From the office of Representative Julie von Haefen
Rep. Julie von Haefen .
The Raleigh Report

House of Representatives
District 36 - Wake County

Legislative Building Room 1311
16 W Jones St, Raleigh NC 27601

◆ 919.715.0795 ◆ Julie.vonHaefen@ncleg.ne t
Friends,

February is off to a busy start and I'm excited to let you know what I've been working on for the past two weeks. But first, I have to let you know some regrettable news.

How does an idea become a law? It's not an easy process, and many of you might have seen a graphic like this helpful chart that helps put the complicated procedure in perspective. What you might not know is that every two years, the NC House of Representatives votes on the rules that govern how bills become laws.
This year, I supported several amendments to make the rules more transparent to the public, but all failed to pass. You can read the rules that passed here . The rules that govern this biennium are largely what they were last session, but they include one major change:  four Republican legislative leaders are now allowed to serve on every single House committee . 

Most legislators serve on 4 to 6 committees, but now four Republican leaders will serve on 36 committees and subcommittees. This gives the Republican leadership supermajorities on every committee, even though the House is closely divided with 65 Republicans and 55 Democrats.

If you want to talk more about transparency in the General Assembly and what our new rules package means for the legislative process, please stop by my office hours or contact my office for more information.

Sincerely,

Representative Julie von Haefen
Office Hours Start Next Week!
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.
Legislative Updates
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-Sponsorships:

Medicaid Update: Expanding Medicaid helps fight the opioid epidemic.
  • Nationally, 28% of low-income uninsured individuals who could benefit from Medicaid expansion have a behavioral health need.
  • Closing the coverage gap has been key to Ohio’s positive results in turning the tide on the opioid crisis.
  • 75% of previously uninsured people with opioid use disorders now have improved access to care.
  • Dayton Ohio saw a 54% decrease in opioid overdose deaths after Ohio expanded Medicaid. 
District News
Apex Goes Green
On February 5 th , the Apex Town Council adopted two resolutions to curb climate change. One resolution sets a goal for Apex to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050, and the other is in support of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

I'm proud to represent a community that is actively planning for a greener future.
NCDOT Wants Your Input!
Through April 15 th of this year, the Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is accepting public comments on their construction plan for 2020-2029 . The STIP identifies the construction funding and schedule for state transportation projects over a 10-year period.
Please note that this comment period is not for maintenance-related projects, such as patching potholes, resurfacing, or ditches. Follow this link for more information about submitting a maintenance request.
Lilly Diabetes Solution Center
The Lilly Diabetes Solution Center is a recent addition to Wake County. The mission of the center is to help those of us who use Lilly insulin, who are low-income, uninsured, and living with high deductibles, find lower rates.

Their helpline, staffed by live operators, is active 9AM-8PM, Monday through Friday.

If you would like to see if Lilly Diabetes Solution Center can help you find a lower rate for your insulin, call: (833) 808-1234 
Education Spotlight:
Connections Academy Middle School
This stairway motivates students by encouraging them to LEAD!
Connections Academy Middle School
On February 1 st , I visited Connections Academy, a  Wake County Public School System  middle school in Cary.

This unique program serves students by “providing a structured, safe and motivating learning environment where students grow to be academically competent and behaviorally responsible.”

I was so happy to speak with students and learn what makes them feel safe at school, what they think makes a good teacher, and what they would do if they were in the legislature.
The staff, teachers and administrators have a true heart to serve at-risk kids and to care for students’ emotional, behavioral and academic needs.
Red For Ed!
Love the Bus
On February 13 th , I joined Rep. Ashton Clemmons, Rep. Greg Meyer, and Rep. Raymond Smith on a virtual Town Hall to talk about the importance of supporting bus drivers by providing a living wage.
Red for Ed on the House Floor
Sporting red in support of educators with Representatives Brandon Lofton, Marcia Morey, Zack Hawkins, Ashton Clemmons and Chaz Beasley. We love our public schools! 
Thanks for Stopping By
School Counselor Week
Last week, I met with a group of Wake County Public School counselors. These advocates were at the General Assembly to share the legislative priorities of the North Carolina School Counselor Association.

School counselors are so important for our students’ well-being, mental health & education. That’s why I support an increase in funding to raise our ratios to at least the national recommendation. Right now, NC’s ratio is 1:386; it should be 1:250.
Fight for Fifteen!
Members of the AFL-CIO came by my office this week to discuss raising the minimum wage for our workers and their families.

I support them in their efforts to secure a living wage.