THE HWY 70 CONNECTOR: May 2025 Edition

Dear Neighbor,

We’ve had a busy and productive few weeks at the General Assembly — and I’m proud to report real progress on priorities that matter to our district. From delivering a conservative, family-focused state budget to celebrating local milestones in education, aviation, and public safety, we’re building a brighter future for Eastern North Carolina and our entire state.

In this update, you’ll find highlights of key wins in the NC House budget — including tax relief for working families and support for our schools, students, and service workers — as well as great moments from across the district.

As always, my office is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance!

At your service,

Chris Humphrey

State Representative

NC HOUSE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

The NC House recently passed our version of the 2025 Appropriations Act with overwhelming bipartisan support — 93 to 20. I proudly voted YES on a budget that reflects our values and delivers for North Carolina:

✅ $50K starting teacher pay — investing in the future of our children

✅ No tax on tips — relief for hardworking service workers

✅ Back-to-school tax holiday — support for parents and students

✅ $450M+ to rebuild Western NC — committed to flood resilience & recovery

❌ $10M cut from DEI bureaucracy — prioritizing merit and accountability

This is smart, conservative leadership with real bipartisan backing. North Carolina families deserve nothing less.

NO TAX ON TIPS!

In Eastern North Carolina, we know the value of hard work — and that includes the folks in our service industry who go above and beyond every day.

That’s why I’m proud our NC House Budget includes a “NO TAX ON TIPS” provision — exempting the first $5,000 in tip income from state tax.

I’ll always support hardworking North Carolinians who are doing everything they can to make a better life for themselves and their family.

SAVING NC FAMILIES MORE MONEY

Our NC House budget also includes an increase to the standard deduction — an additional $500 for individual filers and $1,000 for married couples.

I remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen our economy and ease financial burdens on working families across North Carolina — allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income.

BACK TO SCHOOL TAX-FREE HOLIDAY

I’m proud to support a spending plan for our state that puts families first! 🎒📚

In the NC House Budget, we’re bringing back the Tax-Free Weekend starting August 2026. That means more savings for parents and students on school supplies, clothes, and other essentials.

This is a common-sense move that helps hardworking North Carolinians keep more of their money.

NC HOUSE CROSSOVER HIGHLIGHTS

We've officially made it through the crossover deadline at the North Carolina General Assembly — a key milestone where bills must pass their originating chamber to remain alive for the remainder of session.

I’m proud to report that several important bills made it through the House, reflecting our commitment to public safety, family values, government accountability, and common-sense reforms.

From supporting our firefighters and veterans to protecting kids online and cracking down on fraud, these measures are about delivering real results for the people of North Carolina.

EASTERN NC SHERIFF SHOWDOWN

We had a great time at the Sheriff Showdown — cheering on three outstanding sheriffs and good friends: Sheriffs Matt Sasser from Greene County, Matthew Wineman from Jones County, and Jackie Rogers from Lenoir County.

It was a fun evening supporting our local youth at the Coastal Plains Junior Livestock Show & Sale. Proud to see our law enforcement leaders stepping up in the show ring for a great cause!

HONORING CHIEF DAVID JONES' SERVICE WITH SAND HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.

We recently honored Chief David Jones on his retirement from Sand Hill Volunteer Fire Department. With 46 years of dedicated service, his commitment and leadership have left a lasting mark on our community. Thank you, Chief Jones, for your incredible service!

NC HOUSE PAGE: MADELINE GILMORE

It was a pleasure to welcome Madeline Gilmore from Kinston, a student at North Lenoir High School, as a NC House page. Madeline represented Lenoir County with poise and enthusiasm, and it was great to see her interest in the legislative process. Our future is bright with young leaders like her stepping up and getting involved. Great work, Madeline!

VISITING JONES COUNTY'S COMFORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I had a great visit to Comfort Elementary School in Jones County last month! Big thanks to Principal Donna Stilley Higgins and Superintendent Dr. Bryce Marquis for the warm welcome — and a special shoutout to Isabella and Holden for the excellent tour.

BEAM-SIGNING FOR SENATOR JIM PERRY AVIATION CENTER

I was proud to join Lenoir Community College and Clancy & Theys for the beam-signing and topping-off ceremony at the future Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center of Excellence at the North Carolina Global TransPark. This marks a major milestone in building a brighter future for aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and defense right here in Eastern NC.

LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

As a proud graduate of Lenoir Community College, I was honored to attend their 63rd Annual Commencement. It’s always inspiring to see the hard work and dedication of our students celebrated. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — you make Eastern North Carolina proud!

WATCH THE CEREMONY >>>

NORTH LENOIR FIRE & RESCUE

It was an honor to welcome Brandon Ward and Danny Smith from North Lenoir Fire & Rescue to our office in Raleigh. We’re grateful for their service and proud to recognize the dedication of first responders from our district.

BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE

I was proud to be at the 44th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse as history was made — 4,775 BBQ sandwiches sold in just 8 hours, smashing the Guinness World Record!

This festival showcases the heart of Eastern NC — great food, great people, and great fellowship in our community. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came out to make this moment unforgettable.

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