Politics block storm recovery in North Carolina
Residents of western North Carolina, devastated by Hurricane Helene, are caught in a political battle over disaster relief funding as Republicans seek to expand their power.
Nick Corasaniti and Eduardo Medina report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Hurricane Helene caused severe damage in western North Carolina, leaving residents and small businesses desperate for additional state aid.
- Republicans in the state legislature passed a bill labeled "disaster relief," but it provided no new funding and reduced the power of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general.
- Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, calling it a political maneuver; Republicans plan to attempt a veto override.
Key quote:
“We’re sort of just stuck. It would just make me sick to my stomach to think that we have to suffer because of politics in Raleigh or in D.C.”
— Art O’Neil, co-owner of BearWaters brewery
Why this matters:
Disaster-stricken communities need urgent aid, not political gridlock. With businesses closing and unemployment rising, the region's economic recovery hangs in the balance. Political power plays risk deepening the hardship for those still reeling from the storm’s aftermath.
Related: Federal disaster aid leaves small North Carolina farms in limbo
