THE HWY 70 CONNECTOR: December Edition

Dear Neighbor,

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I want to thank you for your continued trust and support. Representing the wonderful people of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties in the NC House is an honor I do not take lightly. Your overwhelming support inspires me to work every day to ensure Eastern North Carolina remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

This season reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and community — values I am committed to upholding as we head back to Raleigh. In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights of recent legislative efforts, including relief initiatives and progress on issues that matter most to you.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!

At your service,

Chris Humphrey

State Representative

REQUIRING PHOTO ID FOR ALL VOTERS

This month, the NC House passed a constitutional measure to require Photo ID for ALL voters in North Carolina, not just those voting in person.

This amendment is an important step to strengthening the security of our elections infrastructure — and will appear on your ballot for consideration in November 2026.

VETO OVERRIDE: SENATE BILL 382

The North Carolina House recently overrode Governor Cooper’s veto of our legislation that provides a critical $252 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, bringing the total aid to $1.1 billion. Senate Bill 382, now law, prioritizes resilience, responsibility, and results for our state’s future.

WORKFORCE HOUSING IN KINSTON

I recently had the privilege of attending the dedication of Riverstone Crossing Apartments in Kinston — a beautiful new community providing 64 affordable homes for hardworking families in our area.

This incredible project was made possible through the state’s Workforce Housing Loan Program and Housing Trust Fund, in partnership with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this vision a reality! I’m proud to support initiatives that strengthen our community and create opportunities for our residents.

GLOBAL TRANSPARK'S NEW EXECUTIVE

Congratulations to Jeremy Stroud on being appointed the new Executive Director of the North Carolina Global TransPark! A Snow Hill native with over 18 years of experience, Jeremy’s leadership and dedication to Eastern NC make him the perfect choice to guide NCGTP’s growth.

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SPEAKING WITH LENOIR COUNTY STUDENTS

I recently had the honor of speaking with Dr. Towne’s Civic Literacy students at Lenoir County Early College, sharing insights about the challenges and rewards of public service. Engaging with these bright young minds on issues like healthcare, education, and mental health was truly inspiring. Programs like this are helping to motivate the next generation to engage in public leadership.

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EXPANDING BROADBAND ACCESS IN JONES COUNTY

Through the state’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, 162 locations in Jones County will soon gain access to reliable high-speed internet. This initiative is a crucial step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring our residents and businesses stay connected in today's digital age.

This effort is part of a larger push across North Carolina to extend high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas, with approximately 67,724 eligible locations included statewide. Here in Jones County, the focus is on empowering our community, providing better opportunities for education, work, healthcare, and business growth.

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GREENE COUNTY SEEKING VOLUNTEER AWARD NOMINATIONS

Nominate a local hero for the 2025 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards! Recognize outstanding individuals or groups making a difference in areas like youth, veterans, health, environment, and more.

Deadline: Feb. 14, 2025

Submit Nominations: sharon.harrison@greenecountync.gov

Join us in this opportunity to honor Greene County's amazing volunteers!

DO YOU HAVE UNCLAIMED MONEY?

The NC Cash Program is holding nearly $1.3 billion in unclaimed property, waiting to be reunited with its rightful owners. This could include forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, or even unclaimed insurance payouts. Visit the link below, enter your name or business name, and see if any of it belongs to you!

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