– Editorial/Opinion from Rep. Raymond E. Smith, Jr. –

Many Tier 1 Counties (including Sampson & Wayne), did not get their fair share of Covid-19 relief funds.  Many of the most needy areas of our state were left behind.  Our Chambers of Commerce were left out, as well as the historically underserved communities.  This bill is designed to ensure that these underserved, under-represented and underfunded entities are given a fair chance at receiving much needed assistance and opportunities.  I am asking fellow members of our local legislative delegation and members of our communities in joining me in support of this bill.

The bill is for $100 million dollars:  $10 million dollars to Carolina Small Business Development Fund to provide loans to qualifying businesses. The Carolina Small Business Fund shall develop policies and procedures to administer the loans distributed consistent with this act.  $50 million dollars to Golden Leaf to provide loans to qualifying businesses. Golden Leaf shall develop policies and procedures to administer the loans distributed consistent with this act.

The Department of Public Instruction the sum of forty million dollars ($40,000,000) to award funds for new or existing eligible programs for at-risk students operated by nonprofit corporations working in collaboration with local school administrative units located in a county designated as a development tier one area.

The opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views of Goldsboro Daily News or Curtis Media Group-Goldsboro.