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MVA Monitor – February 12

NC Legislative Newsletter

February 12, 2021

On Wednesday, February 10, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 36, 2020 COVID Relief Bill Modifications, into law.  On Thursday, February 11, the updated revenue forecast was released.  This is the first forecast since May 2020, still early in the pandemic.  According to the new report, expected revenue collections are “well above” the May 2020 forecast.

Issue Insights

State and Legislative Issues

COVID-19

On Wednesday, February 10, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen announced another revision to the vaccine priority groups and the timing. They expect the State to move to a subset of Group 3 in the COVID-19 vaccination priority beginning Wednesday, February 24. This subset would include childcare workers and teachers and other personnel in K-12 schools. The State then plans to move to the remainder of Group 3 beginning on Wednesday, March 10. However, the Governor and Secretary Cohen clarified that there may be further shifts in prioritization prior to March 10. In addition, the potential approval of a third vaccine in the coming weeks could alter these timelines as well.

On Tuesday, February 9, Gov. Cooper issued Executive Order #193. The intent of the Order is to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services the flexibility to waive certain requirements or regulations in order to meet the needs of the State in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Order became effective immediately and remains in place until Monday, May 10.

NC General Assembly

NC House passes bill requiring districts to reopen all schools in-person (Charlotte Observer)

Legislation filed last week in the North Carolina General Assembly could help clear the way for federal assistance with the extension of jetties at Oregon Inlet and possibly secure funding for a proposed terminal groin at North Topsail Beach, according to state and federal representatives.

NC Courts

Chief Justice Paul Newby issued an order today extending emergency directives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (NC Judicial Branch)

26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County) Extends Postponement of Non-Essential In-Person Hearings Until March 12, 2021 (NC Judicial Branch)

Appointments

On Friday, February 12, Gov. Cooper appointed Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Machelle Sanders to lead the state’s Department of Commerce.  Assistant Secretary David Spratley was serving as interim secretary.  Deputy Secretary Mark Edwards will lead the Department of Administration on an interim basis.

The Senate confirmed three of Gov. Cooper’s nominations: D. Reid Wilson to serve as Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Samuel T. Bratton of Wake County to serve on the North Carolina Mining Commission as a commissioner representing the mining industry; and Brian K. North, P.E., of Guilford County to serve on the North Carolina Mining Commission as a commissioner representing the mining industry.

State Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson has been appointed to an at-large position on the Executive Committee of the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE).  (EINNews)

The board of directors for WUNC public radio named an acting president and general manager on Tuesday, placing finance director Nora Casper in the organization’s top position. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Local Issues – Charlotte

State of the Center City

Charlotte Center City Partners presented its annual State of the Center City report on Thursday. According to CCCP, Charlotte is “poised to compete for jobs, investment, and talent in a post-pandemic world.” The report forecasts more than $3 billion in development planned for Charlotte’s urban core this year.

Review the State of the Center City report and virtual program here.

State of the Center City 2021: $3B in development planned in uptown, midtown, South End (Charlotte Business Journal)

News Roundup