Whatley, a longtime D.C. insider and former Big Oil lobbyist, held his kickoff event in the nation’s capital with wealthy donors and special interests — a move his critics say underscores where his priorities lie. Murdock and Graybill argue that while Whatley courts billionaires, North Carolinians are left to deal with the consequences of his record and policies.
The task force comes on the heels of the Republican-led state legislature passing, over Stein’s veto, a new law that allows utility giant Duke Energy to increase costs for residential customers, as well as indications that the Trump administration plans to eliminate federal tax credits and other funds for renewable energy projects in North Carolina.
A top state health administrator warned recently that North Carolina faces myriad expensive challenges that could mean more hunger, untreated illnesses, and financial strain for families across the state, according to NC Newsline.
The Trump administration’s effort to eliminate the Roadless Rule would strip protections from more than 172,000 acres of public lands in North Carolina, including portions of the Croatan, Pisgah-Nantahala, and Uwharrie National Forests.
In addition to putting the healthcare of hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians at risk, the changes to Medicaid are expected to negatively impact rural hospitals, potentially leading to the closure of some health clinics in rural communities across the country.
For storm-ravaged communities, little has changed. Aid has been slow, and Whatley has been largely absent from the disaster zone, with Smoky Mountain News reporting that Whatley has “rarely, if ever” visited the area. Records show the FEMA council has met only twice in seven months, totaling about three hours.
“Sunday voting has long served as a vital access point for Black voters in North Carolina, especially through ‘Souls to the Polls’ traditions led by our churches, communities, and civic organizations. For many working families, Sunday provides the only real opportunity to cast a ballot without sacrificing wages or family responsibilities.”
On August 22nd, the Friday before lawmakers were set to return, representatives from Hall’s office, as well as representatives from the office of Senate leader Phil Berger (R- Guilford), said there would be no votes in the upcoming weeks.
Durham is just the latest city to utilize the American Rescue Plan to expand broadband access for working-class families. Signed into law by President Biden in 2021, the ARPA has funded over 240 broadband projects in 25 states.
Gun safety advocates gathered last week to sound the alarm over Senate Bill 50, legislation that would allow North Carolinians as young as 18 to carry concealed, loaded handguns without a permit. With legislators back in town, the bill remains on the House calendar. If Republicans believe they have the votes, the chamber could move quickly to override Stein’s veto.