Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, has voiced concerns over the federal government’s approach to disaster aid, particularly criticizing FEMA’s “bloated system” for hindering timely assistance to residents in western North Carolina.

In an exclusive interview with Carolina Journal, North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger Berger emphasized the need to move toward a more efficient funding model, advocating for block grants that would streamline relief efforts and give states more control in handling recovery processes.

From hurricane recovery to budegt planning, government transparency, tax reform, and constitutional carry, Sen. Berger provided a glimpse into the Senate’s priorities for the upcoming session.

Hurricane Recovery Efforts (8:53)

One of the first things that the General Assembly plans to advance is an additional bill to deal with Hurricane recovery. The House has begun the legislative process and will then send the legislation, which appropriates an additional $500 million in new funds for Helene disaster recovery, to the Senate for their consideration.

The state will continue recovery efforts in western North Carolina while working with the federal government, though Berger noted uncertainty about the federal response as FEMA has come under scrutiny for delayed aid to the region.

“There’s a good bit of concern about the administrative structure that exists at the federal level, particularly with FEMA,” Berger said. “So the modification that may be needed at the federal level of funding from the federal level to the state is one that to the extent that we can move the federal government away from an administrative, what I would consider to be a bloated system, to something in the nature of block grants in certain categories.”

His remarks echo those of President Donald Trump, who recently visited Asheville, North Carolina, where he called for the possible elimination of FEMA. He criticized the federal agency’s slow response to recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene and proposed that states take over disaster recovery operations directly, hinting at a major shift in how federal disaster aid is handled.

The potential modification needed at the federal level involves shifting away from the administrative system to a more streamlined approach, such as providing block grants in specific categories.

Budget and Economic Outlook (:30)

The budget process is a critical part of the long session, taking place every odd-numbered year, to maintain fiscal stability while addressing key issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Sen. Berger emphasized the importance of ensuring that North Carolina remains in a strong financial position. He noted that the Senate will soon begin constructing its version of the state budget after an initial round of joint meetings.

“We received updated information from both our non partisan staff and the governor’s staff on projections as far as revenue is concerned, so that’s one of the first steps, is just to make sure that the state’s still in solid position as far as state revenue is concerned,” explained Berger. “And they’ll begin the process of reviewing various budgets. A couple of weeks from now, the Senate folks will break off from from those joint meetings, and we’ll begin the process of constructing the Senate version of the budget.”

Tax Reform and Economic Growth (4:56)

North Carolina’s economic prospects amid a rapidly growing population remains a top priority for both chambers of the General Assembly. Berger acknowledged the progress made in recent years but noted that there are still opportunities for further reform.

“There are likely some other areas that we can address; the tax structure in North Carolina; you mentioned the Franchise Tax, I think there are probably some reforms that can take place there,” he said. “We will continue to look at ways to address the tax burden on the private sector,” he said.

Berger explained that lowering tax rates while simplifying the tax code has contributed to the state’s economic growth, resulting in increased revenue even at lower tax rates.

Constitutional Carry (7:38)

Sen. Berger reaffirmed his support for constitutional carry, which would allow North Carolinians to carry firearms without a permit. Just weeks ago, he co-signed legislation that aims to legalize permitless carry across the state.

“On the Senate side, and as far as support for that legislation, I’ve been supportive of constitutional carry for a long period of time,” Berger said. “I feel like there’s support for passing constitutional carry in the Senate.”

He expects discussions within the Senate caucus on the timing and specifics of the bill. Though no constitutional carry bill was introduced in the Senate last session, Berger’s comments suggest that the issue may move forward in the upcoming legislative session.

Transparency in the General Assembly (2:58)

On the subject of government transparency and accessbility to meetings and recordings at the General Assembly, Berger defended the current level of accessibility to legislative sessions. Berger stated that he has not received any requests from members to increase transparency, though he remains open to discussions if the issue arises.

Health Care (13:30)

Berger believes that introducing more market forces into the healthcare system can help reduce or slow the rise of healthcare costs. He pointed to reforms like changes to the certificate of need (CON) laws, which currently require government approval for new healthcare facilities or services.

Stay tuned for more updates from Sen. Berger’s exclusive interview with Carolina Journal in the coming weeks.