Dec. 1, 2024 – The N.C. General Assembly is playing politics by proposing significant changes to our elections again. The leadership of the legislature, currently in the hands of the Republican Party, has turned an aid package for Hurricane Helene-affected counties into a massive power grab that changes how state and local governments perform many functions, including: elections, judiciary, the attorney general’s office, executive appointment, the Highway Patrol, zoning powers for local governments, and others. 

Senate Bill 382, assessed here by NC Newsline, would significantly change North Carolina. In fact, only a very small portion of the bill addresses hurricane relief.

Governor Cooper vetoed the bill on November 26, and it faces a critical override vote soon. While three Republican members of the House voted against the bill the first time, it is not clear that they will also vote to sustain the governor’s veto.

Our message is simple: Pass a hurricane relief bill that will truly help the people of western North Carolina. Those harmed by Helene should not be used as pawns in an outrageous last-minute power grab.

Contact your NC House and Senate representatives and tell them how appalled you are by Senate Bill 382. Urge them to vote to SUSTAIN THE VETO and support western North Carolina with a direct package.