Friends,

This graduation season, I'm thinking of the college students who are struggling to complete their degree because of unexpected financial costs. Most people have trouble coming up with enough cash to pay off a $500 emergency expense. For young people and other people going back to school, tuition often takes the back burner when those emergencies arise. That's why I was glad to read about NC's Finish Line Grants this week.

Last year, Gov. Cooper created the Finish Line Grants program to help community college students cover unforeseen expenses and complete their training. I supported an amendment to the House budget to expand Finish Line Grants, but it was defeated on a party-line vote. But thanks to a grant from the Belk Endowment, EducationNC will fund up to 20 "Awake58" Fellows who will begin three-month fellowships this spring. Nine community colleges have selected applicants in good academic standing to serve as Fellows on their campuses, and those fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend and professional networking experience for their work to expand the use of Finish Line Grants.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Finish Line Grant program or an Awake58 Fellowship, please follow the link below or contact my office for more information.
Sincerely,

Representative Julie von Haefen
Crossover Update
I promise...

To review all pertinent information when I make decisions that affect citizens of North Carolina.

To bring your input and your stories to the floor.

To advocate on your behalf.
Co-Sponsored House Bills that Crossed Over:
Now that Crossover Week has come and gone, it's time to update you on the thirteen pieces of legislation I've sponsored that have since passed the House and moved on to the Senate.
  • HB 29: Standing Up for Rape Victims Act
  • HB 126: Organ & Tissue Donation/Heart Heroes
  • HB 296: Respect for Families-LEOs/Firefighters/EMS
  • HB 354: Modify Weighting/School Performance Grades
  • HB 362: 15-Point Scale for School Performance Grades
  • HB 387: Electric Co-Op Rural Broadband Services
  • HB 393: Modernizing Sexual Assault Laws
  • HB 434: Suicide Risk Ref./Mental Health/Teen Violence
  • HB 732: Nonprofit Mergers/Increase Charitable Solicitation Requirements
  • HB 764: Women's Cancer Research & Prevention Task Force
  • HB 808: Community Cats/Animal Shelter Disposition
  • HB 882: Early Childhood Recommendations/DHHS
  • HB 895: Opportunity Gap Task Force

Proposed Amendments to the State Budget:
I proposed three amendments to the House Budget bill, HB 966. None of these amendments passed, with two of the amendments failing on party lines.
  • Amendment 31 would have required county leaders of DHHS to provide detailed usage reports on the funds appropriated to non-profits like the Human Coaltion, which operate Crisis Pregnancy Centers in North Carolina with very little oversight.
  • Amendment 32 would have deleted language from the budget that makes it harder for teachers to take personal days to protest at the Legislature.
  • Amendment 33 would have removed funding for the DMV Headquarters move from downtown Raleigh to Rocky Mount.
Superminority
If you were involved in the journey that led to my election as your Representative, you might have seen a film crew following me around. This is why. 
I’m so excited to be a part of  Superminority , a documentary about women running for office in NC. Watch this sneak preview! I’ll share more information when the film is released!
NCDOT Open House on Widening US - 64
Yesterday, May 14th, I attended NCDOT's open house regarding the US-64 widening project around Apex and Cary. Big changes are in store for District 36 with the expansion of Highway 64 through the Town of Apex.
If you missed the Open House, there's still time to make your opinion heard! NCDOT is accepting public comments until July 21st of this year. To learn more about the project and to comment on its impact, follow the link below.
Office Hours
Every First Friday & Third Thursday
Stop by my office hours to talk about your district needs.
There will be no set agenda. RSVPs are not required, but they do help me plan ahead.
Education Spotlight
Wake County Public School System's Teacher of the Year
What a inspiring night at the Wake County Public School System Teacher of the Year Banquet last night! Congratulations to Lindsey Evans from  Apex Friendship Middle School ! Thank you to all the teachers & finalists for all you do for our students!
District News
UNC Rex Healthcare
Congratulations to  UNC REX Healthcare  on the Groundbreaking of their new Raleigh Cancer Center! This facility, located across the street from REX Hospital, will assist patients and their families in our community for many years. Thanks to Terrence and Torry Holt for their support & work for kids through their foundation and KidsCan! program!
Teacher Appreciation Week
To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I visited Wake County Public School System Teacher of the Year Finalist, Toiya Dunbar, at East Garner Magnet Middle School (located in District 36) to congratulate her & tell her how much I appreciate what she does for her students. Thank you Ms. Dunbar for being a superhero for our kids!
Did you Know?
North Carolina is one of the only places in the world where the Venus Fly Trap grows. The Venus Fly Trap can be found growing wild only within a 100 mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina. The plant originated in the swamps of North and South Carolina, and in 2005 it was named the state carnivorous plant of North Carolina.