February 28, 2025 | Proudly representing Guilford County and the 57th District

I pause on the last day of February with the stark realization that we are only two months into the new presidential administration and every day brings something more unsettling. My heart aches for all of those who have lost their jobs and/or who are villainized by the discriminatory and hateful rhetoric coming out of the White House. I appreciate all the emails and calls we have received and want to take a moment to applaud your activism. Specifically:

• Many have expressed your concern about Justice Rigg’s ongoing election debacle. As the only election left in the country to be certified, it is infuriating that Griffin is attempting to steal this election and I believe Griffin should be disbarred for his egregious efforts to undermine our Democracy. I encourage you to keep calling Griffin’s office and emailing him to concede as I have been doing. His office number is 919-831-3600 and his email is info@jeffersongriffin.com.

• Many are terrified about potential Medicaid cuts after our US Senators and House Representatives failed to protect families across our state, particularly children in rural areas where nearly 49% rely on Medicaid/CHIP coverage. I have spoken with Rep. Reeder to share my concern and I appreciate Rep. Lambeth filing HB113 to work on Medicaid sustainability options. I encourage you to email/call the chairs of the NC House Health committee asking them to prioritize options to ensure existing Medicaid coverage.

• Many are concerned about the power grab bills attempting to prevent Attorney General Jeff Jackson from doing the job we elected him to do. I’m not happy to see the Senate bill progress out of committee this week and we are watching it closely and preparing accordingly. I encourage you to email/call the Senators and Representatives who co-sponsored SB58 and HB72.

• Many are nervous about the significant anti-DEI and research grant cuts negatively impacting higher-ed across our state. Our institutions and students rely on these grants, and I am dismayed by the haphazard and discriminatory cuts. On Monday, the Guilford County delegation of NC Senators and House Representatives spoke with leadership at A&T, UNCG, and GTCC and we are reconvening on next steps legislation-wise.

I see my role as both defensive and offensive – I must continually focus on both. Thus, strategically you may or may not hear me discuss certain topics externally but please know that I am always working behind closed doors to hopefully stop bad bills, build relationships across the aisle to garner trust and goodwill whenever possible, and proactively work on good bills. I am personally appreciative that March will bring warmth and the beauty of a blooming spring. It may feel dark and scary, but I encourage you to take a deep breath and pace yourselves. Mental health is important so please take some time to enjoy your spring. I’m honored to do this work on your behalf and remain committed to the cause.

In solidarity,

Tracy

Interstate 40 repair continues in the wake of Hurricane Helene - NCDOT

The State House voted unanimously to provide $500 million in Hurricane Helene relief funding for Western North Carolina. The bill now awaits Senate approval.

The legislature has appropriated $1.1 billion so far, making HB47 the fourth recovery act in the 21 weeks since Hurricane Helene wrought an unprecedented $60 billion of damages on Western North Carolina. If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Stein, this would send:

• $150m for agriculture
• $140m for residential relief
• $100m for private roads and bridges
• $55m for small business infrastructure grants
• $20m to remove debris
• $10m apiece for essential volunteer organizations, fire departments, and rental assistance
• $5m for travel and tourism marketing

Thousands of bills are filed in the General Assembly by the end of each session. Many of them never see the light of day, so I want to highlight some of the important bills I've sponsored that are deserving of attention.

HB 20 - Fair Maps Act

• HB20 would have established a fair and independent redistricting board and finally put an end to the unfair practice of gerrymandering in North Carolina.

HB 31 - Make Election Day A State Holiday

HB 60 - Modernize Medicaid Dental Rates

HB 79 - North Carolina Work and Save

HB 87 - Cell Phone-Free Education

• Students and teachers agree that cell phone usage detracts from learning. This bill would decrease distractions and cheating in classrooms, and I am proud to sponsor it.

HB 101 - Property Tax Appeal Process Transparency

HB 106 - Revive High-Need Retired Teachers Program

HB 115 - Child Care Facility Tax Exemption

• This bill would ease financial burdens on childcare providers and held expand access for all families. It is critical to help working parents and invest in our next generation's first critical development years.

HB 118 - Disabled Veterans Tax Relief Bill

HB 121 - School Calendar Flexibility/Statewide/Open Calendar

HB 129 - Judge Joe John Nonpartisan Judicial Elections Act

HB 131 - Reenact Solar Energy Tax Credit

HB 137 - Gabe Torres Act

HB 166 - Allow ERPOs to Prevent Suicides & Save Lives

• This common-sense gun safety legislation would allow civic court orders to temporarily restrict firearm access for an individual who is behaving dangerously or presents a high risk of harm to self or others. Legislation like this is a simple and effective way to prevent gun violence without infringing upon the rights of responsible gun owners.

HB 167 - Firearm in Unattended Vehicle/Safely Store

HB 175 - Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Equality

• Would enshrine marriage equality in the NC Constitution. This bill is necessary to protect the civil rights so many have dedicated their lives to, and to preempt any attempts to take us backwards.

HB 181 - Tax Relief for Working Families Act

HB 192 - Raise Teacher Pay & Dollar Allot. Study

HB 199 - Nonconsensual Booting and Towing Reform

• This bill passed the House with bipartisan support last session. Unfair towing practices have been brought to my attention by constituents, so I am happy to cosponsor this bill and bring some long-needed reform to the towing industry.

HB 250 - Waive Annual Report/Fee For Deployed Military

• HB250 was specifically requested by a constituent, which is why I've sponsored it and will do all I can to see it become law. With its bipartisan support, I am optimistic that is exactly what will happen.

Page Program Application Open

Our office is taking House Page Applications! This program offers young students the opportunity to learn about, and participate in, the legislative process of our state. This is a four day long experience that allows high school students that are currently in grades ten, eleven, or twelve to observe firsthand how our laws are made.

House Pages assist Members and staff of the House during the legislative session. They participate in daily sessions, committee meetings, and perform other duties.

Learn more about the House Page Program and apply here. Spots are limited and the program is competitive. Selected students can receive either 30 service hour credits for their school or a $150 stipend.

What's on the calendar?

Next week continues the slew of committee meetings and bills being discussed. Expect votes on Tuesday 3/5 and Wednesday 3/6.

Wednesday, March 12, marks Governor Josh Stein's first State of the State Address. Gov. Stein will speak in the House Chamber to a joint session of Senate and House, myself included, as well as members of his cabinet and the Council of State officials.