The Connect NC Bond campaign has been bolstered by a number of key endorsements since the campaign’s official launch on January 5th. Johnston County Commissioners have endorsed the bond, and for the first time in its history, the NC Chamber of Commerce issued a Resolution of Support endorsing the $2 billion bond for our community colleges, higher education, National Guard, state parks and local water/sewer projects.
“We are very excited about the growing support for the bond campaign,” said Connect NC Chairman Robert Orr, a retired associate justice of the NC Supreme Court. “The support is bi-partisan and is from all corners of the state,” said Mr. Orr.
“Business, industry, education, health care, energy, tourism and agriculture sectors are pulling together to support the bond,” said Connect NC Co-Chair Venessa Harrison, NC President for AT&T. “There is strong bi-partisan, multi-faceted supported because of the critical needs the bond addresses,” said Ms. Harrison.
The Connect NC Bond is a $2 billion proposal with $980 million dedicated for the UNC system STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math programs); $350 million will be directed to the state’s community college system for building repairs and renovations; $179 million for agricultural research facilities; $409 million for our state parks, state zoo and local water/sewer projects and $78.5 million for new National Guard Readiness Centers.
According to the office of the State Budget and Management, the bonds will not require a tax increase and will protect the state’s AAA bond rating. The Connect NC Bond is the first statewide bond referendum voters have faced since 2000.
“Over the past 15 years, our state has grown by more than two million people. We need to invest in our state’s infrastructure and educational systems to help build a better state for today and for future generations,” said Mr. Orr.
Among the organizations passing resolutions of support for the bond referendum include: Johnston County Board of Commissioners, Nash County Board of Commissioners, Wayne County Board of Commissioners, NC Chamber of Commerce, Golden LEAF Foundation, NC League of Municipalities, Wilson Community College Foundation, Wake Tech Foundation, SAS, NCAEC, NC Community College Foundation, NC Rural Center, City of Goldsboro, and Mt. Olive Board of Commissioners.
