A Message from Senator Lee

The state's budget is an essential part of the long session. As we move closer to receiving the first draft of the budget from the House of Representatives, the Senate has been working hard passing important legislation. I will continue to fill you in on important information and events happening at the Legislature and in the district. Best regards, Senator Michael Lee

NC Senate Approves Legislation Confronting Fentanyl, Overdose Epidemic

This week, the North Carolina Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 189, “Fentanyl Drug Offenses and Related Changes.” The bill was filed in response to the growing number of tragedies being caused by the overdose epidemic in North Carolina. There were over 4,000 drug overdose deaths in North Carolina in 2021, the highest number of overdose deaths in a single year. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, more than 77% of those deaths likely involved fentanyl.  Senate Bill 189 covers four areas: Significantly increases the fines for trafficking heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Fines for trafficking would range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 if convicted; the previous baseline fine was $50,000. Expands the current Death by Distribution law by creating new offenses related to deaths caused by the distribution of fentanyl and other controlled substances. Modifies the “Good Samaritan Immunity Law” to provide limited criminal immunity to someone who possesses less than one gram of any controlled substance – including fentanyl – if the person is seeking medical assistance for an overdose. Creates a new Task Force on Enforcement of Fentanyl and Heroin Drug Violations to study and make recommendations to lawmakers on best practices to combat fentanyl and the overdose epidemic. This bill now heads to the North Carolina House of Representatives for consideration.

NC Coalition's Charter Advocacy Summit took place in February. Representative Elmore and I were invited to discuss our insights towards the long session and upcoming budget.

NC CDFI Grants Program

NC Rural Center has granted $3.3 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to grow and expand their capacity to make loans. In 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly made an appropriation of $5 million to the NC Department of Commerce to provide funds for the NC Rural Center to build the capacity of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that do small business lending in the state. A thriving CDFI sector directly contributes to economic growth and opportunity in the state’s distressed communities, helping to ensure economic prosperity for all North Carolinians. Projects funded Business Expansion Funding Corp. - $500,000 to expand services to Eastern North Carolina Carolina Community Impact - $450,000 to hire staff, grow and scale SBA Community Advantage program UP Community Fund - $250,000 to expand staff and develop marketing plan Partner Community Capital - $725,000 to hire commercial lending assistant, revise loan policies and procedures, and purchase new technology National Institute of Minority Economic Development - $775,000 to hire four new staff members,upgrade and expand their data management and reporting capabilities Mountain BizWorks - $736,000 to expand rural lending presence and community engagement, addtechnical assistance capabilities and improve their technology and data systems. Click here to read the press release.

In February, Representative Clemmons and I had the opportunity to speak with the NC Chamber regarding pressing issues facing local chambers.

Career Development Plans

Senate Bill 193, Career Development Plans, requires middle school students to create and update career development plans for promotion from 7th and 10th grade. These plans will help students discover their interests and determine the necessary training for their desired career. Senator Galey and I sponsored this bill and it recently passed the North Carolina Senate. This is exciting new for our students!

NC Compassionate Care Act

Senate Bill 3, the NC Compassionate Care Act, passed the North Carolina Senate this month. This bill allows for the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products to qualified patients with a debilitating medical condition. This bill continues to be a priority of mine and we will continue to track this bill as it moves through the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Access to Healthcare Options

This week, the North Carolina Senate approved a conservative healthcare access bill that reforms our state's Certificate of Need laws and expands access to health insurance. Healthcare costs have been rising in America for decades, and far faster than inflation in other sectors. North Carolina must do something to improve healthcare, especially expanding access and controlling cost. We reformed the system and recently implemented Medicaid Transformation. Medicaid has now evolved to a point that it’s a good fiscal policy. It would also significantly help us address the mental health crisis we’re facing. Our state budget will be stronger, and our rural hospitals will be better positioned to stay open now that we have passed Medicaid Expansion.

Upcoming Events in the District April 1 Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine in Kure Beach April 1 & April 2 Annual Herb and Garden Fair at Poplar Grove Plantation April 12- April 16 North Carolina Azalea Festival in Downtown Wilmington April 23 5K and One Mile Fun Run: Race for the Planet in Kure Beach

Click here to see the list of bills I introduced this session.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this email. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact my office. It is my pleasure to serve the people of New Hanover County!

The Office of Senator Michael Lee (919) 715-2525 | michael.lee@ncleg.gov 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 523, Raleigh, NC 27603