Friend,

Early voting in both state, local, and federal primaries began this week on February 13th. I encourage you to make a plan to vote in the primary and to vote early if you are able! This is an extremely important election year, so be sure to make your voice heard.

Be sure to check your voter registration and view your sample ballot before you make a voting plan. You can do so using this link .

Below is a graphic with information about early voting locations in Wake County and dates and times of operation for those early voting locations. Remember, if you're a Wake County resident who's eligible to vote, you can vote and/or update your name or address at any of these locations before the end of early voting on February 29th.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Representative Julie von Haefen
District News:
2020 House Page Applications
The application portal for the 2020 Short Session House Page Program goes live on Monday, February 17th!
  • Electronic applications may be submitted here.
  • Printable applications may be found here.

The House Page Program is an opportunity for students between the ages of 15 and 18 to learn about and be involved in the legislative process for four days. More information about the Page program may be found in this digital brochure .

Please feel free to forward information about this program to any students in our district that might be interested in or benefit from this opportunity. I am able to sponsor two pages during the short session and I look forward to reading the applications!
Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year - North Central Region
Since 1984, Wells Fargo has recognized outstanding principals in North Carolina. It is with great honor that I congratulate Ruth Steidinger, who was selected as one of eight 2020 NC Regional Principals of the Year and is now in the running for the 2020 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.

Dr. Steidinger s erves as principal for Olive Chapel Elementary School in Apex, and we are very proud to have her serving our community and leading young minds in the town of Apex. The announcement of this year’s NC Principal of the Year will be made on Friday, May 15th. Keep your fingers crossed for Principal Steidinger!
Apex High School
Congratulations to the student culinary team from Apex High School for receiving first place recognition in the North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition! They will be competing in May at Sullivan University in Kentucky, not only for cooking bragging rights, but also for scholarships for each team member. 

I'm so proud of these students and their hard work this year. They won first place for the second year running in the 2020 with their banh mi with turkey meatballs and slaw! Their achievements exemplify the quality of Career and Technical Education programs in our schools and the incredible skills students can attain and apply to notable careers.
District 36 Office Hours
Rep. von Haefen will hold office hours on  Monday, February 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 3460 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (corner of Kildaire Farm and Ten Ten Roads)

Stop by anytime between 7:00PM & 8:30PM to share your thoughts or ask questions!
Office Updates
Meeting with NC Music Therapy Advocates
This month, I had the pleasure of meeting with Martine Bullard, the co-chair of the NC Music Therapy State Recognition Task Force. I observed a music therapy session with older adults living in a secured dementia unit and had the chance to discuss state recognition of music therapy practitioners in North Carolina.
North Carolina Military Business Center at Wake Tech
Congratulations to  Wake Technical Community College  on the Grand Opening of the  North Carolina Military Business Center  RTP office.

The General Assembly approved the funding for this important resource for veterans and veteran-owned businesses in the Triangle area.
The NCMBC is a business development organization and a collaboration between NC businesses and the NC Community College System.

As a member of both House Committees on Education-Community Colleges and Military & Veterans Affairs, I was happy to attend the ceremony this month.
42nd Annual Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health
“We must restore a sense of belonging for the people of our state, especially those with mental illness and substance abuse issues.” - DHHS Deputy Secretary Kody Kingsley at the 42nd annual Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health.

We have a lot of work to do to better fund mental health professionals and respond to the mental health crisis in our state. It was encouraging to see so many advocates at the legislative breakfast this month!
Tarheel Teachers at Home Interview
This month, I was happy to join Tarheel Teachers at Home, a weekly You Tube broadcast where teachers from across the state interview guests from the comfort of their homes. I love this idea!

We talked about the PTA, Mental Health, and the importance of strong community colleges. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be on the show!
Upcoming Events
Did you Know?
African American History
In North Carolina
The North Carolina General Assembly created the African American Heritage Commission in 2008. The commission works across the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to achieve the mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting North Carolina’s African American history, art, and culture for all people.