The North Carolina State Constitution says that the State Legislature has an obligation to fund education for all students in the state. Providing an adequate education is the greatest responsibility of our modern state government because it is the most worthwhile investment in the future of North Carolina. 

One key piece of investing in education is raising teacher pay. The average teacher salary in NC in the 2021-2022 school year was below the national average and the average for southern states. To retain our best teachers, we must pay them a salary considerate of their hard work, experience, and degree-level. Well-paid teachers, as part of a well-paid education system, will allow all students across the state to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Housing and food are some of our most basic needs, but many in our community are having trouble affording these necessities. 

Almost half of renters in Edgecombe and Pitt Counties struggle to afford their homes. The cost of childcare in NC is as high as $10,000 for many families. Food prices have increased by 2.2% over the past year and are predicted to continue to increase. 

Even though prices have risen, for many people pay has not kept up. We must make sure that North Carolina families can continue to live safe, happy, and healthy lives without the worry of how to make ends meet. 

Eastern North Carolina has a rich history, and continued progress requires economic development to support thriving communities. As a former Mayor and City Council member, I recognize the importance of working alongside local leaders to develop flexible yet dependable economic development policies that encourage our residents to start new businesses, attract companies to relocate here, and retain and grow our existing businesses. 

We also need to strengthen our Community College system so that students have opportunities to be a part of a highly-skilled, in-demand workforce without having to leave their homes.

The current criminal justice system does not work, especially for people from poor and minority communities. I support policies that promote transparency in the criminal justice system, such as body cameras for law enforcement. We also need to reform mandatory sentencing laws at the state and federal levels so that judges can consider all the factors when making decisions that affect people for the rest of their lives. 

In addition, initiatives that reduce the barriers to employment, housing, re-entry to society for those formerly incarcerated will reduce the negative impact of the criminal justice system and provide a chance for a better life, regardless of anyone’s past.

Attacks on women’s access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), birth control, and abortion have increased dramatically. Groups of politicians and private citizens with extreme views on the personal decisions of other people should not have the right to dictate what medical interventions are offered, to whom, or how. I will always fight for women and their doctors to have control over their reproductive healthcare, not politicians.

Elected officials are accountable to their constituents above all else, but too many decisions in our state government are decided by partisanship instead of the needs of the people. The theme of my campaign is People First because I believe that my job is to put the people of District 5 first. My priorities while serving in Raleigh will always be aligned to the best interests and progress of Edgecombe and Pitt Counties.