Chop Wood, Carry NC 12/10

Hey, Team NC.

The long-awaited NC House vote on whether or not to override the Governor’s veto of SB 382, the “hurricane relief” bill will be happening any second now. As I’ve discussed in previous posts, this bill is functionally aimed at stripping away power from incoming Dems, and would do very little by way of actual hurricane relief. Read more about it here.

As of last Friday, Reps. Mike Clampitt and Mark Pless remain undecided on whether they will vote to override the veto. This is our final chance to push them in the right direction by calling and emailing their offices now, and demanding they vote to sustain the veto.

Here’s their contact info:

• Rep. Mike Clampitt, Mike.Clampitt@ncleg.gov 919-715-3005

• Rep.Mark Pless, Mark.Pless@ncleg.gov 919-733-5732

Here’s a sample phone script, courtesy of the NC CD 11 Dems:

Hi, my name is _____________ and I’m a constituent from ____________

I’m asking Representative __________ to uphold Governor Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 382.

While disaster relief is urgently needed, this bill doesn’t provide the immediate, targeted assistance our neighbors in Western North Carolina need to recover. I’m asking you to uphold the veto so a better bill can be presented, one that prioritizes critical support like rental assistance, small business aid, homeowner relief, and a moratorium on evictions.

Upholding the veto will show a commitment to putting people first and ensuring effective and focused disaster relief efforts.

Thank you for your time and for considering my concerns.

And here is a sample email script (please personalize it a bit– Reps are less likely to take these emails into account if they’re all identical):

Dear Representative _____,

I'm writing to thank you for opposing SB382, a bill that does nothing to provide the immediate, targeted assistance that your constituents need to recover from Hurricane Helene. I'm also asking that you please, please oppose overriding Governor Cooper's veto of it when the House votes on that next week. We are counting on you to show a commitment to putting the people of your district first — like you were elected to do — and ensure effective and focused disaster relief.

Again, thank you for your integrity and for prioritizing the people of North Carolina, many of whom are still out of their homes, still without running water, and still unable to work. I could not have more respect for your decision to represent the voters in your district, who need the government to be focused on their immediate needs, not political maneuvers aimed at curbing Democrats and sowing divisions. I hope you continue to show this integrity in the coming vote.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Only if in NC, address]

OK, that’s all I have for now. Thanks so much for your work, all. Fingers crossed.

Jess