Legislative Session, Week 3
Week 3 of session has been another slow one for most committee meetings but some big work has been done. Despite only a few committees meeting, legislators got to work on two very important bills. I encourage you to contact the Governor for both bills; letting him know your opposition and urging him to veto both.
House Bill 4– UI Fund Solvency & Program Changes- this bill passed the Senate after passing the House last week. It will be sent to the Governor’s office. This bill is harmful to unemployment benefits. In an effort to reduce the amount NC owes the Federal government, unemployment benefits will be reduced from 26 to 20 weeks, and capped at $350/week. You can read more about the bill here.
Senate Bill 4: No N.C. Exchange/No Medicaid Expansion- After much debate from the Democratic Party, this bill passed the House yesterday. Due to an amendment on the House side, it will be sent back to the Senate for approval. This bill is expected to make it’s way to the Governor’s desk.
Other Bills of interest:
House Bill 24/SB87: DV Abuser Treatment Program/Notifications- passed House, will be sent to Senate
House Bill 75/SB70: Kilah’s Law/Increase Child Abuse Penalties
House Bill 88/SB 45: Incapacity to Proceed Amendments
House Bill 99: Caregiver Relief Act
House Bill 100: Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days
NASW-NC Social Work Blog 