Friends,
 
We're entering a new phase of the budget process. House and Senate leadership have begun bringing parts of the budget that have broad bipartisan support to the floor for votes. So far, we've passed legislation to raise wages for correctional officers, state troopers, and for multiple categories of state employees . All of these raises were agreed to by the Governor in his compromise budget, and I'm glad that our legislative body was able to come to agreement as well.

Although these bills will undoubtedly come as a relief to the employees on the receiving end of raises, this piecemeal budgeting process does not replace our state's need for a budget.

In order for state agencies to receive the full funding that they require to operate and continue with their long-term administrative plans, we need to pass a budget. The lack of a budget will impact DHHS's ability to implement their planned administrative changes that are needed to accommodate Medicaid transformation. Undoubtedly, the lack of a state budget will affect other departments' long term plans as well. The bottom line is that we need NCGA leadership to come to the table with the Governor and find a budget compromise.

Why is a compromise State Budget important? Three reasons.
  1. The GOP State Budget has a meager 3.8% teacher pay raise. The Democratic counteroffer has an average 8.5% raise.
  2. The GOP State Budget leaves North Carolina behind, once again, by not expanding Medicaid. Expansion would help 500,000 more people get access to affordable health care. It helps fight the opioid crisis, keeps rural hospitals from closing and would lower premiums for everyone.
  3. The GOP State Budget diverts money from pay raises and state services to spend on local school construction projects when we could be using a statewide bond to capitalize on low interest rates and the state’s AAA bond rating. A bond would provide more guaranteed money and fund needed projects rather than “pet projects” of the GOP leadership.

I'm glad that our legislative body is able to come together around the issues we agree upon and pass raises for well-deserving state employees. However, we are not properly serving the citizens of North Carolina if all we do is pass a few line items each week in order to give some semblance that we're progressing towards a fully finalized budget.

As the session continues, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.
 Sincerely,

Representative Julie von Haefen
Office Hours are Back!
Rep. von Haefen will hold office hours on Thursday, September 19th from 9AM-11AM at Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery in Cary.

Address: 6490 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518

Stop by anytime between 9AM & 11AM to share your thoughts or ask questions!
Thank You For Coming to Our Town Hall!
Thank you to everyone who made it out to our Town Hall on the State of Public Education two weeks ago!

Rep. Batch and I enjoyed learning from our panelists and hearing about community priorities from all in attendance.

If you'd like to review the slides from our panelists' presentations, click the link below!
Save the Date:
Election Security Town Hall
Please join us for a town hall on Election Security this October!

Joining us are Mr. Thomas Lopez , Executive Director at Democracy NC, Ms. Allison Riggs , Senior Attorney for Voting Rights at Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and Mr. Bob Phillips , Executive Director at NC Common Cause.

  • Date & Time: Sunday, October 27th from 4:30PM-6PM
  • Location: Apex Town Council Chambers, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502
Municipal Candidate Forums
Apex Forum
The Apex Chamber of Commerce is hosting a municipal candidate forum.

When: Tuesday October 8th from 6:45PM-9PM.
Where: Apex Friendship High School 7801 Humie Olive Rd Apex, NC 27502

Mayoral candidates and town council candidates will be in attendance to answer questions.
Cary Forum
The League of Women Voters of Wake county will host a Municipal Candidate Forum for Cary Mayor & Town Council Seats.

When: September 23rd at 7:00pm
Where: Glenaire Retirement Community, 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary NC 27511)

This forum will be moderated by WRAL news anchor Kathryn Brown. NC Board of Elections Executive Director, Karen Brinson Bell, will provide opening remarks.
Fuquay Varina Forum
Join the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters at a forum for the candidates running for Fuquay-Varina mayor and town commissioner seats.

When: October 23, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where: Fuquay-Varina Arts Center

All interested voters are encouraged to attend!
District News
Upcoming Elections
Municipal Elections are on the horizon!

Cary residents will cast their ballots on October 8th of this year.

Apex, Fuquay Varina, Garner, and Holly Springs residents will cast their ballots on November 5th of this year.

If you are unsure when or where to vote, please check your voter registration using the link below.
Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
Please be advised that there have been multiple reported blooms of blue-green algae across the state. These algae blooms are not actually algae, but are cyanobacteria which can be toxic to canines and is most often fatal when ingested.

There has been no confirmed cyanobacteria bloom in Wake County , but please be cautious and do not let your dog into the water if you notice a blue-green algae like bloom in freshwater lakes or ponds near you.
Constitution Week!
Did you know that the first Constitution of the United States was signed 226 years ago, at 4PM on September 17th, 1787?

In honor of this anniversary, we're celebrating Constitution Week during September 17th - 23rd!
Office Updates
Women's Equality Day
In honor of Women's Equality Day on August 26th, I was so proud to be asked by the NC Council for Women Advisory Board to participate in this commemorative photo with other women leaders in North Carolina. August 26th officially kicked off the national Centennial commemoration of the 19th Amendment.

Join the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources on September 7 for the “She Changed the World: NC Women Breaking Barriers” initiative at the State Capitol.
Women's Equality Day Celebration for Electeds
Thanks to the  League of Women Voters of Wake County  for a wonderful recognition of female elected officials on August 22nd at their Women’s Equality Day celebration!

I’m proud to serve with all of these accomplished, smart and strong women!
ERA Billboard Campaign
I was proud to speak at the joint press conference with  ERA NC Alliance , the NC Chapter of the  National Organization for Women (NOW) and the AAUW-NC as they launched their statewide billboard campaign to bring awareness to the Equal Rights Amendment and call for state ratification.

80% of Americans believe women’s equality is already constitutionally protected. It is not.

As a primary sponsor of HB271, the bill to ratify the ERA in NC, I will continue to bring attention to this issue and to work alongside these hardworking advocates until women have equal rights under the law. 

Look for the ERA billboard on eastbound I-40 near the South Saunders St exit in Raleigh!
Moms Demand Action Recess Rally
Awesome standing room only crowd at the Raleigh  Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America   Recess Rally !

I was proud to read a statement sent by Governor Cooper. I am dedicated to helping to end gun violence alongside these dedicated advocates!
District Events
Click the links for more details about each event!
September
Did you Know?
This week, the House had a rare 58-58 vote on an amendment regarding digital voting machines. In the case of tie, Rule 25 of the House Rules states:
"In all elections the Speaker [of the House] may vote. In all other instances the Speaker may vote or may reserve this right until there is a tie, in which event the Speaker may vote; but in no instance may the Speaker vote twice on the same question."
All tied votes result in a failed vote, unless the speaker breaks the tie with an "Aye." In this case, the Speaker had already voted no on the amendment, and was not able to cast a second vote to break the tie.