Cooper vetoes bill that would end mandatory masks in schools
Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed the Free the Smiles Act. The bipartisan measure would have blocked mandatory mask policies in N.C. schools.
State Government
Filing for 2022 statewide primary election resumes
Candidate filing for the 2022 statewide primary has restarted across North Carolina. Filing for the primary and rescheduled municipal elections will continue through March 4.
Governor Cooper Vetoes Free the Smiles Act
Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the Free the Smiles Act. The bill would have given parents the right to opt out of student mask mandates for their children.
Rep. Ted Budd Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Statement on Veto of “Free the Smiles Act”
Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, released the following statement on Gov. Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 173, "Free the Smiles Act," which passed with a bipartisan vote in both chambers of the General Assembly
OPINION: Redistricting critique suggests Democrats want to shield themselves from the voters
Critics accuse North Carolina’s Republican-led General Assembly of drawing election districts that would shield GOP majorities from the impact of voters’ choices.
Wake County School Board votes to end masks in class March 7
The Wake County Public School Board voted for making masks recommended but not required for athletics immediately. The vote includes extracurricular activities, ending masks requirements on Friday, Feb. 25, and for classes starting March 7.
Survey finds most businesses meeting or exceeding revenue goals
Sixty nine percent of businesses responding to an ongoing survey of North Carolina businesses report they either met or exceeded their revenue expectations in the month of January, according to preliminary results from the state’s Business Pulse Survey.
Governor Cooper discusses mental health initiatives in NC colleges
Governor Roy Cooper joined U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and North Carolina Central University students, faculty and staff to learn more about the work at the university to expand and strengthen mental health services at North Carolina’s higher education institutions.
Governor Cooper statement on redistricting case
Governor Roy Cooper issued a statement, continue reading for more.
Governor Cooper proclaims February 21 – 25, 2022 as Public Schools Week
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed February 21 - 25, 2022 as Public Schools Week to show support for public schools and the educators, counselors, custodians, bus drivers, school nutrition workers, administrators and other school staff who provide important learning experiences for students.
Student mask rules lift after legislature’s vote, Cooper’s announcement
Mask mandates are stripping away across the state as school districts vote to end nearly two-year requirements that students in grades K through 12 remain masked for up to eight hours a day. As of Monday Feb 21, 2022, fewer than 50 school systems in North Carolina currently have mask mandates standing and this week even more are eliminating the requirement them, according to the N.C. School Board’s Association.