RALEIGH - The NC House is set to come back in session on November 27. In the meantime, my office remains open to help you with constituent concerns or questions.
Please reach out to me or my legislative assistant, Judy Veorse, at 919-733-5823.
First Round of Finish Line Grants for Community College Students Announced
In July, Gov. Cooper announced the Finish Line Grants program to help community college students who face unforeseen financial emergencies to complete their training. The program uses $7 million in federal funds to help students pay for transportation, housing, medical needs, dependent care or other financial emergencies that students face through no fault of their own.
Finish Line Grants funding has been awarded to more than 30 community colleges across the state. Funding is awarded after community colleges and workforce development boards jointly apply for funding. Community college students may receive a maximum of $1,000 per semester by contacting their community colleges’ financial aid office or their local NC Works Career Center to apply.
I think it’s critical to invest to help students get the skills and training they need for good jobs. Businesses are looking for prepared and qualified workers.
Earlier this year, Governor Cooper proposed $20 million for Finish Line Grants to be made available for four-year college and university students, in addition to community college students, but the General Assembly did not include it in the budget. Instead, the current version of Finish Line Grants relies on federal funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
State Youth Council Accepting Mini Grant Applications Through End of October
The North Carolina Department of Administration Council for Women & Youth Involvement is accepting mini grant applications through its State Youth Council program. Youth Councils are active across the state, enabling students to enhance their communities while helping their peers. The annual mini grant program specifically targets youth, particularly high school students grade 9 – 12. This gives Youth Council members an opportunity to help local peers establish leadership skills in project development, management and communication.
The application is open to youth councils, local government, private and non-profit agencies interested in developing innovative youth programs. This year, State Youth Council will award a total of $6,500 to deserving organizations and agencies. Mini grants will range from $100 to $500. To be eligible, applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Examples of projects from past mini grant recipients include: a health program to educate youth on how to make better decisions regarding wellness, acquisition of exercise equipment, and a partnership with an animal shelter to build pens for dog shelters. However, the following does not qualify for funding: food, entertainment, travel and salaries.
For application and additional information, contact the NC Council for Women & Youth Involvement Office, State Youth Council Coordinator, Candace Dudley at 919-807-4407.
Election Resources
In North Carolina, you can vote three ways:
· Mail in an absentee ballot, but the deadline for this is almost past.
· Vote early at an in-person location WITHIN the county you live. Check out the locations in your county.
· Vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 6) at your local precinct.
Are you registered to vote?
· Look here to find out.
· You CAN still register to vote by visiting an early voting location in your county. You CANNOT register to vote on Election Day.
Here is the State Board of Elections Voter Guide on constitutional amendments, judicial races, and general voter information.
News
Why can't NC kids read? Another study shows Read To Achieve produced no gains.
Charlotte Observer
Smithfield rolls out biogas plan, says it will cover most lagoons WRAL
UNC President Margaret Spellings resigns: 'All leaders are for a time' WRAL
Medicaid Changes Get Thumbs Up, as State Pushes Forward with Managed Care North Carolina Heath Care News
Our view: North Carolina must take climate change seriously
Winston-Salem Journal
Opinion: Pay teachers what America owes them — respect and higher salaries USA Today
Please feel free to contact me when you have questions or concerns pertaining to Legislative matters.
Contact Information:
919-733-5823 (Office)
919-733-2599 (Fax)
Room 542 – Legislative Office Building
300 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
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Editor’s note: The Richmond Observer strives to provide fair and objective coverage of any and all political issues, situations, and/or developments, regardless of party affiliation. As part of this commitment, the Observer is offering this press release for your review. It is also our policy to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
