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PARKS TOUR NOT PUBLIC EDITION:

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

June 26, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

Heat Advisory: Due to extreme temperatures, #WakeCounty cooling stations are open through at least Sunday, June 30.

If you need relief from the heat, visit the Wake County Public Libraries or Health and Human Services location nearest you. More info, including station locations and hours More info, including station locations and hours https://ow.ly/5upw50Spu55


ABC Interview on Apple: 

https://abc11.com/post/apple-nc-east-coast-hub-on-hold-research-triangle-park-3-years-later-1-billion-project/14997218/

MORRISVILLE PARKS TOUR NOT A PUBLIC TOUR

Yesterday, I publicized that the Parks Tour was open to the public. This tour is open only to Council, Senior Directors and Advisory Committee Members, which leads me to my next point.   

All the more Reason to become an Advisory Committee Member! Deadline to apply is July 1. (SEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DETAILS BELOW)

I am sorry for this oversight and thank Mayor TJ, a subscriber of my newsletter for the catch.  

CHURCH STREET PARK CLOSED 

Church Street Park closed from June 24th to July 15th.  All Park Amenities closed but the Shiloh Greenway will remain open! Church Street Park will be closed to all non-cricket activities starting today through July 22 for setup, matches, and event breakdown. The Shiloh Greenway will be open, but access to park amenities will be cut off.


ENOY OUR PARKS THIS SUMMER!

Get out and enjoy your summer at one of Morrisville’s beautiful parks. Next month is National Parks and Rec Months.  Learn more about our parks and greenways at morrisvillenc.gov/parks and follow everything Morrisville parks-related on Facebook at Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources.  Also, if you want to run with me, shoot me an email at sr@steverao.com!    I love to run the Greenways almost every day!

Church Street Park

Shiloh Greenway

Northwest Park

Indian Creek Park

Morrisville Community Park 

CHURCH STREET PARK

SHILOH PARK

NORTHWEST PARK

SHILOH PARK

APPLY FOR YOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Advisory Committee Recruitment

Closes July 1

Applications are now being accepted for Town advisory committees! We're seeking enthusiastic individuals to join a committee and lend their voices to important local issues. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a newcomer with fresh perspectives, we want to hear from YOU. Available opportunities include:

 

• Environment and Stormwater Committee

• Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee

• Planning and Zoning Board

• Public Safety Advisory Committee

• Senior Advisory Committee

• Smart City Steering Committee

 

Visit here to apply: https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/government/resident-advisory-committees

GUN SAFETY ALERT

Message on Gun Locks: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1240185913633780

Morrisville residents - the Morrisville Police Department is partnering with NC SAFE to give out free gun locks. You can pick one up at Morrisville Police Department, Town Hall, or the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center! 

https://www.facebook.com/morrisvillepd/

MEDIA ALERT

LATEST WRAL TECH WIRE BLOG: TECH JEDI CHAMBERS ON ACCELERATING START UP GROWTH  https://wraltechwire.com/2024/06/20/tech-jedi-john-chambers-discusses-accelerating-ai-startup-growth/


PBS CAROLINAS 

On Friday and Sunday am, I will be on Statelines!    

Check out Spectrum News Article on Town of Morrisville Language Access Plan. https://public.latakoo.com/9ad9485ea41b63d0ab69536b7657dbde


WRAL Tech Wire Article on AI: https://wraltechwire.com/2024/06/20/tech-jedi-john-chambers-discusses-accelerating-ai-startup-growth/

WPTF RADIO

Wake County Round Up on WPTF Radio moves to primetime slot at 3 pm on Fridays!  Starts tomorrow! This week we had Apex Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gray and Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton! You can get all the episodes on Podcast at www.wptf.com on the Afternoon News Section. 

SPORTS ALERTS

Celtics win NBA Champtionship!



Alcaraz wins French! Will he win Wimbledon? Will Novak play?



Bryson Dechambeau wins US Open at Pinehurst 2! 



Florida Panthers win First Stanley Cup!  



Watch World Cup Cricket at https://www.sling.com/    India vs. Australia! 

BREAKING NEWS

Congrats to USA Cricket Mens Team for advancing to Final 8 in World Cup!

US Supreme Court Upholds Law Banning Gun Ownership From Domestic Abusers 

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/21/politics/supreme-court-guns-rahimi/index.html



https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1870972983376377

Apple delays deal for RTP Campus. https://www.wral.com/story/apple-delays-plans-for-rtp-campus-in-rtp-company-says-it-s-still-committed-to-region/21497098/

President Biden issues Executive Order for Undocumented Spouses. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/biden-plans-new-policy-shielding-undocumented-spouses-us-citizens-rcna157604

House And Senate Gridlocked on Budget And UNC Chapel Hill Wants an Engineering School! (SEE NC NEWS) https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/politics/2024/06/21/legislators-could-end-session-without-updating-state-budget

Senate Passes Bill Requiring Confirming DMV Commissioner Confirmation (SEE NC NEWS)

https://www.wral.com/story/nc-senate-passes-bill-requiring-its-approval-of-dmv-commissioner/21488754/

MY INSIGHTS

Last week, we celebrated Juneteenth so please enjoy this newsletter edition, which I was not able to get out on the actual Juneteenth Day but here it is! I also wanted to share with all of you about our Budget which Council approved at the last Council Meeting but also addressed some of the concerns about going above revenue neutral.   

  

Finally, I enjoyed attending a number of graduations and wish all of the graduates success in their futures. Congratulations to all of the families! 


In addition, next week, we will be discussing in more detail the Biden Executive Order on immigration and the economic reasons for why common sense immigration reform is needed in the United States. 

  

Finally, I was sad to hear of the passing of my good friend, former Raleigh Council Member Eugene Weeks and one of my favorite actors, Donald Sutherland. I will be honoring them next week.

Enjoy the Summer everyone!

IMPORTANT SAVE THE DATES

June 27 First Presidential Debate at 9 pm on CNN!  

  

July 1 Deadline to Apply for Town of Morrisville Advisory Committees! Apply at https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/government/resident-advisory-committees (SEE THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE FOR DETAILS) 

July 3 Red White and Boom! 5pm to 9 pm at Cedar Fork District Park! (228 Aviation Parkway) There is no general event parking on-site. Attendees are directed to park at 808 and 909 Aviation Pkwy. Shuttles will run continuously from these locations. On-site parking is reserved for accessibility needs only.

JULY 7 Music in the Park at Healthy Food Hub at 6 pm!

VACATION WATCH: DYK? The Morrisville Police Department can provide a drive by vacation check to your property this summer while you are out of town. Get all the info and register today at https://bit.ly/4erbTJO

MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET COMING BACK TO MORRISVILLE JULY 5- JULY 17

The Town of Morrisville welcomes Major League Cricket teams, staff, and fans to Church Street Park, July 5-17! 


Church Street Park will be closed to all non-cricket activities June 24 - July 22 for setup, matches, and event breakdown. The Shiloh Greenway will be open, but access to park amenities will be cut off.

For more information about the upcoming cricket matches and to purchase tickets, visit tickets.majorleaguecricket.com

GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS

My Graduation message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1142519023723212


I enjoyed attending a number of graduations this year. Congratulations to all of the families and graduates! Remember, that you can now bring your passion, love and inner force to change the world, and lead our nation in all walks of life! Good Luck and May the Force Be with you! 

Green Hope!

Panther Creek!

Knightdale!

Green Level!  So great to catch up with Karen Summers. 

HELPING OUR SENIORS

A number of the public comments and emails addressed the negative financial impact on seniors living on a fixed income.  Let me take an opportunity to share with you some Wake County programs which do provide some tax relief for our Seniors.   

There is some tax relief available for our residents aged 65 or older and veterans through the State of North Carolina.  More information can be found through Wake County on their website.


They currently offer three programs:

  • The “Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exception” 

Reduce the taxable value of your home:

Homeowners who are 65 and older or 100% disabled can get $25,000 or up to 50% off their home value, whichever is greater, if they meet certain income and ownership requirements. Married couples can qualify even if only one partner is 65+ or disabled. This tax relief does not need to be paid back.

  • The Tax Deferment “Circuit Breaker Program”

Pay only a percentage of your income:

Seniors and those 100% disabled who’ve owned and occupied their homes for more than five years can choose a program that ensures their property tax bill will not be more than 4-5% of their income. Homeowners might have to pay some of this tax relief back, for example, if they move or sell their home.

  • The “Disabled Veteran Program”

Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, or their unmarried surviving spouse, can get $45,000 off their property value, no matter what their income. This tax relief does not need to be paid back

FLIGHT ALERT! LUFTHANSA SERVICE BEGAN JUNE 6

Congratulations to RDU Airport for launch of the Lufthansa Direct Flight to Germany today! This flight will also have much quicker, closer connections to almost every major hub in India, which will  help an increasingly growing community in the Triangle.   I worked hard with the Community to raise awareness of the need for a direct flight to India, but this flight will be another step in the right direction in these efforts!     

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit:

https://www.rdu.com/lufthansa/



I did enjoy attending the Lufthansa reception where I met with Leaders from their Executive Team, including Chief Lufthansa Chief Operating Officer Heiko Reitz.   I am working with their Executive Team to host an event in Morrisville in the Fall with RDU Airport and our Indian Community, since there is so much interest in this flight. 

DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP

Have you downloaded the Morrisville Central mobile app?

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.


Download via Apple Store: https://apple.co/3pKCNrg


Download via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IfPctA

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

GLOBAL ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE GRADUATION


My Message to the Graduates: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/462279156518253


Last Saturday, the Global Academy of Excellence celebrated their third annual awards. I could not attend but Mayor Cawley was in attendance along with other community leaders and I prepared a message for the graduates.   The Global Academy of Excellence is an ISO Certified educational organization and an NGO, that aims to impart the “Human Right To Education'' and thereby raise the “Educational Standards of Rural Children" around the world. As part of the Academy’s activities, they host a yearly internship program in the Morrisville, Cary, Apex, Durham, Raleigh, and Greensboro Areas of NC in which high school students and rising high schoolers, interested in the field of education, have the opportunity to change the lives of children across the world through “Educational Research Projects”.

This year’s Educational Research Projects have gained greater reach and appreciation across the 6 District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in India, received special mention in the USIDHR Human Rights Consultant Award Ceremony 2023 in Washington DC and also were recognized with INDIAN ICON AWARDS as having Excellence in Research Project Category For Two Consecutive Years 2023 & 2024.


The project includes the Introduction To AI book for rural students and educators, a Robotics Project with coding projects, and Outreach programs specifically designed to empower Rural community students. We are currently planning a commencement event to celebrate the interns' journey and launch these groundbreaking projects.


The Introduction to AI books is designed to teach rural kids the emerging technology via a set of curriculum and will be distributed among interested Government Schools, Government Aided Schools, and NGOs in Tamil Nadu, India. The Educational Resource Website, called the GAOEX Education Hub, is a free-of-cost website with exclusive resources that many impoverished children, even with access to the internet do not have access to.


A special thanks to Prashita G, (Avinash), Maha SHammugham and all of the leaders for leading such noble efforts in India and congratulations to all of the students!   You are building a bright future for all of us.

Apex Juneteenth Event

 

Juneteenth Insights from Ed Gray: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1607494176709145


It was great to attend the Apex Juneteenth event last weekend.  Great time with Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gray, and Council Member Brett Gant.  It was great to see so many folks in attendance. 

Fuquay Pride Event

 

Pride Insights from Elizabeth Parent: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3723156344626538

 

A special thanks to Community Leader Elizabeth Parent for inviting me to the Town of Fuquay Varina Pride event at the Mason Jar Company. Thanks to everyone who came out and it was wonderful to continue my tour across Wake County. 

BAPS CHARITIES WALKATHON

Kudos to BAPS Charities for another wonderful walkathon! This year they supported Police, and First Responders and it was great to be there with my colleagues in Cary and Morrisville! Thanks to BAPS for all they do

GARNER RAFFLE

I continued my tour across Wake County, attending the Garner Chamber Raffle and Auction! It was great to spend time with Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton! Thanks for his hospitality.

MORRISVILLE MURAL UNVEILED! 

A Mural Celebration was held today, Thursday, June 6, at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center. Members of Town staff, Town Council and our artists gathered with community members to celebrate the first three public art pieces in the Town of Morrisville.

#MorrisvilleMurals #LiveConnectedLiveWell

CONGRATS TEEN MORRISVILLE 101

Congratulations to our 2024 Teen Morrisville 101 graduates! Over the course of four weeks, they learned the ins and outs of local government including hands-on learning with sustainability, stormwater, fire/rescue and police. 

The following grads were honored at the June 11 Morrisville Town Council meeting: Vaibhav A., Shreya A., Kashyap G., Akshara G., Neev K., Sai K., Saanvi L., Faizan M., Harshita M., Tridha M., Joslyn N., Wyatt N., Shivansh S., James V., Chris V., Simone V., Kayden W.

CONGRESSMAN NICKEL HOSTS BIDEN RECEPTION WITH SECOND GENTLEMAN DOUG EMHOFF

Thanks to Wiley Nickel for hosting a Biden reception at their home last week with special guest Doug Emhoff.    It was a wonderful event and I enjoyed my time with the Second Gentlman.    He is very charged up about this election!  

MORRISVILLE POLICE/FIRE BIKE RODEO! 

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Bike Rodeo where Police and Fire were on hand to give bike safety tips to kids and families.    I love the community outreach our Departments provide. 

PBS CAROLINAS STATELINES!

On Friday, I enjoyed being a guest again as an Analyst on Statelines!    I enjoyed engaging commentary with Rep. Maria Cervania, Rep. Allen Cheshire and Analyst Patrick Ryan as we talked about medical marijuana, constitutional amendments, Budget and other issues!     


Link on our website: https://video.pbsnc.org/video/june-21-2024-3mmod9/

Link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_C-ejVphlog

RALEIGH CHAMBER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING 

I had a wonderful time at the Raleigh Chamber/Wake County Economic Development Meeting where we heard from Greg Clark, Executive Vice President of INEOS Automotive Americas on the factors that led them to select Raleigh as their North American Headquarters, 

Jordan Ulrich, Vice President of Project Delivery and Holly Springs Site Lead at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies will provide an update on why the company doubled down on Wake County and Ginny Wright, CEO, Audemars Piguet Americas.    Also, it was very informative to hear from Wake County Superintendent Rob Taylor, Raleigh City Manager Marchelle David- Adams, and Wake County Manager David Ellis!

CATALYST NC IMMIGRATION HUB EVENT 

I was honored to attend the Catalyst Immigration Hub event at the Stateview Hotel at NC State, where we heard from Chris Chung at EPNDC, and other dreamers and immigrants on the connection between immigration and innovation.    A very inspiring event and of course, I look forward to working with this national organization as we continue to lobby for a streamlined immigration system and to accelerate the path to citizenship for Dreamers and Skilled Immigrants.

THINKERS LUNCH ON 3rd PARTIES 

I attended the Thinkers Lunch on Monday, and we heard from the Forward Party, Green Party, and also Shelane Hutchison, the Independent Candidate for US Congress.  (first one to win as Independent)     3rd Parties are making a move but can they change the division of the country?    I think they need more PACS and money flowing to them if they are really going to move the needle!

JUNE 11 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

• Presentations: 2024 Teen Morrisville 101 Graduate 


Recognition, Staff Retirement Recognition for Amy Lindley, Proclamation Recognizing June as Pride Month, Proclamation Recognizing National Pollinator Week, Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth, IT Department Presentation


• Adoption of the Recommended Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment

Program

• Transit-Oriented Development and Zoning Plan

• UDO Text Amendments for Masonry Painting, Tobacco & Hemp Sales 


Read the full details at https://bit.ly/3yTsdCI

#LiveConnectedLiveWell

MORRISVILLE COMMUNITY PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS!

The Morrisville Community Park (MCP) playground (1520 Morrisville Parkway) is getting a makeover! Get ready for a whole new playground experience with brand-new equipment and a revamped surface.


Construction of the new MCP playground began on May 31. The project is slated for completion in early July. For safety considerations, the playground will be closed during this period.


Stay connected via social media for updates on park progress, including the anticipated reopening date.


In the meantime, explore alternative playground options in town:

Church Street Park | 5800 Cricket Pitch Way

Indian Creek | 101 Town Hall Drive

Northwest Park | 998 Parkside Valley Drive

Shiloh Park | 922 Church Street

THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE June25-June30

Meetings

June 25- 6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting

June 26- 5:30 p.m. Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee

June 27- 6:30 p.m. Smart City Steering Committee

Advisory Committee Recruitment Closes July 1

Applications are now being accepted for Town advisory committees! We're seeking enthusiastic individuals to join a committee and lend their voices to important local issues. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a newcomer with fresh perspectives, we want to hear from YOU. Available opportunities include:


• Environment and Stormwater Committee

• Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee

• Planning and Zoning Board

• Public Safety Advisory Committee

• Senior Advisory Committee

• Smart City Steering Committee


 To apply click here.

Red, White & BOOM! July 3

You don't have to wait until July 4 to celebrate Independence Day in Morrisville! The Town’s annual celebration, Red, White & BOOM!, will be Wednesday, July 3, from 5-9 p.m. at Cedar Fork District Park. Live music, games, food trucks, and of course, an amazing fireworks show to top it all off!


For more information, click here.

Major League Cricket in Morrisville

Church Street Park (5817 Cricket Pitch Way) will be hosting Cognizant Major League Cricket matches July 5-17. The park will be closed to all non-cricket activities June 24 - July 22 for setup, matches, and event breakdown. The Shiloh Greenway will be open, but access to park amenities will be cut off.


For more information on purchasing tickets and matches in Morrisville, visit Major League Cricket's website.

Morrisville Police Department Giving Away Free Gun Locks

The Morrisville Police Department (MPD) is giving away free gun locks, while supplies last. Visit one of three locations to get yours: the Morrisville Police Department (260 Town Hall Drive), the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (1301 Morrisville Parkway), or Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive). Take the time today to make sure your firearms are locked up and safely stored away.

Vacation Watch Now Open

Summer vacations are more fun without worries! Morrisville residents, don't forget to take extra steps for a stress-free trip and fill out our free vacation watch form. During their regular patrol shift, a Morrisville Police Officer will drive by your residence as time allows to help enhance security and deter suspicious activity through their visible presence. Just make sure to fill out this form in its entirety, and at least a week prior to your trip.

Annual Water Quality Report Now Available

Water and sewer services for the Town of Morrisville are provided by the Town of Cary. Documenting the results of more than 350,000 water quality tests in 2023, Cary's Annual Water Quality Report is now available.


To learn what's involved with treating the drinking water and how extensive the testing is, access the report online at carync.gov/waterreport, or request a paper copy by dialing 311 in Cary, or (919) 469-4000 from outside town limits.

Fall Athletic Leagues Open For Registration 

Registration is currently open for the following leagues:


T-Ball - ages 5-6

Coach Pitch - ages 7-9

Kid Pitch - ages 8-12

Girls Volleyball Minors - ages 7-9

Girls Volleyball Majors - ages 10-12

Girls Volleyball Juniors - ages 13-15



Specific practice and game times will be finalized after teams are formed. Register by clicking here.

Yoga Classes Open for Registration at MAFC

Family Tree Yoga, catering to children aged 5-9 accompanied by a parent/guardian, will meet on Tuesdays, from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m., starting June 25 through August 6.

Yoga Roots, catering to children aged 10-14, will meet on Thursdays, from 4:30 to 5:20 p.m., starting June 27 through August 8.


For further details and to register, please click here.

2035 Wake Transit Plan Update

The 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update is currently underway. The goal of this update is to outline transit investments from 2026 through 2035. Transit investment will be funded through the existing dedicated taxes and fees for transit in Wake County.


To share your feedback on future transit projects in Wake County, please complete this survey. For more information on the 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update, please visit the project website.

Morrisville Senior Center Events June 26

Calling all seniors! The Morrisville Senior Center will host two events on Wednesday, June 26. Indulge in a sweet treat and mingle with friends at the Ice Cream Social from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Reserve your scoop of fun today by signing up.

At 2 p.m., learn the basics of Medicare and have your questions answered by a volunteer SHIIP counselor in Medicare 101. Learn when and how to apply for the different Medicare coverage options and how to determine which option bests meets your needs. Register for this free workshop.

Morrisville Community Park Playground Closed for Renovations

Renovations on Morrisville Community Park's playground (1520 Morrisville Parkway) have begun and are expected to be completed by early July. In the meantime, explore alternative playground options in town:


  • Church Street Park (5800 Cricket Pitch Way)
  • Indian Creek (101 Town Hall Drive)
  • Northwest Park (998 Parkside Valley Drive)
  • Shiloh Park (922 Church Street)


Follow Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources on social media for updates on the renovation progress and the anticipated reopening date. 

International Festival Vendor Applications Open

Applications are now open for artisans to participate in the Morrisville International Festival on September 21, 2024. The festival, which runs from 2-7 p.m. along Town Hall Drive, celebrates the town's diversity with food, music and vendors. Interested artisan vendors can find an application here.

Music in the Park July 5

Join the Town of Morrisville for its Music in the Park series on Friday, July 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub (280 Town Hall Drive). Enjoy a live performance by Mysti Mayhem, a folk and indie band from Durham, NC. Food trucks for the event will be Flavor Junction and Oats Unbaked. Remember to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating during the concert! Parking is available on-site.

MAFC Summer Pool Hours

The summer pool schedule at The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center has begun. The schedule includes additional hours for open recreation swimming in the program pool and spray ground. 


To view the pool schedule, click here.

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.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.


WWFM now accepts EBT card withdrawals from SNAP-eligible customers at the Info Tent. They are also currently offering Double Bucks, meaning each withdrawal will be matched 1:1 in value.


CompostNow.org is also now hosting a compost collection site at the market’s information tent. Residents are invited to bring their food scraps and select other items for collection during market hours. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.

Now Hiring

The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.

AROUND THE REGION

Catching up with David Price! 

Time with the Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at the event!

Patrick Newton, Forward Party Chair at Joe Stewart Panel

Great hanging out with Wiley Nickel at Juneteenth in Raleigh

Stone Theaters in Wilmington!  Go see Thelma!   Theater was full!

Visit Veteran Memorial at Riverfront in Wilmington!

OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

APPLE DELAYS DEAL ON RTP CAMPUS 

Apple executives briefed state officials last week on its plans. The company decided to delay the start of the project by up to four years after a review of its real estate, according to people familiar with the company's plans.


Consumer electronics giant Apple Inc. is delaying plans to build a corporate campus in Research Triangle Park. But the company says it’s still committed to growing in the region.


Apple executives briefed state officials last week on its plans to move forward with one of the region's biggest economic development projects. The company wants to delay the start of the project by up to four years after a review of its real estate, according to people familiar with Apple’s plans.


The maker of MacBook computers and mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones announced plans in 2021 to build a 1 million-square-foot research and development campus in RTP — a project expected to create 3,000 jobs in Wake County.


Apple said at the time that it planned to invest more than $1 billion in the state by 2032. The project is expected to grow the state’s economy by $79.8 billion over 39 years, state officials said in 2021.

In the past three years, Apple has hired more than 600 people in the Triangle and it continues to hire in the region, according to the company and government officials. The company now employs roughly 1,600 people in the state.


Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement Monday that he’s spoken with executives at the company. “They emphasized their commitment to build this transformative campus here in North Carolina,” he said, adding that the project “will ultimately be among the company’s most significant campuses."


State commerce officials approved an economic incentives package in 2021 that included grants of up to $845.8 million to be paid out to Apple over 39 years, provided the company hit various performance goals. The promised jobs were expected to offer salaries that average $187,001 — almost three times the county average at the time of the announcement.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/apple-delays-plans-for-rtp-campus-in-rtp-company-says-it-s-still-committed-to-region/21497098/


STATE PUSHES FORWARD ON LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

There's a renewed push to get medical marijuana over the finish line after years of efforts going up in smoke in North Carolina. On Monday, the North Carolina Senate voted in a wide bipartisan majority vote, 36-10 to legalize medical marijuana.

But in past years, similar efforts have stalled on the House side.


In order to appeal to conservatives in the House who might be on the fence, this version of HB 563 has some changes.


Recreational marijuana wouldn't be legal in the state unless approved by the General Assembly even if the federal government legalizes it.


Read More at https://abc11.com/post/north-carolina-senate-gives-initial-approval-legalizing-medical/14981799/


HOUSE AND SENATE DO NOT AGREE ON BUDGET 

At the end of the month, lawmakers might leave Raleigh without making adjustments to the two year state budget. I addressed this issue on STATELINES this week.     


The state’s new fiscal year begins on July 1. The two-year spending plan passed last year does cover the upcoming fiscal year, but usually lawmakers add funds or move around allocated money.


What You Need To Know

While North Carolina does have a budget for the upcoming year, lawmakers traditionally use the short session to make updates.


The House wants to add additional pay raises for employees, while the Senate proposal keeps the raises at 3%.


Democrats in the House attempted to amend the bill, but most proposals were voted down


Members of the Senate will vote on their proposal on Monday.

Weeks ago, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger said House Republicans wanted to spend more money than the Senate was willing to.


House Speaker Tim Moore pushed back against that, saying the House wanted to put more money toward state employees and retirees dealing with inflation.


When a compromise couldn’t be met, House Republicans released their own budget proposal on Monday. It included hundreds of millions of dollars to give every family on the Opportunity Scholarship wait list a voucher for private school tuition, additional raises for state employees, a one time cost-of-living bonus for state retirees and money to cover 75% of the child care stabilization grants that run out at the end of the month.


State employees are scheduled for 3% raises in the new fiscal year, and the House proposal added one more percent.


In a statement, a bus driver union said, “Teamsters Local 391 and the public school support personnel we represent are pleased the House budget invests an extra 1% this year on top of the 3% invested last year in compensation adjustments. While we are grateful and we hope the Senate follows the House’s lead, we are not expecting a 4% increase to reverse the recruitment and retention problem for non-certified school support personnel.”


The Senate did not follow the House’s lead. Later in the week, their budget proposal was released with no additional raises.


It instead focused on eliminating the Opportunity Scholarship wait list and providing about 75% of the child care grants.


Both leaders have said they’re comfortable leaving this session at the end of the month without an updated budget, as there is already one in place.


Read More at: https://www.wral.com/story/nc-senate-passes-bill-requiring-its-approval-of-dmv-commissioner/21488754/


NC SENATE BILL REQUIRES DMV COMMISSIONER CONFIRMATION 

North Carolina state senators believe they should be involved in appointing the person who runs the state's Division of Motor Vehicles.


The DMV commissioner is currently appointed by the state Secretary of Transportation, but that process would change under a bill passed by the state senate Tuesday. Under House Bill 309, the governor would nominate a candidate to become DMV commissioner and the nominee could only be seated after receiving approval from the state Senate.


State senators voted along party lines — with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed — to advance the bill. It still needs approval from the GOP-run state House and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to become law.


Lawmakers didn’t debate the bill when it was on the Senate floor Tuesday, but supporters have said the bill is necessary to bring more oversight of an office that faces mounting complaints over ID cards, license plates and service as DMV offices. State lawmakers asked DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin to appear for questioning twice this year, including earlier this month, when they interrogated him about the division’s problems.



As complaints mount over long waits, DMV head questioned by NC lawmakers

“Each new administration blames a lack of progress on its predecessor while failing to make measurable improvement during their tenure,” Sen. Michael Lazzara, R-Onslow, told the Senate Transportation Committee meeting this month.


“We as legislators need tools in our toolbox to provide proper oversight for this division,” Lazzara said.


Democrats, meanwhile, have argued that changing the appointment process is unnecessary and suggested bill sponsors are motivated by partisan politics.


Goodwin, who was appointed in 2022, was elected to two four-year terms as state Insurance Commissioner before serving as chairman of the state Democratic Party from 2017 to 2021.

Read More at: https://www.wral.com/story/nc-senate-passes-bill-requiring-its-approval-of-dmv-commissioner/21488754/


WAKE COUNTY PASSES $2 BILLION BUDGET

Wake County commissioners have unanimously passed a $2 billion budget for the next fiscal year.


It increases spending on public schools by $58 million. That's $9 million more than the city manager's recommendation, but $5 million less than the amount Wake County school board members requested.


The school board proposed supplemental raises across the board for teachers and non-certified staff members.


At Monday's meeting, Commissioner Susan Evans said state lawmakers should do more to support public schools.


"We have now just passed a budget where we will be contributing over $700 million to the operating budget of Wake County Public Schools," Evans said. "And I'm proud we can help, but we shouldn't have to help to that extent."


The budget also includes funding for more ambulances and law enforcement officers as well as WakeBrook, a behavioral health facility in Raleigh.


It lowers property tax rates, but some homeowners will still have a higher bill this year due to revaluations.


WAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD WILL WAIT ON STATE BUDGET 

The Wake County Board of Education will need to make adjustments to its proposed budget for next school year, but the board won’t make any until the state legislature approves a new budget for next year, Chairman Chris Heagarty said Tuesday.


The board is currently planning to approve an interim budget at their June 18 meeting. That would be a budget to continue current spending and services into the next school year. That wouldn’t include any raises for school employees, although the board still plans to eventually provide them.


That’s because the county won’t have any new funding from the state to pay for any increased costs until a budget is passed, Heagarty said. Most of the district’s funding comes from the state.


“We would need to take the money from someplace without any new funds” to pay for raises, Heagarty said.


The state budget could, possibly, include raises or funding for new programs that would affect decisions the school board needs to make about what to keep in their proposed budget and what to cut.


Still, county commissioners adopted a budget Monday night for next year that provides the school system with $58.3 million more — part of a package that lowers the current tax rate but effectively increases tax payments because of higher home valuations. 


That increase was less than the $63.2 million increase the school board had requested from commissioners.


The school board will need to agree to adjustments, but Hegarty said he believes the board is still committed to the raises they approved in their budget request last month. 

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/wake-school-board-will-wait-on-a-new-state-budget-to-finalize-plans-for-raises-keeping-temporary-employees


FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS ACCESS TO ABORTION BILLS 


A federal judge has permanently blocked some efforts in North Carolina to restrict how abortion pills can be dispensed, saying they are unlawfully in conflict with the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But she allowed other state laws to remain in effect, granting only a partial victory to a doctor who sued.


The injunction entered Monday by U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles in Greensboro gives permanence to her April 30 ruling that some of North Carolina’s regulations on medication abortion have been preempted by decisions of federal drug regulators that determined they were not needed.


The order Monday means North Carolina cannot require that only doctors prescribe the pills; that the drugs be provided to the patient only in person; and that the patient schedule a follow-up appointment. It also prohibits state and local prosecutors, state health and medical officials and other defendants from enforcing such rules or penalizing people who don’t follow them with criminal, civil and professional penalties.


Congress delegated authority to the FDA to scrutinize the use of mifepristone, which the agency approved in 2000 to end pregnancy when used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. The FDA expressly determined that restrictions similar to North Carolina’s were no longer necessary, based on evaluations of their safe distribution and use, Eagles wrote in April.


Her order appears to mean patients in North Carolina can now receive the pills through pharmacies — prescribed through someone like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant or using telehealth — and take them at home, in keeping with FDA decisions.

But Eagles also upheld some challenged restrictions, such as requiring an in-person consultation 72 hours in advance, an in-person examination and an ultrasound before obtaining a prescription. She said these rules had either not been expressly reviewed and rejected by the FDA, or focus more on the practice of medicine or on general patient health.


Dr. Amy Bryant, who provides abortions and raised this legal challenge last year, said in a prepared statement that the permanent injunction will “allow for increased access to safe and effective medication abortion care throughout North Carolina.”


The challenged regulations on medication abortion are in a 2023 law enacted by the Republican-controlled General Assembly that carried onward or expanded many previous abortion restrictions. One change reduced the time frame for most abortions from after 20 weeks of pregnancy to 12 weeks.


Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the conservative North Carolina Values Coalition, said Tuesday that the ruling “lowers the standard of care for women.” She also criticized the order for stopping a state requirement that “non-fatal adverse events” related to mifepristone be reported to the FDA, saying it would conceal “dangerous complications and side effects of abortion drugs.”


Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, an abortion rights supporter now running for governor, didn’t defend the restrictions in court because he already contended they were preempted by the FDA’s decisions. He blamed Republican lawmakers on Tuesday for the unlawful provisions and said, “this ruling helps women regain some control over their personal health care decisions.”



The offices of House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, who joined the case to defend the laws, didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to an email seeking comment. They could appeal Eagles’ order. An upcoming ruling in a separate case at the U.S. Supreme Court brought by anti-abortion doctors who want the justices to restrict access to mifepristone could affect the results of the North Carolina litigation.

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

1. President Joe Biden is taking executive action to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens — a move that would shield about 500,000 immigrants from deportation.


2. The White House announced the election-year policy Tuesday, framing it as “new action to keep families together.” NBC News reported last week that action protecting the spouses was likely to be announced soon, after urging from immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers and as the president courts Latino voters in crucial battleground states.



3. The new policy would allow noncitizens who have been in the country for at least 10 years and are married to a U.S. citizen, and their children, to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.

Read More at https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/biden-plans-new-policy-shielding-undocumented-spouses-us-citizens-rcna157604


4. António Guterres, the UN’s secretary-general, expressed concern over growing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, warning that “one rash move” might “trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border”. Israel and Hizbullah, the Lebanese Shia militia, have been exchanging rocket fire since October, though the attacks have recently escalated. This week the Israel Defence Forces said that they had approved “operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon”. Earlier, Palestinian officials said that Israeli strikes in southern Gaza had killed at least 45 people. Meanwhile, Armenia became the fifth European country this year to recognise Palestine as a state.


5. America’s Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to a federal law that bars people subject to domestic-violence restraining orders from owning guns. Such restrictions against people posing a “credible threat” to others’ safety, the majority of justices ruled, are “consistent with the Second Amendment”. The ruling was a departure for the court, which has expanded gun-ownership rights in recent years.


6. Apple said it would not release its new artificial-intelligence features on iPhones in Europe later this year, when they are set to be launched in other regions. The tech giant blamed “uncertainties” brought by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires big online platforms to share more data with regulators and auditing firms. The legislation has already forced Apple to make changes to its App Store.


7. Germany arrested three men suspected of spying on a Ukrainian in Frankfurt. The authorities did not disclose which intelligence agency the three men—who were citizens of Armenia, Russia and Ukraine—are believed to have been working for. The men are the latest among a number of individuals who have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage since the beginning of the year.


8. Andrej Babis, a former Czech prime minister, said that his party would leave Renew Europe, the European Parliament’s liberal bloc. The departure of Mr Babis’s party is a blow to the group, whose members support centrist politicians like Emmanuel Macron, France’s president. Mr Babis said his party’s MEPs would break from the bloc over its support for liberal immigration and climate policies.

 

9. Opinion polls do not bode well for President Emmanuel Macron’s party ahead of France’s snap parliamentary vote. The Economist’s poll tracker puts Marine Le Pen’s hard-right National Rally in the lead, followed by a left-wing coalition. Mr Macron’s centrist alliance trails them in third place. Parliamentary candidates are campaigning this weekend ahead of the first round of voting on June 30th.

 

10. Barcelona’s mayor announced plans to ban the renting of apartments to tourists by 2028. Jaume Collboni says a boom in short-term rentals and an ensuing surge in rental prices means many locals cannot afford flats. Mr Collboni believes he is tackling the Spanish city’s “largest problem”. Other European cities are also trying to curb overtourism. Venice recently introduced an admission fee.


11. After Nvidia briefly became the world’s most valuable listed company last week, its share price continued a dizzying descent. The AI-chipmaker’s stock has fallen by nearly 19% since its peak on June 20th, knocking more than half a trillion dollars off its market capitalisation. Analysts suggested that investors may be realising their gains. It is unclear whether the sell-off represents a correction or a blip.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 10 Morrisville Chamber Development Forum.   8 am to noon.  

Register at https://business.morrisvillechamber.org/events/details/commercial-real-estate-forum-2584?calendarMonth=2024-07-01

July 11 Morrisville Chamber First Responder Event.   11:30 am to 1 pm   Register at https://morrisvillechamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/2549

July 11 Raleigh Chamber State of County and School!    11:30 to 1 at Raleigh Convention Center 

Register at https://web.raleighchamber.org/atlas/events/state-of-the-city-county-schools-2024-2769/register

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 Patricia Spillane, PSpillane@morrisvillenc.gov, 919-463-6168.

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
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