Democracy
A second coronavirus emergency aid package came into law last week, named the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The latest package includes a federal emergency paid-leave benefits program, free COVID-19 testing for the public and expanded unemployment benefits. The first emergency bill allocated over $8 billion for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response efforts across the…
Read MoreAppalachian 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…
Read MoreIn 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…
Read MoreNorth 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…
Read MoreIn 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…
Read MoreIn 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreBetween 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…
Read MoreLast week, Congress approved an $8.3 billion emergency spending package in an effort to combat the coronavirus. Almost $13 million has been set aside for emergency aid for North Carolina as local health officials prepare for the outbreak. Across the country, some states are setting aside funds to waive fees for patients who lack healthcare…
Read MoreOn Thursday, Greg Lindberg and John Gray were found guilty of attempting to bribe North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. Lindberg, one of North Carolina’s largest political donors, was convicted of bribing Causey with millions in campaign money. The federal jury also found Lindberg associates John Gray guilty on two public corruption charges, while John…
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