East Wake Times

While COVID-19 remains at the forefront of people’s minds, the North Carolina state lawmakers are pressing forward with legislative issues critical to the government.  

According to the News & Observer in May, the FAIR Act is up for debate, which would allow voters to choose if the state’s constitution should be amended to change the redistricting to a less political action. Teacher pay raises, which have also up for debate for years, as well as environmental protection measures, may arise during this legislative session as bills have been introduced for consideration. 

Sen. Wiley Nickel (D-Wake) introduced legislation that would create a chief public health advocate for the state, according to the News & Observer. He also proposed an increase in unemployment benefits for North Carolina — the state’s benefits system has been highlighted during the coronavirus outbreak with many residents out of work. 

Lawmakers will also consider legislation called Pay Equity for Essential employees, which would provide tax breaks for those individuals, the News & Observer reported.