Here’s what were covering this week!👇

The Leandro Decision

Last week, activist Republicans on the Supreme Court ruled against Leandro funding and left millions of NC students behind. Our state constitution is clear – students have a right to a “sound basic education” – but four activist judges ignored the plain text of the law for their own partisan ends. Now, Republicans in the legislature have a free pass to continue abandoning students and underfunding poor and rural communities. The only way forward is by electing a Supreme Court that will put North Carolinians over their partisan agenda. Make sure your network knows who Justice Anita Earls is and is ready to vote in November!

Meet The Judges

Right-wing extremist judges have taken over our state courts. They allowed Republican legislators to rig our voting maps, made it harder to vote, and prevented $677 million dollars from flowing into our public schools. We have a plan to take back the courts!

 Last year, we were able to hold onto Justice Riggs’ seat on the NC Supreme Court despite Jefferson Griffin’s corrupt attempts at holding onto power. This year, we must re-elect Justice Anita Earls and keep 3 seats on the Court of Appeals. And finally, in 2028, we have the opportunity to flip 3 seats on the Supreme Court and 5 seats on the court of appeals! 

Together, we’re going to build a stronger, more just future for North Carolina – but we need your help! Meet the statewide judicial candidates and get involved at fairjudgesnc.com. 

Diesel Prices

As Donald’s illegal and reckless war of choice with Iran, which has already claimed the lives of 13 service members and injured 290 others, wages on, working North Carolinians are struggling to afford the sticker shock at the gas pump. 

This week, diesel prices reached the highest average price ever recorded in North Carolina at $5.80 per gallon. Meanwhile, the price of gas is now $3.93 per gallon, a 44% raise since February 10th when it was $2.73. 

The President wants North Carolinians to know that when gas prices rise like this “we [oil companies] make a lot of money.” 

Reminder: North Carolinians overwhelmingly oppose the escalating conflict in Iran which is costing Americans nearly $1 billion per day.

Stop Sarah Stevens Part II

Last week, we kicked off our “Stop Sarah Stevens” series, the same week North Carolina Supreme Court officially struck down the longstanding Leandro ruling that would have required the legislature to follow the state constitution and provide every North Carolina student a sound, basic education. 

Rep. Sarah Stevens has never made clear where she stands on this case – though what is clear is that she does not prioritize our students and educators. In the General Assembly, Rep. Stevens has been part of Republican leadership that has failed to fund public education. 

She’s also supported a voucher system that gives hundreds of millions of dollars to private schools, helping subsidize the cost for even the most wealthy students, leaving public schools behind. 

As a result of Stevens’ and General Assembly Republicans leadership, here’s where North Carolina finds itself: 

• More than 7,000 classrooms have teacher vacancies.

• Receiving an F grade from the Education Law Center for our state’s low per pupil spending.

• North Carolina has fallen to 43rd in teacher pay. 1 in 10 teachers are currently leaving the profession.

Critical Needs Budget

When the General Assembly heads back to Raleigh this month, they’ve got a lot of tall talk planned, but there is only one thing that should be at the top of the pile: The Governor’s Critical Needs Budget.

The failed Republican leadership’s inability to pass a budget has left out teachers’ making less this year than they did last year!  Raleigh needs to quit stalling, pass the Governor’s request, and finally show some respect to the people shaping the next generation of North Carolinians.

Call your representative today and give them a piece of your mind! Demand they do their jobs and pass the budget. 

That’s a wrap for this week’s messaging!

Now it’s your turn! Download the graphics below, copy our captions, and get the message out! Whether you’re lighting up the group chat or sharing it on your timeline, your voice is what actually moves the needle!

See y’all on the internet!

—NCDP Digital

Click here to get this week’s graphics!

Stories To Boost:

The Charlotte Observer: Why NC school leaders won’t give up after Leandro ‘disappointment’ for kids

Sample Social Post:

The Leandro ruling proved that the current court cares more about the GOP playbook than the NC Constitution. That’s why we have a plan to take back our courts and deliver for our teachers and the future leaders of our state. http://fairjudgesnc.com

Upcoming:

Ready to Vote: Door Knocking Days of Action | April 12th Multiple Times

Join us to talk with voters to help them take the steps needed to cast a regular ballot. We’ll share information about updating voter registration, meeting photo ID requirements, and providing proof of residency when necessary.

Together, we can make sure every eligible voter is ready and able to vote successfully this November.

An Evening with Kamala Harris | April 13th 3:30 -5:30pm

Please join us in Greensboro, NC for a reception in support of the North Carolina Democratic Party with Vice President Kamala Harris

How to knock doors and use miniVAN | Multiple Days

Learn why one-on-one conversations with voters are so important, review door knocking best practices,  and see how to use our canvassing tool, miniVAN!

Become an Anytime Canvasser for Anita Earls: Field Team Justice | Multiple Days

Field Team Justice is NCDP’s network of grassroots volunteers dedicated to electing Justice Anita Earls and our Court of Appeals candidates next year.

We’re launching our Anytime/Anywhere Canvassing program—an easy, flexible way to help voters learn about our judicial candidates. We’re putting powerful tools in your hands so you can grow this movement right from your own neighborhood.