NEWS FROM THE 108TH DISTRICT
Friends,

The General Assembly has been working productively to respond to the health pandemic. Two weeks ago we passed the COVID-19 Relief Package, more information can be found below in this edition of the newsletter.

This relief package includes $3,903,161 for Gaston County, to cover immediate expenses related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Finally, If you or anyone you know are having difficulties getting your unemployment benefits please call (919-533-5868 or 704-263-9282) or email (john.torbett@ncleg.net) my office with the following information:

Name, address, email, phone number, claimant ID number if available, and a brief description of the problem (example-I filed on March 20, my claim still says pending, and I am not able to get through to anyone on the division of employment security phone line).

As always, it is an honor to represent you and Gaston County in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

All My Best,
John A. Torbett
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General Assembly Passes COVID-19 Relief Package
On May 2nd my colleagues and I unanimously voted to approve two COVID-19 response packages, including over $1.5 billion in much-needed relief for families, students, workers, businesses and hospitals to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Pandemic Response Act (HB 1043) provides funding for North Carolina’s medical providers, education communities, and broadband connectivity. The COVID-19 Recovery Act (SB 704) provides tax relief, streamlines unemployment access, and makes policy reforms in education, healthcare, and government operations to assist North Carolinians through the pandemic and economic shutdown.

The package is a significant investment that lays the groundwork for moving the state forward and responding to the economic and human impacts of this pandemic. The commitment goes above and beyond previous requests and includes funding for testing, tracing, immediate recovery needs, and increasing access to broadband and electronic devices to access remote learning opportunities.

The bill also addresses both immediate needs, like purchasing personal protective equipment and expanding digital infrastructure needs, and long-term research and development to fight the virus. It supports testing for uninsured patients, rural and under-served communities, and behavioral health services.
Important Resources You Need to Know

As we take on the Covid-19 Pandemic here in North Carolina, it is crucial that you know of all the resources possible to help you get through this time:

  • If you have specific questions or concerns related to coronavirus, dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 for more information. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

  • Sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211.

  • The Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 offers crisis counseling and emotional support 24/7 during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

  • NC has set up a toll-free number (1-888-600-1685) to connect families in need with child care options. Priority: first responders, emergency management, hospital staff and other front-line workers.


  • Federal income tax filing due date is extended from 4/15 to 7/15/20. Tax payments also extended without penalty. For more info visit https://bit.ly/IRSInfo

  • If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, attempted scam or price gouging, please report it to the NC Attorney General's Office by calling 877-5-NO-SCAM or visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint

  • Phishing robocalls have also increased. Call 1-844-8-NO-ROBO to report.

  • A toll-free Hope Line has been established for older adults experiencing isolation from social distancing. Call 1-866-578-4673 or 1-866-578-HOPE.
Conversation with NC Truckers

Recently I spoke on a webinar hosted by the North Carolina Trucking Association. The attendees included nearly 100 motor carriers, industry vendors, and industry workers.

During the webinar we discussed issues surrounding the COVID-19 Relief Bill and potential impacts to the trucking industry. I also took questions about NC DOT, specifically on funding and administrative policy.
House Members Send Letter to Governor Over Reopen Plans

While the legislature was in session for the COVID-19 Relief Packages, some of my fellow House Members and I signed a letter addressed to Governor Roy Cooper.

The letter concerned the lack of information that both the public, and us as Representatives of the people, had on what his plan of action detailed on how we will reopen the economy and our state.

Not long after our letter was sent, the Governor began to give more details about what we can expect as North Carolina phases back to normal life.

This past Friday, phase 1 began. This phase expands the following:

  • 50% capacity allowed in stores with cleaning and social distancing maintained

  • Childcare will be available to working parents or those looking to work

  • State Parks and Trails will be encouraged to open

  • Previous restrictions on barber shops, saloons,gyms, playgrounds, theaters, and bars/restaurants will continue

  • Outdoor services will be allowed for churches

  • People can leave home for commercial activity and more businesses will be open

According to the Governor's earlier statements, depending on certain factors, phase 1 will continue for the next 2-3 weeks.
General Assembly to Meet May 18th

Next week, the legislature will reconvene for it's short session. To ensure that you receive the latest updates on legislation and other news at the General Assembly, be sure to follow my facebook and other social media pages.

Also, this week the working groups of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 will be having remote meetings today (Economic Support at 10AM) and Thursday (Health at 9:30AM, Education at 2PM).

For more information, visit the committee's page on the NCGA website here .
NC Universities and Colleges Establish Funds to Help Students
If you or someone you know are a College Student who have been financially impacted by the current Covid-19 Pandemic, your higher education institution may have federal funds available to help you.

Here are links to some of NC’s Universities and Colleges that have information on their emergency funds:






Gaston County Cares Plan
Gaston County is pleased to offer financial assistance directly to individuals who have suffered a loss of income during COVID-19 and through local non-profit agencies who are helping address local needs .

More information about the Individual Application can be found  here .

Call (704) 862-7901 and leave your name and phone number to start the application process.

Within 48 hours a caseworker will call and conduct a phone interview.
Two Gaston County Teachers Named 2020-21 Kenan Fellows
Teachers from our community have been named as two of the nineteen fellows for NC State University's Kenan Fellowship.

Established in 2000 as a K–12 education initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at North Carolina State University, the Kenan Fellows Program addresses the critical need for high-quality professional development for educators and is the largest STEM-focused teacher fellowship in North Carolina.

Harley Summey and Autumn Stobart, of Community Public Charter School, have both been selected to be fellows. Beginning in June, they will intern with mentors in research labs and industry settings to learn how the work being done in those settings can be made relevant to students.

The work that they will do this summer will create more ways for our children to learn about stem fields.
TRACK THE BILL
Be sure to follow Representative Torbett's bills. The following steps will help you view the progress of each bill.

STEP 1: Visit https://www.ncleg.gov/  

STEP 2: Locate the ‘Find Bill’ drop icon on the right hand side.

STEP 3: Insert HB(#) and click ‘Go’
STANDING AND SELECT COMMITTEES
You can always follow my work through the NC General Assembly website! | CLICK HERE