Dear Friend of Senate District 10,

I hope you are all having a great week. This week, North Carolina lost a strong advocate and statesman. Congressman Jones served the people of his state with passion in the General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. He served our state and country with class, honor, and dignity. Our state will miss his leadership. Please continue to keep Congressman Jones's family in your prayers.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way possible.

Get to Know My Legislative Team Here!

Legislative Recap

Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee Report

This week, two Program Evaluation Division (PED) reports were voted on in committee. They pertain to Erosion and Sedimentation and our state’s ABC boards.

The first report on Erosion and Sedimentation offers suggestions on how we can improve the process of evaluating the environmental stability of land that is being prepared for development. The changes recommended by PED will improve the quality of service that developers receive as well as streamline the process. Additionally, a new section was added that gives smaller, local communities more flexibility.

The second report looks into ways that we can better serve each individual county’s ABC boards. This PED report suggests a number of ways to reduce overhead costs and keep prices in check while continuing to supervise the process. Moreover, the report outlines future steps to modernize our ABC system and ensure that local communities have the most streamlined and personal process when choosing how to manage the sale of alcohol.

From the District

NC A&T hosts the kickoff to Small Farms Week in Duplin County

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s annual tribute to small-scale agriculture will be held March 24-30, 2019. The powerful legacy behind North Carolina’s small farms – and their swift movement toward the future – is the inspiration for Small Farms Week 2019. Featuring workshops, farming demonstrations, tours and more.

With the theme “Deep Roots, Bright Futures,” the 33rd Small Farms Week pays tribute to the crucial role that small farms play in North Carolina’s $84 billion agriculture industry – of the state’s 52,000 farms, more than 80 percent are considered small – and the innovative ways that farmers are tapping into trends and adapting to change in the agriculture industry

The week kicks off in Duplin County, home of 2018 Small Farmer of the year Ronald W. Simmons of Master Blend Family Farms, where highlights include a panel discussion with master farmers and a tour of local farms, including Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. Founded in 1975, Duplin Winery is the state’s oldest operating winery, and it will offer an optional wine tasting.

Events continue March 26-28 on A&T’s campus with workshops and demonstrations, including informational sessions about season extension, the lessons learned from Hurricane Florence and farming industrial hemp, which has the potential to become a major cash crop for North Carolina growers.

State approves $3.8M for Johnston airport expansion

State transportation officials have approved more than $3.8 million in state and federal funding to develop a site capable of hosting a fixed-base operator and maintenance facility at the Johnston Regional Airport.

The N.C. Board of Transportation announced allocations for six airports during its January meeting, including the $3,872,000 package for Johnston County.

Blue Line is set to build a state-of-the art aviation complex and headquarters at Johnston Regional Airport as part of a $13 million project.

The project will include a hangar and flight school for both private and commercial aviation.

The complex will include more than 50 jobs added in the first year, 22,000 square feet of training, office and restaurant space, 20,000 square feet of hangar space, an observation area, playground, rooftop restaurant and full motion flight simulator.

Airports and aviation-related industries contribute more than $52 billion to North Carolina’s economy each year, according to a 2019 NCDOT report. They support 307,000 jobs and generate more than $2.2 billion in tax revenue and more than $12.6 billion in personal income.

Sampson County Schools Celebrates AdvancED Accreditation

Leaders throughout Sampson County Schools were recently honored for meeting quality standards set by the AdvancEd Accreditation Commission.

Dr. Linda Jewell Carr, assistant superintendent of Instructional Services, presented the achievement regarding the nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that provides accreditation to schools. Based on the Index of Educational Quality, which measures measures overall performance, Sampson Schools earned 363 out of 400 points.

The district was also recognized for developing strategic and improvement plans, along with other evaluation measures. Committee members also acknowledged future plans such as looking at data, finding strengths within the school system and celebrating successes.

The schools honored by the Sampson County Board of Education included Hargrove Elementary School, Principal Edward Holmes; Hobbton Elementary School, Principal Dawn Wilkes; Hobbton Middle School, Principal Jeff Bradshaw; Hobbton High School, Principal Michael Warren; Roseboro Elementary School, Principal Tonya Colwell; Salemburg Elementary School, Principal Gerald M. Johnson; Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School, Principal Shajuana Sellers; Lakewood High School, Principal John Goode; and Clement Elementary School, Principal James Mullins.

Also included were Midway Elementary School, Principal Robbin Cooper; Plain View Elementary School, Principal Nicole Peterson; Midway Middle School, Principal Kevin Hunter; Midway High School, Principal Monty Strickland; Sampson Early College High School, Principal Susan Westerbeek; Union Elementary School, Principal Dondi Hobbs; Union Intermediate School, Principal O.C. Holland; Union Middle School, Principal Dr. Theresa Melenas; and Union High School, Principal Julie Hunter.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy was also recognized for his leadership for the accreditation, valid through 2023. With January being School Board Recognition Month, Bracy honored the members for their contributions to local education.

I am so thankful to have educators like you teaching and guiding our youth throughout the district. Thank you for all you do and keep up the fantastic work.

District Spotlight

Clinton Earns Budget Award for Ninth Year

For the ninth consecutive year, the City of Clinton has received the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

The Government Finance Officers Association has announced that the City of Clinton and its Finance Department once again is the recipient of the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

The award, GFOA and city officials stated, represents a significant accomplishment by the City of Clinton’s Finance Department.

Its Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting and recognition is given as part of that program to those government entities meeting the highest of standards.