CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A newly configured Charlotte City Council is preparing to navigate budget constraints as Iryna's Law takes effect, with councilmembers emphasizing they need state funding to implement the law's requirements.

Three new councilmembers were sworn in Monday night , the first day the law went into effect. Both new and returning members urged the state for more assistance.

"Please, Raleigh, send us some money," Councilman Malcolm Graham said.

Graham said the law has goals Mecklenburg County can't meet without help.

"It's like a car with no gas in it. It looks good, but it can't go; it's empty," Graham said. "We need to have a real relationship with Raleigh, talking about real problems and putting resources in place so that we can move forward."

The North Carolina General A

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