$500 million going to Hurricane Helene relief

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — The general assembly passed a bill that includes half a billion dollars in additional Hurricane Helene relief, right before lawmakers take much of the summer off.

The last-minute push to help western north Carolina’s recovery came as the state’s republican legislative leaders struggle to reach a deal on the broader state budget, even though the new budget year begins next week.

Talks between the chambers have all but broken down.

Governor Josh Stein encouraged lawmakers to at least get something through to help western north Carolina as negotiations over the budget continue.