North Carolina House Unanimously Passes $464 Million Helene Relief Package

PRESS RELEASE (05-22-2025)

REPRESENTATIVE KARL GILLESPIE 

Raleigh, NC —Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II, marking the fifth round of Helene relief funding. The legislation delivers over $464 million to bolster ongoing recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

The funding package includes substantial investments in critical infrastructure restoration, public facility repairs, and direct relief for small businesses affected by the disaster. The legislation was developed in close collaboration with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed.

“We listened to a lot of folks in developing this bill,” stated Rep. Karl E. Gillespie. “We listened to the agencies, we listened to our local governments, the towns and counties and the non-profits. We listened to the folks on the ground. But most importantly, we listened to our constituents. This bill has over $464 million to help the citizens of Western North Carolina. To the people of Western North Carolina, your voice has been heard.”

With unanimous support, this latest round of recovery funding represents a continued and unified commitment by the General Assembly to support communities rebuilding from the storm’s devastation. This legislation is the culmination of several months of work by the NC House Western delegation. The NC House has previously allocated over $1.4 billion in relief before this bill, which would bring the total to $1.85 billion. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Representative Karl E. Gillespie Elected as House Majority Whip in North Carolina House of Representatives

PRESS RELEASE (08-16-2023)
REPRESENTATIVE KARL GILLESPIE

Raleigh, NC – On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Representative Karl E. Gillespie (R-Macon) was elected as House Majority Whip by his esteemed colleagues in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Currently serving in his second term, Representative Gillespie represents the 120th House District, comprising Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and Macon Counties.

"I am deeply grateful and honored to have received the support of my colleagues for House Majority Whip,” stated Rep. Gillespie. “This position reflects their confidence in my abilities as well as signifying the importance of having a voice from far western North Carolina in a leadership role. I remain steadfastly committed to representing my community’s needs and ensuring their concerns are heard at the highest levels of government.”

In addition to his leadership appointment, Representative Gillespie serves on the following committees:

• Chair of the Appropriations-Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources Committee 

• Chair of the Environment Committee 

• Vice-Chair of Agriculture 

• Vice-Chair of Appropriations 

• Vice-Chair of Federal Relations and American-Indian Affairs 

• Vice-Chair of Wildlife Resources 

• Member of Disaster Recovery and Homeland Security

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U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former NC Rep. Annie Brown Kennedy

Governor Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff immediately until sunset Friday, January 20, 2023 in honor of former North Carolina House of Representative Annie Brown Kennedy, who passed away Tuesday, January 17. 

Kennedy was the second African American female attorney in North Carolina and served as the first African American female presidential elector in 1976 for the state. Gov. Jim Hunt appointed Annie Kennedy to represent N.C. House District 29 in 1979 to fill a vacated seat. She later represented the 66th district in North Carolina's state House. She was the first Black woman to serve in the N.C. General Assembly.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper

 

"My friend, Rep. Annie Brown Kennedy, was an extraordinary public servant who paved the way for future leaders in our state as the first African American woman to serve in the NC General Assembly," Governor Cooper said. "Our prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time."

Join us 

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Background

North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.

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Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half Staff in Honor of Former NC Rep. Walter Stine Isenhower

Governor Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff immediately until sunset Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in honor of former North Carolina House of Representative Walter Stine Isenhower, who passed away on Saturday, December 31.

A native of Conover, North Carolina, Isenhower, a Republican, represented the state's 45th District from 1986 to 1992 for both Catawba and Burke counties.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper

"Rep. Stine Isenhower was an extraordinary public servant who made a difference for his beloved Catawba County and NC. Having served with him in the legislature I know he was a caring man of integrity. I send his son Randy and family my sympathy."

Join us

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Background

North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.

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Lowering of the US and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of NC House Rep. Jerry Carter

Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning today, August 5, 2021 until sunset Saturday, August 7, 2021 in honor of NC House of Representative Jerry Carter, who passed away on Tuesday. Carter represented the 65th District of Rockingham County. He was in his second term in office. During his service, Carter was the chairman of the Family, Children and Aging Policy committee, and vice-chairman of the local government-land use, planning and development committee. Services for Rep. Carter will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Reidsville Baptist Church.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:

“From the Army to the State House, Representative Jerry Carter selflessly served his country and state in many ways. I am grateful for his public service, and our prayers are with his family and friends.”

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.



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If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



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Published at 2:52pm on Friday, August 05, 2021

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Extending Half-Staff Notice for US and NC Flags in Honor of Former NC State Rep. Larry Womble

In honor of the late Larry Womble, former NC State Representative, Governor Roy Cooper is extending the notice for all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities. Flags are to remain lowered to half-staff through sunset on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Larry Womble's political career spans more than three decades. He was elected to represent North Carolina's 71st District in 1995, where he served until 2012. A notable advocate for the minority and underserved communities, Womble was a strong activist for the 2009 Racial Justice Act, which created a method for death row prisoners to contest their sentences. Prior to his role in the NC General Assembly, Womble served three terms as alderman for the City of Winston-Salem from 1981-1993. Womble passed away on Thursday, May 14.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:

"Former Representative Larry Womble spent his life advocating for racial justice and education equality in North Carolina. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Winston-Salem community."

As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.

Published at 9:50am on Sunday, May 17, 2020

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Lowering of US and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of NC Rep. MaryAnn Black

Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning Saturday, March 28, 2020 until sunset Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in honor of NC House of Representative MaryAnn Black, who passed away this week. Black represented the 29th District of Durham County since 2017. She also served as a Durham County Commissioner from 1990 to 2002. A private service for Rep. Black was held on Friday.



Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:



"MaryAnn Black was a strong, compassionate leader who spent her life making North Carolinians healthier and better educated. She will be sorely missed by all of us who knew her and called her friend."



As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.



Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.



###END PRESS RELEASE###



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia



Published at 5:10pm on Saturday, March 28, 2020

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Legislative Calendar for November 13, 2017

**UPDATE** Audio of the meeting has been added.

Overview Disaster Recovery EM DPS by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Background
Macon Media is restarting a project called NCGA Project to provide daily briefings on proposed legislation that was working its way through the North Carolina General Assembly. A Facebook Page called NC General Assembly Watch has been established to assist in the distribution of the content. [LINK]

The goal of this project is to provide an easier access to information on what the state legislature is doing. As time goes on, coverage of the State Executive and Judicial Branches will be added.

The general format of news delivery will be to provide a brief background summary, followed by links to the previous days activities. Then a table will be posted with information on the various committees or general sessions that are scheduled to take place. Whenever possible, links to committee websites, bills, reports and where you can listen live will be included. If Macon Media has been able to listen to the live audio of meetings, a copy will be posted so you can listen or download it to listen to later.

--Bobby Coggins, Publisher & Editor

MaconMedia.com

TODAY

The state legislature will not convene today. They are currently scheduled to convene at noon on January 10, 2018.

The House Select Committee on Disaster Relief will be meeting today at 2 pm in Room 544.

There is, as yet, no website for the committee or agenda that has been posted.

**12:55 pm** An agenda has been posted. Here it is:

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON DISASTER RELIEF 
Room 544 Legislative Office Building 
November 13, 2017, at 2:00 PM 

I. CALL TO ORDER Representative John Bell, Chair 

II. PRESENTATION Overview and Implementation of Disaster Recovery Acts of 2016 and 2017 Michael Sprayberry, Director/Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety 

III. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 

IV. ADJOURNMENT

Committee Assignments, by name, designation, district and political party:

Shelly Willingham Member 23 Democratic

John Faircloth Member 61 Republican Chuck McGrady Member 117 Republican

Brenden Jones Vice Chairman 46 Republican

Donna McDowell White Member 26 Republican

Jimmy Dixon Member 4 Republican

John R. Bell, IV Chairman 10 Republican

Charles Graham Member 47 Democratic

Beverly G. Boswell Member 6 Republican

Garland E Pierce Member 48 Democratic

Gregory F. Murphy, MD Member 9 Republican

Pat McElraft Member 13 Republican

Legislative Calendar for November 13, 2016

8:00 AM	Select Committee on Disaster Relief	544 LOB [LIVE AUDIO]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >>https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia 

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Richard Rivette for NC Senate

A former contributor to this blog is now running for office in the 38th NC Senate District.
He is a solid conservative, and if you have the means, consider donating to his campaign effort.
~Thunder Pig
March 22, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Richard Rivette for NC Senate

URGENT CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY. 

Resend to your patriot friends please!

I need any donations anyone can spare

since we are all down to our spare change.

My Declaration of End Dependence

Dear Friends;

Very few of you know what I am about to announce:

I am Richard Rivette and I am a candidate for the North Carolina State Senate District 38 

serving Mecklenburg County and the people of my state.

http://www.voterivette.com

I hope to be a leading force in a state which can become a model for the nation. Other states have enacted policy reforms which have shown very positive results in taxation, regulation authority, education, transportation, energy production, job creation, crime prevention, and protection of your Constitutional rights.

The crisis of faith in our Federal government has lead me to the conclusion that only as individual states can we now succeed. We have to turn off the spigot of taxation and move forward without Federal dollars, because there simply are none. There never were. The government appropriated all our money and wasted it. This nation borrows 40% of what it is handing out in loans, grants, and stimulus payments. We cannot afford it. We are penniless. Our grandchildren are in debt several hundred thousand dollars the moment they are born.

MOVING THIS STATE FORWARD

I would like to have your support because I have a comprehensive set of proposals which I feel will help North Carolina recover from this Depression, and may encourage other states to do the same. Since the Federal government seems bent on imposing a radical socialist agenda which negates our guaranteed, God-given rights, I have decided to counter that by becoming a servant leader in my home state.

I AM A NON-POLITICIAN

• In my life, I started with nothing and built a business, a family, and created a home. I have lived the American Dream.

• I helped many others found and expand their businesses, resulting in job creation, so I know how it is done and what is standing in our way.

• I have immersed myself in history and economic policy and have been mentored in domestic and international business by leaders around the globe.

• I have volunteered in my community and helped my neighbors without fanfare.

• I am fully prepared to accept this responsibility and make our voices heard again, and our desires respected.

The Constitution states, “We the people,”
not “We, your authoritarian rulers decide”.

If you know me, you know I cannot keep silent. I never have been able to keep my opinion to myself. If you are half as angered over where our country is headed then I need your help to put a stop to it. We can start with this state and move forward from there. Sometimes it takes one person to step up and get the ball rolling and draw others to the cause. That’s who I’ve been my whole life.

SAVING OUR DREAM

We have a lot of work ahead, so if we start now we might save our children from facing the end of the America dream. We must restore our Bill of Rights and our national economic stability - “Because Freedom Matters”.

Please read my website at http://www.voterivette.com and choose to donate something.

GO TO DONATE NOW - or click anywhere you see the flashing CREDIT CARD.

I accept anything and the terms are listed there. We cannot take corporate contributions.

MY PRIMARY IS ON MAY 8th - I MUST ACT NOW

I am not the establishment candidate chosen by the Republican party so I have to face a primary challenger who has boldly stated, “this race is not winnable”, and “socialism isn’t bad”. I am amazed he is even bothering to run for office with that attitude. Since I represent fiscal conservative, tea party and libertarian values, this did not sit well with me, and I hope not with you either.

MECKLENBURG VOTERS

If you reside in the 38th State Senate district in North Carolina (North Mecklenburg) I would like to meet with you personally to talk about issues, with your friends, family and associates. I need every vote, and every dollar I can muster. These are dangerous times, and as Thomas Paine would say, we need some “Common Sense”.

DON’T FORGET - VOTE RIVETTE!

and please donate what you can.

http://www.voterivette.com

Thank you,

Liberty and Justice for All Committee

Richard Rivette

NC State Senate 38

General inquiries: info@voterivette.com

Press: press@voterivette.com

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NC General Assembly 07-09-2010 Legislative Calender

Today is anticipated to be the last day of the 2010 short session of the North Carolina General Assembly. Here is the legislative calender.

10:00 AM	Session Convenes (House) [Listen Live]	House Chamber
10:00 AM	Session Convenes (Senate) [Listen Live]	Senate Chamber

Other Sources of Audio and a Short Rant


If you miss the sessions today, you can hear them from Voter Radio by subscribing to the RSS Feed or on iTunes. Voter Radio is a service of the N.C. Center for Voter Education. Also, the NC House does archive their audio. I have no idea why the NC Senate does not do this as well. I wish that the General Assembly would webcast and/or record the audio from all official committee meetings and archive that on their website as well. I am so tired of having news of legislation filtered through the media or bloggers, who pick and choose what they will report on, as well as adding their spin on news that they choose to report. As part of my NCGA Project [alt], I have endeavored to present you with as many options of getting the info first hand as I can, and letting you decide what you want to pay attention to on the theory that you are adults and don't have to be spoon fed information in neat packages to fuel your outrage about certain pieces of legislation. I do, however, express my opinion about certain things, but leave it to you to judge for yourself whether or not you agree with me. 


Upcoming Improvements


I have been working toward bettering my coverage of the North Carolina General Assembly by trying a few things by using members of the Counter Progressive Unit as beta test subjects. I'll be implementing some improvements when the next session of the General Assembly convenes after the November elections.


NC House and NC Senate Calenders


I have embedded copies of the calenders from both houses since there are apparently no committee meetings scheduled...(I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a lot of bills will die today on the general theory that less government legislation is better than more).







07-09-2010 NC Senate cal


Current NC House Calendar 2010 0709

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NC General Assembly 07-08-2010 Legislative Calender

The legislative calender for the North Carolina General Assembly is below.


Today's Calender Downloads


NC Senate PDF 
NC House PDF 

12:00 NOON	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House) Prepaid Wireless Sunset/Permit Extensions. (H683) 2010 Speaker's Appointments Bill. (H1670) Teen Driver Safety Study. (S900)	421 LOB
10:00 AM	Session Convenes (Senate)	Senate Chamber
10:00 AM	Judiciary II (House) School Absence for Religious Holidays.. (H357) Safe Schools Act. (H1377) Allow Electronic Parole Notification. (H1115) Special Needs/Pooled Trusts/Medicaid Reimbur. (S765)	421 LOB
10:30 AM	Judiciary I (House) Archer Lodge Boundary Correction. (H710) Designation of Uses of Campaign Funds. (H1136)	1228 LB
11:00 AM	Session Convenes (House)	House Chamber
11:00 AM	Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources (Senate) Boone Water Intake Easement. (H972) Coyote Controls. (H1824)	544 LOB

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NC General Assembly 06-21-2010 Legislative Calender

The legislative calender is pretty bare, typical for a Monday, with things not getting underway until 7pm tonight...when both chambers convene.

7:00 PM	Session Convenes (House)	House Chamber
7:00 PM	Session Convenes (Senate)	Senate Chamber

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NC General Assembly 06-08-2010 Legislative Calender

The NC Senate has rejected the NC House version of the budget, so the negotiations will be underway to come with a bill that both houses can agree to passing.


Here is the legislative calender for today in the North Carolina General Assembly...

8:30 AM	Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety (House)	643 LOB
8:30 AM	Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety (Senate)	643 LOB
9:30 AM	Sen. Phil Berger	Press Room LB
10:00 AM	Judiciary II (Senate) Stalking Law Conforming Changes. (H620) Promote Electricity Demand Reduction.// Responsible Individuals List/Abuse & Neglect (S567)	1124 LB
10:00 AM	Judiciary I (House) Animal Euthanasia Technicians. (H1741) Extend GSC Study/Refs. to Military Org. (H1780)	1228 LB
10:00 AM	Judiciary III (House) Conform State Law/Firearm Disentitlement. (H1260) APA Rules: Increasing Costs Prohibition. (S866)	1425 LB
11:00 AM	Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources -- CANCELLED (Senate) Disapprove Boylston Creek Reclassification. (S1259)	544 LOB
11:00 AM	Commerce (Senate) Extend Emergency Foreclosure Program. (S1216)	1027 LB
11:00 AM	Education (House) School Bus Railroad Crossing Exception. (H1753) Consolidated Report/Early Care & Education. (H1782) Consolidate Payments/Early Care & Ed Provider. (H1784) Amend SEAA Board Membership. (H1884)	643 LOB
11:00 AM	Rep. Harrison/Press Conference Ref: House Bill 2010	Press Room LB
12:00 NOON	State and Local Government (Senate) No Elected Off. Recomm./Certain Co./Notaries. (H402) Brevard Charter Amendment. (S1263) Greensboro/Relocation of Wildlife. (S1345) Greensboro/High Point Boundary Swap. (S1361) Government Employees Port Benefits. (S1386) Zoning/Durham County Protest Petitions. (S1399) Change Name to WNC Public Lands Council. (S1415) Forest City/Convey Property. (S1421) Planning & Zoning in Forsyth County. (S1435) Highlands Mayor Pro Tem. (S1437) New Hanover ABC Board Membership. (S1438) Kannapolis Subdivision Ordinances. (S1443) Greensboro City Manager/Contracts. (S1448)	1124 LB
12:00 NOON	Health (House) Medicaid Dental/Special Needs Population. (H1692) Develop Special Needs Dental Care Workforce. (H1693) Physical Education and Activity in Schools. (H1757) Amend Public Health-Related Laws. (S675)	544 LOB
12:00 NOON	Environment and Natural Resources (House) Fishery Management Plan Supplements. (H1710) Denr/lgc Evaluate Water System Operations (H1743) Modify Water Funding Priorities (H1744) Amend IBT Enforcement and Notice. (H1765)	643 LOB
1:00 PM	Alcoholic Beverage Control (House) Modernization of the State ABC System. (H1717)	544 LOB
2:00 PM	Water Resources and Infrastructure (House) Water Infrastructure Database/Task Force. (H1746) Water Supply System Capacity Planning. (H1747) Conserve & Protect Ag Water Resources. (H1748) Water Infrastructure Needs/Close Info Gaps. (H1749)	1228 LB
2:00 PM	State Government/State Personnel (House) Sell Underutilized State Aircraft. (H1823) Authorize Mayors to Solemnize Marriage. (S992)	424 LOB
3:00 PM	Session Convenes (House)	House Chamber
3:00 PM	Session Convenes (Senate)	Senate Chamber

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