Joe Sam Queen in the Press
Developer for WCU student housing project cited for runoff
- WLOS
July 17, 2019
“We have a thriving whitewater industry for rafting, canoeing and fly fishing. And we want all those to be protected,” said Representative Joe Sam Queen.
Queen to Host Town Hall Saturday
- The Mountaineer
July 17, 2019
He will meet with constituents and address the progress of the legislative session so far, including the current budget negotiations and their implications for residents in the N.C. 119th legislative district.
Budget is about $95 million for Haywood, Jackson and Swain
- Smoky Mountain News
July 10, 2019
Gov. Roy Cooper’s Invest N.C. Bond would commit $55 million for Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties. This allocation is timely, transparent, and certain. It would be distributed as follows:
Tribute to Revolutionary War Militia Unveiled
- The Mountaineer
July 8, 2019
Master of Ceremonies state Rep. Joe Sam Queen called Lanning a “man with art, history and adventure in his blood.”
Revolutionary War militiaman statue dedicated in Waynesville
- WLOS
July 4, 2019
“Celebrate our liberties, celebrate our founding values and stand up for our great country,” State Representative Joe Sam Queen said.
State budget coming down to the wire
- Smoky Mouintain News
June 26, 2019
“We will not negotiate away healthcare for half a million citizens that we have already paid for,” Queen said. “This budget is about saving 1,000 lives every year, and insuring 500,000 hard-working, low-wage workers.”
Oconaluftee Job Corps saved from closure
- Smoky Mouintain News
June 26, 2019
“Thank you to everyone who submitted a public comment — 534 comments were received by the Department of Labor,” Queen wrote in his weekly newsletter. “We appreciate everyone for pitching in! Public pressure made the difference, and all of you were instrumental in saving this great program in Western North Carolina.”
Rep. Queen invites labor secretary to Oconaluftee
- Smoky Mouintain News
June 19, 2019
In his letter to Acosta, Queen pointed out that the Oconaluftee Job Corps Center, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is ranked 18 out of 124 centers in the nation. It’s top performance record is what makes it difficult to understand why Oconaluftee is on the chopping block.
Politicians working to save Job Corps programs
- Cherokee One Feather
June 12, 2019
“I believe in this program, and its positive impact on the Cherokee community speaks for itself. I think that you will agree once you meet the fine people who work at this center.”
Swain, Jackson counties receive grant funding for broadband infrastructure
- Cherokee One Feather
May 9, 2019
“Everywhere we have electricity, we should have high-speed internet service,” said North Carolina Representative Joe Sam Queen, chair of the House Broadband Workgroup. “These grants are a great step forward toward that goal.”
Make way for elk (and trout): Haywood, Jackson counties seek designation as state’s elk and trout capitals
- Smoky Mountain News
May 8, 2019
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to promote unique things in our area, our national parks and our beautiful mountains in general,” said Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville. “It’s a way to use really a symbol of North Carolina to promote our region.”
Agriculture is facing numerous challenges in today's world
- The Mountaineer
April 29, 2019
Queen highlighted a bill he is co-sponsoring aimed at helping keep land in farmland and assisting beginning farmers by making it easier to have land taxed at its use, as opposed to market value.
Gov. Cooper gets a tour of WCU during his visit to WNC
- Western Carolina University News
April 16, 2019
“I’m honored to be on the campus of Western Carolina,” Cooper told the class. “What a great university that’s well-respected, not only across our state, but across the country. You guys have great paying jobs out there waiting for you. There are a lot of businesses, a lot of governmental entities that really need people that have the training that you’re getting right here at Western Carolina,” he said.
Another Health Care Proposal to Cover NC Uninsured
- WLOS
April 10, 2019
“We could have Medicaid expansion for half a million of our citizens in November this year,” says Democratic Representative Joe Sam Queen of the 119th District. “It's 200 jobs in Haywood, Jackson, and Swain. 200 health care jobs this year,” he says.
Legislation introduced to prohibit electric utilities from charging ratepayers for pollution cleanup costs
- The Mountaineer
April 10, 2019
“Our water is a precious resource, a biblical gift of incredible proportions,” said Queen. “We can’t allow those who pollute it, especially with toxic coal ash, to dodge the costs by charging the citizens for their actions.”
'No chance' on making Duke absorb coal ash costs, North Carolina GOP says
- Utility Dive
April 9, 2019
"Duke needs to be accountable for their own pollution," he said. "This is not a new thing. Before the Dan River spill, they were well aware of the risks they were taking."
Message in a bottle: Distillers demand parity with brewers
- Smoky Mountain News
April 3, 2019
“I’m going to support it (a house bill to assist North Carolina distilleries),” said Queen. “The bill is very tightly conceived, and Mr. Angel has become one of the anchors for tourism in Maggie Valley. It’s good branding for Haywood County and the mountains of Western North Carolina. I consider it ‘heritage tourism.’”
Critics challenge Duke Energy’s long-range plan. Will it make a difference this time?
- Energy News Network
March 28, 2019
Rep. Joe Sam Queen, a Democrat from Haywood County on the Tennessee border, believes Duke should be doing more to enable consumers to reduce their electricity use. “This is a big discussion that needs to happen everywhere,” Queen said, “and certainly in western North Carolina.”
Haywood gets funds to study water sharing
- The Mountaineer
March 26, 2019
“It is critical for clean water and job creation that we invest in our water infrastructure. I am glad that the Governor has made it one of his top priorities and the State of North Carolina has provided assistance,” Queen said.
Workforce development a top priority
- The Mountaineer
March 20, 2019
“I am working hard to get them the resources they need to ensure that their students succeed,” Queen said. “Governor Cooper’s budget prioritizes workforce development in our community college system. Along with recruiting good teachers and providing them with the resources they deserve, the budget will create the NC GROW (Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce) program to provide college tuition to students in high-demand fields of study. The budget also expands Finish Line Grants, which provides students in need with up to $1,000 to meet their personal expenses to help them finish their degrees.”
Haywood Democrats host county convention March 23
- The Mountaineer
March 15, 2019
Haywood County Democrats will convene on Saturday, March 23 to elect party leaders for the next two years during their annual county convention at the USDA Agricultural Center, located at 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville...
Representative Joe Sam Queen will kick things off by giving an update on the activity during the 2019 NC General Assembly session.
Medicaid on their minds at Rep. Queen’s town hall
- Smoky Mountain News
February 20, 2019
Four-time freshman legislator and recently re-elected Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, launched into this year’s legislative session by hosting a trio of town hall meetings across his district, but if the ones held in Jackson and Swain counties were anything like the one in Waynesville on Feb. 16, there’s just one thing on people’s minds — expanding Medicaid.
“I really think we’re going to get this done,” said Queen to an audience of about 30 people that Saturday morning at the Haywood County Public Library.
Queen discusses priorities for legislative session
- The Mountaineer
February 20, 2019
Much of the meeting was dedicated to the expansion of Medicaid by incorporating a managed care system throughout the state. The focus of the expansion will be in promoting wellness to identify health issues before they become severe so as to require extensive and expensive medical services.
Expansion of Medicaid will not only provide healthcare to thousands of our residents, but it will also provide economic benefits to the area. Queen explained that expansion will mean the employment of more people providing services, which will in turn create economic benefits to the community.
N.C. legislators have a chance at redistricting
- Smoky Mountain News
February 20, 2019
The current effort (for redistricting reform) has 67 sponsors, including Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, and 13 Republicans. That’s more than a majority of the House. But that has been true of many bills that never even made it onto a committee meeting agenda.
The leaders need to realize, however, that HB 69 is their best chance, and maybe the only one, to keep the courts from taking redistricting out of their hands.
Haywood County schools seek calendar flexibility
- WLOS
February 15, 2019
County leaders have sent resolutions to the General Assembly seeking to start classes around Aug. 12 instead of the current Aug. 19 target date. They said the early start would allow more flexibility in dealing with snow days.
“This year, we even missed a week before Christmas,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte said.
“My solution is let's get universal broadband everywhere and we can Skype a snow day,” Rep. Joe Sam Queen said.
Woman from the west, for the west: Hipps remembered for her passion, commitment
- Smoky Mountain News
February 13, 2019
Fellow Waynesville Democrat Rep. Joe Sam Queen said Hipps had definitely left a strong legacy of what it means to live a passionate and committed life.
“I’ve known Jane for 30 years at least. She was a very accomplished educator and moved into health care and became quite a contributor there as well as a strong candidate,” he said. “She was articulate and just full of the right energy. She was one of our best.”
Rep. Queen to host town hall meetings
- The Mountaineer
February 12, 2019
Rep. Joe Sam Queen will host three back-to-back town halls on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties to meet with constituents, listen to concerns and update the public on the General Assembly’s 2019 long session.
Swain superintendent responds to recommendations from NC committee on school safety
- WLOS
February 7, 2019
He (Swain County Schools Superintendent Mark Sale) said active shooter training is underway, as well as a committee recommendation to assess school building vulnerabilities. He said a plan is in place to add a perimeter road around Swain High with financial help from local lawmakers.
“That would be a significant safety feature for us. (Senator) Jim Davis and Representative Joe Sam Queen are helping us find funding for this,” Sale said.
North Carolina House of Representatives votes to close the Medicaid gap
- The Mountaineer
February 4, 2019
“I am proud to co-sponsor this bill to close the Medicaid coverage gap,” said Queen. “Expanding quality, affordable healthcare to our low wage workers in Haywood, Jackson and Swain is one of my top priorities this year. It has the potential to do more for the citizens of Haywood, Jackson and Swain than anything else we can do this session.”
Queen praises governor's budget
- The Mountaineer
March 11, 2019
“Our governor has proposed a common-sense budget that will make North Carolina a stronger state with better jobs, healthier communities, and opportunities for everyone,” said Representative Joe Sam Queen. “My priorities align with those of our Governor; ensuring quality education for all children, closing the coverage gap by expanding Medicaid, and working to bridge the digital divide for Rural NC by providing broadband resources to all parts of our state.”
Washington take note: Haywood can show you how it’s done
- The Mountaineer
January 24, 2019
“If the rest of government would operate in a bipartisan manner like Haywood County and get things done no matter who it benefits, we would not be in the spot we are in,” Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said.
Did The College Student Vote End GOP Supermajorities In NC General Assembly? Quite Possiblye
- Blue Ridge Public Radio
November 27, 2018
Most of the Democratic pickups occurred in the Triangle and Charlotte areas, but the party did pick up two critical House seats in the western part of the state. In District 119, Democrat Joe Sam Queen won his seat back from incumbent Republican Mike Clampitt. In District 93, Democrat Ray Russell defeated GOP incumbent Johnathan Jordan. Both districts are home to large public universities (Western Carolina in 119 and Appalachian State in 93), and an analysis done by Carolina Public Press showed a surge in early voting from younger voters in both districts.
Tribe’s state/national representatives stay same
- Cherokee One Feather
November 9, 2018
Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) handily won reelection against Aaron Martin (D-Clay) 25,536- 9,231 for the N.C. House 120th District (Cherokee County and Snowbird communities are in this district), but Queen defeated incumbent Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) 15,537- 14,166. Queen prevailed in both Qualla and Whittier/Cherokee precincts. He took Whittier/Cherokee 745-514 and Qualla 813-709.
Democrats break GOP ‘supermajority’ in NC House
- The News & Observer
November 6, 2018
North Carolina sent a loud message tonight to Republicans in the General Assembly that they are tired of backroom, secretive deal-making that has put special interests ahead of what’s best for regular people,” Goodwin said. “Lawmakers should listen to the will of the people when they return to Raleigh through productive, bipartisan governing, not one more final, last gasp power grab.
Media Contact:
Brady Blackburn, Legislative Assistant
919-715-3005
brady.blackburn@ncleg.net