Data centers, Medicaid changes, and the start of early voting are my topics in this month’s update.
Data centers pause blocked
Let’s start with the data center debate.
I was disappointed this week when a majority of my colleagues on the county commission refused to support holding a public hearing on a moratorium (pause) on new large-scale data centers in Forsyth County. (I thank my colleague Commissioner Tonya McDaniel for supporting holding the hearing.)
These huge industrial facilities require enormous amounts of electricity and water to power and keep cool their massive ranks of electronic computing equipment. The large number of these data centers being proposed in North Carolina and around the country is in service to expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI).
An explosion in the number of these new, very large-scale (“hyperscale”) data centers is also a principal reason why our families’ electric bills are going through the roof. Duke Energy is pushing to build multiple new expensive (and polluting) gas power plants and pipelines to meet their projected future electricity needs — and in filings with state regulators Duke admits that most of that predicted growth in “demand” would come from those huge new data centers.
My proposed temporary (six months) pause on new large data centers in our county was our best chance locally to help get control of the root cause of skyrocketing electric bills, while we study how to limit the impacts of mushrooming data centers.
Unfortunately, it’s now clear that the county will not act on this serious problem over the next two months. Future change depends on local voters making it clear in this election that they demand action on the out-of-control spread of huge new data centers and the resulting rapid rise in our electric bills.
Medicaid eligibility requirements changing October 1
Next, let’s look at imminent changes in healthcare coverage rules for the more than 100,000 citizens of Forsyth County who depend on Medicaid — more than a quarter of our total population.
If you or a family member, friend or neighbor have healthcare coverage through Medicaid, please take note of this important alert. Major changes in eligibility requirements take effect October 1. These changes are being required by the big Congressional budget legislation passed last year.
Many people will find that reporting requirements have increased. A smaller number of people may lose coverage. However, the committed staff of the Forsyth County Department of Social Services (DSS) stand ready to help people in need navigate the new requirements to protect healthcare for their families.
Details can be found here: https://forsyth.cc/article.aspx?NewsID=29260.
People currently receiving Medicaid coverage, or who are planning to apply, are encouraged to contact Forsyth DSS at 336-703-3800 to ask questions and get ready for any of the changes which may apply to them.
Early in-person voting begins October 15
Finally, it’s time for the citizens of our county to let your voice be heard on who will represent you at the local, state and national levels. Early in-person voting begins October 15. The times and places are listed below — and if you have other questions about registration or voting, more information is available at https://forsyth.cc/elections/ or by calling 336-703-2800.
Your vote is your voice. Please use it!
That’s my update for September. Thanks for your interest!
Dan
Dan Besse, Forsyth County Commissioner (At-Large)
Forsyth County Update is a publication of the Dan Besse Committee, and is NOT prepared or distributed at government expense.
On matters related to county business, please email bessed@forsyth.cc
On matters not related to county business, please email dan@besse4forsyth.org
