Democrats Are Crafting Impactful Legislation, Republicans Aren’t Listening
If you spend too much time scrolling through news apps like I do, you’ve probably read about the legislative proposals coming from Republicans in the NC General Assembly. Shortening the early voting period, eliminating concealed carry permits, underfunding disaster recovery efforts— it’s an upsetting list.
But amidst the stream of legislative proposals are also some progressive gems– legislation proposed by Democrats who are still trying to support working class families, rural communities, and the environment. These bills don’t get as much attention, but they provide us with an idea of how Democrats are crafting a countervision for North Carolina.
Let’s take a break from digging through the hard-right legislative dumpster fire and look at just a few of the bills that NCGA Democrats have introduced this year.
Tax Relief for Working Families Act
North Carolina used to offer its own Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as a supplement to the federal EITC. The EITC has been deeply impactful for working class families. In 2018 alone, the EITC lifted about 5.6 million people out of poverty, including 3 million children.
Democratic legislators proposed a bill that would reinstate the supplement at 20% of the federal EITC. In North Carolina, roughly 800,000 people benefit from the EITC, with the average credit being just a little over $2,800. Under this proposed bill, the average North Carolinian who qualifies for the federal EITC would see an additional $560 on their tax refund.
One-third of food produced in the US depends on pollination by honeybees, making them an essential link in the food supply chain. Despite their importance, annual colony losses have increased from 10-15% to 30-50% over the last 20 years– partly due to the use of pesticides.
This legislation would restrict the use of one particularly harmful pesticide and encourage conducting risk assessments on others– a move that would protect our environment, economy, and food supply.
Inclusionary Zoning/Workforce Housing Funds
We’re in an affordable housing crisis. 48% of North Carolina renters have difficulty affording their rent. There are 326,000 extremely low-income households in NC, but only 130,000 affordable rental homes for them. And the crisis is trending in the wrong direction– the median home price in NC has increased by roughly $170,000 over the past 5 years.
This legislation would appropriate funds for workforce housing loans, making it easier for housing developers to build more affordable units. It would also allow local governments to adopt inclusionary zoning regulations which would require developers to set aside space for affordable units and encourage the development of mixed-income communities.
– – – – – – – – – –
These bills likely won’t come up for a vote this session, but it’s okay for us to dream a bit. In fact, it’s necessary. Many are curious about the world post-MAGA, and they’ll be actively looking for alternatives over the next couple years.
We have a lot to fight against right now, but we have even more to fight for. We need to continue holding onto this vision for a better future so that when the day comes, we’ll be ready to make it a reality.
