Here’s what were covering this week!👇

Pay Our Teachers More

House Democrats have recently unveiled legislation to lower child care costs for families and increase teacher pay in North Carolina. The bills focus on helping parents stay in the workforce by expanding access to affordable child care and investing in early childhood education programs, while also addressing teacher shortages through higher pay and stronger support for educators. Democrats believe that investing in schools, teachers and child care is critical to strengthening our state’s economy, supporting families, and improving long-term outcomes for children. 

The Attack On Voting Rights:

Just as we thought things couldn’t get any worse, it did.

The recent Supreme Court ruling effectively gutted key protections of the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal political participation by narrowing how courts evaluate race‑based vote dilution. Its immediate consequence: states can redraw congressional maps that break apart Black voting communities, turning majority-Black districts into several whiter, safer Republican seats and diluting Black political power. In North Carolina, we’ve seen this playbook before.

But now nationwide the decision revives an “impact” posture that makes it much harder to prove Section 2 or equal‑protection claims based on the practical effects of maps on Black voters—so discriminatory outcomes that once could be challenged are now harder to prove.  

Here’s what we can do now:

We need to push Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to restore meaningful federal protections.

Call to action: reach out to Republican Legislators and demand they act now to save our voting rights, people have fought too long and too hard to see them slip away in 2026. They deserve more! 

Fighting for Fair Maps:

Last Friday, the Virginia Supreme Court invalidated an election — rejecting the will of millions of voters who cast ballots to redraw their maps and protect fair elections. It came a day after Tennessee Republicans passed a new congressional map that breaks up Memphis — a majority-Black city — into three districts, diluting the power of voters of color.

Despite public opposition to redistricting, Republicans are forging ahead after the Supreme Court effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act with their decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

• Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey announced plans to break up the last district represented by Democrats in order to dilute the voting power of Black residents.
• Election officials in Louisiana delayed their congressional primaries to redraw the map in favor of Republicans. 
• In Florida, Ron DeSantis’ redrawn congressional map intentionally violated Florida’s constitution and the Fair Districts Amendment in anticipation of the Callais ruling.

Democrats are not backing down. We’re fighting tooth and nail to contest every election and make sure that all Americans’ voices are heard in November and in every election that follows.

National Police Week

This National Police Week, Governor Stein is leading the way with a budget that supports the people on the front lines.  This isn’t just a pat on the back, it’s a plan to put money where our mouth is. We’re talking long-overdue pay raises for state law enforcement, troopers, and correctional officers, plus recruitment bonuses to finally tackle the understaffing that’s been stretching our departments thin.

And it’s not just about the paycheck. The Governor’s plan also expands mental health support for our first responders and National Guard—because protecting those who protect us means looking out for their well-being, too.

Raleigh Republicans claim to support law enforcement, yet continue to stall a budget for 300+ days that actually funds them. It’s time for the General Assembly to quit the political posturing and pass a budget that honors our officers’ service with action.

Contact your representatives today and tell them to pass a budget that honors our officers and keeps North Carolina safe!

Wall Street Whatley

As Duke Energy “exceeded analysts’ expectations” reporting “$1.58 billion in profits,” their shareholders – including DC insider and former Duke Energy lobbyist Michael Whatley – are profiting as North Carolina families see their energy bills skyrocket.

As Duke Energy threatens further rate hikes that would make North Carolina families pay more, Whatley would see “boost[ed] profits” from the up to $445,000 he holds in Duke Energy stock. Whatley has remained silent on the rate hike – which is unsurprising given his history pushing policies that benefit his bank account.  

This all comes as Whatley is in the spotlight for spending more than a decade lobbying for utility companies, including Duke Energy, as they raised rates on North Carolina families. Whatley “la[id] the groundwork” for Duke’s record rate hikes “and other Duke-friendly legislation.” 

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:

NC Newsline: NC residents to go hungry, counties to pay more for SNAP under federal changes

Sample Social Post:

“If budget cuts are needed, I don’t know why we’re starting at the dinner plate” – Nourish Up CEO Tina Postel

Upcoming:

Unite for Justice

Candidate Support Office Hours | Tuesdays 12-1pm

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.