Pause

The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to rage. North Carolina's trends have worsened and, in response, the Governor has extended Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan for another three weeks until July 17th, and expanded the previous suggestion to wear a mask into a requirement to now wear a mask in public. Watch Governor Cooper's News Conference below:

The Governor stressed that we must improve our numbers to contain the spread of COVID-19 and that slowing the spread is key to restoring our economy. These safety measures are both pro-health and pro-business and they are essential to a safe and sustainable recovery.

Masks are 10 Times Better

Useful Resources

Below are some credible and useful links regarding the virus: NC DHHS Guide CDC Covid-19 Homepage CDC at Home Care Guide Industry Specific Aid for Employees NC Dept. of Commerce Covid-19 Page Governor Cooper's Homepage & Updates News & Observer Coronavirus Information Haywood Health and Human Services Haywood Chamber Small Business Guide Jackson Health Dept. NC Unemployment Numbers

Legislative Update

The House Democrats sustained the Governor's Veto to continue with a steady evidence-base, fact-driven, Reopening Plan. Of Local Interest: We passed a special provision to fully fund Western North Carolina's Steam Plant renovation and the NC Promise to cover Western Carolina University's low cost tuition. There has been no Medicaid Expansion yet, but Medicaid Rebase and Transformation are moving smoothly. We've passed a series of minimal mini budgets designed to just barely keep our schools, Community Colleges and Universities afloat. Education is not thriving, but it is still afloat. There were a handful of "Full Steam Ahead Reopen Bills" designed to be vetoed by the Governor. These bills display a general denial of the seriousness of this pandemic by the Republicans in the General Assembly. I would characterize them as irresponsible, political grandstanding. On a more positive note, the House passed a $3 Billion Dollar Bond and sent it over to the Senate. It would be a great help with education and transportation, and a real boost to our economy. The Senate has yet to act on it. At 3:30 a.m. we adjourned to July 11th for a 4th of July break. Stay tuned.

Peaceful Protest

In recent weeks, powerful voices for real change, calling for justice and opportunity for all were lifted across the district.

Waynesville - Haywood County

Sylva - Jackson County

Bryson City - Swain County

Joe Sam's Notes

To safely navigate Reopening, remember the 3 W's and 4 C's. The 3 W's : Wear a mask, Wait 6 feet apart and Wash your hands often. The 4 C's: Limit personal Contact: continue with social distancing precautions. That means wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a distance of at least six feet from one another. No traditional hugs or handshakes. Minimize Confinement: indoor activities in confined, enclosed spaces, even large ones, are more conducive to spreading the virus. Avoid Crowds : Large groups are risky, no matter where they're gathered. Crowds mean more people, more contacts and more potential sources of infection. Your Choices Matter: In this pandemic we are our own brother's keeper. Whether you're in a high risk group or not, we regularly come in contact with people who are, so it comes down to not just thinking about ourselves but our whole communities and how we all have to protect each other.

Until we speak again, stay safe. If you or a loved one is concerned about your health, the numbers for each of District 119's Health Departments are listed below: Haywood - (828) 452-6620 Jackson - (828) 586-8994 Swain - (828) 488-3198

Sincerely,

Please share this with your friends! 

P.S. check out our legislative web page at www.joesamqueennc.com . You can find all of my previous newsletters and more!