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.
From The Winston-Salem Journal: Town hall highlights concerns with education funding in N.C.
When adjusted for inflation teachers in North Carolina are making 12% less than they were in 1999. Per pupil spending in the last ten years has been cut in half. The expectations for teacher’s performance continues to get higher yet they are given fewer and fewer resources. It’s time that our teachers be paid a decent…
Rewire: Scott Walker Just Made Wisconsin the Latest State to Ban Abortion Coverage for Government Workers
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker recently signed a bill prohibiting the state’s health insurance program from covering abortion care for state and local public workers. This is just another attempt by conservatives to take away health insurance from those who need it. All people deserve access to affordable abortion care. In North Carolina, abortion is covered…
From The Salisbury Post: Teachers, students put civics into action
Teachers and students around the country are exercising their rights to demand action from lawmakers. Teachers are demanding better pay and students are demanding a safer world. Together they have the potential to change education in our country to be safer and more effective. It’s time politicians listen and represent the best interest of the people.…
From Public Radio East: Teacher Vacancies Hard To Fill In ENC
Recent tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations led to big cuts in public school funding in North Carolina. When adjusted for inflation teachers in our state are making 12% less than they were in 1999-2000. Now teacher shortages are a problem around the state as teachers move away for higher pay or quit…
Rewire: Kentucky Republicans Ignore Court Decisions, Ban Common Abortion Procedure
The House of Representatives in Kentucky passed a bill forbidding abortion after 11 weeks. This will likely be met with legal challenges if it’s signed into law. Across the United States, many states are looking to restrict abortion access and reproductive rights. Ohio lawmakers introduced a total abortion ban, Mississippi now has a law that bans…
NPR: Landmark Report Concludes Abortion In U.S. Is Safe
A comprehensive report was published Friday stating what we already know — abortion care is safe. The report included all four types of abortion methods used in the United States and confirmed all types of abortion care are safe for patients. It also delved into the restrictions each state has on abortion care and how…
Rewire: Anti-Choice Clinics Claim Their Deceptive Business Practices Are Free Speech. Will Justice Kennedy Agree?
Next week the Supreme Court will hear a case that will determine whether fake clinics (or Crisis Pregnancy Centers) must disclose the fact they are anti-abortion. The crux of the case — National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra — is whether the state of California can require these clinics to say they don’t…
Phoenix New Times: Latina Activist Alejandra Pablos Jailed by ICE; ‘Retaliation’ for Protest, Group Claims
Alejandra Mijente is an abortion storyteller and activist who is being detained by ICE in Arizona. Mijente is an organizer for the National Institute for Latina Health and many believe she was targeted for detention because of her activism. The xenophobic Trump administration policies are tearing families apart and ruining lives. In honor of International Women’s Day, we need to…
NC Policy Watch: Top Democrats call on Rep. Duane Hall to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations
We must take these accusations seriously, no matter who is accused of sexual harassment. Those in power have a responsibility to wield that power responsibly. When there is a power imbalance, it creates an opportunity for sexual harassment. Our elected officials must stay hypervigilant and must treat every person they encounter with dignity. We stand with…
Charlotte Observer: NC conservative activist Flip Benham arrested for communicating threats
Flip Benham has harassed and threatened those at A Preferred Woman’s Health Center on Latrobe Drive in Charlotte day after day. He has led anti-abortion protests outside of the city on many occasions. Saturday, he threatened a clinic volunteer and was subsequently arrested. Prior to this arrest at A Preferred Woman’s Health Center he had…