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Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Signs of hope and great need six months after Hurricane Helene
An Asheville cyclist pedals toward a "WNC Strong" billboard moving past an enormous debris pile from Helene on his right. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) Residents of western North Carolina are reflecting today on the progress that's been made and the challenges that remain, six-months after Hurricane Helene brought torrential rains, flooding, landslides, and unimaginable destruction to the region. The unprecedented storm caused an estimated $60 billion in damage and left thousands of homes and businesses in need of repair or a complete rebuild. This week to mark the 'anniversary,' NC Newsline spoke with state Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) who, like many others, has worked tirelessly since September to make sure the region she represents is not forgotten. The drinking water has been restored. Major roadways have reopened. Cell phone service and internet access are once again widely available. But progress looks very different from locale to locale across the region. 'Some places, you can see a big difference. A lot of the debris has been removed, places are back open, parking lots are open, people are shopping. And then in other places, there's still, feet-high boulders and there's still some, you know, a few roads that are closed. I-40 still isn't fully open at the Tennessee line. So, it really does look a lot different in a lot of places,' Prather said. One bright spot that came out of the tragedy is the way that the community came together, according to Prather. 'We haven't lost that. There have been community groups popping up like every week, mutual aid organizations popping up every week and those long-term efforts are really taking place, and it gives me a lot of hope for the next couple of years as we continue to recover.' Prather said North Carolina expects about $15 billion in recovery funds to come from the federal government. And with the most recent relief bill from Raleigh, the state has spent nearly $1.5 billion. 'We know that we're going to have to get more from the federal government and we're also going to have to get more from the state government as well. We have a rainy-day fund at the state level and we're going to have to start tapping into that because this was a very rainy day.' Housing remains a chief concern. More than 3,900 households are receiving rental assistance according to the state Department of Public Safety. More than $28.7 million has been paid in disaster unemployment assistance. There is an urgency to restore both stable housing and the employment picture. House Bill 47 — the most recent relief bill that Gov. Josh Stein signed into law last week — failed to include small business grants, which industry leaders and business owners have pleaded for. Veteran western North Carolina journalist Sara Murphy recently chronicled that many child care centers remain closed with young children reeling from the disruption. Murphy shared with Newsline that until the childcare outlook improves, many parents are going to have difficulty returning to work themselves. 'It's one thing to promise money, and it's another to actually facilitate and expedite that delivery. And that's the key here, because every day you wait, that's another family who maybe decide they can't stay another day in this region,' said Murphy. 'The motto of Buncombe County is 'People to Match Our Mountains.' The beauty and strength of this region is our community. We don't want to lose people because of funding that is promised but hasn't been delivered on time,' she said. So even as a sense of normalcy can be felt with Helene in the rearview mirror, Prather understands her resilient community will be in recovery mode for years to come. 'As a legislator, I'm really trying to send the message down in Raleigh that the recovery funds for direct disaster relief are incredibly important, and we've got to get that stuff done and out on the ground. But we cannot let that overshadow the other long-term issues that we have been and will continue to face like child care, like housing, like women's health resources in rural areas. We've got to make sure that we're walking and chewing gum at the same time.' Click below to view some recent images of Asheville's River Arts District, which was among one of the hard hit areas. Six months after Helene, some buildings along Old Lyman Street in the River Arts District show heavy damage. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) Torrential rains from Helene caused the roof on this structure in the River Arts District to collapse. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) A one-time entry way to studio space in the River Arts District left almost unrecognizable after Helene. Porta-johns remain on their side amid a collapsed building six months after Helene. A shattered boat remains six months after Helene. An abandoned minivan amid rubble, six months after Helene. Some businesses in Asheville await state or federal help to determine how they will recovery from Helene. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) French Broad Outfitters needs to make sure its building is safe before it can reopen. They hope to resume business this summer. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) An abandoned, water-logged car remains on this lot near the Asheville Waste Paper company. An Asheville cyclist pedals toward a "WNC Strong" billboard moving past an enormous debris pile from Helene on his right. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) The French Broad River shows signs of recovery six months after Helene. Signs of hope as North Carolina artists return to work and open studio space in the River Arts District six months after Helene. (Photo: Clayton Henkel)
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Which bills have been signed by the governor so far?
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session winds down, House and Senate Bills have already made it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk to sign. Below are bills that have been signed into law so far. House Bill 1 moved quickly through the legislature and was signed by the governor on January 23. Its purpose is to outline appropriations for the expenses of the legislative session and where the funds will be coming from. House Bill 8 was signed by the governor about halfway through the session on February 27. Its focus is on criminal competency, looking to improve the court system and make sure that individuals who may be having a mental health crisis when they commit a crime have access to the treatment they need so they are able to stand trial. House Bill 47 was signed into law on March 20, 2025, and implements a constitutional amendment to increase property tax exemptions for veterans from $4,000 to $10,000. There is also a proportional tax exemption for disabled vets to match their federal disability rating. House Bill 161 was also signed on March 20 and also aims to benefit veterans in the state. HB 161 gives veterans free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use and camping passes. The Forest & Watershed Buffer Project bill was signed on March 19 by the governor and deals with making projects to create or maintain buffers in and around wildland or urban interaces eligible for funding form the forest land protection revolving fund. Signed by the governor on February 27, the Behavioral Health Trust Fund bill will create a behavioral health trust fund for the state similar to the state's trust funds for higher education and early childhood care. Similar to SB 1, the Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act was signed on February 17 and would allow the Administrative Office of the Courts to map out behavioral health regions based on counties or judicial districts. The Game Commission Reform Bill was signed on March 20 and aims to reform the Game Commission by introducing new qualifications for commissioners to create a more functional board. It would also update hunting and fishing license fees to increase by approximately $15 annually and officer discounts for seniors, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Signed by the governor on March 20, SB 75 makes changes to the Educational REtirement Act, clarifying restrictions on receiving gifts, providing for unclaimed member contributions to be deposited into the Educational Retirement Fund, and also allows for a member on disability status who is over 60 years old and who receives an annuity adjustment to continue receiving the adjustment. Signed on March 20, this bill would protect Indigenous students' rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies or public school events. The bill unanimously cleared the Senate and House and will take effect immediately. Senate Bill 199 was signed by the governor on March 20 and pertains to increasing the amount of the Local DWI Grant Fund to administer the grant program. The governor signed this bill on March 20 and requires CYFD to determine federal benefits eligibility for children in its custody, apply for federal benefits, and either act as the child's representative payee or decide an appropriate alternative. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NM officials tout support for veterans
Veterans protested at the New Mexico Roundhouse on March 14, 2025 New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Thursday announced the state has joined 50 other attorneys general in an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in support of U.S. Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yoon and U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Toby Doran, both of whom the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs denied G.I. Bill education benefits. New Mexico stands with our veterans — not just in gratitude, but in action,' Torrez said in a statement. 'These brave men and women have earned every bit of their education benefits through sacrifice and service. The VA's restrictive interpretation is not only unjust, but unlawful, and we're committed to fighting for the full support our veterans and their families deserve.' The brief argues that the VA's interpretation of the G.I. bills contradicts a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and the precedent it set. 'Despite the clear precedent, the VA has continued to limit benefits based on an erroneous reading of the ruling, depriving veterans and their families of critical educational opportunities,' a news release from the AG's office said. In other veterans news, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) this week cosponsored the Major Richard Star Act—bipartisan legislation backers say is intended to provide combat-injured veteran retirees their full benefits. 'The men and women who risked their lives for our country and were injured in combat deserve the full benefits they have earned. Too many veterans have been left behind, and it's far past time we correct this grave injustice,' Luján said in a statement. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed two bills aimed at veterans: House Bill 47, which implements constitutional amendments voters approved in the 2024 general election that will raise veteran property tax exemption from $4,000 to $10,000 starting this year, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years, among other tax relief; and House Bill 161, which provides veterans residing in New Mexico free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use passes and camping passes. 'These new laws represent our state's deep appreciation for the service of our veterans,' Secretary Jamison Herrera, brigadier general (retired), of the Department of Veterans Services said in a statement. 'The property tax relief will provide meaningful financial support to veterans and their families, while access to our state parks offers opportunities for recreation and healing in New Mexico's beautiful outdoor spaces.' New Mexico officials' actions come amid concerns from veterans about proposed cuts to the VA, including in New Mexico where veterans rallied at the Roundhouse earlier in March. In a video posted on social media March 5, VA Secretary Doug Collins said the administration's target to cut 15% of the VA's workforce will be done without decreasing benefits and health care to veterans and other beneficiaries. Vets worry Trump cuts to VA workforce will interrupt benefits
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$528 million is heading to western NC for Helene aid. What's in the bill, and what got left out
Gov. Josh Stein signs the latest Hurricane Helene relief bill as state lawmakers look on March 19, 2025. (Photo: Office of the Governor) North Carolina lawmakers passed a half-billion-dollar spending bill for Hurricane Helene relief on Wednesday, sending their newest aid package for the mountains to Gov. Josh Stein's desk. The relief deal, House Bill 47, was signed into law by Stein on Wednesday night. It sets out $528 million to fund homebuilding, agricultural recovery and infrastructure repairs in western North Carolina. And it sends a final bundle of $217 million to eastern North Carolina, in an effort to finish years-long homebuilding efforts that have been plagued by mismanagement and accounting failures. Senators gave final approval to a compromise bill Wednesday after Republicans from both chambers met to iron out disagreements. It marks the third substantive aid bill from the Republican-led General Assembly since Helene (four including a controversial executive power bill in December that was also labeled as Helene relief). And it brings the legislature's total spending on the storm to around $1.4 billion. 'As we've said many times, this is our next step, not the final step,' Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) said on the Senate floor Wednesday. 'This legislation will bring much-needed relief to western North Carolina while finally bringing to a close the scandalous rebuilding failures in the eastern part of our state,' House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said in a statement Tuesday evening. Stein, a Democrat, signed the bill Wednesday evening at the executive mansion. Its total spending comes in well below what he had asked lawmakers for earlier this year — at least $1 billion for a range of immediate priorities in the west. 'We have to be honest that the amount is inadequate,' Stein told reporters Wednesday. 'And this is just the start.' The governor, a Democrat, is expected to outline another request for further aid in the coming weeks. The legislature's spending package went through several different versions over the course of a month's negotiations. Here's a rundown of what made it to the governor's desk. Relief for farmers — The largest chunk of the aid heading to western North Carolina is for agriculture — money to clear debris from farms, as well as spinning up a reimbursement program for lost crops. That includes $300 million for crop loss — $200 million for Helene, and $100 million for other 2024 storms. A new homebuilding program — Stein has outlined his plan to begin rebuilding homes in the mountains, moving past ReBuild NC's struggles under former Gov. Roy Cooper in favor of a leaner, more contractor-focused operation. Stein's new program gets $120 million to begin working. Private road and bridge repairs. Most of the time, government doesn't pay for private infrastructure. But officials have deemed much of Helene's damage to those roads and bridges critical to repairing important transport routes. $100 million will go toward those repairs. Local government grants to build business-related infrastructure — Cities and counties could use money from this $55 million grant program to rebuild water, sewer, gas, broadband and sidewalks that impact small businesses in their communities. Debris removal — Ongoing removal efforts will see an infusion of $20 million that will be focused on areas that federal and state efforts have not yet targeted. Fire department grants — Departments can use money from the $10 million program to cover Helene-related expenses or make improvements to better their future disaster response capabilities. Nonprofit grants — Groups will receive $10 million in grants to continue repair and reconstruction projects. Summer school –Districts will get $9 million for students grades 4-8 to make up lost class time after the storm. Tourism marketing –A $4 million campaign will urge both in-state and out-of-state tourists to return to western North Carolina. Other line-items for the relief bill were either left on the cutting room floor or never included in the first place. Small business grants — Industry leaders and business owners have pleaded for grant money, saying that many cannot afford to take on further loans and risk closing for good without further aid. Stein had requested $150 million. Local government grants — Stein had asked that lawmakers allocate $100 million to meet revenue needs. Many are facing shortfalls for the coming fiscal year. Rental assistance — Housing advocates and Democrats have urged lawmakers to send more money to aid renters, either through direct payments to them or to landlords. Stein had asked for $25 million total for rental, mortgage and utility assistance. State park repairs — The first edition of the bill included $60 million to fund repairs for damaged state parks, forests and health care facilities. It was removed during later iterations. Republican leaders have repeatedly said that Wednesday's bill will not be their final step on Helene relief. But it remains to be seen what the next one will be — and what form it will take. A substantial amount of future aid is likely to come through the biannual state budget. Lawmakers will negotiate and work through that budget in the coming months. Democrats have repeatedly called for further spending to kick-start the region's economy and prevent displacement of workers and residents. But one western Democratic senator said earlier this month she was skeptical anything would happen immediately. 'I say, let's start working on the next bill tomorrow,' said Sen. Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe). 'There are things that didn't get in this bill. But I don't know. Sadly, I'm not in charge of timing around here.'
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Josh Stein signs bill into law that provides more than $500 million for Helene recovery in western NC
RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gov. Josh Stein sign a bill Wednesday night that provides more than $500 million in aid to western North Carolina in its recovery process from Hurricane Helene. The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1, or House Bill 47, is Stein's first bill he's signed into law since taking office in January, and one that's seen strong bipartisan support. Gov. Josh Stein shares his vision for NC with inaugural State of the State address 'This funding is a promising step forward in the long road to recovery for western North Carolina,' Stein said, speaking in front of state legislative leaders. 'I want to thank the General Assembly for working together to pass this critical aid package to help our neighbors rebuilding after Helene. But we are nowhere near done — I will keep pushing to ensure western North Carolina is not forgotten.' The $524 million allocated for western NC provide funding for farmers, local governments, private roads and more. Here's how the funding is allotted: $200 million for North Carolina farmers who have experienced crop losses due to Helene $120 million for a Community Block Development Grant-Disaster Recovery Home Reconstruction and Repair program $55 million for local government infrastructure grants to help small businesses $100 million to repair the more than 8,000 private roads and bridges $20 million for debris cleanup $9 million for a school extension learning-recovery program The bill also extends the statewide declaration of emergency for Hurricane Helene until June 30. In addition to supporting needs in the western part of the state, the bill provides $217 million to get people back into their homes in eastern North Carolina from previous hurricanes. At his State of State address last week, Stein lamented not having the bill finalized by then and called for the federal government to 'step up' too. In December, the controversial Senate Bill 382 passed via an overridden veto that called for the transfer of $227 million from the state's 'rainy day' fund to Helene relief. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
