SUMMARY: North Carolina Rep. Pat Harrigan, a Green Beret veteran, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz have introduced the AMERICANS Act to counter Biden administration military policies regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. The legislation aims to reinstate 8,400 discharged service members, restore their benefits, and prevent future mandates from being used against the armed forces. Harrigan criticized the vaccine mandate as political overreach that stripped patriots of their careers and dignity. Cruz emphasized the ongoing impact of vaccine mandates on military readiness and stated that the act provides remedies for servicemembers punished for their convictions, highlighting a commitment to honor and integrity in the military.

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SUMMARY: Nearly 50% of North Carolina children in rural areas rely on Medicaid for health insurance, according to a recent report. This trend reflects a broader pattern where rural residents are more likely to have Medicaid than their urban counterparts. In 2023, Medicaid covered around 238,000 North Carolina children from these areas, more than all states except Texas. As U.S. House Republicans consider significant Medicaid cuts, including capping funding and imposing work requirements, health advocates warn that such measures could lead to increased healthcare access issues, especially for vulnerable populations who struggle with these requirements.

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SUMMARY: Maysville Town Manager Schumata Brown faced a potential setback when a legislative proposal threatened to divert nearly $10 million in state funds for affordable housing to disaster recovery efforts. The funds were initially allocated to small rural towns like Maysville for a 40-unit workforce housing project. However, the final version of the bill allowed the funding to proceed. Additionally, Maysville is participating in the “Our State, Our Homes” initiative, part of the UNC School of Government’s Carolina Across 100 program. This initiative helps rural counties develop strategies to address affordable housing challenges, supported by expert guidance and collaboration.

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