>> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.

WE HAVE A COVID-19 UPDATE AND I WILL OUTLINE A BUDGET FOR IMMEDIATE RECOVERY NEEDS.

BUT FIRST AN UPDATE ON COVID-19.

AS OF TODAY WE HAVE HAD 781,802 LAB CONFIRMED CASES.

5,495 NEW CASES REPORTED SINCE YESTERDAY.

2,630 PEOPLE IN THE HOSPITAL.

AND SADLY 9,728 PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED.

OUR HEARTS ARE WITH THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LOVED ONES LOST TO THIS VIRUS.

♪ WE CONTINUE TO BE ENCOURAGED TO SEE OUR ♪ NUMBER STABILIZED BUT STILL THEY'RE TOO HIGH.

WEDNESDAY MARKED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF DEATHS RECORDED IN A SINGLE DAY SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

THIS VIRUS IS STILL SPREADING AND COSTING LIVES AND IT'S CRITICAL THAT WE KEEP TAKING IT SERIOUSLY.

BEFORE I DISCUSS OUR BUDGET PROPOSAL ALL RECOGNIZE DOCTOR MANDY COHEN OUR SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO PROVIDE A BRIEF COVID-19 UPDATE DOC CODE.

>> THANK YOU GOVERNOR.

WE RELEASED THE UPDATED COVID-19 COUNTY ALERT SYSTEM REPORT TODAY AND THERE'S SOME GOOD NEWS IN THE REPORT.

AS A REMINDER THE COVID-19 COUNTY ALERT SYSTEM USES A COMBINATION OF 3 METRICS TO CATEGORIES COUNTIES.

CASE RATE PER 100,000 PEOPLE OVER 14 DAYS PERCENT OF TESTS THAT ARE POSITIVE AND A COMPOSITE IT COMPOSITE HOSPITAL IMPACT SCORE.

USING THESE METRICS WE THEN CATEGORIZE COUNTIES INTO 3 COLOR TEARS TO DESCRIBE THEIR LEVEL OF VIRAL SPREAD AND THEIR HEALTH CARE CAPACITY IMPACT RED REPRESENTS CRITICAL ORANGE, SUBSTANTIAL YELLOW SIGNIFICANT.

NOW THIS SIDESHOWS AND UPDATED COUNTY ALERT MAP AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE WE STARTED THIS REPORT BACK IN NOVEMBER OR TRENDS MOVED IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.

2 WEEKS AGO 86 COUNTIES WERE RED AND TODAY THAT'S DOWN TO 61.

NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE WORKING HARD TO PROTECT ONE ANOTHER AND WE'RE SEEING THE RESULTS BUT THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF US.

94% OF NORTH CAROLINA IN COUNTIES STILL REMAIN RED OR ORANGE WITH CRITICAL OR SUBSTANTIAL COVID SPREAD.

IF WE KEEP DOING THOSE 3 W'S AND EVERYONE GETS THE VACCINE WHEN IT'S THEIR TURN AND OUR SUPPLIES INCREASE.

WE WILL GET TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS PANDEMIC.

SO WHENEVER YOU ARE WITH PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T LIVE WITH KEEP WEARING YOUR MASK OVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE WAIT 6 FEET APART, AND WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN THANK YOU GOVERNOR.

>> THANK YOU DOCTOR.

COHEN, I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR STELLAR LEADERSHIP DURING ALL OF THIS.

AS YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS BUT WE KNOW THIS PANDEMIC HAS TESTED US AND WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT.

I'M OPTIMISTIC ABOUT OUR STATE'S FUTURE.

OUR NUMBERS ARE LEVELING IN VACCINES ARE BEING ADMINISTERED EVERY DAY.

WE CAN AND WILL TURN THE CORNER ON THIS PANDEMIC AND OUR COMMUNITIES CAN BE EVEN STRONGER THAN BEFORE.

BUT FOR THAT TO HAPPEN THE WAY WE WANT.

WE MUST MAKE STRONG INVESTMENTS NOW TO HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES RECOVER.

TODAY WE'RE RECOMMENDING EMERGENCY RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE INVESTMENTS FOR STRONGER NORTH CAROLINA.

THIS REALLY IN 3 PARTS DEFEATING COVID.

BUILDING BACK OUR PEOPLE AND OUR ECONOMY.

AND THEN LOOKING FORWARD TO BUILDING MORE EDUCATED SKILLED WORKFORCE.

AS WE REMAIN FOCUSED ON KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE AND SAFE AND HEALTHY.

WE MUST WORK TO ENSURE THAT OUR STATE IS IN THE POSITION TO STRIP TO THRIVE BOTH DURING AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

WE MUST MAKE CERTAIN THAT NORTH CAROLINA REMAIN STRONG.

RESILIENT AND READY.

THIS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION COMES AFTER CONSULTATION AND INPUT FROM BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC ELECTED LEGISLATORS IN LEADERS.

EDUCATORS HEALTH EXPERTS BUSINESSES WORKERS AND MORE.

IT DEPLOYS BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE RESOURCES.

THE FEDERAL COVID RELIEF PACKAGE CONGRESS PASSED IN DECEMBER PROVIDES MORE THAN 4 BILLION DOLLARS TO NORTH CAROLINA AND IT CAN DO A LOT OF GOOD AND YOU'LL SEE THAT IN THIS PACKAGE.

IN ADDITION TO THE FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS WERE RECOMMENDING 695 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE MORE THAN 4 BILLION DOLLARS IN STATE FUNDS THAT WE HAVE ON THE BOTTOM LINE RIGHT NOW IT'S CLOSE TO 5 BILLION RIGHT NOW.

PEOPLE NEED HELP IMMEDIATELY.

AND WE HAVE BOTH THE MEANS AND THE POWER TO GIVE IT TO THEM.

WITH THE VIRUS CONTINUING TO SPREAD RAPIDLY AND NEW VARIANTS IDENTIFIED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

WE NEED TO USE THE RESOURCES WE HAVE TO SLOW ITS SPREAD AND PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH.

THIS FUNDING CAN HELP US GET MORE TESTING MORE TREATMENT AND MORE VACCINES IN ARMS.

NEARLY 700 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL FUNDS WILL HELP US MEET THE MEDIA TESTING AND TREATMENT NEEDS.

PLUS STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO VACCINES AS WE GET MORE SUPPLY.

PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES ALSO CONTINUE TO FEEL THE STRAIN FINANCIALLY.

MANY FAMILIES ARE LIVING ON THE EDGE DURING THIS PANDEMIC AND WE CAN DO MORE TO HELP BUSINESSES AND KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES.

LAST YEAR WE RECOGNIZE THAT THOUSANDS OF NORTH CAROLINIANS WERE THREATENED WITH EVICTION OR POWER SHUT-OFFS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

MY ADMINISTRATION CREATED THE HOPE PROGRAM WITH FEDERAL FUNDS TO MAKE PAYMENTS DIRECTLY TO LANDLORDS IN UTILITIES TO KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES.

AND IT IS ALREADY HELPED OVER 35,000 FAMILIES.

THIS PROGRAM IS A NATIONAL MODEL AND REPUBLICAN LEADERS IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE ALREADY RECOGNIZE THIS AND A RUSHING MORE FUNDS TO IT.

THE 546 MILLION IN FEDERAL DOLLARS IN OUR PROPOSAL TODAY WILL HELP THIS EFFORT.

WE ALSO KNOW HOW MANY SMALL BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO SUFFER DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE FEDERAL STIMULUS EXTENDED THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM OR PPP.

BUT I PROPOSE WE INVEST 37 MILLION DOLLARS MORE IN EMERGENCY STATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES WITH A FOCUS ON HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BEST BUSINESSES.

AND MARKET OUR GREAT TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WHICH HAS BEEN HIT SO HARD BY THE PANDEMIC.

AND WE KNOW BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE HURTING.

AND THIS BUDGET PROPOSES ELIMINATING ABC PERMIT FEES WHICH WILL SAVE THEM ABOUT 25 MILLION DOLLARS.

MORE HELP IS ALSO NEEDED FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS.

AND WE'RE PROPOSING NEARLY 2 BILLION DOLLARS FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE K THROUGH 12 SCHOOLS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN OUR STATE.

THE NORTH CAROLINA SHOULD ALSO USE STATE FUNDS TO STEP UP FOR OUR EDUCATORS.

IN THE LAST YEAR OR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF ALONG WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WORKERS HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND.

TEACHERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUR HEROES.

BUT THROUGHOUT THIS PANDEMIC THEY HAVE UNDERSCORED THEIR COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN.

AND BUS DRIVERS ARE GETTING UP EARLY AND TAKING MEALS TO FAMILIES AND KIDS TO SCHOOLS.

CUSTODIANS ARE WORKING HARD TO KEEP CLASSROOMS, CLEAN AND SANITIZING.

I'M PROPOSING ONE TIME BONUSES OF $2500 FOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS.

$1500 FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL IN PUBLIC K THROUGH 12 SCHOOLS.

IN $2000 FOR WORKERS IN OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

THESE ARE THE ONLY STATE EMPLOYEES WHO DID NOT GET RAISES THE LAST 2 YEARS.

AND WE NEED THIS BOOST TO HELP KEEP THEM ON BOARD AND REWARD THEIR HARD WORK.

OUR RECOMMENDATION ALSO INCLUDES FUNDING TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CHILDCARE AND PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT TO OUR FAMILIES.

IT ALSO INCLUDES FUNDING FOR SCHOOL FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE SUCH AS SNAP AND SCHOOL NUTRITION AS WELL AS OUR FOOD BANKS THAT ARE HELPING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE.

THE NEED FOR ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET EVERYWHERE IS MORE APPARENT THAN EVER WITH REMOTE LEARNING.

THE EXPLOSION OF TELEMEDICINE AND THE NEED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO REACH NATIONAL AND GLOBAL MARKETS.

OUR BUDGET PROPOSES 30 MILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY INVESTMENT TO EXTEND HIGH-SPEED INTERNET AND FOR 35,000 HOT SPOTS FOR EDUCATION.

NOW WE NEED A SIGNIFICANT BOND PACKAGE FOR A LONG-TERM FIX.

IT WE'LL TALK MORE ABOUT THAT AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION PROGRESS.

EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

NORTH CAROLINA HAD SOME OF THE SHORTEST IN STINGIEST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN THE COUNTRY.

NOW'S THE TIME TO FIX THIS AND PROVIDE A REAL SAFETY NET.

NORTH CAROLINA'S MASSIVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND BALANCE CAN GET PEOPLE HELP RIGHT NOW.

THIS BUDGET PROPOSES EXTENDING THE MAXIMUM DURATION OF BENEFITS TO 26 WEEKS.

AND INCREASING THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM $350 TO $500 A WEEK.

THIS BUDGET PROPOSAL PROVIDES THE STEPS NOT ONLY TO DEFEAT THIS PANDEMIC.

BUT SHAPE A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR STATE.

I'VE SEEN THE REALLY FUN FACES OF SENIORS WHEN THAT VACCINE GOES IN THEIR ARMS.

I'VE TALKED TO VOLUNTEERS AT FOOD BANKS WHO ARE SERVING PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD TO ASK FOR FOOD IN THEIR ENTIRE LIVES.

I'VE HEARD FROM SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS LIVING ON THE EDGE TO KEEP THEIR EMPLOYEES HIRED AND THEIR LIFE'S WORK ALIVE.

ABSENT WITH FRIENDS WHO'VE LOST FAMILY MEMBERS TO COVID WHO HAD TO BE APART FROM THEM WHEN THEY DIED.

I'VE TALKED TO PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED AN UNEMPLOYMENT CHECK FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.

WHO SAID THEY NEEDED IT SIMPLY TO STAY AFLOAT.

IT'S TIME TO HELP ALL OF THESE NORTH CAROLINIANS AND MORE.

IT'S TIME TO GET HEALTHIER AND STRONGER.

I KNOW WE CAN DO IT.

AS I MENTIONED BEFORE STATE BUDGET DIRECTOR CHARLIE PERU'S IS WITH ME TODAY.

FOR THOSE FOLLOWING ALONG.

YOU CAN GO SB M DOT NC .GOV.

TO GET THE DETAILS OF THIS PROPOSED BUDGET.

ALSO WITH ME TODAY IS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ERIC HOOKS.

COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS TODD ISSUE.

MONICA MCGHEE AND DAVID PAYNE OUR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS.

AND ERICA COOGLER AND MARGARET ROBERTS, OUR SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS.

BEFORE CHARLIE GOES THROUGH WITH HIS LONGER BUDGET PRESENTATION ALL PAUSE TO TAKE A FEW OF YOUR QUESTION.

RIGHT NOW WE'LL DO THAT NOW ONCE WE GOT THROUGH AS MANY OF THOSE AS WE CAN ALL TURN IT OVER TO CHARLIE TO GO THROUGH MORE OF THE DETAILS OF THE BUDGET PROPOSAL.

SO IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY YOURSELF AND YOUR ORGANIZATION WILL TAKE THE FIRST QUESTION.

>> OUR FIRST QUESTION FROM LIZ SLY MER WITH NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC RADIO.

>> THEY'RE WAITING FOR THAT QUESTION.

WHAT I WANT TO HEAR FROM WCNC.

HI THERE I WANT TO HEAR AND MY QUESTION HAS TO BACK SCENE.

ONE OF THE ISSUES WE'VE HEARD SENIOR SPECIFICALLY IS THAT OF COURSE NOT ALL OF THEM ARE TECHNOLOGICALLY SAVVY 100 HAD E-MAIL AND IT'S BECOMING A BIT OF A BARRIER TO GETTING SIGNED UP FOR A VACCINE.

SO MY QUESTION IS HAVE YOU ALL SEEN THIS.

BECOMING AN ISSUE IN NORTH CAROLINA AND WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR SENIORS WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT ON MY PROCESS AND YOU HAVE ONE QUICK FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ON THE KIDS.

>> THE TEAM AS FAR AS WORKING VERY HARD TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE MANY AVENUES FOR.

SENIORS TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR VACCINES BUT I'LL LET DOCTOR COHEN TALK ABOUT THAT A LITTLE MORE SPECIFICALLY.

>> I WANT TO THANK THE QUESTION SO THERE ARE MANY OF OUR VACCINE PROVIDERS THAT ARE WORKING WITH THEIR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT ARE OUR SENIORS ARE GETTING IN FOR A VACCINE APPOINTMENT I WANT TO REMIND FOLKS THAT SUPPLY CONTINUES TO REMAIN VERY LOW, SO THERE AREN'T A LOT OF APPOINTMENTS BUT WE'RE SEEING GREAT PARTNERSHIPS WHETHER IT'S WITH OUR FAITH COMMUNITY IN THEIR CHURCHES ACROSS THE STATE OR OUR COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES ARE FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS, OTHERS WHO KNOW THEIR COMMUNITIES WELL AND ARE MAKING SURE THAT WE CAN PROACTIVELY GET IN FOR APPOINTMENTS, SO IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING ON OUR RADAR INLAND THAT WE'RE WATCHING VERY CLOSELY BUT I KNOW OUR VACCINE PROVIDERS ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO I WILL SAY WE CONTINUE TO KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF THOSE WHO ARE OVER 65 WHO WANT TO STILL GET AND THAT IS WHY WE CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON THAT GROUP BUT SUPPLIES REMAIN LIMITED.

AND SO I I KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE WORKING ON THIS FOR FOR A WHILE, THANKS.

AND THERE WAS A FOLLOW-UP.

♪ >> IF YOU I IN OTHER STATES WHERE ORGANIZATIONS YOU MENTIONED COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE HAD CREATED INITIATIVE COULD IT HELP SENIORS GET THAT UP FOR VACCINE, DO YOU ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY TO DO THAT JUST FOR THE PEOPLE WHO THEY KNOW AROUND THEM MAY OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET BACK TO DETER OR WHAT CAN WE DO TO REALLY SAY HEY YOU'RE A SENIOR YOU CAN'T GET ONLINE, ♪ YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO GET THE PHONE TO WORK, HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO.

>> IT IS FANTASTIC FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO HELP SENIORS TO GET APPOINTMENTS AND TO TRY TO TAKE THEM THERE.

WE'VE SET UP OUR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS GIVING RIDES TO PEOPLE WHO NEED THEM TO GET THEM TO THEIR APPOINTMENTS.

THE TEAM IS MAKING SIGNIFICANT EFFORTS TO GET TO.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

WE KNOW THAT WITH SUCH A SMALL SUPPLY OF VACCINE AND SUCH SIGNIFICANT DEMAND THAT PEOPLE WHO DO HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND HAVE TIME AND THE ABILITY.

OFTEN ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING APPOINTMENTS I THINK THE TEAM REALIZES THAT.

SO THERE IS A LOT OF FOCUS ON GETTING A VACCINE TO OUR.

FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS THAT OFTEN SERVE THESE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

AND WE DO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TRY TO HELP SENIORS AND PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO WHO CAN'T LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION FROM DAWN VAUGHN WITH THE NEWS AND OBSERVER.

HIGH ON FIRE IN THE NEWS, SOME 2 QUESTIONS ONE ON THE VACCINATIONS AND OF COURSE YOU KNOW TEACHERS ARE ASKING ABOUT WHEN THEY'RE IN LINE THAT AND THAT'S A FEW WEEKS AWAY.

>> IS THERE A PLAN FOR THE LOGISTICS OF HAVING THEM BACK NEAR THAT WORK.

AND ALSO GOVERNOR COOPER, YOU DO THE BILL MAKE DEATH INVESTIGATION MARKERS THE COURAGE TO OPPOSE THE EFFORT FORSYTH IAIN A WATCHER MINISTRATION FROM RELEASING MARK.

>> SO AS TO THE VACCINES OUT A DOCTOR COHEN ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

BUT I DID NOT HEAR YOUR SECOND QUESTION DON WHAT WHAT CASES THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT I'M SORRY.

>> JOHN NOBLE DEATH INVESTIGATION AND FORSYTH COUNTY D A WALKING YOUR ADMINISTRATION FROM RELEASING RECORDS WITHOUT IT.

>> OKAY, I'LL HAVE TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THAT I'M I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT SITUATION, BUT WE'LL WE'LL GET INFORMATION TO YOU AND I'LL LET DOCTOR TAKE CARE OF THE VACCINE QUESTION.

>> HI DON AS YOU RIGHTLY POINT OUT WE CONTINUE TO VACCINATE THOSE ARE 65 AND UP BUT THE NEXT GROUP IS OUR FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

THOSE ARE FOLKS THAT CAN'T STAY HOME TO DO WORK.

THERE ARE TEACHERS OR POLICE OFFICERS OR FIREFIGHTERS.

AS WE THINK ABOUT MOVING INTO THAT GROUP WHICH WE KNOW IS STILL A FEW WEEKS AWAY.

THERE ARE GOING TO BE A A DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH FOLKS ARE GOING TO OPERATION ALLIES THIS IN THEIR COUNTY IS IN WITH THEIR VACCINE PARTNERS WE'RE HEARING ABOUT SOME THAT ARE GOING TO GO TO SCHOOL SITES VACCINATIONS THERE OTHERS WILL AND INVITE THEM TO EXISTING SITE ADMINISTRATION SO I THINK IT WILL BE A NEXT WE'RE WORKING THROUGH SOME OF THOSE OPERATIONAL BEST PRACTICES NOW AND HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SHARE MORE AS WE GET CLOSER TO THAT POINT THANK YOU.

>> NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION FROM ANDREA BLANDFORD ABC 11.

I WAS HOPING YOU COULD RISK ON MARCH DIRECTLY TO THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF THE PRESIDENT.

>> TOLD A REPORTER LAST NIGHT FEATURES ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED URGING THE RETURN TO IN PERSON LEARNING WITHOUT FIRST PRIORITIZING THEIR VACCINATION WHAT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM.

>> FIRST I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR OUR EDUCATORS NOT ONLY OUR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS, BUT THE FRONTLINE SCHOOL STAFF WHO'S BEEN WORKING SO HARD.

THEY'VE BEEN HEROES, I'VE BEEN A FIGHTER FOR OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS.

THE PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATORS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND IT IS BASED UPON RESEARCH THAT HAS OCCURRED THAT SHOWS THAT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND GETTING STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN BE DONE SAFELY WITH THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS THAT ARE IN PLACE.

AND IN ADDITION, WE KNOW THE BAD THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING WITH OUR STUDENTS WITH DEPRESSION AND WITH NOT REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND ALL OF THE THINGS THAT EDUCATORS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN DO FOR OUR STUDENTS THAT'S HARD TO DO REMOTELY I WANT TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR EDUCATORS TO KEEP THEM SAFE.

I KNOW I'VE TALKED TO MANY OF THEM WHO WHO BELIEVE IT IS THEIR MISSION TO HELP EDUCATE THESE CHILDREN.

ONE OF THE THINGS I'M DOING TODAY IS PROPOSING MEDIA ONE TIME BONUSES FOR OUR EDUCATORS.

THEY WERE LEFT OUT OF PAY THE LAST 2 YEARS AND WE NEED TO GET THEM HELP AND TO SHOW THEM HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE THEM WHICH WE DO.

AND WE'RE CONTINUING TO PUSH THE ADMINISTRATION HARD TO GET US MORE VACCINE IN NORTH CAROLINA WE WANT TO GET TO TEACHERS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKERS AS QUICKLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN AND I KNOW THAT THAT STRONG EFFORT IS GOING TO BE MADE.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

♪ >> WE ♪ >> HAVE A FOLLOW UP ANDREA BLANDFORD ABC 11.

THANK YOU FOR THAT OUT ON THE PUBLIC.

BUT IF YOU PLAN TO DO WITH THAT PROPOSED.

WELL BILL THAT WORKING THROUGH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RIGHT NOW REQUIRING SCHOOLS TO REOPEN.

THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THAT LEGISLATION BECAUSE JUST AS YOU MENTIONED EARLIER ABOUT TEACHERS BEING CONCERNED TO GO BACK THAT BILL DOESN'T FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HAS PUT OUT THERE ARE PARTICULARLY FOR OUR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS SO I'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT THE FINAL BILL LOOKS LIKE WHEN I GET IT I DON'T THINK IT'S EVEN OUT OF THE SENATE YET AND WHAT WE WANT TO DO THE GOOD THING IS I THINK WE ALL WANT TO GET OUR CHILDREN BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM AND WE WANT TO DO IT SAFELY.

BUT IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE HEALTH GUIDELINES THAT'S BEEN SET OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THIS LEGISLATION DOESN'T DO THAT.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> NEXT QUESTION IS FROM ASHLEY TALLEY WITH WRAL.

THANKS FOR TAKING MY CALL GOVERNOR.

FOLLOWING UP ON ANDREA QUESTION ABOUT THE BILL GOING THROUGH THE HOUSE OR THE SENATE RIGHT NOW.

A LOT OF SUPERINTENDENTS ARE SAYING THAT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO MEAN TEAM THERE.

6 FEET OF DISTANCE IN THEIR CLASSROOMS AND ON THEIR BUSES.

HOW DO YOU SEE ALL 115 SCHOOL SYSTEMS NOT CAROLINA GOING BACK WITH CAPPING OUT LIKE THIS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADES.

>> THANKS FOR THAT QUESTION WE'RE SEEING THIS BEING DONE SUCCESSFULLY THROUGHOUT THE STATE WERE ALL ALL ALL ALONG.

IN OUR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS.

SOME SYSTEMS ARE HAVING OUR STUDENTS THERE ON CERTAIN DAYS AND OTHER STUDENTS THERE ON OTHER DAYS.

IN SOME SYSTEMS ARE ENOUGH PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME.

THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO DO SOCIAL DISTANCING IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS.

YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT TO STICK TO THE SCIENCE INTO THE RESEARCH AND I THINK OUR HEALTH OFFICIALS ON WHAT DOCTOR COHEN COME UP AND COMMENT ON THAT, BUT I THINK THEY FEEL PRETTY GOOD ABOUT THE RESEARCH REGARDING ELEMENTARY CHILDREN AND BE ABLE ABLE TO BE BACK IN CLASS IN CLASS THE APPROPRIATE PROTECTIONS BUT THEY REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL THEY WANT THEM BACK IN THE CLASSROOM TOO.

BUT THAT SOCIAL DISTANCING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THAT DOCTOR COHEN YOU WANT TO SPEAK TO THAT.

>> HI ASHLEY AS YOU POINT OUT IN YOUR QUESTION FOR OUR MIDDLE AND OUR HIGH SCHOOL WE ARE SAYING WE WANT TO HAVE ALL OF THOSE SAFETY PROTOCOLS THAT WE USE IN ELEMENTARY PLUS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE KEEPING THAT 6 FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCE WHEN WHEN KIDS ARE IN THEIR CLASSROOMS.

AND WE HAVE SEEN FOLKS BE ABLE TO DO THAT SUCCESSFULLY AGAIN WE ARE LOOKING AT THE SCIENCE THE DAY THAT SHOWS THAT TRANSMISSION IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL IS CLOSER TO WHAT WE SEE IN ADULTS WHICH IS WHY WE WANT TO MAINTAIN THAT 6 FEET OF DISTANCE.

I'D EMPHASIZE THAT IT PARTICULARLY THE IT IS WHERE WE ARE MORE TRANSMISSION OF A VIRUS.

BUT WHEN YOU'RE IN SCHOOL AND YOU'RE MAINTAINING 6 FEET AND YOU'RE WEARING YOUR MASK WE'RE SEEING VERY LITTLE VIRAL SPREAD AND THAT IS HOW WE CAN GET OUR KIDS BACK IN THE CLASSROOM.

SAFELY AND SO THAT'S WHY THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL VERSUS WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND AS I SAID THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO APPROACH THAT 6 FEET OF DISTANCE AS THE GOVERNOR SAID SOME ARE DOING SOME KIDS IT IN DIFFERENT COHORTS BUT DEPENDING ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IF YOU'RE CLASSROOMS ARE LARGER AND YOU'RE ABLE TO SPREAD OUT OR IF THE YOU HAVE FOLKS WHO ARE OPTING IN TO THAT VIRTUAL LEARNING ON AND YOU JUST HAVE LESS FOLKS YOU COULD BE GOING ON EACH AND EVERY DAY IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL AS LONG AS YOU'RE MAINTAINING THAT 6 FEET OF DISTANCE AND AGAIN IS WHY WE'RE JUST WANTING TO MAXIMIZE THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND GET HER KIDS BACK IN THE CLASSROOM, THANKS.

>> THANKS TEXT QUESTION PLACE.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION IS FROM JEFF TO REBUT W UNC.

>> JUST FROM PEOPLE YOU SEE COMING UP, ASKED TO GOOD LOOK AT MY COLLEAGUE LISA MARIE QUESTION IN A MOMENT IT, BUT THAT'S OK AS A FOLLOW-UP.

BUT I WANTED TO DOUBLE BACK FIRST THE BUDGET PROPOSAL.

SOME OF THE PROVISIONS THAT YOU LAID OUT EARLIER.

YOU MENTION THE 695 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS AND THEN THIS.

THIS ONE TIME BONUS EFFORT FOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS UNIVERSITY CAN BECAUSE WORKERS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL.

AND I I GATHER THAT YOU IN HERE THAT HAS BEEN HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH LEGISLATIVE LEADERS.

I'M WONDERING IF YOU COULD JUST A LIGHT ON.

ARE THEY IN AGREEMENT WITH WITH THIS 6.95 NUMBER AND THIS ONE TIME BONUSES WORK WHERE WHERE THE LEGISLATURE WITH US.

>> I HAVE TO LET THEM SPEAK FOR THAT, BUT THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL AND IN FACT WE'VE BEEN VERY TRANSPARENT WITH THEM AND HAVE SOLICITED THEIR INPUT, I'VE DIRECTED OUR BUDGET STAFF TO LET REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATORS.

NO WHAT WE'RE DOING AND GETTING INPUT FROM THEM.

I SEE A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR THIS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

I THINK SOME OF THEM ARE WARNING TO SEE THE THE CONSENSUS REVENUE FOR US CAST BEFORE MAKING A DECISION BUT THAT'S COMING UP VERY SOON.

WE BELIEVE THAT THAT'S GOING TO BE VERY STRONG AND WE HAVE THIS OVER 4 BILLION ALMOST 5 BILLION DOLLARS IN AN RESERVED CASH IN THE GENERAL FUND RIGHT NOW.

SO WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING FOR IMMEDIATELY NEEDS US 680 OR SO MILLION DOLLARS OUT OF THE ALMOST 5 BILLION DOLLARS THAT IS THERE.

SO THIS IS NOT AN UNREASONABLE REQUEST.

AN EMERGENCY SITUATION AND PARTICULARLY SINCE THESE EDUCATORS DID NOT GET RAISES OF THE LAST 2 YEARS.

WE THINK IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO IN ORDER TO TRY TO KEEP THEM ON BOARD.

IN TO REWARD THEIR GOOD WORK THAT THIS BONUSES BE A PART OF THIS.

EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION I HOPE WE CAN WORK ON THAT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT A LOT OF THEM.

WANT TO HELP OUR OUR EDUCATORS WE HAD DISPUTES OVER THE BUDGET LAST TIME AND.

I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SIGNAL TO TO CENT.

AND WHAT YOUR FOLLOW-UP JEFF.

>> I APPRECIATE WHEN IT COMES TIME TO VACCINATE FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS INCLUDING TEACHERS.

IS ANYTHING BEING DONE WILL ANYTHING BE DONE TO PRIORITIZE THOSE WITH 2 OR MORE HIGH-RISK HEALTH CONDITIONS.

>> WE KNOW THAT PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE FRONTLINE WORKERS ARE PEOPLE THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE VACCINES FOR.

I'LL LET DOCTOR COHEN TALK ABOUT THAT WE'RE WE'RE WORKING WITH OUR PROVIDERS THERE WILL BE SOME FLEXIBILITY THERE.

DOCTOR COHEN IF YOU CAN ADDRESS THAT.

>> I'M JEFF THANKS SO AT AGAIN JUST REITERATE.

WE'RE CURRENTLY VACCINATING THOSE ARE 65 AND UP THE NEXT GROUP THAT WE WOULD GET TO OUR FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

WE KNOW IN THAT CATEGORY OF FOLKS THAT THERE ARE THOSE WITH MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS.

WE AT THE STATE LEVEL ARE NOT GOING TO BE SUBBED PRIORITIZING WITHIN THAT GROUP BUT WE KNOW THAT WE WILL WORK WITH OUR VACCINE PARTNERS IN ORDER TO OPERATION ALLIES US AND WE KNOW THE BIG GROUP AND A LOT OF TEACHERS A LOT OF POLICE OFFICERS ARE A LOT OF FIREFIGHTERS.

SO THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN THIS IS ORDERLY AS POSSIBLE ARE HOPING TO PUT OUT SOME BEST PRACTICES BUT WE WERE IT WILL NOT BE SUBBED PRIORITIZING AT THE STATE LEVEL BUT WE WILL WORK WITH OUR VACCINE PROVIDERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY CAN BE GETTING TO FOLKS I WANT TO REITERATE THE SUPPLY IS VERY LOW.

SO WE'RE NOT GOING TO GET EVERYONE THE FIRST DAY THE FIRST WEEK IT'S GOING TO TAKE US A WHILE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO BUT WE'RE GOING TO WORK AS FAST AS WE CAN AND DEMONSTRATE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WE NEED MORE VACCINE HERE FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> A FINAL QUESTION FOR THIS PORTION OF THE QUEUE AND THEY WILL BE FROM BRIAN ANDERSON WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.

I DON'T THINK SO MUCH FOR MY TIME IN.

>> TAKING THIS QUESTION FOR ME.

GOVERNOR AS YOU KNOW THE SENATE JUST PAST WELL THERE'S BEEN THERE'S A BILL ON YOUR DESK RIGHT NOW FOR COVID RELIEF AND LOOKING THROUGH YOUR PROPOSAL THERE'S SOME THINGS THAT ARE EXACTLY MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR WITH THE ELEMENTARY SECONDARY EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND FOR 1.6 BILLION.

AND THE 95 BILLION HHS FOR VACCINE.

ARE YOU PLANNING ON SIGNING THIS BILL AND THEN FOLLOWING UP WITH LAWMAKERS WITH SOME OF YOUR IDEAS FOR YOU PLANNED TO VETO THE BILL AND HOPE THEY REGROUP TO INCORPORATE MORE OF YOUR IDEAS.

>> SO THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND PASS LEGISLATION TO APPROPRIATE THIS MONEY.

I'LL HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BILL TO MAKE SURE I KNOW EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THERE.

BUT I'M IN FULL AGREEMENT WITH THEM APPROPRIATING THAT MONEY IN.

THE RE IF WE DID ANYTHING WITH THAT BILL OTHER THAN SIGN IT WOULDN'T BE THERE'S A DISPUTE OVER WHEN IT WAS PASSED WE'RE GLAD TO THAT THEY PAST APPROPRIATED THOSE FUNDS THAT ARE ALREADY A PART OF THIS SO I LOOK FORWARD TO REVIEWING THAT BILL BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION ON IT BUT AND ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE LEGISLATURE.

WE THINK THAT A LOT OF THESE IDEAS HERE ARE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN MUTUALLY DISCUSSED WITH BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATOR OR SO WE HOPE WE CAN COME TOGETHER ON LEGISLATION THAT THAT APPROPRIATES THIS MONEY.

YOU KNOW FOLLOW UP.

>> JUST A QUICK JUST A QUICK ONE FOR 4 DOCTOR COHEN, YOU KNOW WHEN WE MIGHT SEE THAT NEXT GROUP 3 PRIORITIZATION COME OUT WE'RE HEARING REPORTS COULD BE IN A COUPLE WEEKS HAVE YOU ALL TALKED ABOUT WHEN THAT MIGHT OCCUR.

>> THANKS BRIAN.

SO WE HAVE SURVEYED ALL OF OUR VACCINE PROVIDERS TO ASK THEM ABOUT THE DEMAND THAT THEY ARE SEEING FROM THOSE WHO ARE 65 AND UP THE CAR, THOSE ARE CURRENTLY VACCINATING AND WE'VE HEARD FROM THE FROM THE VAST VAST MAJORITY IS THAT THEY'RE STILL SO MUCH DEMAND FROM THE CURRENT GROUP THAT WE ARE IN AND SO I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE A FEW WEEKS UNTIL WE'RE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD TO OUR FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

SO WE'RE GOING TO KEEP WORKING H#*#*#* ON THOSE THAT ARE 65 IN AND UP.

IT'S GOOD THAT WE HAVE AN ADDITIONAL VACCINE COMING TO THE STATE A LITTLE BIT MORE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WE'RE GOING TO BE PRIORITIZING SPEED AND EQUITY OF THESE NUMBER OF WEEKS AND THEN WE'LL CONTINUE TO ASK OUR VACCINE PROVIDERS.

WHAT KIND OF DEMAND THAT THEY ARE SEEING WE'LL LOOK AT OUR DATA AND THEN MAKE A FINAL DETERMINATION AS WE GO FORWARD.

THANK YOU.

>> AND OUR PEOPLE MORE TIME DOCTOR COHEN AND I'VE SAID THIS LOT, BUT WE WANT TO GET PEOPLE 65 AND OVER VACCINATED BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE WE'RE SEEING 83% OF THE DEATHS RIGHT NOW IN NORTH CAROLINA FROM COVID-19.

APPRECIATE ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT WE GOT AND NOW I'D LIKE TO INVITE OUR BUDGET DIRECTOR CHARLIE PROVES TO GIVE YOU MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE BUDGET THAT WE'RE PROPOSING AND I KNOW HE'LL BE AVAILABLE FOR MORE BUDGET QUESTIONS AT THE END OF THE PRESENTATION SO CHARLIE.

THANK YOU GOVERNOR AND GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.

THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET PROPOSAL IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN THE STATE'S CONTINUED FIGHT TO COMBAT THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE FEDERAL CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021.

NORTH CAROLINA ANTICIPATES RECEIVING AN ADDITIONAL 4 BILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL FUNDS.

ALMOST 90% OF THESE FEDERAL MONIES ARE SLATED FOR EDUCATION.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE IN VACCINE.

TESTING AND TRACING SERVICES.

A SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL FUND AMOUNTS ARE INCLUDED ON PAGE ONE OF THE SUMMARY DOCUMENT THAT THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED WAS ON OUR WEBSITE.

THE GOVERNOR IS ALSO RECOMMENDING A HANDFUL OF OTHER COVID-19 IN TIME SENSE IN ITEMS TOTALING 695 MILLION DOLLARS.

THEY ARE BROKEN DOWN INTO 3 MAIN AREAS.

468 MILLION DOLLARS FOR CRITICAL EDUCATION SERVICES.

82 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN OUR PEOPLE AND ECONOMY AND A 145 MILLION FOR CONTINUITY OF