December 6, 2024


The Office of

Representative Mike Clampitt

House District 119

View as Webpage

NC House of Representatives Announces Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Raleigh, NC – North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore has announced his appointment of the "House Select Committee on Helene Recovery" to continue the work of the General Assembly as the people of Western North Carolina continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.


The committee will be co-chaired by Reps. Dudley Greene (R-McDowell) and Majority Leader John Bell and will meet until the end of the year.


NC House Speaker Tim Moore said, "The creation of this committee is a critical step toward helping western North Carolina recover and rebuild after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. By hearing from key stakeholders and resources, we can ensure that our future response is coordinated, effective, and focused on the needs of the affected communities."


He continued, "I am grateful to my colleagues for their dedication to this effort, and I am confident that this committee will make a meaningful difference. Together, we will stand with Western North Carolina every step of the way, for as long as it takes."


###

December 1 New Laws into Effect

December 1st saw several new laws go into effect in North Carolina, good legislation, several of which will hopefully work to help better protect our citizens. https://www.wxii12.com/article/new-laws-taking-effect-north-carolina-on-dec-1-2024/62996841

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Click Here

Homeowner Assistance Available to Repair Private Roads and Bridges


FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if the owner’s home is not damaged. These funds are available through the agency’s Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.


Individual Assistance Money for Permanent Repairs


Funds for permanent repairs to privately owned access routes are available through the FEMA Individual Assistance program. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:



  • A FEMA inspection determines repairs are necessary to provide drivable access to the primary residence.
  • The homeowner is responsible (or shares responsibility with other homeowners) for maintaining the privately owned access route to their primary residence.
  • The privately owned access route is the only way to reach the homeowner's primary residence; repair (or replacement) of a secondary route is necessary for practical use (for example, it is impossible to access the residence without a bridge or road); or the safety of the occupants or the residence would be adversely affected because government emergency equipment (ambulances, firetrucks) cannot reach the residence.


Read more...

###


Private Roads and Bridges


Individual Assistance Money for Permanent Repairs


  • FEMA can provide money to help repair private roads and bridges.
  • Money for the permanent repair of private roads and bridges is also available to individuals and households through FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs. This assistance may be available to help repair a road or bridge, even if your home is not damaged.


Read more...


###

FEMA Providing Rental Assistance for Helene Survivors


HICKORY, N.C. - Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina may be eligible for continued rental assistance for temporary housing through FEMA’s Individual and Households Program.


FEMA pays rent, including a security deposit, at a place other than your damaged home. Your rental can be a house, apartment, hotel, or recreational vehicle that can keep you near your job, home, school, and place of worship. The assistance may include essential utilities such as electricity and water.


The approved rental amount is based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.


Read more...


###

FEMA Aid for Nonprofits - Informational Webinar

Disasters can occur without warning, and nonprofits are often at the forefront of recovery efforts. Did you know your organization may qualify for FEMA assistance to support rebuilding and recovery?


Join us for an informational webinar to learn about FEMA resources and how they can benefit your organization.


Click HERE to register or scan the QR code in the image below.


###

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program


HICKORY, N.C. – FEMA is granting additional time for Helene survivors to stay in short-term, emergency sheltering in hotels and motels.


FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance was originally authorized for 60 days, until Dec. 3, but has been extended until Dec. 12. This will allow households additional time to identify another housing solution or make repairs to their home.


FEMA will continue to evaluate the need to extend the program as individuals’ housing plans develop. Applicants are encouraged to maintain contact with the state, voluntary agencies, local organizations, long-term recovery groups and other partners to find suitable housing.


Read more...


###

Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Resources for Helene Survivors


RALEIGH, N.C. - FEMA and the state recognize the immense emotional toll disasters can have on individuals and families and is providing free resources to help Helene survivors access free crisis counseling and mental health support.


In coordination with state governments, FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Program offers mental health services and training activities to help disaster survivors manage stress, cope with their experiences and connect with additional resources. These services are provided at no cost to survivors affected by the disaster and are delivered in accessible locations, including survivors’ homes, shelters, temporary living sites and places of worship. Survivors can access support in both one-on-one and in group settings.


Read more...


###

Click Here

Resource Centers Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania County


Here is the most up-to-date information on donation and pickup locations for those affected by Hurricane Helene:


Swain County:


Swain Family Resource Center

swainfrc@gmail.com

300 Hughes Branch Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713

828-488-7505


Jackson County:


Donation and pickup details can be found on the Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonNCEM


Mark Watson Park

86 Mark Watson Park, Sylva, NC 28779

Cleaning Supplies, Water, MREs and Portable Water Available

 

Cashiers Baptist Church

213 US-64, Cashiers, NC 28717

Cleaning Supplies, Water, MREs and Other Items Available

 

Canada Fire Department

149 Charleys Creek Rd, Tuckasegee, NC 28783


Transylvania County:


Anchor Baptist Church

3232 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

(828) 884-7610

What will happen to the potential federal menthol cigarette ban?



by Reuben Jones/Spectrum News


A proposed federal ban on menthol cigarettes is in jeopardy because of inaction by President Joe Biden and the election of Donald Trump to replace him.


The ban could prevent large numbers of cancer deaths, but the proposal is controversial, especially in tobacco-growing states like North Carolina.


Link for the article

Does banning students from using phones in class work? Some NC school leaders say yes



by T. Keung Hui/The Charlotte Observer


School leaders from across North Carolina on Tuesday pitched the benefits of limiting or outright preventing students from using their cellphones during the school day.


The State Board of Education is weighing whether to adopt new policies or recommend new laws that would set limits on student cellphone use in schools. During a planning meeting Tuesday, school leaders from Brunswick, Granville and Union counties said student behavior has improved due to limits they’ve placed on cellphone use.


“It takes a little while to wean them off,” Brunswick County Superintendent Dale Cole told the state board. “But after they do, our study shows that our students actually appreciate it.”


Link for the article

New economic tiers designated for North Carolina's 100 counties



by David Beasley/The Center Square


Eighteen North Carolina counties have economic designation changes in 2025, which could make a difference in the grants they receive from the state for economic development.


Cherokee, Chowan, Duplin, Gates, Granville, Haywood, Jones, Onslow and Pasquotank counties are moving to a “less distressed” tier of counties, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.


Alexander, Caldwell, Camden, Cleveland, Davie, McDowell, Montgomery, Randolph and Surry counties will move to a “more distressed” tier.


Link for the article

Medicaid Expansion in NC marks first anniversary with unanswered questions


by Theresa Opeka/The Carolina Journal


Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.


It expanded government-funded coverage to North Carolinians earning up to $20,000 annually and families of four who earn up to $41,000 annually.


It also added hundreds of thousands of working-age, able-bodied adults to the state’s Medicaid program, which made it the largest single expansion of an entitlement program in state history.


About 600,000 North Carolinians were projected to be eligible for Medicaid once the bill became law.


Link for the article

2024 House Page Program


The 2025 Long Session House Page Applications will be available online beginning Monday, January 6, 2025. The Page website can be accessed by visiting the following: https://www.ncleg.gov/House/PageProgram/.


GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Pages may only serve one time in the House.
  • Each Representative is allotted up to 5 Page appointments during the 2025 Long Session.
  • Current sophomore, junior, and senior high school students will be eligible to apply.
  • Direct prospective Pages to our website for Page information, including the process and the application.
  • Check the House Page website for participant eligibility requirements and available dates to serve as a House Page.
  • Please note, House Pages are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • House Page applications are accepted until all weeks are full.


Feel free to contact Sue Frederick, House Page Supervisor Sue.frederick@ncleg.gov919-733-5701, with questions.

If you missed our newsletter from last week, please click the bottom down below.

Previous Newsletter

Feel free to explore any nonprofit organization you're interested in donating to.

www.guidestar.org

Do you want to report waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, or other ways state government actions fail to match their legislated goals?

Submit a Tip
NC211.org

NC211.org is a free service that can help you find local community agencies providing assistance with a wide range of needs including:
  • Utility bills
  • Housing, food and other essentials
  • Child and elder care
  • Medical expenses and health counseling
To get started, simply visit NC211.org or dial 211 from your phone.

If you find this information helpful, please share it with your friends and family.


Contact:


~ Phone: (919) 715-3005 ~ Email: Mike.Clampitt@ncleg.gov ~