$500 million Hurricane Helene relief bill passes in North Carolina Senate
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Relief for Hurricane Helene victims is one step closer after the North Carolina Senate passed a bill to send more than $500 million dollars to relief efforts.
State senators expedited the bill through committees to vote as soon as possible because they said people need the help now.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NC Senators propose more than the $500M from House for Hurricane Helene relief
The bill passed in the state Senate is different from the original version passed in the state House. It is about $33 million more than the $500 million the House allocated.
The money is heading to certain areas, including home repair and recovery, small business help, and education opportunities for students who missed school after the hurricane.
Lawmakers all agree there's more work to be done.
Democratic state Sen. Julie Mayfield wants to shift the focus to funding rental assistance.
RELATED: Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle
'Rental assistance goes to landlords,' Mayfield said. 'It doesn't go to people's pockets. It helps people keep their homes, landlords keep their business.'
State Senate Leader Phil Berger said anything could happen.
'I don't know if we'll have one [or] two more bills, a budget bill, but whatever is needed to the extent we're aware of it,' Berger said. 'We have the capacity to do it. I think the members have shown a willingness to do what needs to be done.'
The relief bill goes back to the North Carolina House for state representatives to concur with the changes made.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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