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Appalachian Voices: NC groups call for prohibition of all utility shut-offs in state due to covid-19

By Alanna Joyner / March 24, 2020 / Comments Off on Appalachian Voices: NC groups call for prohibition of all utility shut-offs in state due to covid-19

Over 30 North Carolina organizations are calling for the suspension of all utility shut-offs across the state during the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter addressed to the NC Utilities Commission, Governor Roy Cooper and key officials, the groups are urging for an immediate suspension of service disconnections and late payment fees for customers.  The letter…

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Sen. Richard Burr Sold a Fortune in Stocks as G.O.P. Played Down Coronavirus Threat

By Alanna Joyner / March 23, 2020 / Comments Off on Sen. Richard Burr Sold a Fortune in Stocks as G.O.P. Played Down Coronavirus Threat

In mid-February, North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, sold almost $1.7 million in stocks, including hotels chains, after receiving daily classified information from the Senate Intelligence Committee briefings that confirmed COVID-19’s impending threat to the United States.  Around the same time, Burr was reassuring Americans about the coronavirus crisis while he disclosed the virus’ economic impact…

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NC United for Survival & Beyond calls for needed protection of vulnerable populations during the outbreak

By Alanna Joyner / March 20, 2020 / Comments Off on NC United for Survival & Beyond calls for needed protection of vulnerable populations during the outbreak

Yesterday, 10 demands were expressed during a press conference hosted by over 60 North Carolina organizations in a coalition effort to address needed protection for vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 outbreak.  North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper and the General Assembly, were called out to prioritize the health and safety of NC families, workers, uninsured immigrants,…

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The time to fix NC’s broken unemployment insurance system is right now

By Alanna Joyner / March 20, 2020 / Comments Off on The time to fix NC’s broken unemployment insurance system is right now

North Carolina’s Former Gov. Pat McCroy passed unemployment insurance reforms in 2013  with an objective to reduce unemployment taxes on businesses. Seven years later, the reforms have done little.McCroy’s House Bill 4 cut the eligibility and benefits for all unemployed workers, leaving thousands of workers without financial assistance over the years. As the coronavirus outbreak…

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Lt. Governor Dan Forest works to undermine the Governor as coronavirus continues to spread through NC

By Eleanore Wood / March 18, 2020 / Comments Off on Lt. Governor Dan Forest works to undermine the Governor as coronavirus continues to spread through NC

In an effort to lower transmission of COVID-19, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced a shut down of in-house seating at bars and restaurants around the state.  The Governor, who declared a state of emergency last week, set the order to take place on St. Patrick’s Day at 5 p.m. All bars and restaurants closed…

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Need food during your coronavirus quarantine? NC farmers want to provide it.

By Alanna Joyner / March 18, 2020 / Comments Off on Need food during your coronavirus quarantine? NC farmers want to provide it.

North Carolina farmers in several counties across the state are providing communities with access to fresh produce in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. With over 230 farmers markets and roadside stands in North Carolina, residents will be able to get local fresh food in their communities, rather than at grocery stores.  From North Carolina…

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The Senate still doesn’t know when it will vote on the coronavirus bill

By Alanna Joyner / March 17, 2020 / Comments Off on The Senate still doesn’t know when it will vote on the coronavirus bill

In the early hours of March 14, the Families First Coronavirus Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill that would extend employee sick leave benefits, expand access to free testing, and provide $1 billion in food aid to vulnerable Americans, passed swiftly within the house but has been halted in the…

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Cooper, among other governors, fill Trump’s COVID-19 leadership void

By Alanna Joyner / March 16, 2020 / Comments Off on Cooper, among other governors, fill Trump’s COVID-19 leadership void

The misinformation and mismanagement of Trump’s coronavirus response, has plagued the current administration and warrants many questions as to why the nation could not have prepared sooner. During the midst of Trump’s deflection of blame, state governors around the country have been advocates for public health and safety during the outbreak, most notably, North Carolina’s…

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Making sure rural gets counted — Census 2020

By Alanna Joyner / March 12, 2020 / Comments Off on Making sure rural gets counted — Census 2020

Between March 12 to 20, you will be invited to participate in the 2020 Census. With over 80 rural counties out of the total 100 counties in North Carolina, the census will be an important moment, as vital resources and programs will be decided for the next decade. Active participation in the 2020 Census will…

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WRAL: Secretary Cohen tells legislators what they can’t handle — The Truth

By Alanna Joyner / March 12, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Secretary Cohen tells legislators what they can’t handle — The Truth

Due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the General Assembly’s proposed state budget, North Carolina avoided more than $42 million in cuts that would have left numerous agencies vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak. A dramatically shrunken budget and staff cuts prompted by the state budget, would have strained the state’s Health and Human Services, the…

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