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To the editor:

Covid-19 has exposed the inadequacies of our society and economy. All across North Carolina and here in Davie County we’re seeing our families, friends and neighbors go without proper health care, jobs, and sufficient unemployment benefits. North Carolina ranks among the lowest in the nation in both dollar amount and duration of unemployment benefits. It is one of only 12 states that have not adopted Medicaid Expansion even though 90% of the costs would be covered by federal funds. More than 400,000 residents would benefit. We’re seeing our public schools come up short in their tireless efforts to provide quality education for all. Our public schools received an “F” in per pupil public school funding in a recent 50-state assessment.

It’s time to invest in North Carolina. It’s time to send legislators to Raleigh who’ll put aside partisan politics and listen to the needs of our state. We can’t afford to be short-sighted any longer; we must begin investing now. Affordable and accessible healthcare, education, living wages, and job training are investments necessary to support our families, friends and neighbors. These investments will bring jobs and economic growth to our state.

Readers should check out Terri LeGrand on her website (www.TerriLeGrand.org). I Know Terri and I know she’ll work tirelessly for NC, District 31, your families, your friends, neighbors, and for you.

Martha Apple

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