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.
Appalachian Voices: NC groups call for prohibition of all utility shut-offs in state due to covid-19
Over 30 North Carolina organizations are calling for the suspension of all utility shut-offs across the state during the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter addressed to the NC Utilities Commission, Governor Roy Cooper and key officials, the groups are urging for an immediate suspension of service disconnections and late payment fees for customers. The letter also…
Senate passes ‘Families First Coronavirus Response Act’
A second coronavirus emergency aid package came into law last week, named the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The latest package includes a federal emergency paid-leave benefits program, free COVID-19 testing for the public and expanded unemployment benefits. The first emergency bill allocated over $8 billion for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response efforts across the…
Need food during your coronavirus quarantine? NC farmers want to provide it.
North Carolina farmers in several counties across the state are providing communities with access to fresh produce in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. With over 230 farmers markets and roadside stands in North Carolina, residents will be able to get local fresh food in their communities, rather than at grocery stores. From North Carolina…
Making sure rural gets counted — Census 2020
Between March 12 to 20, you will be invited to participate in the 2020 Census. With over 80 rural counties out of the total 100 counties in North Carolina, the census will be an important moment, as vital resources and programs will be decided for the next decade. Active participation in the 2020 Census will…
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…