Whatley’s support for the war has also drawn questions about his personal financial interests. The North Carolina Democratic Party has criticized his investments in oil & gas and defense companies, arguing that those holdings could benefit from the same policies contributing to higher costs for consumers.
The pause in the gas tax only lasts through the month of the election. Recent polls show Democrats ahead in several state races as voters struggle with higher prices under Republican leadership.
These amendments would shift more of the cost of vital services onto families and individuals through fees, if those services survive at all. Corporations would be the only real winners.
The analysis from Carolina Forward allows you to see for yourself. Select your county, and see who benefits and who loses. In Wake County, for example, Duke Energy is the largest benefactor while funding for hundreds of teachers, paramedics, and sheriff’s deputies would be at stake.
Since the war started at the end of February, American consumers have paid an extra $106.8 billion on gasoline and diesel alone, amounting to $815 per household – a figure that is likely to rise as fuel costs remain elevated.
“Today marks a step forward in creating opportunity for children and restoring stability for families in areas hit the hardest by these devastating storms,” Stein said. “This child care funding will open the doors to new centers to support families, the workforce, and local economies across western North Carolina and the Piedmont.”
“Reliable electricity is essential, but it also must be affordable. We cannot continue placing higher costs on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said NC Rep. Rodney Pierce.
Food insecurity is climbing in North Carolina, especially among children, due to the Trump administration’s harmful tariffs and cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Parents, educators and elected leaders highlighted the growing burden during a virtual press conference titled “The Cost We Carry” on August 31, pointing to rising prices and continued unmet needs in North Carolina’s public schools.
With costs continuing to dominate kitchen-table conversations, North Carolina voters face a clear choice between two candidates with very different records and priorities on the issues hitting household budgets.