North Carolina lawmakers have approved a $273 million relief package to address the immediate needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene. The package will aid in rebuilding communities, supporting small businesses, and providing essential resources like water and transportation support. Additionally, changes to election procedures have been implemented to ensure voter participation in upcoming elections.
The bipartisan “Disaster Recovery Act of 2024” was unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, as the death toll from Hurricane Helene in the United States reached 237. The legislation allocates $250 million for disaster relief to state agencies and local governments, along with funding for school nutrition programs, technical assistance, and water-sewer reserves.
Furthermore, $5 million has been allocated for voter outreach in affected counties by the State Board of Elections. This includes modifications to state election laws for the 2024 general election, such as allowing voters to request absentee ballots in person until the day before the election and providing more options for dropping off absentee ballots.
Other provisions in the bill include loosening permit restrictions on burning laws for easier cleanup operations and waiving permitting requirements for highway repair. The legislation, written with bipartisan support, aims to facilitate a smoother recovery process for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Governor Roy Cooper is expected to sign the bill into law, acknowledging the resilience and unity demonstrated by North Carolinians in the face of adversity. The response to Hurricane Helene has been described as massive and unprecedented, with a collective effort from state, local, and federal resources to support affected communities. Could you please rewrite this for me?
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