Dear Friends, 

I hope my message finds you and your family healthy and well.

Happy Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March we celebrate the many achievements of women throughout history. Women have contributed so much to our state, and we are a better, stronger, more equitable North Carolina because of their efforts.

Please share our newsletter so your friends and family can stay up to date with the latest news, information, and resources relevant to the Cooper Administration. 

Stephanie Pigues 

Office of the Governor 

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Photo of Virginia Arnold (right) is courtesy of the Library of Congress. Photo of Charlotte Hawkins Brown (center) is courtesy of Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum.

Governor Cooper Proclaims March as Women’s History Month

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March as Women’s History Month to honor the women who have shaped North Carolina’s history.

“This month, we celebrate the achievements of North Carolina women who have worked to strengthen our state,” said Governor Cooper. “Gender disparities still exist in too many spaces, and we must ensure that women have access to equal opportunities, pay and respect for their contributions.”

This year marks the 59th anniversary of the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement, an initiative focused on advancing and protecting the rights of women. The Council provides guidance on a variety of issues that women face, including health and wellness, youth development and education and employment, as well as funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs. 

The Governor and his administration are working to advance gender equality in North Carolina. In May 2019, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 95. The Order provides state employees with eight weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth or four weeks of paid parental leave after a partner gives birth or to bond with and care for a child in the event of adoption, foster care or other legal placement. More than 56,000 state employees are eligible to receive paid parental leave under the Order. As of August 2021, more than 3,600 state employees have used the paid parental leave policy.

In December 2018, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order No. 82 which extends workplace protections and modifications to pregnant employees. In April 2019, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 93 directing state government agencies to ban the use of salary history in the hiring process, as reliance on salary history can perpetuate gender pay inequities.

In September 2021, the Governor signed House Bill 608: Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act into law. The legislation protects women who are incarcerated during and after pregnancy and labor and helps women who are incarcerated bond with their children.

BE IN THE KNOW

Governor Cooper Highlights North Carolina’s Transition to Clean Transportation, Tours First-of-its-Kind Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Charlotte

The PoleVolt Electric Vehicle Charging Station Provides Free EV Charging for the Public, Takes Advantage of Existing Infrastructure and Increases Accessibility to Charging

On February 24, 2022, Governor Roy Cooper toured PoleVolt, a new electric vehicle charging station in Charlotte created by a partnership between the City of Charlotte, Duke Energy, Centralina Regional Council and UNC Charlotte. The station uses existing streetlights to provide free curbside charging for electric vehicles and expand access to charging infrastructure for people who do not have access to dedicated off-street parking.

“The transition by vehicle manufacturers to electric vehicles is upon us and this station is just one example of how North Carolina is getting ready," said Governor Cooper. "The quicker we move, the more affordable electric vehicles will become for everyday people. Our state is moving toward an equitable clean energy economy and public-private partnerships like this one will help make that happen."

In January 2022, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order No. 246 directing the North Carolina Department of Transportation to work with public and private sectors to create a Clean Transportation Plan that will craft solutions for a cleaner and more resilient transportation system. The Order underscores the importance of emphasizing environmental justice and equity in the state’s transition to a clean economy.

Governor Cooper Announces North Carolina Sanctions in Response to Russian Attack on Ukraine, Orders State Agencies to Review Contracts and Terminate Agreements with Russian Entities

Executive Order No. 251 Covers All State Agencies and Departments Over Which the Governor Has Executive Authority, Including the North Carolina ABC Commission and Sale of Russian-Made Alcohol

Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 251 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that directs state government agencies and departments to review all existing contracts and operations and to terminate any agreements or operations that directly benefit Russian entities.

“The invasion of Ukraine is an attack on a free people. This order sends a strong message and helps ensure no public dollars or operations from North Carolina will benefit Russia and its unjustified aggression,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Our state stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they fight courageously against a tyrant to defend their country, their democracy and their freedom.”

The Executive Order covers all state government agencies and departments over which the Governor has executive authority, as well as state entities for which the Governor appoints the chief executive or a majority of the board members.

Other state entities and local governments in North Carolina are strongly encouraged to adopt similar policies, including divesting from Russian assets to ensure that public dollars and operations do not benefit Russia and avoiding new contracts with Russian entities. 

This order includes, but is not limited to:

• Alcohol Sales: The North Carolina ABC Commission is directed to review its list of approved products for any produced by Russian Entities and to suspend the approval of such products as quickly as practicable. 
• Purchase & Contract: The Department of Administration, Division of Purchase & Contract, is directed to terminate any such contracts with Russian entities as quickly as practicable if they are identified.

Currently available information from the North Carolina ABC Commission suggests that three alcohol brands – Hammer & Sickle, Beluga, and Russian Standard – would be subject to this Executive Order.

Governor Cooper Shares Resources for North Carolina Military Service Members and Their Families as Troops are Deployed in Response to Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Governor Roy Cooper today shared a list of state government support resources for military service members and their families as military personnel based in North Carolina are deployed due to Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine.  

“At a time of global conflict between tyranny and democracy we are reminded yet again of the critical importance of our troops and their families,” said Governor Cooper. “We as North Carolinians express our deep gratitude not only in our words but also our actions and these resources can help service members and their families as they carry out our nation’s mission.”

Active-duty members of the military and their families may access various state support resources at the link below.

The people of North Carolina stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The North Carolina Executive Mansion and State Capitol have been lit blue and yellow to symbolize our support.

Governor Cooper, Public Safety Officials Discuss Safety Concerns with Historically Black College and University Leaders Following Recent Bomb Threats

Investigations continue into 58 bomb threats at HBCU’s across the nation, including at five North Carolina schools

On February 28, Governor Roy Cooper held a meeting with Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, Jr. and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) chancellors in North Carolina to discuss the ongoing investigation into recent bomb threats targeting HBCUs in the state.

Currently, 58 threats at HBCUs across the country are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation out of the New Orleans Office. The five HBCUs targeted in North Carolina are North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Winston Salem State, Fayetteville State and most recently, Elizabeth City State, which received a threat on February 25.

“College campuses should be safe places to learn without fear of violence and it is particularly disturbing that these threats are happening predominantly to our HBCUs. We’re fortunate to be home to many distinguished HBCUs in North Carolina and will use every tool to protect the safety of students and faculty on these campuses," said Governor Cooper.

“We take these threats seriously and have zero tolerance for hate crimes that cause such fear and terror within our community,” said Secretary Buffaloe. “I can assure you that our law enforcement agencies and homeland security personnel within the Department of Public Safety are working with our federal partners and will utilize the resources we have to assist in the investigations.”  

The Chancellors, their respective police departments, security teams and emergency management personnel were briefed by DPS Law Enforcement and Homeland Security professionals, followed by an open discussion about these ongoing threats.

Anyone with knowledge of these bomb threats should report it to local law enforcement or email N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAAC)/call at 888-624-7222.

Governor Cooper Proclaims March 2022 as Students@Work?„  Month

Students to Participate in Career Awareness Programs Across North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 2022 as Students@Work?„  Month in North Carolina. Throughout the month, employers will host virtual programs that will provide approximately 28,000 students with exposure to jobs and industries in their communities and across the state.

Now in its 12th year, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) are the primary partners for the Students@Work?„  program. Because of their support, 150 businesses will provide virtual career awareness opportunities for middle school students throughout North Carolina.

“The skills and opportunities students are exposed to now are critical investments in the development of our workforce,” said Governor Cooper. “Offering our students a look at careers that may pique their interest is important for them and our future economy.”

Participating students will be exposed to careers in the education, energy, finance, engineering, hospitality, legal, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and technology industries along with careers in the public sector. There will also be three Students@Work?„  Industry Spotlight Days focusing on careers that can be found in health care (March 2), emergency response (March 4), and in skilled trades (March 17). Educators who are not signed up and are interested in participating in the industry days can sign up through the Work-Based Learning Navigator which is located on the NC EdCloud.

Two state agencies are participating in Students@Work this year. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will host students on February 23, and NCBCE, which operates out of the Office of the Governor, will host students on March 15.

Students@Work is run through North Carolina’s Work-Based Learning Navigator. The Navigator is a free online tool co-developed by NCBCE that connects education to career. The platform brings together members of the business, education, and workforce development communities in a space where they can post, search for, and measure work-based learning opportunities.

Governor Cooper Highlights Longleaf Commitment Community College Grants with Roundtable Discussion of Education Leaders and Grant Recipients

Visit to Central Piedmont Community College Kicks Off Series of Visits to Spotlight Program, Over 11,000 Students Have Received Grants to Continue Their Education Totaling More Than $4.6 Million Thus Far

On March 3, Governor Roy Cooper held a roundtable at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte to highlight the Longleaf Commitment community college grant program. Cooper met with education leaders and grant recipients to spotlight the program and raise awareness for current high school seniors who may be eligible to get a grant to attend community college debt-free.

Governor Cooper was joined by Central Piedmont Community College President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, NC Community College System President Thomas Stith and several Longleaf Commitment grant recipients to discuss the program and its impact on students in North Carolina. The Governor will hold more events across the state to show the success of this program and encourage graduating high school seniors to take advantage of the funding it offers.

“North Carolina’s community colleges are our not-so-secret weapon when it comes to building a talented workforce, and Longleaf Commitment grants are helping to make education and training more accessible and affordable,” said Governor Cooper. “These grants are already helping North Carolinians get the skills they need by making community college debt-free, and I encourage all eligible graduating high school seniors to take advantage of this funding.”

“Receiving the Longleaf Commitment grant has meant a lot to me. I am able to use this grant to cover any additional costs to finish my degree,” said Leila Turner, Central Piedmont Community College student and Longleaf Grant recipient. “I am grateful to have this opportunity and I look forward to continuing to focus on my studies without any financial stress.”

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to transform the lives of this year’s high school graduates in North Carolina,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president at Central Piedmont Community College. “The Longleaf Commitment grant funds will help our incoming students pay for college to achieve their academic goals, secure a better paying job, begin a family-sustaining career, or pursue further education.”

“Education translates into opportunity, and with this grant, we are excited to provide more opportunity to our diverse student populations across the state,” said Thomas A. Stith III, president of the N.C. Community College System. “North Carolina’s ‘Great 58’ community colleges are essential to the state’s economic recovery efforts and are well poised to prepare the workforce needed today and tomorrow.”

In May 2021, the Governor launched the Longleaf Commitment community college grant program that ensures that recent high school graduates from low- and middle-income families will receive at least $2,800 in federal and state grants to cover tuition and most fees at any of the state’s 58 community colleges. The Commitment program supplements the federal Pell grant and existing aid by providing an additional $700 to $2,800 grant per year. To date, 11,604 students have received a Longleaf Commitment Grant totaling $4,614,021. 70% of the grants have gone to students with family incomes less than $60,000. 1,296 Central Piedmont students have received Longleaf Commitment grants totaling $716,089.

At Governor Cooper’s direction, the Longleaf Commitment Program was created last year for 2021 high school graduates and funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds. In November 2021, the Governor signed the bipartisan state budget into law which expands the Longleaf Commitment Program to include 2022 high school graduates.

Eligible high school seniors can apply for the Longleaf Commitment Grant by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and enrolling in a community college.

Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the state. The community college has several work training programs to prepare students for high-demand career fields.

Governor Cooper Reminds North Carolinians to Prepare for Severe Weather

March 6-12 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 6-12 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week and is urging North Carolinians to prepare for severe weather that’s common during spring months.

“North Carolina is no stranger to severe weather, and while spring is typically the most active season for thunderstorms and tornadoes, they can happen any time," Governor Cooper said. “Help protect your family by being prepared for severe weather. Make sure you have an up to date emergency kit, a way to receive alerts about dangerous weather, and a preparedness plan to review with everyone your household.”

Governor Cooper also encourages North Carolinians to participate in this year’s statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 9 at 9:30 a.m. At home or at work, that means seeking shelter on the lowest floor of your home or building, in an interior room away from doors or windows.

Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. A tornado can develop rapidly with little warning, so having a plan in place will allow you to respond quickly.

“I encourage everyone to participate in this year’s statewide tornado drill, at home, at work or at school. Having a plan and knowing your designated safe places will go a long way to helping you survive an actual tornado,” said Emergency Management Director Will Ray. 

Test messages will be broadcast via the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, signaling the start of the tornado drill.

Across the state in 2021, North Carolina recorded 21 tornado touchdowns, 101 large hail storms, 344 damaging thunderstorm wind events, 109 flood or flash flood events, which includes the remnants from Tropical Storm Fred that caused deadly flooding in Western North Carolina.

Emergency Management officials recommend the following safety tips:

• Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go and who to call during an emergency.
• If thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning is close enough to strike you.
• Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
• Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
• Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
• If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.

Find more information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness online at ReadyNC.gov. 

BE INVOLVED

Nominations Open for 2022 North Carolina Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2022 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, now through April 15. Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts and public service.

Award nominations may be submitted by anyone and must include a completed nomination form, cover letter, three letters of support and the nominee’s biography or resume. Additional letters of support and examples of the nominee’s work will also be accepted. Applications may be submitted online or materials can be sent to the North Carolina Awards Committee, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, 4601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4600.

The North Carolina Awards Committee will review the nominations and make its selections this summer. The recipients will be honored later this year. Past award recipients have included some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists and public servants.

Previous awardees include Maya Angelou, Doc Watson, William Friday, Gertrude Elion, Branford Marsalis, and other noteworthy North Carolinians. Information on the award and the online nomination process are available here. To receive forms by mail or e-mail contact Jennifer Fontes at Jennifer.fontes@ncdcr.gov or (919) 814-6756.

N.C. Arts Council Opens Nominations for 2022 North Carolina Heritage Award

Nominations are open for the North Carolina Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor for traditional artists, until May 2. A program of the N.C. Arts Council, the Heritage Award honors active traditional artists, recognizes artistic excellence in a traditional art, celebrates contributions to communities, and promotes North Carolina’s cultural heritage.

Artists who are recognized within their communities as keepers of North Carolina’s living traditions may be nominated for the award. Anyone can nominate a traditional artist or group of artists for a N.C. Heritage Award.

Past award recipients have included masters of such traditions as string band, gospel, balladry, and blues music; storytelling; and crafts such as pottery, basketry, blacksmithing, weaving, boatbuilding, and carving. As new traditions take root, their practitioners are nominated and the list of examples grows. To date the award has honored 144 artists—some professionally acclaimed and others who practice their art in family and community settings.

“The Heritage Awards are an opportunity to celebrate exceptional people who keep and nurture traditional creative practice. Through them, we also honor the cultural contributions of their entire communities,” said the N.C. Arts Council’s Folklife Director Zoe Van Buren. “With each new cohort, we can witness the changing seasons of our state’s dynamic cultural life, see traditions emerge and adapt, and learn how North Carolinians use the arts to know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.”

Many Heritage Award recipients have gained national and international attention. Arthel “Doc” Watson, Earl Scruggs, Etta Baker, Ray Hicks, and 12 others have received National Heritage Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The criteria for selection are authenticity, current and past record of excellence, and significance of the work within the context of the nominees’ specific cultural tradition.

The Heritage Award ceremony and concert in the spring of 2023 will feature performances and demonstrations by the Heritage Award recipients.

2022 Environmental Enhancement Grant Request for Proposals (RFP)

Attorney General Josh Stein is pleased to announce the 2022 Environmental Enhancement Grant Request for Proposals (RFP).  The EEG program provides grants to non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental entities to preserve and enhance North Carolina’s natural resources. Grant awards will from $5,000 to $500,000.00.  

• Important Dates for the 2022 RFP:
• Interest Meeting: March 22, 2022 at 10:00AM (held remotely)
• Letters of Intent Due: March 31, 2022 **Only applicants submitting Letters of Intent will be eligible to submit a full proposal**
• Information Meeting: April 6, 2022 at 10:00AM (held remotely)
• Proposals Due: May 26, 2022 at 5:00 PM

If you would like to RSVP for the interest meeting or have questions about the EEG program or the RFP, please contact us at eeg@ncdoj.gov.

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