A newly formed coalition of North Carolina parents is calling attention to Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley’s ties to Harvey West, a convicted sex offender whom Whatley elevated to leadership positions within the North Carolina Republican Party.
The lack of support from Republicans did not stop these lawmakers from continuing the fight for legislation that would support schools, improve government transparency, and assist in economic relief for the people they serve. Here are a few noteworthy bills that Democrats filed despite the odds.
The Trump administration’s actions, from tariffs to the Iran war to cuts to Medicaid, are “obliterating the economic security” of a huge swath of North Carolinians, according to a new report titled, “The Tar Heel Affordability Crisis.”
Thousands of educators and advocates attended the march – sending a message to the legislature that education is definitely a top issue in our state. The legislature must take action to improve outcomes for students and teachers in our public school system.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed the bill into law to keep the vital program running, but not without noting some of the “serious flaws.”
Since North Carolina’s maps are already severely gerrymandered in favor of Republicans, it’s looking unlikely that they will redraw the maps again. North Carolina has also already held its primary election, essentially sealing in the state’s current maps through 2026. If anything, the Callais decision just provided further legal cover for the already extreme gerrymandering that had taken place just 6 months prior.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley has spent much of the past year supporting policies that benefited major pharmaceutical and oil companies. At the same time, North Carolina families faced rising costs for prescriptions, gas, and everyday essentials.
Republicans often equate the raw cost of Medicaid with waste and abuse, a dangerous oversimplification for families whose healthcare needs are both genuine and extremely expensive.
“Reliable high-speed internet opens doors of opportunity, helps businesses grow, connects people with health care, and strengthens our economy,” said Stein. “These new projects will move us ever closer to connecting every household and community in the state with broadband.”
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.