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Flash Cards Depicting Pregnant Man Used in WCPSS Preschool Classroom in House District 37

This week Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake) received an email from a concerned constituent alerting her to the use of LGBTQIA+ themed flash cards, including a card with the depiction of a pregnant man, to teach colors to children in a preschool class at Ballentine Elementary School, part of the Wake County public school system. Rep. Paré received images of the cards from her constituent. (pictured above)
 
Rep. Paré immediately contacted the principal of the elementary school to alert her of this constituent concern and to confirm the use of the flash cards in the classroom. The principal of the school took swift action to investigate and respond to the information.  The principal found the stack of cards in a preschool classroom and verified with the teacher that they had been used by the teacher in the classroom to teach colors. The principal confirmed that the flash cards were not part of approved curriculum and that she was unaware that they were being used. The principal immediately took possession of the cards, contacted the WCPSS area superintendent, and engaged human resources.  The principal expressed appreciation for the constituent’s information via Rep. Paré, as she would not have known about the flash cards otherwise.
 
In a poll released this week, North Carolina voters (57%) overwhelmingly supported the idea of passing legislation that would “make parents the primary decision-makers regarding their child’s health and medical decisions and provide parents with opt-out options regarding controversial surveys or age-inappropriate classroom materials.”
 
The members of the North Carolina General Assembly are currently reviewing legislation to address this very concern. Parents deserve to know exactly what and how their children are being taught.
 
“I am grateful that a concerned constituent reached out and that this issue is being addressed in a swift and professional manner by Ballentine Elementary School,” said Rep. Erin Pare (R-Wake). 
 
“Schools should only be using age-appropriate materials, and these flashcards clearly do not meet that standard for a pre-school classroom. I hope schools across Wake County and the State of North Carolina will follow the example of Ballentine and respond swiftly when a parent expresses concern and ensure that materials like this are not being used to teach young students.”
 
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Speaker Moore and Sen. Berger Joint Statement on Consensus Revenue Forecast

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement about the consensus revenue forecast released today:
 
“Today’s forecast highlights the General Assembly’s winning formula of low taxes, reasonable regulations, and responsible spending. Our state continues to experience growth and record-breaking economic development coupled with regular revenue surpluses.
 
“While this is promising news, we must be cognizant of the national economy and the precarious position the Biden administration has put the American people in thanks to rising costs and runaway inflation. It is crucial that we continue on this track of responsible and disciplined spending in light of the potential for a recession as we begin the short session budget process.” 
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President Biden’s North Carolina Visit: A Statement from House Speaker Tim Moore

Today, President Joe Biden is visiting Greensboro, North Carolina to address rising inflation and highlight the recent influx of businesses to our state.
 
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Although I am glad President Biden is visiting North Carolina today, what he is here to sell North Carolinians is nothing more than snake oil. While he continues to overspend, inflation continues to skyrocket with no end in sight. Gas prices are soaring. The strain on taxpayers and businesses is greater than ever, and each of us feel the impact of bad Biden policies on our daily lives.”
 
He continued, “In North Carolina, we have taken a different approach, and it’s working. We cannot spend our way to prosperity. Instead of rising debt, our state has a surplus thanks to responsible spending. Because of this, and despite the hardships caused by bad Biden policies, businesses are flocking to our state, and taxpayers have more money in their pockets. Maybe the president can take a few pointers from North Carolina.”
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North Carolina House Page Program Relaunches After Two-Year COVID Hiatus

On Monday, applications opened for the NCGA House Page Program for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The House page program offers young men and women the opportunity to learn about, and participate in, the legislative process of our state. It is a four day long experience that allows high school students to observe firsthand how our laws are made. It provides them the unique privilege of working in the House Chamber in the midst of legislative action.
 
High school students interested in applying can do so online.
 
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, said, “The House Page Program offers high school students the unique opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand.”
 
He continued, “Thanks to this program, young men and women are given the privilege of not only learning about, but actually participating in how we make laws in North Carolina.”
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NCGA Files Notice of Appeal Following Three-Judge Panel Decision Granting Voting Rights to Felons

Today, attorneys for the North Carolina General Assembly filed a notice of appeal and a motion for stay with the trial court following a decision by a three-judge panel that would permanently allow any convicted felon who is not currently sitting in prison to vote in any election.
 
Sam Hayes, General Counsel for House Speaker Tim Moore, said, “The people of North Carolina are sick and tired of leftist judges who ignore the law to achieve their desired outcomes. The constitution could not be any clearer: convicted felons are to repay their debt to society before having their civil rights restored. Granting convicted felons, including rapists and murderers, the right to vote is an affront to every law-abiding voter in our state, and it will not stand.”
 
He continued, “We now seek a stay pending appeal to stop this order from going into effect, and we will continue the General Assembly’s fight to preserve the security of our elections.”
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Electric Vehicle Maker Vinfast Brings Manufacturing Plant to North Carolina

Today, Vinfast, a Vietnamese automotive manufacturer introducing a full line of electric vehicles to the North American market, announced that the company will build its first manufacturing and final assembly plant in Chatham County, at the Triangle Innovation Point Megasite. 
 
On the heels of today’s announcement North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “The arrival of Vinfast to North Carolina is great news for our state and for the thousands of North Carolinians who will fill the new jobs created as a result. Today’s announcement marks significant investments in infrastructure, transportation, and workforce development.”
 
He continued, “North Carolina has distinguished itself as an attractive place for companies to land and continues to be recognized as a top state for businesses, thanks in large part to the hard work of the legislature that has resulted in lower taxes, fewer regulatory roadblocks, and a stronger workforce.”
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NC General Assembly Takes Redistricting Fight to U.S. Supreme Court

Today, the North Carolina General Assembly filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States in the ongoing redistricting cases.
 
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said, “The U.S. Constitution is crystal clear: state legislatures are responsible for drawing congressional maps, not state court judges, and certainly not with the aid of partisan political operatives.”
 
He continued, “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will reaffirm this basic principle and will throw out the illegal map imposed on the people of North Carolina by its highest court. It is time to settle the Elections Clause question once and for all.”
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Governor Cooper’s State of Emergency Turns Two Years Old

Today marks two years since Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 116, declaring a state of emergency in our state in light of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Governor’s executive order turned two years old, House members signed a “birthday card,” asking Governor Cooper to lift the state of emergency. Earlier this week, House members sent a letter to Governor Cooper asking him to lift it.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Over the duration of the Governor’s ongoing state of emergency, many in our state have felt their individual liberties deteriorate under extreme mandates and policies as a result of unilateral decisions made by our Governor in the midst of the pandemic.”

He continued, “As other states move to lift COVID restrictions in light of a decline in cases and hospitalizations, Governor Cooper should lift the state of emergency in North Carolina.”

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North Carolina House Gives Unanimous Approval to Resolution Supporting Ukraine

Today the North Carolina House approved HR 981, a resolution expressing support for Ukraine as its people fight for freedom, and urging Congress to increase domestic energy production.
 
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said, “We stand firmly with the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their country from Russian aggression. As millions of refugees flee and hundreds of civilians have been slaughtered, it is crucial that civilized nations of the world stand with them now.”
 
He continued, “Furthermore, it’s time for our leaders in Congress and in the White House to reverse course on unnecessarily limiting our production of energy. We must increase our domestic energy production to strengthen our security here at home.”
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NCGA Files Application for Stay from the NC Supreme Court

Today, attorneys for the North Carolina General Assembly filed with the United States Supreme Court an Emergency Application for Stay of the rulings of the State Supreme Court and the three-judge panel.
 
NC House Speaker Tim Moore said, “The United States Constitution is clear – state legislatures, not state judges, are responsible for setting the rules governing elections. By striking the General Assembly’s congressional map and redrawing their own, with the help of Democrat partisans, the courts have, once again, violated the separation of powers. This effort to circumvent the elected representatives of the people will not stand.”
 
He continued, “Furthermore, this coordinated effort is funded by Eric Holder and led by disgraced Democrat operative Marc Elias, who have no business in interfering in our elections. I will pursue all legal means to ensure that North Carolina’s elections are decided by North Carolinians and that the constitution and rule of law are followed.”