Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently delivered a floor speech in defense of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In front of a printed image of a SpaceX explosion, Tillis said that “innovation requires pushing the envelope and taking calculated risks.”
The move will impact more than just the 10,000 workers the agency employs and the humanitarian work it does overseas. North Carolina is the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the United States, with state-based organizations receiving nearly $1 billion a year. That funding helps bolster a robust global health sector that adds $31.9 billion every year to North Carolina’s economy and employs 120,000 people.
Together, China, Mexico, and Canada represent 45% of all of North Carolina’s international trade– a $72 billion economy. The proposed tariffs would not only make North Carolina goods less competitive in these markets, but they would also increase costs for NC consumers who rely on imports from these countries.
The freeze would result in North Carolina losing billions of dollars in funding for disaster relief, public schools, and state agencies. Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, Rep. Deborah Ross explained that it has left state and federal officials confused on how to proceed. She remains hopeful that it will not be allowed to pass but expressed the importance of understanding what is at risk.
The $30 million public-private partnership with Duke Endowment and Dogwood Health Trust will supply businesses with grants of up to $50,000.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) is continuing to struggle when asked about tariffs, careful not to criticize Trump while signaling his anxiety over the policy. Tillis was previously censured by the state GOP for holding views contrary to MAGA and now appears wary of stepping out of line with the movement.
Democratic Governor Josh Stein announced the expansion of the Helene recovery temporary jobs program. The program provides funds to create jobs that focus on recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Helene which made landfall in September and devastated western North Carolina.
Stein prioritized housing survivors, supporting businesses, and strengthening infrastructure in the mountain regions. He also shared stories of local residents he had met, including the operator of an AM radio station in Haywood County, a Watauga County business owner, and a McDowell County restaurateur.
In his first few days in office, N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is tackling landlords over illegal price-fixing. According to the state Attorney General’s office, AG Jackon is suing six landlords for illegally working together and with the software company RealPage to raise rent prices for North Carolina residents.
Announced earlier this month, unpaid medical bills will no longer appear on credit reports due to a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This move will ensure that Americans are not denied access to credit for home mortgages, car loans, or small business loans.