Our take
Everyday the government makes decisions that affect our lives; from the water we drink, the food our kids eat and how much money we bring home. Being informed is one of the first steps in building our power and creating change in our communities.
WRAL: Secretary Cohen tells legislators what they can’t handle — The Truth
Due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the General Assembly’s proposed state budget, North Carolina avoided more than $42 million in cuts that would have left numerous agencies vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak. A dramatically shrunken budget and staff cuts prompted by the state budget, would have strained the state’s Health and Human Services, the…
State should make sure ALL in need are tested for coronavirus
Last week, Congress approved an $8.3 billion emergency spending package in an effort to combat the coronavirus. Almost $13 million has been set aside for emergency aid for North Carolina as local health officials prepare for the outbreak. Across the country, some states are setting aside funds to waive fees for patients who lack healthcare…
North Carolina watchfully prepares for spread of coronavirus
Last week, two cases of the coronavirus were confirmed by North Carolina state officials. The two cases, which are unrelated, are the first cases for the state as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week that the N.C. State Laboratory of Public Health can test for the virus. Cooper…
North Carolina lawsuit claims absentee vote changes went too far and is unconstitutional
On Wednesday, Lawyers for Advance Carolina sued the state, in an effort to overturn absentee ballot security measures that the state General Assembly passed last year in the wake of major election fraud. The Senate Bill 683, passed by the General Assembly, contained numerous election measures as a response to the election fraud in the…
NC Policy Watch: Reproductive freedom is in the cross-hairs this week at the Supreme Court
Wednesday will be an important day for reproductive rights, as the Supreme Court hears its first abortion case with Gorsuch and Kavanaugh on the court. Trump’s two handpicked nominees will be deciding on the state of Louisiana’s case, June Medical Services v. Russo, which has the potential to shape abortion access in Louisiana and perhaps…
ICE raids increase in North Carolina as Trump weaponizes the DOJ
North Carolina communities are taking a stance against Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased presence and arrests. Since January, ICE has targeted immigrants in12 counties across the state. ICE agents detained 32 people, 16 in Raleigh, prompting city leaders and immigrants to speak out against their increased actions. Yet, efforts to resist ICE enforcement actions…
N.C. immigrants, allies vow to resist ramped-up ICE enforcement actions
Increased ICE enforcement actions across 12 counties in North Carolina, are causing concerns for many communities. Since January, ICE agents have detained over 32 people in 10 counties, including 16 in Raleigh recently. In response, community members, immigrants and allies, are vowing to protect their families and neighbors as Trump’s ICE agents continue to invade…
Charlotte Post: Disparity in North Carolina public school funding widens
According to research by the Public School Forum of North Carolina, the student funding gap between the wealthiest and poorest counties in North Carolina, has substantially expanded. During the 2017-2018 school year, the Local School Finance Study found that the difference in spending between the 10 wealthiest districts and 10 lowest-spending districts, was $2,523 per…
The continuing domino effect of North Carolina’s rejection of Medicaid expansion
A recent state-by-state report by The Kaiser Family foundation, found that North Carolina, the 10th largest state in the nation, is fairing worse than the national average in health care. With 33.5 percent of North Carolina residents below 200% of the Federal Poverty level in 2018, Medicaid is much-needed for those without financial accessibility. In…
2019 was the worst year for rural hospital closures this decade, a new report finds
According to a new report from the Chartis Center for Rural Health, 19 rural hospitals closed across America in 2019. Almost one out of every four open rural hospitals are at risk of closing in the near future. States like North Carolina, that have chosen not to expand Medicaid have experienced the most rural hospital…