McCrory Outlines His Goals For Tuesday’s Special Session

Governor Pat McCrory outlined his goals for the General Assembly’s special session on Tuesday to address disaster relief efforts for those effected by Hurricane Matthew and the western NC wildfires.

McCrory is requesting $200 million in disaster relief funds to address five areas those effected by these disasters are dealing with – Housing, local governments, economic development and stabilization, planning, and funds.

“In the last three months, North Carolina has experienced some of the worst natural disasters in state history,” McCrory said. “As we work to make sure North Carolina recovers stronger than before, we are committed to addressing the unmet needs of our citizens still suffering, and we must do it now, especially during the Christmas holidays and as cold weather approaches.”

McCrory’s team developed the plan after holding five regional meetings throughout the state in the last two months to hear feedback from those affected. What they can up with came directly from the communities impacted.

The five areas of the Governor’s plan will cover the following:

  • Housing: Providing short term housing for all those not covered by FEMA relief, and providing grants for rental assistance, construction of new rental units and repairs.
  • Local Governments: Addressing school calendar changes, as well as providing funds for infrastructure repairs, garbage pick-up, river maintenance, and other local needs.
  • Economic Development and Stabilization: Getting local businesses back on their feet.
  • Planning: Developing plans for rebuilding communities in a way that prevents similar destruction when the next disaster strikes.
  • Funds: Covering the state’s share of the disaster relief efforts to directly help citizens.

In his message, McCrory said this is for short-term relief, and securing this money from the state as well as receiving funds from the federal government are a good first step, but additional funds will be required in the future.

Fortunately, thanks to the fiscal conservatism of the Governor and the legislator, the state’s rainy day fund will allow the state to act as needed without tax increases.

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