Governor Cooper visited the hard hit Pensacola area of Yancey County on Wednesday morning, October 16th, stopping by the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department. Later in the day he made his second visit to Mitchell County since Hurricane Helene, visiting damaged areas in Bakersville and speaking with local officials and residents at the Bakersville Town Hall.
Also on Wednesday Governor Cooper signed an executive order to raise the state’s maximum unemployment benefit from $350 to $600. This increase, approved by the Council of State, is a response to the financial challenges caused by Hurricane Helene. The order highlighted that nearly 80% of new unemployment claims were from hurricane-affected areas.
Governor Cooper at bridge in Bakersville
Photo at top: governor Cooper visits Bakersville Town Hall.
