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Dear Friends,
I hope my message finds you and your family healthy and well.
During the month of June we celebrate Pride Month to honor North Carolina's LGBTQ+ community, their many contributions to the state, their fight for equality and the goal of creating a welcoming community for all North Carolinians. While we know there’s more work to be done, this month is an opportunity to renew our commitment to fight for equality.
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
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Governor Cooper Proclaims June as LGBTQ Pride Month
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Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month to honor the state’s LGBTQ+ community, their fight for equality and North Carolina’s efforts to create a welcoming community for all.
“North Carolina’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Governor Cooper said. “As we celebrate the LGBTQ community this month, let’s recommit our efforts to ensure our state is welcoming and inclusive.”
LGBTQ Pride Month commemorates the riots held 53 years ago at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. This event is often recognized as the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ movement.
The United States Supreme Court has issued rulings on several landmark cases upholding LGBTQ equality in the month of June, including extending discrimination protections for LGBTQ employees under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in 2020 and affirming same-sex couples’ right to marry under Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.
Governor Cooper has taken several steps to make North Carolina a safe and welcoming place for people in the LGBTQ+ community to live and work.
In October 2017, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 24 which prohibits employment discrimination in the Governor’s administration, including on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The Order requires entities doing business with the state to do the same. Executive Order No. 24 also created the NC Commission on Inclusion which identifies policies and measures to promote inclusion and address discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
In August 2019, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 97 making North Carolina the first state in the South to ban state funding for conversion therapy for minors.
In addition to these executive orders and actions, Governor Cooper’s administration continues to find ways to uplift and better serve the LGBTQ community. For example, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance and training to child welfare workers and foster families to provide appropriate and affirming services to LGBTQ youth. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has trained corrections officers on best practices in protecting LGBTQ inmates. And Cabinet agencies have created new positions and offices to increase diversity, equity and inclusion across state government —including the first Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a North Carolina Governor’s Office.
Despite progress toward equality, the LGBTQ community still faces challenges – specifically among LGBTQ youth. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 45% of LGBTQ youth considered attempting suicide in 2021 and 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care were not able to get it in the past year. In his most recent budget proposal, the Governor outlined significant investments to expand mental health programs for students across North Carolina to make sure they can get the care they need.
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NCDHHS Advises Caution to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Death as Temperatures Rise for the Summer
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Temperatures are climbing this week as summer arrives, and the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for most of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are advising North Carolinians take precautions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illness as temperatures across the state rise and remain high throughout the summer.
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, heat illness and even death. The North Carolina Heat Report shows there were 787 emergency department visits for heat-related illness from May 1 to June 13, with the most frequent heat-related diagnosis being heat exhaustion. Visits to emergency departments frequently increase with spikes in the heat index. It is important to pay attention to the weather if spending time outside working or participating in recreation activities outdoors.
Patients presenting at emergency departments with heat-related illnesses are mostly male, ages 25 to 64, and most have been seen in hospitals in North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coastal regions.
Parents are advised to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes; temperatures inside a car rapidly increase and can reach dangerous and fatal temperatures in as little as 10 minutes. In the United States, approximately 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.
Individuals should stay wary of signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, adults 65 and older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
To reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
- Increase fluid intake.
- Take frequent breaks in cool and shady or air-conditioned places if spending extended time outside.
- Reduce normal activity levels.
- Speak with your physician about how to stay safe if you take medicines that make you more vulnerable to heat, such as tranquilizers or drugs for high blood pressure, migraines, allergies, muscle spasms and mental illness.
- Check on neighbors, and if working outdoors, check on your co-workers.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, especially during warm or hot weather, as temperature levels inside a car can reach a deadly level in a matter of minutes.
If you or someone you know experiences heat-related illness, move to a cool place, drink water, place cold cloths on the body and seek medical attention. Additionally, there may be cooling assistance available for those who are eligible:
- The Crisis Intervention Program is a federally funded program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. Check eligibility and apply by contacting your local Department of Social Services until June 30, 2022.
- Operation Fan Heat Relief is a summer program intended to provide a more comfortable living environment and reduce heat related illnesses for older adults and adults with disabilities. The program runs through Oct. 31, 2022. For more information, call your local Area Agency on Aging.
For more information on how to prevent heat-related health issues, additional data or to sign up to receive the weekly North Carolina Heat Report via email, go to epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/climate/heat.html.
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Governor Cooper Celebrates Opening of Bobs Creek State Natural Area
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On June 2, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) Secretary Reid Wilson participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Bobs Creek State Natural Area.
“North Carolina is a beautiful place, from the shining coast to right here in the foothills,” Governor Cooper said. “Bobs Creek State Natural Area will help protect our water quality while providing a space for North Carolinians to gather and enjoy nature.”
“The official opening of Bobs Creek State Natural Area is the result of years of hard work and generous donations to the state,” said NCDNCR Secretary Wilson. “As the property of the people of North Carolina, this area and its unique ecosystems will be permanently protected. We look forward to future low-impact recreational opportunities, such as hiking or bird watching.”
In 2017, Governor Cooper signed House Bill 353 to establish Bobs Creek State Natural Area in McDowell County. There were three phases of land acquisitions that led to the completion of the natural area. With more than 6,000 acres of space, Bobs Creek contributes to a landscape network of nature preserves connecting the South Mountains to the Blue Ridge slope.
The state natural area will be managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation for passive recreation, water quality protection, preservation of rare plants and diverse natural ecosystems. The division oversees the state's 41 state parks and supports other recreation providers.
North Carolina has become a leader in the fight for the planet. Last month, Governor Cooper released his recommended budget for FY 2022-2023, Building on Success, which includes investments to advance clean energy, prioritize clean air and water and upgrade wastewater and other critical infrastructure.
In January 2022, the Governor signed Executive Order 246 which lays out the next steps to transition North Carolina to a clean energy economy and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions while creating economic opportunities across the state.
The Foothills Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to conservation in Western North Carolina by permanently protecting land and water for the benefit of people and all living things. READ MORE...
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Governor Cooper Proclaims June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day
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Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day to raise awareness and remember the lives of those lost to gun violence.
“We cannot forget these tragedies when they fade from the news,” said Governor Cooper. “I’ve taken Executive action to help in North Carolina, but we can do more. It’s past time for common sense reforms that must take place at the congressional and legislative levels - stronger background checks, red flag laws, banning assault weapons and community violence interventions so that we can prevent these horrific events.”
This year marks the 8th annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day in memory of Hadiya Pendleton who would’ve celebrated her 25th birthday this year, but she was tragically shot and killed in 2013.
North Carolina has the 17th highest rate of gun deaths in the nation with an average of more than 1,300 gun deaths each year.
At Governor Cooper’s direction, North Carolina added more than 280,000 criminal convictions to the background check system. He also took executive action in 2019 that requires state agencies to take increased action on closing crime reporting gaps between state and federal agencies and expands firearm safety education.
The Governor’s recommended budget proposal for FY 2022-23 budget provides $38.7 million to enhance community and school safety statewide, including $20 million to the Department of Public Instruction to create average daily membership-based school safety grants and make the competitive school safety grants in last year’s budget permanent.
Governor Cooper’s budget recommendations also includes $5 million for violence intervention grants, $2.5 million recurring for violence education and prevention programming for at risk and juvenile justice-involved youth, $1 million for the purchase of gun locks and $200,000 for a safe storage campaign and administrative costs of distribution of gun locks.
The Governor supports increased investment in community violence intervention programs. Community violence intervention and prevention initiatives focus on individuals at the highest risk of violence and use prevention and intervention strategies to reduce violence and retaliation. Governor Cooper has included violence intervention as a top funding priority for the Governor’s Crime Commission and recently proposed $5 million for community violence intervention grants.
The North Carolina Executive Mansion was lit orange June 3 – 5 in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Read the proclamation.
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Governor Cooper Provides a Day of Personal Observance Leave for State Employees
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Eligible employees may request this leave for a day of cultural, religious or personal significance including Juneteenth
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On Jun 6, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 262 to provide up to eight hours of paid Personal Observance Leave to employees of Cabinet Agencies. Other state agencies, commissions, boards or offices may choose to adopt the policy for their personnel.
The leave may be used by eligible employees for any single shift or calendar day of personal significance, including but not limited to days of cultural or religious importance. This is another step to help ensure that North Carolina can continue to attract, retain and support top talent in its workforce.
“North Carolina is at its best when we celebrate our diversity and show respect for the cultural and faith traditions of all North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said. “We’re proud of our diverse, talented state government workforce and encourage employees to use this leave to observe a date that’s important to them, their family or their community.”
Personal Observance Leave will become available to eligible state employees for use beginning no later than June 16. This means that employees scheduled to work on Sunday, June 19 may request to use this leave to observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, or may use it for a future occasion of importance to them. Likewise, employees with Monday-Friday work schedules may request to use this leave the Friday before or Monday after Juneteenth.
As with other forms of leave available to state employees, use of Personal Observance Leave should be requested at least two weeks before the leave is taken, unless impractical, and approved by the employee’s supervisor. When necessary to avoid impact to agency services – for example, if many employees request Personal Observance Leave on the same day – supervisors may ask employees to take their leave at different times. The Order directs employers to treat Personal Observance Leave requests as sincere and legitimate. Employees do not need to explain or justify use of this leave.
A set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employees and managers is available on the NC Office of State Human Resources website here.
The day of Personal Observance Leave will be available to eligible state employees in addition to the 12 existing paid state holidays. Per statute, the Holidays Policy provides 12 paid holidays per year including Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Veterans Day, and three days for Christmas. Other paid holidays include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and two days for Thanksgiving.
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Governor Cooper Attends Pollocksville Town Hall Rededication, Observes Recovery Progress
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Today, Governor Roy Cooper attended the Pollocksville Town Hall Rededication Ceremony to celebrate the ongoing recovery of Pollocksville following severe flooding during Hurricane Florence in 2018.
“The story of this building is the story of Pollocksville itself-one of recovery and resilience,” Governor Cooper said. “Thousands of homes and hundreds of public buildings, roads and bridges have been rebuilt in smarter, stronger ways since Hurricanes Florence and Matthew, but there is still so much to be done. I’m grateful to see the continued determination by communities like this across North Carolina and we will to continue to make their complete recovery a priority.”
“We are honored to have Governor Cooper in Pollocksville, not only to help us rededicate our historic and restored town hall/train station, but to see firsthand the recovery efforts completed and in progress. The Governor visited Pollocksville two weeks after Hurricane Florence and witnessed our situation,” said Jay Bender, Mayor of Pollocksville. “We are excited to show him what has been accomplished as well as our future plans for responsible and resilient recovery and growth, and to thank him and the many agencies and departments in his administration for the support.”
“Restoration of the Pollocksville town hall is a great example of how recovery funding can help communities rebuild with an eye to future needs and resilience,” said NCORR Director Laura Hogshead. “The successful partnership established here will serve as a model for future collaboration with other storm-impacted communities.”
“When Hurricane Florence hit in 2018 it pummeled eastern North Carolina for several days. The significant rainfall caused the Trent River to rise and submerge the Town of Pollocksville in nearly 20 feet of water, damaging buildings and drastically impacting many lives,” said Will Ray, Director of North Carolina Emergency Management. “The rededication of Town Hall is symbol of the resilience of Pollocksville and the people that live there. On behalf of the Department of Public Safety and Division of Emergency Management, we applaud their recovery efforts and are thankful for the partnership with both the Town and County in serving all North Carolinians.”
“Repair or replacement of public infrastructure is critical to recovery from a major disaster,” said Kasey Ginsburg, Director of Public Affairs at the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The Town of Pollocksville demonstrated strong leadership by not only restoring their flood-damaged historic town hall, but relocating the building to a higher elevation to ensure a more resilient future. Golden LEAF is honored to provide funding to support this project.”
When Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina in 2018, the Trent River rose roughly 25 feet and flooded nearly 75 homes, closing businesses and causing the sewer pump stations to fail in Pollocksville. The Pollocksville Town Hall was almost fully submerged.
In April 2020, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) provided a $1.6 million zero-interest loan, which was used to help fund the Pollocksville town hall restoration and cover disaster-related expenses while the town waited for reimbursement from federal recovery programs. NCORR also awarded a $500,000 grant to help cover the town’s non-disaster-related operating expenses.
The NCORR Strategic Buyout Program began taking applications in Pollocksville in April 2022. The program provides eligible property owners located in areas that are prone to repeated flooding the opportunity to sell their property and relocate to safer land. Since the flood, a collaborative process between local officials, NCORR, NC State University’s Coastal Dynamics Design Lab and members of the community has helped identify which properties should be eligible for buyout. In addition to the Strategic Buyout Program, there are currently 17 Pollocksville homeowners participating in the Homeowner Recovery Program. In total, state partners have repaired or rebuilt more than 10,000 homes in North Carolina since Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a foundation that increases economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation and stewardship.
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Commemorate Juneteenth at the State Capitol
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The North Carolina State Capitol will host a community art collaboration on historic Union Square, Saturday, June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth. In 2020, the City of Raleigh designated Juneteenth as a city holiday celebrating the official end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.
From 9 a.m.- noon, visitors are invited to visit the Capitol grounds while chalk artist Kiara Sanders creates line drawings on the sidewalks of the Juneteenth flag and portraits of freedmen and freedwomen whose lives intersected with the State Capitol. The public is encouraged to help color in the portraits and to write the names of other ancestors who lived in bondage to create a colorful visual celebration of the legacy of emancipation and Juneteenth. Historic interpreters from the Capitol will be present to share context and history about the holiday and the early history of Raleigh with visitors. This morning of art and reflection will precede the inaugural Capital City Juneteenth Celebration at Dix Park. There is no charge to attend this event, and all are welcome. The Capitol is located at 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh.
For more information on the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration visit http://www.juneteenthraleigh.org/.
For more information on Juneteenth, including how the holiday is being marked at sites across the state, visit https://www.ncdcr.gov/juneteenth.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history and function of the 1840 building and Union Square. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and located at One Edenton Street, Raleigh. For additional information please call or visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/.
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What is Age My Way NC? It's a survey asking North Carolinians 45 and older to offer their thoughts on priorities for their communities, including safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing, and transportation options; access to needed services; open spaces and parks; and opportunities for all residents whether they be in rural or urban areas to participate in community life.
Soon one in five North Carolinians will be over 65 - there will be more older adults than children for the first time ever. Thank you for taking the time to complete the Age My Way NC Survey, so that our policymakers will understand and focus on projects that can make North Carolina communities livable for people of all ages.
Age My Way NC is a collaborative effort between the State of North Carolina and AARP-NC.
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NCBCE and Epic Games Presents: NC Epic Educator Leaders!
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The North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) has partnered with Epic Games to offer NC educators the chance to become an NC Epic Educator Leader. The NC EELs professional leadership learning opportunity will model professional learning strategies and opportunities to expand the abilities and understanding of career readiness and future skills to effectively use Epic Games Interactive 3D technology in everyday practice. Learning experiences and resources will be delivered in a variety of formats to maximize learning throughout the 2022-2023 academic school year to ensure skill acquisition and successful outcomes for learners.
Below is a flyer that includes the dates for our one day, in-person workshops! Attached is also a document with more information about the opportunity.
If you missed our informational Zoom session, you can view it here (Password: v+Go4kMU).
Apply Here to be an NC EEL!
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