Band-Aid Budgets, The Attack On Social Security, A City Near You

Weekly Announcments!🚨

State Fair Volunteers 🎡

Join us in representing the NC Dems at the North Carolina State Fair October 16-26th! We’re looking for volunteers to help manage our booth. If you’re interested in helping us make a difference in North Carolina, sign up now! ncdp.org/fair

Join Our Team! 📸

NCDP digital team is looking for volunteer photographers and videographers to help capture candidates content across the state. If you’re a photographer or videographer or know someone who is interested in playing a big role in electing democrats, sign up today!

New Merch Alert! 👕

Turn your closet into a campaign tool! Snag the new Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate merch and turn heads while turning out votes! https://store.ncdp.org/ Use Code: APPRECIATE for 20% off your order!

Our Digital Messages This Week 👇

Band-Aid Budgets 🩹

Y’all, instead of doing their jobs and passing a real, comprehensive budget, Republicans in the General Assembly slapped together a “Band-Aid budget” that leaves North Carolina hanging. They shorted Medicaid by more than $300 million — putting health care for over 3 million people at risk. We’re talking about critical mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and support for people with developmental disabilities.

If you’re just now hearing about this, you’re not alone. They did it all behind closed doors. No public input, no transparency — just backroom deals that put lives on the line. North Carolina deserves better than Phil Berger’s political games. We need a real budget that takes care of our communities and makes sure nobody, especially our most vulnerable, is left behind.

Here’s the real consequence North Carolina is facing:

$300M Medicaid Shortfall: The GOP budget covers only $600M of the $800M needed — a 25% cut.
On The Chopping Block: Mental health care, substance abuse programs, and support for people with developmental disabilities could be slashed.
3+ Million Impacted: That’s how many North Carolinians rely on Medicaid to stay healthy.
Done In Secret: Republicans wrote this behind closed doors with zero transparency.
Life and Death: As NC Health Secretary Dev Sangvai said, these cuts “make the difference between living well — and in some cases, life and death.”

We can’t just sit back and watch them play games with people’s health. Call your representatives and demand a budget that puts North Carolinians first!

The Attack On Social Security ft. Michael Whatley 🚩

Michael Whatley isn’t just flirting with cutting Social Security — he’s ready to gut it. His own allies, like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have admitted his plan is a backdoor to privatization, ripping away the retirement benefits 1.7 million North Carolinians have earned. That means less security for working families and a massive tax jackpot for billionaires.

It’s the same playbook that’s already put four Social Security offices in North Carolina at risk of closing, forcing people to travel farther and wait longer just to access what they’re owed. Make no mistake — if Whatley gets his way, Wall Street wins and North Carolina retirees lose.

Here’s what you need to know:

1.7 million North Carolinians rely on Social Security, and Whatley’s plan aims to eliminate it.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has admitted that Whatley’s plan is a backdoor to privatization.
Whatley’s “huge win” is the provision of tax breaks for billionaires and cuts for working families.
Under the leadership of the GOP and Elon Musk, four NC Social Security offices have already been closed.
Roy Cooper will safeguard benefits and ensure the continued strength of Social Security.

We must elect Roy Cooper to the U.S. Senate to keep Whatley’s dangerous ideals out of North Carolina and protect the benefits you’ve earned. Social Security is your money, your future — not Whatley’s to gamble away.

Early Voting Guide 🗳️

Early voting is how working parents, hourly workers, and busy folks fit voting into their lives. Last year, more than half of all votes were cast before Election Day, making early voting one of the most important tools we have to make sure every voice is heard.

Right now, county boards of elections are finalizing their early voting site plans for the 2025 municipal elections. With Republicans now in control of many boards, some decisions could make it harder for people to vote. This isn’t just frustrating — it’s a warning sign for what’s to come in 2026.

So, how can we make sure these sites serve everyone? Plans must be voted on in a public meeting, and while public comment isn’t required, it can often be requested — making your advocacy even more important. If your board is proposing fewer locations, try to get them to explain why on the record. Early voting is how we make our democracy work for everyone, and speaking up now can help ensure every North Carolinian has a fair shot to cast their ballot.

A City Near You 🪖

Donald Trump’s recent authoritarian move to militarize the streets of Washington, D.C. is a blueprint for what could soon come to a city near you. His chilling threats to “take over” Democratic-led cities are a direct attack on democracy, using fear and force to intimidate elected leaders and everyday Americans.

Trump’s lawless tactics have already suppressed voters, silenced dissent, and chipped away at the institutions that protect our democracy. Yet many Republicans in Congress remain silent, unwilling to stand up to this dangerous assault.

The power to stop this lies with voters like you and me. In 2026, we must elect Democrats with the courage to push back, defend the rule of law, and protect the rights of every American.

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

We encourage you to take the content from this week’s package and share it across your socials. Remember, your digital voice has the power to start a movement!

See y’all on the internet!

—NCDP Digital