As budget talks stall in the North Carolina General Assembly, Senate Democrats are urgently calling for a stand-alone vote on Helene recovery funding, aiming to speed up support for communities still reeling from the storm’s damage.
What’s in the Helene Recovery Funding Bill?
The proposed $464 million bill, modeled after House Bill 1012, includes:
- Grants for storm-impacted small businesses
- Infrastructure repair funds for local governments
- Resources for ongoing disaster recovery efforts in western North Carolina
While the funding is currently tied up in broader budget negotiations, lawmakers pushing the bill argue that Helene recovery funding is too important to be delayed.
Why the Pressure Is Mounting
Senate Democratic leader Sydney Batch criticized the Senate’s current inaction, stating, “Senator Berger wants the legislature to recess for two months while hurricane survivors are still living in uninhabitable homes.” Batch emphasized the urgency of passing Helene recovery funding now—not later.
The bill had gained traction in the House, but Senate leaders moved it back to the Appropriations Committee, resetting the legislative process by 10 days. To bypass this, Democrats filed a discharge petition, which would force a vote on the floor—though it requires support from two-thirds of the chamber.
Why Helene Recovery Funding Matters for Farmers
The delay in Helene recovery funding has direct consequences for local agriculture. Farmers in western North Carolina are still waiting for financial relief to repair storm-damaged fields, barns, and equipment. For some, the window to prepare for the next planting season is rapidly closing.
Without timely action, long-term setbacks could ripple across the region’s local food system.
What Comes Next?
Democrats say they will continue pushing for a vote, even if it means going around traditional procedures. Meanwhile, residents and farmers across the affected region are watching closely—many still waiting for the help they were promised months ago.
Final Thoughts
Passing recovery funding isn’t just a political debate—it’s about restoring livelihoods, protecting farms, and getting communities back on their feet. Lawmakers now face a critical choice: keep aid tangled in budget talks, or act now to deliver the support North Carolina needs.
Sources: Successful Farming
