs, hours, and sign-up options.

For more information and sign up for tours, click here: https://www.townofmorrisville.org/government/departments-services/parks-recreation-cultural-resources/morrisville-senior-center

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157727478376360/?t=34

Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday that he expects to lift almost all restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on June 1 but will keep North Carolina’s mask mandate in place.

Restrictions limiting capacity at indoor restaurants, bars and concert venues are among those that will be lifted, as well as limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings.

The current existing order expires April 30. Cooper said he’ll issue a new order next week with safety restrictions for May.

The current order limits most outdoor gatherings to 100 people and indoor gatherings to 50 people. Retail establishments can operate at full capacity under the order, while restaurants are limited to 75% capacity inside. Bars, concert venues and sports arenas are limited to 50% capacity under the order.

North Carolina officials are planning to lift portions of the mask mandate on June 1 if COVID-19 trends remain generally stable.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said that while North Carolina is targeting continued stable case counts and increased vaccinations by June 1, parts of the mask mandate would remain in effect until the state reaches the target of two-thirds of adults taking at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The board approved the plan Tuesday. The academy will serve grades K-12 and there will be a separate virtual learning option for Pre-K students.

Register at https://www.wcpss.net/VirtualAcademy

The registration window will open on Thursday, April 22 and close May 2.

High schools were supposed to tell parents and students about graduation plans by April 9. Information will also be posted online at https://www.wcpss.net/graduation.

Wake County high schools will offer something closer to a normal graduation ceremony this year for seniors, while still following North Carolina health rules about masking and social distancing.

Wake high schools are planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies at their football stadiums and gyms this spring. High schools will typically hold multiple in-person ceremonies to maintain social distancing while also offering opportunities for seniors who don’t feel it’s safe to be at a large event.

This year’s events will be larger than last year’s graduation ceremonies, where more restrictive state rules led to drive-through ceremonies or timed individual walk-throughs in the auditorium. Graduation will come for seniors after more than a year of their education being disrupted by the pandemic.

Before the pandemic, most Wake high schools held a single graduation ceremony at a large venue like the Raleigh Convention Center. Wake says that’s not possible due to the state’s reduced venue capacity limits during the pandemic.

But the capacity limits are higher than last year, allowing for larger group events for the Class of 2021. Capacity limits could be eased further, with Gov. Roy Cooper announcing Wednesday he expects to lift most state COVID restrictions by June 1.

Brian Pittman, Wake’s senior director of high school programs, said they’ll monitor whether changes in restrictions will allow them to increase attendance even more at graduations.

The school system is requiring high schools to follow some health and safety guidelines, including:

Cooper announced he signed an executive order on Tuesday to help workers furloughed due to COVID-19 qualify for unemployment benefits. Before the order, employees who had been paid severance or furloughed by employers were ineligible for unemployment.  Cooper said the state has issued $580 million in unemployment funds to 257,000 people since the start of the pandemic and will ask the General Assembly for increasing unemployment when they go back in session next week.

Cooper says his team and legislators are working to decide how federal relief funding for North Carolina will be allocated. Cooper says his budget proposal focus on three broad areas: immediate public safety needs such as testing and personal protective equipment; funding for schools and other core government services; and small business and local government assistance.

Cooper says many North Carolina hospitals have the supplies they need due to public response, but PPE is still needed to frontline workers such as EMTs, etc. and for some medical providers.

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Cathy Q. Moore is recommending a $28.2 million budget increase from Wake County commissioners, what would amount to a 5.5% county funding increase, mostly to address students’ emotional health.

The school board will consider Moore’s $1.9 billion budget proposal over the next month before submitting a final proposal to the commissioners. The budget is mostly state funding, accounting for nearly $1.1 billion next year. The county’s contribution is about 28% of the proposed budget, or $544.2 million. Other local funds comprise $63.6 million, and federal funds make up $259 million.

More than a third of the county’s more than $1.4 billion budget goes to the school district.

The school board will consider Moore’s $1.9 billion operating budget proposal over the next month before submitting a final proposal to the commissioners. The county's current contribution to the budget is $527.9 million.

Moore wants to make permanent a one-time $11.9 million budget increase the county gave the school district last spring during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also wants to add $16.3 million to, among other things, increase the number of school counselors, psychologists and social workers.

Thirty-nine community health centers in North Carolina will receive $161,988,125 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced.

Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers' operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.

The George Floyd 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 language of the bill is identical to the version passed in the 116th Congress with the support of the entire Democratic Caucus and three Republicans.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday introduced a sweeping $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs package that looks to reshape the American economy and make the most significant domestic U.S. investments in generations.

His far-reaching American Jobs Plan includes spending to repair aging roads and bridges, jump-start transit projects and rebuild school buildings and hospitals. It would also expand electric vehicles, replace all lead pipes and overhaul the nation’s water systems.

But the plan goes far beyond infrastructure.

It’s as much a jobs program – one that looks to build the nation’s clean energy workforce, expand manufacturing and boost caregiving as a profession to serve the elderly and disabled.

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.h.calhoun/videos/10158619248896429/?t=145

The plan, the centerpiece of Biden’s economic agenda, will next need to pass Congress, where Republicans are already lining up against it.

According to White House, the plan is divided across four main areas. Here is how the money would be spent:

The plan would make a massive investment in America's roadways, railways and bridges with a focus on clean energy.

It would spend $174 billion, or about 28% of the transportation portion, on electric vehicles. That includes a network of 500,000 electric vehicle stations, using electric vehicles in bus fleets, and replacing the federal government's fleet of diesel transit vehicles with electric vehicles. It would also offer tax incentives and rebates for electric cars.

About $115 billion would pay for fixing roads and bridges, chosen by those in most need of repair. That includes 20,000 miles of highways and roads, the 10 most "economically significant" bridges in the U.S. as well as 10,000 smaller bridges.

Another $85 billion is set aside for modernizing transit systems and $80 billion for a growing backlog of Amtrak repairs as well as improvements and route expansion. Airports, ports and waterways would also receive improvements.

The largest part of the plan focuses on American homes, school buildings, underground water infrastructure and broadband expansion.

The plan would spend $213 billion to build, preserve and retrofit more than 2 million affordable homes and commercial buildings. This includes the construction or rehabilitation of 500,000 homes for low- and middle-income owners. An additional $111 billion would go toward clean drinking water, including replacement of all lead pipes and service lines.

The plan sets aside $100 billion for constructing or modernizing public schools, while another $100 billion would be used to build high-speed broadband networks throughout the country. The goal would be for broadband to become universal for all Americans and to drive down the costs for internet.

The plan also calls for $40 billion to improve public housing, $18 million for Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, $12 billion for community college infrastructure and $16 million to plug oil and gas wells and reclaim abandoned mines.

Biden wants to pump $400 billion to improve access to quality, affordable home or community-based care for the elderly and people with disabilities. It would expand a Medicaid program to make more services available and eliminate a backlog that prevents thousands from getting care.

It would also boost pay for care workers, who are disproportionately women of color and typically earn about $12 an hour.

"For too long, caregiver have been unseen, underpaid and undervalued," Biden said.

About $300 billion in the plan would be invested in manufacturing, including support for domestic production of technologies and critical goods. Around $50 billion would go toward semiconductor manufacturing and research.

The plan would spend $180 billion on new research and development with an emphasis on clean energy, fewer emissions and climate change research. That total includes $100 billion for worker training and an increase of worker protection systems.

"We've fallen back," Biden said of U.S. investment in research and technology. "The rest of the world is closing in and closing in fast. We can't allow this to continue."

Biden wants to raise the corporate tax rate to 28% to pay for the plan. That's the percentage corporations paid before President Donald Trump's tax cuts in 2017. Biden also wants to increase the minimum tax on U.S. multinational corporations to 21%.

The tax overhaul, dubbed the Made in America Tax Plan, seeks to incentivize job creation and investment in the U.S., end profit-shifting to tax havens and ensure large corporations pay "their fair share," according to the White House.

The plan would eliminate a rule that allows U.S. companies to pay no taxes on the first 10% of returns when they locate investments in other countries.

Under the tax hikes and other reforms – eliminating tax loopholes for intellectual property and denying companies deductions for offshoring jobs, for example – the White House projects the spending would be fully paid in 15 years and reduce deficits in the following years.

To Secure an appointment, please visit https://myspot.nc.gov/, https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine/

Find a County Vaccination site at https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/

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!

Durham County: 919-635-8150 or email at DCoCOVIDvaccines@dconc.gov. 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.

Duke Raleigh Hospital at (19) 620- 5167.

Process is to Call or visit website, join the waiting list, receive notification, and get your Vaccination Appointment!

To set up an Appointment with any County Department, please visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

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.

Central NC Locate a Vaccination Clinic by County

Select North Carolina Publix pharmacies have open COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Vaccinations are provided to people ages 18 and older.  Publix pharmacies in Buncombe, Cabarrus, Catawba, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Haywood, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Wake and Watauga counties will open up appointments for the Moderna vaccine.

Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding Walk In Vaccination Appointments

Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding has offered J&J and Moderna vaccines for walkins Friday 9-1pm Sat 9-1pm

3500 Davis Drive, Morrisville NC 27560

919 463-7991 919 961-0715.

Call to check to see if they are taking any this weekend.

For Wake County Covid 19 Testing Sites, please visit https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/.

Wake County will not Administer J & J Vaccines at Public Sites.

Wake County Public Health will not administer Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines at any of its four mass vaccination sites. (PNC Arena, Departure Drive, The Human Services Center on Departure DriveArena;Wake County Public Health Center on Sunnybrook Road; and Wake County Commons Building.

However, the health department will instead be utilizing smaller strike teams to distribute the one-shot vaccine strategically throughout the week.

This announcement comes a few days after Wake County paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after a handful of allergic reactions to it. The CDC has since reaffirmed the vaccines safety.

Appointments are available in Halifax County for anyone ages 18 and older who wants a COVID-19 vaccination. Appointments are preferred however, walk-ups are accepted.

The Fayetteville-based health provider said this week's COVID-19 vaccine appointments are only 15 percent filled. These are appointments to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Johnson and Johnson vaccine supplies are more sporadic, so Cape Fear Valley Health has been using them at walk-in clinic when available.

Make an Appointment: https://www.capefearvalley.com/coronavirus/index.aspx

Thanks for attending our April 21 at 2pm for the North Carolina Veteran Business Association Annual Meeting.  

I enjoyed Moderating this event, and am honored to serve on the Board!  

I will post the Recording in a few days.

Join us on Friday at 2 pm for a Community Colleges Month Virtual Fireside Chat with Keith Babuszczak on the exciting growth and opportunities at Wake Tech RTP!

Stream Live on https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao And Aired on Sunday 4 pm. Radio Nyra on 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM.

Register for Webinar Here:

The Town of Cary is turning 150 years old! Mayor Harold Weinbrecht & Town Clerk, Virginia Johnson will be joining us to discuss the history of Cary, the celebrations the Town has in store and how you can participate!

Register at https://carychamber.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yzxJ19ECSVu4o-tWqSmlAg

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

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

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.