Editorial: Unity needed to resolve critical needs highlighted in Cooper's address
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 -- Gov. Roy Cooper has accurately identified needed responses to North Carolina's most pressing issues. While the specific details can be discussed and debated, state policy makers and legislators need to unite to resolve the challenges the governor highlighted in his inaugural address.
Posted — UpdatedInaugural addresses are about broad themes and ambition. The speech delivered Saturday by Gov. Roy Cooper was true to form.
Many of those themes carry a strong bloodline from governors, Democrats and Republicans. going back to Terry Sanford. They include: Strengthening the state’s infrastructure to move people and products; Fulfilling the state Constitutional mandate for universal access to quality public education; Assuring health care to those in need; Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment; and Providing a high quality of life and opportunities for all to prosper.
But now North Carolina finds itself more in the “challenge” part of that cycle. Cooper’s accurately identified needed responses. While the specific details can be discussed and debated, state policy makers and legislators need to unite on the “most important challenges” the governor highlighted.
One critical need exposed by the pandemic has been the state’s unemployment benefits. North Carolina’s benefits are among the shortest and lowest in the nation. They should be, at least, brought to the national average. More needs to be done to help workers who were suddenly thrust into unemployment make sure they can feed, house and keep their families healthy until the economy rebounds and jobs return.
Cooper offered a good admonition to accomplish, in the coming weeks, what should be mutually shared objectives and goals.
“We can acknowledge and work around our differences while refusing to sacrifice truth and facts at the altar of ideology,” he said.
“Let’s reach together: To find ways all North Carolinians can afford to see a doctor; To get a quality education and a good paying job; To reform our systems that hurt people of color and to live and work in an economy that leaves no one behind, no matter who they are or where they live.”
Now get to work and do it.
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