Legislative Highlights
Update on Legislature and Budget Process:
Senator deViere is a member of the conference committee for SB105. Senator deViere continues to work with colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to craft a budget that works for North Carolina. Budget negotiations are still on going and leaders are working to reach a budget compromise. You can view the details of the committee here.
Redistricting:
The North Carolina General Assembly is drawing new North Carolina Congressional Maps after the release of the 2020 U.S. Census. Due to population changes, North Carolina has gained an additional congressional seat, totaling 14 seats. These maps will be used during the next decade for elections that determines representation within the General Assembly and the U.S. House. Both Chambers of the NC Legislature have proposed their own versions of these maps. Public hearings have been held to discuss these current proposals and you can continue to follow where the General Assembly is at with this process and view the proposed maps. Click this link for more information.
The Redistricting and Elections Committee are meeting next week to continue to discuss and debate the current proposals. Additionally, the Senate will be in session and bills pertaining to the maps are to be introduced and are on the Senate Calendar.
GenX Update
PFAS Toxicity Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a final human health toxicity assessment for GenX chemicals, which are part of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) group. The agency’s final toxicity assessment represents a key step in advancing the scientific understanding of GenX chemicals and their effects on human health.
EPA’s release of the final GenX chemicals toxicity assessment is a key step toward developing a national drinking water health advisory for GenX chemicals, which the agency committed to publishing in Spring 2022 as part of the PFAS Roadmap.
In The Community
Above: Senator deViere attends the Fayetteville Technical Community College Update on the development of the Cumberland County Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center
Above: Senator deViere had the honor of presenting Ms. Amya Stokes from Jack Britt High School with The Spectrum Scholar of the Week Scholarship Award. Congratulations Amya!
Above: Senator deViere attends the U.S. Department of Education 7th Annual Green Strides Tour with State Superintendent Catherine Truitt. The US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award (ED-GRS) is the comprehensive federal recognition award for sustainable schools. Sandy Grove Middle School, Douglas Byrd High School, and Walker Spivey Elementary School were recognized.
Above: Senator deViere attends an announcement from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator Regan speaks about PFAS/GenX Contamination.
Available Resources
Fayetteville/Cumberland Rental Assistance Program (RAP):
Eligible residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County can apply for rent and utility aid through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The RAP will help cover past, current or upcoming rent or utility payments for households experiencing economic constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible, a household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and meet the following criteria:
- Resident of the City of Fayetteville or Cumberland County, North Carolina;
- One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic; One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Please note that households with an income at or below 50% will be prioritized during the first 30 days of the program to ensure funding is made available to our most vulnerable populations. Households not in this priority group are still encouraged to apply at this time and should be aware of potential delays in application review and processing.
Landlords may begin an application and invite tenants to request assistance for rental arrears.
Click here for more information and application
New Broadband Affordability Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a
temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households.
If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and
associated equipment rentals - Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying
Tribal lands - A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop
computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than
$50) - Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed
per household.
Click here for more information and application
Legislative Update
The North Carolina General Assembly is currently in the long session. All Senate bills for the session are now filed.
- Click here for all introduced or sponsored bills.
- Click here to view voting record.
- Click here to view committees.
The Office of Senator Kirk deViere will remain open to assist constituents with concerns, as well as to field opinions regarding the Senator’s legislative actions.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office:
Directly: DeviereLA@ncleg.gov
Office: (919) 733-5776