By Peg O’Connell
As advocates, it is our duty to hold our policymakers accountable for the positions they take on the issues in which we believe. We do this by voting.
We don’t get the chance every day, but we do get that chance every 2 years. Every member of the General Assembly must run for their House or Senate seat every two years and it is during this time—election season—when we as citizens and voters can give our policymakers their final performance evaluation for their term in office.
What will we tell them this November 3?
For those of us who care deeply about creating an affordable solution for closing the health insurance coverage gap this, performance evaluation may not be a pleasant experience for some of our elected officials.
Our legislature has rebuffed numerous opportunities to enact a reasonable plan that could provide access to affordable health insurance for thousands and thousands of working North Carolinians. Not to mention the billions of dollars in our taxes that they have sent to other states to fund their Medicaid expansion programs. AUGH!
But don’t just take my word for it. The polls clearly indicate that NC voters want a solution to close the gap and the need for a plan has become even more desperate since COVID hit our state. Moreover, two-thirds of these voters say that this will be a major issue in the election.
Closing the coverage gap is not a partisan issue. It is an accountability issue. North Carolina has had two bi-partisan bills introduced that would create a North Carolina specific solution for closing the coverage gap. But they went nowhere. Until we as voters make our voices and voted clear, the people that are making our laws will not change.
We know that smart people of good will can figure this out, but it is our job as voters to find those people—regardless of party. If this issue is as important to you as it is to me, then make your election choice accordingly.