Issue Position: Some of the Things We Should Be Doing:

Issue Position

Placing the highest priority on funding public education. It is clear from the recent reports by WestEd and the Governor's Commission on a Sound Basic Education, and supported by Consent Orders related to the Leandro case, we must do much more. I will continue to fight for fully funding our public schools and the professional educators and support staff who hold in their hands the future of our children -- and therefore, the future of our state.

Closing the healthcare coverage gap and addressing the exploding costs of healthcare. We should expand Medicaid -- good for our economy, our rural hospitals, as well as those who desperately need health insurance. I believe affordable healthcare is a right, not a privilege.Millions of NC tax dollars are going each year to support Medicaid Expansion in 39 other states while half a million people in our state are without health insurance.

Adjusting our tax structure to assist working families. We are on an unsustainable financial path with an unfair tax system that favors the wealthy and large corporations, while working families are paying the price as they struggle to make ends meet. With the current tax structure, we will not be able to provide even basic services and programs to our citizens as the state continues to grow rapidly.

Advancing public policies that provide technical training and post-secondary education for the jobs of the future, accessible and affordable housing for everyone, equality and equity, and the protection of our environment. We are at a critical tipping point in ensuring that ALL of the people of NC have opportunities to live safely and sustainably, work productively, and succeed in our great state.

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