Financial disclosures show that Whatley has earned over $219,660 from investments tied to oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Devon Energy, and Shell. His total holdings in the sector are valued at up to $1.39 million.
Despite repeated pleas from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to pass a much-needed budget, Republican leaders House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger have been in a standoff over budget proposals, leaving state agencies, state workers, teachers, students, and residents facing rising costs.
Many North Carolinians are advocating against the harmful rate hikes by attending public hearings hosted by the Utilities Commission. The next in-person Utilities Commission public hearing will be in Morganton on April 28th.
Voters are focused on lowering costs and economic stability, and Cooper’s message is gaining traction as many North Carolinians reconsider Republican leadership.
“Rural communities are the backbone of North Carolina, and it’s important that we hear directly from people across our state… These listening sessions help us focus our efforts and make smart investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and health care.”
Republican activists and voters are discontent with the Republican establishment, claiming they’ve lost touch with the voters they’re meant to represent, and during this pivotal election year, the discontent can be seen up and down the ballot.
“Our students need funding in our public schools. We see the lack of a state budget impacting our educators, because they are having to make real decisions about if they are going to remain in the profession,” said North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly.
Whatley’s lobbyist background is drawing increased scrutiny as energy costs rise across the state. Advocates argue that decisions made in Washington and in the state legislature have consistently favored corporate utilities over consumers, leaving North Carolinians to shoulder the burden.
Ultimately, Newton’s inaction puts tens of thousands of his constituents at risk of losing their insurance. In addition, rural healthcare systems from Goldsboro to Mount Olive, bastions of medical education, major employers, and providers of critical care to eastern North Carolina, will face cuts to their already decimated systems.
Despite her knowledge of finances and ability to help pass budgets, Barnes and her Republican colleagues have chosen to leave her constituents and the state in financial limbo.