Dear Friends, 

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

Happy Thanksgiving from the Office of the Governor and safe travels for all those visiting family and friends this holiday season! 

The Office of Governor Cooper hopes all veterans and their families had a great Veterans Day. Thank you for serving the country with courage and dedication. North Carolina is always grateful to you for your service, the sacrifices you’ve made, and the risks you’ve taken.

“Our brave service members work tirelessly to keep us safe, and they should be able to carry out their service without worrying about loved ones back home,” said Governor Cooper. “It is important that we provide resources to servicemen and women and their families to ensure that a sudden deployment does not put them at financial or other risk.”

Resources for all active or retired service members can be found in the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Resource Guide. 

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. 

Emma Hubacher

Office of the Governor

Happy American Inidan Heritage Month!

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable by taking several simple steps: keeping within the window of your bodies natural weight fluctuation, being more physically active, eating a mainly plant-based diet or a diet with plentiful healthy fats, and not smoking. Yet the burden of behavior change cannot fall entirely on individuals. Families, schools, worksites, healthcare providers, communities, media, the food industry, and government must work together to make healthy choices easy choices. For links to evidence-based guidelines, research reports, and other resources for action, visit our diabetes prevention toolkit.

When to see your doctor:

The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening with diagnostic tests for type 2 diabetes for all adults age 45 or older and for the following groups:

• People younger than 45 who are overweight or obese and have one or more risk factors associated with diabetes
• Women who have had gestational diabetes
• People who have been diagnosed with prediabetes
• Children who are overweight or obese and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors

Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your doctor. He or she will appreciate your efforts to prevent diabetes and may offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.

Governor Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper Join President Biden, First Lady, Service Members, and Their Families for a Friendsgiving Dinner in Cherry Point

“North Carolina is the most military friendly state in the nation. Thanks to our service members who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms at home and abroad.” – Governor Cooper via Twitter 

Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic and Latino Affairs Public Meeting, Last of the Year

On November 9^th, 2022, The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs held their second public meeting of the year in Raleigh, NC. Council members presented their final drafts of recommendations that will be given to the Governor at the end of their term. These recommendations cover a wide variety of topics, such as advocacy, economic development, education, health, and public safety, that affect the Hispanic and Latino communities and aim to better the lives of Hispanic and Latino North Carolinians.

Executive Order No. 23 was signed originally in 2017 by Governor Cooper, establishing the council. The council advises the Governor on issues relating to the Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina, supports state efforts toward the improvement of race and ethnic relations and provides a forum for discussion of issues concerning the Hispanic/Latino community.

State Government Internship Opportunities for Summer 2023

College students can now apply for paid North Carolina state government internships for Summer 2023. With 100 internships in 18 counties, the possibilities are endless!

Application deadline is January 9, 2023.

Students can use the application portal to easily search and apply for internship opportunities by agency, location, and field of study. This year, the program is offering up to 100 different internships from as far west as Buncombe County to Dare County along North Carolina’s coast. Applications will be accepted through January 9, 2023. 

Internships integrate education, career development and public service. Opportunities exist in numerous recognized fields of study, from marketing to policy and research. Students can apply for summer projects including workforce development, business services, construction engineering, wildlife rehabilitation, among others. 

The 2023 summer internship program will run May 22 – July 28. All interns are expected to work 40 hours each week for 10 weeks, earning a stipend of $12 per hour. In addition to hands-on professional development opportunities, interns will also participate in activities to broaden their knowledge of public service and state government including virtual seminars and executive chat sessions with state government leaders for career development.

For more information, please visit the State of North Carolina Internship website or contact the Youth Programs Coordinator, Candace D. Settle, at 984-236-0345.

Governor Cooper Proclaims American Indian Heritage Month 

“Diversity is our strength. Our eight American Indian tribes here make North Carolina a more vibrant place for all. This American Indian Heritage Month, we're grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the meaningful contributions members of these tribes make to our state.” – Governor Cooper via Twitter 

In honor of our nation’s first inhabitants, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month, celebrating the history and heritage of North Carolina’s eight state recognized tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan. This month also honors our state’s four urban Indian organizations consisting of the Cumberland County Association for Indian People, and the Guilford, Metrolina, and Triangle Native American Associations.

For more than 50 years, the NC Department of Administration’s Commission of Indian Affairs has served as a hub for tribal resources, providing information on housing, educational opportunities, scholarships, health care, and workforce development to American Indian communities. Established by the NC General Assembly in 1971, the Commission remains committed to providing local, state and federal resources to support and advocate for North Carolinas American Indian population.

The theme for this year’s American Indian Heritage Month is, “Healing through Unity,” reflecting the power in bringing North Carolina’s Indian tribes together to continue the revitalization and restoration of Native communities.

In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, the NC Commission of Indian Affairs again partnered with the NC Museum of History, NC American Indian Heritage Commission, as well as North Carolina American Indian tribes and urban Indian organizations to coordinate a weekend of special events. The 27th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration was held in-person at the North Carolina Museum of History on November 19^th. The celebration included various demonstrations and performances highlighting the artistry, customs and culture of North Carolina’s American Indian tribes. 

Governor Cooper celebrated American Indian Heritage Month at the Executive Mansion with students and leaders from across the state.

Governor Cooper Proclaims “Employ a Veteran Week” 

North Carolina will celebrate “Employ A Veteran Week,” November 7-11, with a variety of events that help connect veterans to jobs and other services, Gov. Cooper announced.

“We owe our military service members, veterans and their families a debt of gratitude for their contributions to their communities and our nation,” Gov. Cooper said. “In addition to honoring our heroes with jobs, employers get excellent, well trained, motivated and disciplined employees when they hire veterans, and we want to support and encourage more of it."

For a list of events focused on helping veterans find employment and access other services, read the NC Department of Commerce Press Release. 

Read the Proclamation.

Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order Establishing Commission on the Future of Public Universities in North Carolina 

Former UNC System Presidents Tom Ross and Margaret Spellings will lead effort to review governance structure, system leadership processes to position university system to meet future needs

On November 1^st, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order establishing the Commission on the Future of Public Universities to advise the Office of the Governor and the public on the status of public higher education governance in North Carolina and on strategies to successfully position the state’s universities and colleges to meet the needs of future students.

Tom Ross, President of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System from 2011 to 2016 and Margaret Spellings, President of the UNC System from 2016 to 2019, will serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Commission. Ross previously served as a superior court judge and president of Davidson College. Spellings served as the U.S. Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush.

“North Carolina’s public universities are our most valuable assets and the key to building a stronger economy with opportunity for everyone and they need serious, diverse leadership committed to working together for the good of our students, faculty, future employers and our state. Seeking unbiased review and recommendations on proposed reform from bipartisan leaders with first-hand experience building our great universities will ensure the UNC System’s continued success and I appreciate President Ross’s and President Spellings’ willingness to lead this commission,” said Governor Cooper.

The Commission will assess the current appointment system of public university governance in North Carolina and make recommendations to the Governor on how it can be reformed and strengthened. Members of this Commission will come from varying backgrounds related to experience with the UNC System, general experience with higher education governance, and experience with higher education best practices.

Read the full press release here. 

Governor Cooper Honors NC State Women's Cross Country Team, the 2021 NCAA National Champions

On Wenedsday, November 2^nd, Governor Roy Cooper honored the North Carolina State University Women’s Cross Country Team for winning the 2021 NCAA Women’s Cross Country National Championship. This is the first NCAA National Championship for any NC State team since 1983.

“The real strength of the wolf depends on the pack, and we can see that here,” Governor Cooper said. “This team worked together to make history, bringing home the national title for this great university.”

“What NC State’s Women’s Cross-Country team has accomplished in recent years is truly incredible. They have excelled in the classroom and in competition,” Chancellor Randy Woodson said. “We are proud to have such motivated student-athletes and coaching staff as part of the Wolfpack.”

At the event, the Governor signed a proclamation proclaiming November 2 as a day in recognition of the 2021 NC State Women’s Cross Country Team. Event attendees included the 2021 NC State Women’s Cross Country Team, NC State Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson, NC State Cross Country Team Head Coach Laurie Henes, NC State Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan and high school cross country teams from across the state.

This is the NC State Women’s Cross-Country team's first national title. All five of the scoring cross country winners during the championship were named All-American Runners.

Read the proclamation here. 

Governor Cooper Delivers Keynote Address for Bipartisan Gun Safety Organization 97Percent

"We know it's past time for common sense gun reform and we'll keep working with law enforcement and public health officials to make it happen." - governor Cooper via Twitter

On Thursday November 17th, Governor Cooper delivered keynote remarks to the annual conference of 97Percent, a bipartisan group focused on gun safety.

“The number one cause of injury death for young people is being shot by a gun. The government didn’t take the cars away from responsible drivers to help that problem and we won’t take away guns from responsible owners,” Gov. Cooper said. “We just want to make it safer. And all of us want to feel safe in our houses, our schools, our churches and in our communities. That’s common ground.”

The organization, 97Percent, was established in 2020 and their name refers to a 2018 Quinnipiac University poll, which found that 97 percent of American voters — and the same percentage of gun owners — support universal background checks. The group promotes pragmatic gun-policy reforms with a goal of engaging gun owners in the conversation. 

Governor Cooper Tours High Point Child Care Center to Highlight NC Child Care Stabilization Grants

“We're getting children the strong start they need while helping parents get back to work. Additional funding for the NC Child Care Stabilization Grants is available through December 2023, and eligible child care centers are encouraged to apply.” – Governor Cooper via Twitter

Governor Roy Cooper visited and toured the Kid Appeal Learning Center in High Point to highlight the NC Child Care Stabilization Grants. More than $655 million has been distributed to over 4,200 child care facilities across the state to support and retain the early educator workforce since the program started. Congresswoman Kathy Manning joined the Governor on the tour.

“These child care investments are providing parents with the support they need to get back into or stay in the workforce while ensuring children get the early childhood education they need to succeed,” Governor Cooper said.

“The Child Care Stabilization Grants have been a blessing as they have allowed us the opportunity to keep staff working, when under normal circumstances we would cut hours and send teachers home,” said Bruce and Angela Davis, Owners of Kid Appeal Learning Center. “Instead we’ve been able to give pay increases and bonuses regardless of the number of children in attendance.”

A historic $1.9 billion in one-time federal dollars has been invested in North Carolina’s child care system, helping to keep child care programs across the state open and teachers working. 90% of total eligible child care programs have received grants in 99 counties.

In September, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced it is extending the grant program that is supporting early care teacher pay through December 2023. The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education will use about $150 million in discretionary American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated for workforce initiatives to continue one component of the grants – compensation supports, which have helped to boost teacher pay and benefits.

Learn more about North Carolina Child Care Stabilization Grants. 

Governor Cooper Attends NC Global Advantage Forum, Presents Secretary of State Elaine Marshall with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

On Thursday, November 10^th, Governor Cooper spoke at the NC Global Advantage Forum and presented Secretary of State Elaine Marshall with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. 

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for her years of service to the people of our state. She was the first woman ever elected to a statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina. Before becoming Secretary of State, she served in the NC Senate. And for decades she served her communities as a public school and community college teacher, a small business owner, and as a private practice attorney.

The NC Global Advantage Forum, hosted by Go Global NC and RTI International, is an annual event that gathers leaders from across sectors to focus on global opportunities in education, development, economic and community development and entrepreneurship. 

Governor Cooper Awards Highest Civilian Honor to 6 Remarkable North Carolinians 

In the photo below, starting on the left, are Secretary Reid Wilson, Eva Clayton, Priya Kishnani, Eric Church, Governor Roy Cooper, Mickey Michaux, Stanley Riggs, and David Zucchino. 

Established by the General Assembly in 1961, the North Carolina Award is the highest civilian honor given by the state. Presented annually since 1964, the award recognizes significant contributions to the state and nation in the fields of fine art, literature, public service and science. Though given by the governor, the award is administered by our agency.

To learn more about the award’s history and the 2022 Honorees, click here.  

BE IN THE KNOW

Editorial WRAL News: "Cooper's order will position N.C. to be a clean energy economy leader"

Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced push to get more electric buses, trucks and vans onto North Carolina roads. It is a timely move and positions North Carolina to exploit and benefit from change rather than reacting in desperation.

[…]

North Carolina is emerging as a hub for electric vehicle and parts manufacturing. Developing rules and regulations – as this latest executive order calls for – will make more electric vehicles available for sale in the state coupled with the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations and other related infrastructure around North Carolina.

The state is inline to receive $109 million over the next five years – also a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – to install a network of charging stations at 50-mile intervals along the state’s transportation corridors.

These are moves that go beyond the very worthy and significant objectives of saving money and gaining a cleaner environment. They are critical to our state and nation’s goals of energy independence.

Cooper’s order will promote new and expanding North Carolina businesses and industries and the jobs they are creating as well as work to control prices and the expenses families face. And the state’s business leaders agree.

[...]

Cooper’s actions will put North Carolina in the forefront of emerging technologies as well as ahead of inevitable shifts that will alter markets and ways of doing business.

Cooper’s vision puts North Carolina in a position to grow and exploit from change rather than just waiting and left to struggle, react in desperation.

Governor Cooper Joins AT&T for Broadband Announcement at Wake County Boys and Girls Club

“High-quality, high-speed internet is an essential tool for students to succeed.” – Governor Cooper via Twitter 

On Wednesday November 16^th, Governor Cooper attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Wake Co. Boys & Girls Club where AT&T announced they are opening a new Connected Learning Center (CLC) in North Carolina as part of their multibillion commitment to help address digital literacy and equity across the country.

"High-quality, high-speed internet is an essential tool for students to succeed," Gov. Cooper said. "It's great to see AT&T and the Wake County Boys and Girls Club working together to help us close the digital divide and strengthen our communities."

Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) are part of AT&T’s $2 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide through efforts that promote broadband affordability, accessibility and adoption. AT&T is opening CLCs in local community organizations across the country to provide underserved students and families with free access to the internet, computers and educational resources.

Governor Cooper Celebrates Apprenticeship Week and Highlights Apprenticeship Program in Sanford

Governor Cooper celebrated Apprenticeship Week by touring the Caterpillar Pre-Apprenticeship Training in Welding Program at Central Carolina Community College. He has also proclaimed November 13 - 19 as Apprenticeship Week to recognize how apprenticeship programs strengthen North Carolina’s economy and help students across the state.

“It’s great to see so many talented young students learning the skills they need to succeed while they’re still in high school,” Gov. Cooper said. “This program is a wonderful example of our community colleges, local businesses and schools working together to strengthen our workforce for years to come.”

 During his visit, Gov. Cooper saw the registered welding youth apprenticeship program, a partnership between Caterpillar, Lee County Schools, Central Carolina Community College, and ApprenticeshipNC.

Last year, over 13,000 North Carolinians participated in an apprenticeship program with over 1,600 employers statewide. Of the participants, almost 1,000 were considered youth apprentices who participated in programs in several different industries including, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, construction, health care, IT and logistics.

Read the Proclamation.

Governor Cooper Announces $8.45 million in Workforce Development Grants to Local Communities

Local workforce development boards will use funds to help jobseekers, small businesses.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has awarded 20 special grants to 11 local workforce development boards, totaling $8.45 million, Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, November 2^nd. Boards will use the grants to help jobseekers and small businesses with training and other services in response to a tight labor market. These include programs for individuals who are in the reentry process and individuals with or at risk of substance abuse. Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds are supporting this initiative.

“In today’s changing economy, we must help more North Carolinians overcome barriers to entering the workforce, particularly individuals reentering after incarceration, while also helping our employers train workers with the skills they need,” Governor Cooper said. “These grants will provide new opportunities for communities to fill good jobs and put more money in the pockets of hard-working North Carolinians.”

“As part of the state’s First in Talent strategic economic development plan, we are investing in the people of North Carolina through these innovative grants,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Alongside our NCWorks partners, we will help increase labor force participation by preparing individuals who are involved in the reentry process, and those who have suffered from opioid addiction or other substance use disorders, for career success. At the same time, we will expand Work-Based Learning opportunities to support the small businesses that are vital to our state’s economic growth.”

The source of funding for all these grants is a component of the American Rescue Plan Act, the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF), which provides $5.4 billion to North Carolina to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. 

NC TOWERS Hears Best Practices from UK Offshore Wind Delegation 

The North Carolina Taskforce for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies (NC TOWERS) held its final meeting of the year at Carteret Community College in Morehead City on November 1st.

NC TOWERS brings together representatives from government, industry, wildlife and environmental advocates, community leaders, and the military to help North Carolina take advantage of the economic and environmental opportunities that offshore wind and the associated supply chain present.

Offshore wind development along the U.S. Atlantic Coast – and the accompanying supply chain – present a significant economic opportunity for North Carolina, with an estimated 85,000 new jobs and $140 billion in capital expenditures by 2035.

North Carolina is well positioned to attract a significant portion of the jobs and economic investment opportunity that the offshore wind industry presents, according to the Building North Carolina’s Offshore Wind Supply Chain Report commissioned by the N.C. Department of Commerce and released last year.

“A clean energy plan that includes offshore wind is good for our people, good for our planet and good for our pocketbooks,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolina is leading the way in transitioning to a clean energy economy.”

In June 2021, Gov. Cooper signed Executive Order No. 218, establishing North Carolina’s offshore wind development goals of 2.8 gigawatts off the North Carolina coast by 2030 and 8.0 GW by 2040. The order also established the NC TOWERS taskforce.

The Taskforce is charged with presenting an annual report to the Governor and the NC General Assembly that summarizes the status of North Carolina’s offshore wind energy development activities and recommends policies, programs and other activities to advance offshore wind-related projects, supply chain development, and other economic opportunities.

The Taskforce meets quarterly, and public meetings are livestreamed via Webex to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s YouTube channel. The next meeting will take place February 2, 2023. Recordings and presentations from each meeting can be viewed on the Department of Commerce website.  

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

More than 600,000 NC households are now participating in the US Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program to save $30/month on high-speed internet. Households may qualify by income, participation in government assistance programs or other options. Learn more and apply here.

BE INVOLVED

North Carolina is Aging. Will We be Prepared?

Our population is aging. Approximately 1.7 million North Carolinians are age 65 or older and that number is growing. By 2030, fully one in five will be older than 65 and for the first time ever, North Carolina will be comprised more of older adults than children.

Our state’s aging population has become a cause for concern, as the nature of urban and rural development, daily living, work, leisure and retirement are expected to change in order to keep up.

In addition to our growing metro areas, North Carolina is a rural state, with 80 of our 100 counties being outside major metropolitan areas. Approximately 2.2 million people call rural North Carolina home.

What is Age My Way NC?

Age My Way NC is a collaborative effort between the State of North Carolina and AARP NC to help identify priorities for making our neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places for people of all ages.

Age My Way NC is surveying people 45 plus all across the state to identify priorities such as safe and walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

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