The stakes are high as a ruling for Leandro could mean that public schools get about $1.7 billion in funding for multiple initiatives, including per-pupil spending and infrastructure. A state budget has not been passed by the Republican-led NC General Assembly, adding insult to injury.
Jackson’s office warned that losing the funding would force schools to shut down programs and could lead to layoffs in the middle of the school year. “Our kids deserve better,” Jackson said in a statement. “A surprise cut of nearly $50 million from rural schools, with virtually no notice and no allegation of misuse, is unlawful and harmful.”
The updated map targets the state’s lone competitive district, over 20 counties in northeastern North Carolina, which has elected Black members of Congress for more than three decades.
North Carolina is one of the twenty states that have filed the suit against FEMA, and it is not the state’s first lawsuit against the agency. Back in July, North Carolina sued FEMA for canceling $200 million in grants that would’ve helped with climate resiliency projects.
A three-judge panel is set to hear arguments regarding the map on November 17th. If legal challenges fail and Republicans are able to rig the vote to elect a Republican in the 1st district, Republicans will have control of 11 of North Carolina’s 14 congressional districts.
In the state General Assembly, Stevens led the charge to raise the mandatory judicial retirement age so that Newby could complete his term. Newby has since joined the slate of conservative judges to stump for her candidacy in the primary. His wife even personally gave $3,800 to Stevens’ campaign.
“Nearly 600,000 children in our state could be without food in a few days because USDA is playing an illegal game of shutdown politics,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “They have emergency money to help feed children during this shutdown, and they’re refusing to spend it. I warned them last week that I would take them to court if they tried to hurt our kids, and today that’s what we’re doing.”
In last November’s elections, there was a state Supreme Court race between Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs and Republican challenger Judge Jefferson Griffin. Riggs won
“Thousands of families were going to have the option to install solar power, save money, and have another energy option after a major storm. Now the EPA has illegally cancelled those funds – so I’m going to court to bring $150 million back to our state,” Jackson said in a press release.
“In North Carolina, we know what it takes to rebuild from a disaster. This money helps us better prepare for future storms. FEMA was wrong to break the law and cancel this money, which will save lives. I’m taking it to court to win these funds back for our state.”