Source: Editorial Board
The new year is here and now is the time to start thinking about how to accomplish your resolutions for 2023. Here at NC Voices, we’re also thinking about resolutions – ones that our politicians in North Carolina should address in this new year.
Now that the midterm election is over and we know that Gov. Roy Cooper still has his veto power (as long as Democrats stick together in the legislature) we can at least hope that Democrats and Republicans will be able to work together to accomplish some of these goals.
In no particular order, here are our resolutions for North Carolina politicians in 2023:
- Expand Medicaid in North Carolina, which will provide up to 600,000 uninsured residents with access to health care.
- Raise teacher pay in order to move up in the national rankings and better be able to attract new teachers and retain the ones already here.
- Abortion remains safe and legal (up to 20 weeks of pregnancy) in North Carolina, but there is a 100% chance Republicans will pass legislation limiting or banning the medical procedure. Democrats must stand together to protect abortion access.
- The Supreme Court of North Carolina ruled earlier this year that the state must fulfill its constitutional obligation in ensuring every student will receive a comprehensive education. The way to do that has already been figured out – it’s by funding the Leandro plan – but Republicans have refused to follow multiple court rulings directing them to do so.
- Gun violence continues to devastate and destroy families in North Carolina and it’s long past time for Republicans to come to the table and work with Democrats to pass reasonable gun safety legislation.
- Encourage Sen. Thom Tillis to work with Democrats on legislation that will provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Democrats in Washington are hoping to pass legislation addressing those who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- Battle climate change by continuing to push for more green energy solutions and by supporting Gov. Cooper’s efforts to quickly transition North Carolina to get more zero-emissions vans, trucks, buses and cars on our state’s roads.
