One week after the government shutdown [Oct. 1- Oct. 17] was lifted, North Carolina still has a bitter taste in its mouth.
Because of bickering politicians at the nation’s capital, millions of federal employees were forced into furlough, meaning workers were told not to come to work and would not be paid for their time off. Though people nationwide have been slammed by Congress’ inability to properly serve their constituents, North Carolina was the hardest hit state by far.
On Oct. 15, Reuters reported that the Tar Heel State was the only state to stop its welfare program during the shutdown. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services instructed offices not to process applications for November benefits until the shutdown ended.
So where is Gov. Pat McCrory? I’m glad you asked.
Perhaps in an effort to save face, the controversial governor provided seven food banks with $750,000. However, North Carolina is no stranger to issuing food stamps late, leading to swarms of people lined up at these marginally supplied food pantries.
When the faulty food stamp database will be fixed is yet to be seen, but I hope it won’t take another shutdown for citizens to speak out.
According to his website, McCrory now backs the Affordable Care Act, which makes preventive healthcare less expensive and more accessible and prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition. Maybe his stance changed after receiving backlash to not expand Medicaid of North Carolinians.
Had he remained unchanged, McCrory would have blocked preventive treatments such as birth control, mammograms and cervical exams. But now, people with history of illnesses such as breast cancer will be able to afford health insurance.
This July, McCrory signed an anti-abortion bill that will eliminate abortion coverage for public employees and place more restrictions on abortion clinics.
Lawsuits from the North Carolina NAACP, ACLU and the U.S. Department of Justice have been filed after McCrory signed the discriminatory voter ID law in August. While supporters of the law say it will reduce voter fraud, Attorney General Eric Holder is not letting McCrory out of his sight.
McCrory’s platform is frightening to say the least. We are a threat to his platform. WSSU, keep abreast of McCrory and his hasty decisions.