Key measures of Stein’s budget include raising starting teacher pay to the highest in the Southeast, providing meaningful tax relief to working families, and investing in public safety, education, child care, workforce development, and health care.
The website compiles those connections and highlights nearly 40 elected officials who have been linked to West through party leadership roles, fundraising events, or campaign activity.
“Investing in rural infrastructure unlocks opportunity,” said Stein. “When we strengthen rural North Carolina, we empower local economies, we connect our people to critical services, and we ensure that no matter where someone lives, we offer them a fair shot at success.”
The focus of the march is to hold state Republican lawmakers accountable for failing to fully invest in public education, as shown by the absence of a state budget and the dismissal of Leandro by the state’s highest court.
Duke Energy is continuing its push for higher electricity rates in North Carolina, with a new request filed last week to increase customer bills in order to cover rising fuel and power costs.
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.”