A new bill filed by State Sen. Lazzara seeks to enhance workforce development and veteran employment through funding for military employment programs and related support services, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 188 on Feb. 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Financial Support to NC4ME.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill allocates $450,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce for each year of the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to support North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME). This funding is intended to bolster workforce development and veteran employment initiatives, specifically by fostering employer engagement and training to hire military talent, organizing job fairs and hiring events for transitioning service members and veterans, and offering outreach and support services for military spouses seeking employment. Additionally, NC4ME is required to submit an annual report by Oct. 1, detailing fund usage, metrics on the number of individuals served, and the outcomes related to employment placements and employer partnerships. The act is set to become effective July 1, 2025.
Lazzara proposed another 11 bills during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 188 | 02/26/2025 | Financial Support to NC4ME. |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Brent Jackson | SB 183 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for VSO in Jones County. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
