North Carolina Lawmakers Approve Relief Bill Following Hurricane Helene

North Carolina lawmakers have unanimously approved a $273 million relief package for Hurricane Helene recovery, marking a major step in addressing the widespread devastation across the state.

At a Glance

A $273 million relief package has been passed unanimously by North Carolina legislators.
Over half of the 238 confirmed Helene deaths occurred in North Carolina.
$250 million has been allocated for state agencies to match federal disaster assistance.
The package includes measures for school employee pay, voting flexibility, and business support.
Additional funding is expected as the damage assessment continues.

Swift Legislative Action for Hurricane Recovery

In a display of bipartisan cooperation, North Carolina lawmakers have passed a $273 million relief package to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The devastating storm has left a trail of destruction across the state, claiming over half of the 238 confirmed deaths attributed to the hurricane. With many residents still without power and running water, particularly in hard-hit areas like Asheville, this legislative action represents a crucial first step in the recovery process.

The relief package, which received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, allocates $250 million for state agencies to match federal disaster assistance. This substantial commitment underscores the gravity of the situation and the state’s determination to rebuild affected communities.

North Carolina lawmakers pass a $273M Helene relief bill with voting changes to more counties https://t.co/sGsDtt3Gz5

— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) October 10, 2024

Comprehensive Support for Education and Voting

Recognizing the storm’s impact on daily life, the relief package includes provisions to ensure payment for public school teachers and cafeteria workers affected by Helene. This measure aims to provide financial stability for education professionals during the recovery period. Additionally, the legislation expands election rule alterations to 25 counties, offering greater flexibility for absentee voting to ensure displaced residents can participate in upcoming elections.

“I appreciate the efforts of the legislature today to pass a bill to aid these communities,” Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said.

The governor’s state of emergency for Helene has been extended until March 1, 2025, allowing for continued coordinated relief efforts. The package also allocates $5 million to the State Board of Elections for voter outreach and education in impacted counties, ensuring that democratic processes remain accessible despite the challenges posed by the hurricane’s aftermath.

Supporting Local Businesses and Infrastructure

The relief bill includes measures to support local economies and infrastructure recovery. Emergency business loans will prioritize historically underutilized small businesses, providing a lifeline to entrepreneurs struggling in the wake of the disaster. The Department of Motor Vehicles has been granted authority to waive fees in impacted counties through December 31, 2024, easing the financial burden on residents dealing with vehicle-related issues caused by the storm.

Importantly, the legislation addresses critical infrastructure concerns, including measures for drinking water, wastewater treatment, and debris removal. These provisions are essential for restoring basic services and ensuring public health and safety in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Looking Ahead: Future Funding and Recovery

While the $273 million package marks a significant initial investment in recovery efforts, lawmakers have emphasized that this is just the beginning. Additional funding is expected as the full extent of the damage is assessed. The state has access to a $4.75 billion “rainy-day” fund and a $733 million disaster response reserve, providing a substantial financial cushion for ongoing relief efforts.

As North Carolina begins the long process of rebuilding and recovery, the swift and unified response from state lawmakers sends a clear message of support to affected communities. The road to recovery will be challenging, but with continued bipartisan cooperation and strategic allocation of resources, the state is poised to emerge stronger from this devastating natural disaster.