NC lawmakers to vote Wednesday on initial Hurricane Helene relief package
Senate leader Phil Berger announced that lawmakers will return Wednesday to approve an early relief package in response to Hurricane Helene.
When North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh on Wednesday, they’ll take action to provide relief to western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“The General Assembly is preparing to come back next week to vote on an initial disaster relief package to facilitate the state's response to Hurricane Helene,” Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore said in a statement. “We are still working to determine what needs to be included in that legislation. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of this storm and those who have lost loved ones, as well as the aid workers, volunteers, and rescue teams supporting the region.”
Latest data from the State Controller shows North Carolina had $4.75 billion in its savings reserve, while the Emergency Response/Disaster Reserve had nearly $721 million, as of June.
Though the state has roughly $5.5 billion reserved for emergencies, it will take several weeks to assess damage from Hurricane Helene and develop a plan. Wednesday’s anticipated vote aims to serve as a preliminary step as part much of a lengthy road to recovery.
After Wednesday, lawmakers aren’t scheduled to return to Raleigh until Nov. 19-22. This can be adjusted with a modified adjournment resolution from state lawmakers or a special session called by Gov. Roy Cooper.
In 2018, state budget officials worked around the clock to give lawmakers an estimate of the financial impact of Hurricane Florence. Days later, (about a month after the natural disaster itself), lawmakers approved the comprehensive aid package.
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