As 2026 gets underway, North Carolina lawmakers have returned to session without a finalized state budget. North Carolina is currently the last state in the country operating without one.

The ongoing delay has created uncertainty across multiple systems, including education, health care and higher education, with impacts already being felt by workers and families statewide.

What the budget delay means for North Carolinians

Without a state budget in place, funding decisions remain stalled, affecting essential services and public employees.

Educators remain in limbo regarding pay increases that were proposed in both the House and Senate versions of last year’s budget. With no final agreement, raises have not been implemented, prompting growing concern about retention as some educators consider leaving the profession due to financial instability.

Major health care projects are also at a standstill. Plans for a new children’s hospital have not moved forward despite an ongoing provider shortage in North Carolina and across the country. Delays in capital funding limit the state’s ability to expand access to care.

Institutions within the UNC System are operating under outdated funding levels that do not reflect current enrollment growth. The mismatch between student population increases and available funding has delayed staff raises and expansion projects needed to support students.

The lack of a state budget, combined with federal Medicaid cuts, has raised additional concerns about the stability of North Carolina’s health care coverage system. Together, these factors increase the risk of coverage gaps and reduced access to services.

Budget action unlikely before spring

While calls for a finalized budget persist, lawmakers are not expected to resume negotiations until April. That timeline leaves many North Carolinians facing continued uncertainty for at least another quarter.

Primary elections offer opportunity for voter engagement

In the meantime, North Carolinians have an opportunity to participate in the state’s upcoming primary elections.

Primary Election Day is March 3, with early voting beginning Feb. 12. Voters are encouraged to check their registration status, confirm polling locations and make a plan to vote.

Election information and voting resources are available at SafeVoterNC.org.

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

Editor’s Note (Dec. 18): We are resurfacing this article as Congress faces another pivotal moment on healthcare affordability. On Dec. 17, a bipartisan group of House members took the rare step of challenging their own leadership by supporting a procedural move that would force a vote on extending enhanced health insurance subsidies first expanded during the pandemic. These subsidies help keep monthly premiums affordable for millions of people who rely on coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

This development comes as House leadership advanced legislation that leaves those subsidies untouched — despite warnings that their expiration at the end of the year could result in sharp premium increases. As lawmakers prepare to return in January, the future of affordable healthcare remains uncertain, and the consequences will be felt most by working families already struggling with rising costs.

Recently, lawmakers reached a tentative agreement, a 328-page document that temporarily extends funding into the new year. This deal will replenish SNAP benefits and ensure back pay for federal employees. But it’s far from a full solution.

The most critical unresolved issue remains healthcare affordability. As part of this temporary agreement, Congress has made a “handshake promise” to revisit the extension of healthcare subsidies in December, a major sticking point for Democrats who have pushed to prevent devastating premium hikes.

Without these subsidies, the consequences are staggering. A family of four currently paying around $500 to $600 per month for healthcare could see that cost soar to over $2,100 a month in 2026. These skyrocketing premiums stem from a decade of cuts to the healthcare system — cuts driven mainly by the Republican majority in Congress.

Today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives could reopen the government and bring temporary relief to millions, but the fight for healthcare justice is far from over.

That’s why we’re urging you to contact your House representative and tell them to hold the line for affordable healthcare. Your voice can help ensure that working families don’t shoulder the burden of political gridlock.

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Black maternal health is more than a statistic — it’s a call to action for mothers, daughters and communities fighting to be seen, heard and cared for. With potential government shutdowns threatening critical programs, the conversation around Black maternal health has never been more urgent.

North Carolina state Sen. Natalie Murdock, who represents Durham and Chatham counties and has championed maternal health legislation since entering the General Assembly, emphasized a stark reality: even in areas with world-class hospitals, access remains a defining barrier.

“We have access to Duke Hospital, Rex, UNC, WakeMed — some of the best health care providers in the world,” Murdock said. “But if you cannot get access to them, that is an issue we’re seeing with communities of color, especially Black women.”

Progress through policy

North Carolina made significant strides through Medicaid expansion, extending postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months — a critical window for addressing complications and ongoing health needs. The change followed advocacy from leaders like Murdock, who shared data showing the life-saving benefits of extended care.

She also cited the “Save More Ta-Ta’s” legislation, filed by the state Senate minority leader Sydney Batch and breast cancer survivor. The bill addresses a gap affecting women of color with dense breast tissue, who often need additional screenings not covered by insurance. Early detection remains key, yet cost barriers continue to block access.

Beyond genetics: systemic inequities

Karida Giddings, access to health care coordinator for North Carolina Black Alliance, offered perspective on the systemic causes of health disparities.

“We’re looking beyond just the genetics,” Giddings said. “We’re looking at the systems built around us that are really creating the root causes of the disparities we see.”

Those systems include limited access to healthy foods, a shortage of culturally competent providers, and health professionals who fail to listen to Black women’s concerns — leaving many communities to fall through the cracks. Data shows that in some states, Black women die at rates three to four times higher than white women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Community-based solutions

Both Murdock and Giddings underscored the critical role of community-based organizations in closing care gaps. Groups such as MAAME and Equity Before Birth have stepped in to provide doula support, blood pressure monitoring and postpartum follow-up care.

These organizations saw increased funding following the social justice reckoning after George Floyd’s death, and North Carolina funded two such groups with state dollars for the first time. Yet, that progress remains fragile.

The federal threat

With Medicaid rollbacks and government shutdown threats on the horizon, uncertainty looms. The anti-diversity, equity and inclusion backlash has already resulted in multimillion-dollar research grants being withdrawn, including one from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Murdock warned that without reliable data, it becomes difficult to justify grant applications or target interventions effectively. Meanwhile, rural hospital closures add another layer of risk. The potential loss of Siler City Hospital, for instance, could turn a 15-minute drive to deliver a baby into an hour-long journey — a potentially deadly delay.

Resilience and resistance

Despite the challenges, both Murdock and Giddings expressed confidence in the resilience of Black communities.

“Black people as a whole will do what we have to do to survive,” Murdock said.

Giddings added:

“When you asked me what it looks like, it looks like Black women doing what they’ve always done — leading, organizing and building bridges, standing in the gaps in ways that our system has yet to really do.”

The bottom line

The state’s maternal health crisis serves as a stress test for the systems communities have built to protect themselves. While the political climate presents challenges, advocates, legislators and grassroots leaders continue to lay a foundation for progress.

“We are resilient people,” Murdock said. “When we weather this political storm of violence that is self-inflicted, I do think we’ll come out better on the other side.”

Black maternal health is not just a health issue — it’s a justice issue, a community issue, and a reflection of our values as a society.

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

If someone had told you that a 900-page political playbook could be halfway implemented in just eight months, would you believe it? While much of the world has been distracted by chaos and headlines, Project 2025 has quietly become the real playbook shaping our government and our future.

On this Advance Notice episode, we sat down with Dawn Blagrove, executive director of Emancipate North Carolina, to break down what’s happening, what it means for our communities, and what we can do about it.

A rapid implementation

Less than a year into the Trump administration’s second term, roughly 50% of Project 2025 has already been implemented or is on its way. Even for those who predicted an aggressive agenda, the speed and scope have taken many by surprise.

Dawn Blagrove notes that this may be the biggest strategic miscalculation in modern Democratic politics — failing to take Project 2025 and Trump’s determination seriously enough. The consequences of that miscalculation, she warns, could reverberate for generations.

Direct impacts on communities

So far, the impacts are hitting Black, brown, and working-class communities the hardest:

• Education – The elimination of the Department of Education and defunding of public schools.
• Safety Nets – Severe cuts to programs like SNAP and housing vouchers.
• Policing – Deployment of the military into predominantly Black cities under the guise of fighting crime.

Blagrove emphasizes that this is more than just policy shifts — it’s a direct assault on vulnerable communities, desensitizing the public to militarized cities and widening systemic inequities.

A return to community roots

In response, she calls for a return to community-based solutions:

• Local fundraising for schools and children’s needs.
• Collective efforts to provide food, books and shelter where the government withdraws support.
• A renewed focus on self-reliance and mutual aid, echoing strategies Black communities used before desegregation.

What’s at stake for North Carolina

Looking ahead, Blagrove warns of a complete loss of democracy in the state if Project 2025 continues unchecked:

• Defunding of public schools and whitewashing of curricula.
• Suppression of Black leadership and representation.
• A rollback to policies reminiscent of Jim Crow.

She also highlights how North Carolina has become a testing ground for GOP policies, from book bans to school vouchers, often mirroring federal-level strategies.

The call to action

Blagrove’s message is clear: vote — at every level. Local, municipal, judicial, statewide and federal elections all matter. With gerrymandered districts limiting representation in the General Assembly, statewide elections—such as the 2026 NC Supreme Court race — are critical opportunities for change.

For more information about municipal elections, visit SafeVoterNC.org.

As Blagrove reminds us, “Every time the ballot box is open, you should be casting a vote.”

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

As the North Carolina legislative session rolls on, veto override votes have taken center stage, and Advance Carolina is here to keep OUR community informed on what’s happening and why it matters.

This week, a slate of controversial bills was overridden by the General Assembly, despite Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes. Among them were:

• House Bill 549 – Clarify Powers of the State Auditor
• House Bill 318 – Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act
• Senate Bill 266 – The Power Reduction Act
• House Bill 805 – Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Women

These bills, many with misleading titles, have raised concern among our network and advocacy partners. While they may sound reasonable on the surface, a closer look reveals harmful consequences, especially for marginalized communities. We strongly encourage readers to review the full bill texts and explore our partner resources to understand the deeper implications.

It is also important to note that three Democratic lawmakers crossed party lines to help pass these veto overrides:

• Rep. Carla Cunningham (Mecklenburg County)
• Rep. Nasif Majeed (Mecklenburg County)
• Rep. Shelley Willingham (Edgecombe, Martin, and Bertie Counties)

Their votes were instrumental in helping these measures become law.

Still Holding: DEI, Public Safety, and Border Bills

Fortunately, several bills that Advance Carolina and the NC Black and Brown Policy Network have been tracking since the beginning of the session have not yet been overridden. Governor Stein’s vetoes on these remain intact:

• Senate Bill 50 – Freedom to Carry Act
• Senate Bill 227 – Ban on DEI in public K–12 education
• Senate Bill 558 – Ban on DEI in higher education
• House Bill 171 – Ban on DEI in state agencies
• SB 153 – NC Border Protection Act

These bills are still under consideration and may return when the legislature reconvenes, potentially in August. Advance Carolina remains committed to opposing these bills and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

Fortunately, Governor Josh Stein vetoed these dangerous bills. But that’s not the end—we must act now to sustain those vetoes and prevent these harmful policies from becoming law.

The Bills We’re Watching

Anti-DEI Legislation

• HB 171 – Prohibits DEI in state agencies
• SB 227 – Eliminates DEI in public K–12 education
• SB 558 – Eliminates DEI in higher education

These bills undermine inclusive workplaces and educational spaces, harming students, workers, and future generations across North Carolina.

Anti-Immigrant Legislation

• SB 153 – NC Border Protection Act
• HB 318 – Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act

These bills mandate cooperation with ICE and add unnecessary verification measures. The result? Increased fear in immigrant communities and more families torn apart.

Environmental Rollback

• SB 266 – The Power Reduction Act

Don’t let the name fool you. This bill weakens NC’s carbon reduction goals, raises utility costs for families, and worsens air quality by expanding fossil fuel reliance.

Each of these bills would have a negative impact on our workforce, public health, civil rights, and the economy. They are part of a broader effort to roll back progress under the guise of “efficiency” or “protection.” These are not just policy shifts—they are power grabs.

But we still have the power to act by making our voices heard and standing together to sustain these vetoes. You can start by joining us in person at the Sustain the Veto Rally on Monday, July 21, at 5 PM at Freedom Park in Raleigh, NC. You can also contact your legislators directly. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of your voice online. Share, like, and repost this message using #SustainTheVeto to help spread awareness. Every action counts.

This legislative session has been nonstop, and Advance Carolina has been in the mix. From attending the 19th Annual NC Black Summit hosted by our sister organization, North Carolina Black Alliance, where over 400 elected officials and community leaders from across the state gathered to discuss solutions that work for us, to organizing a powerful NC Black and Brown Policy Network Advocacy Day, and participating in Divine 9 Legislative Day, where Black Greek-letter organizations engaged directly with lawmakers—we’ve been closer to the people and closer to the process.

But today, we need to pause and talk about something just as important: the latest Senate and House budget proposals.

HUB Office on the Chopping Block

Both the Senate and House budgets propose eliminating the HUB Office, which stands for Historically Underutilized Businesses. This office is essential for creating equitable access to state contracts for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Why the HUB Office Matters:

• For every $1 invested in the HUB program, North Carolina sees $4.70 in economic impact
• The program has generated over $200 million in new tax revenue
• These businesses support job creation, economic growth, and community resilience, particularly in underserved areas

Eliminating the HUB Office would hinder equity, shrink the state’s contractor pool, threaten infrastructure development, and risk encouraging companies to divest from North Carolina. This move would be a devastating blow to small business ecosystems statewide.

A $10 million cut to Diversity, equity and Inclusion

The House budget also calls for a $10 million cut to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, continuing a pattern of legislative attacks seen in HB 171, SB 227, and SB 558.

These programs are designed to ensure fair access and representation for marginalized communities. Cutting DEI funding is not just a policy shift—it’s a rollback of civil rights protections and decades of progress.

What’s missing from both budgets?

While the House proposal edges out the Senate’s version in a few areas—such as teacher pay and by rejecting the Senate’s most harmful tax policies—neither proposal goes far enough.

Key priorities still underfunded or overlooked:

• Affordable housing
• Accessible healthcare
• Fully funded public education
• Clean energy investments
• Properly funded elections

The current proposals fall short of addressing the real needs of North Carolina’s communities, particularly Black and Brown residents who continue to bear the brunt of underinvestment and exclusion.

What’s Next?

This is just the start of the conversation. The state budget is vast, and Advance Carolina is committed to breaking it down in meaningful ways for the people most affected, OUR communities.

Stay tuned for part two of our budget breakdown, where we’ll be joined by special guests to further explore what these proposals mean for Black and Brown North Carolinians.

Resources

• N.C. House Budget
• N.C. Senate Budget
• Governor Stein’s Recommended Budget

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

In recent weeks, state and federal policymakers have introduced legislation that could have far-reaching consequences for democracy, voting rights and legal oversight in North Carolina. Among the most concerning bills are SB 58 and HB 72, which seek to restrict the Attorney General’s authority, and the federal SAVE Act, which would impose strict voter registration requirements. 

SB 58 and HB 72: Restricting the Attorney General’s Authority

SB 58 and HB 72, titled the AG Restrict Challenge to Presidential Executive Orders Bill. This bill expands the legal proceedings in which the Attorney General is barred from participating under GS 114-2.8, including challenges that would invalidate an executive order issued by the President of the United States. Additionally, it broadens the scope of restrictions beyond foreign litigation, limiting state legal actions against federal policies.

This legislation appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to a multi-state lawsuit that North Carolina, along with 22 other states, has joined to challenge the current administration’s executive orders. These orders address critical issues such as birthright citizenship, funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and federal funding freezes for states. SB 58 and HB 72 undermine North Carolina’s ability to advocate for its residents by stripping the Attorney General’s ability to contest such federal actions. Both bills are currently under review in their respective rules committees.

The SAVE Act: A Modern-Day Poll Tax

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act at the federal level introduces stringent new voter registration requirements. The SAVE Act would require voters to present a birth certificate or U.S. passport to prove their citizenship when registering (or re-registering) to vote in federal elections. While the bill technically applies only to federal elections, it would allow North Carolina lawmakers to enact a similar law for state elections. 

This legislation is particularly concerning because it imposes financial barriers that disproportionately impact Black voters and other voters of color. For many individuals, obtaining the required documents presents a significant cost burden—new passports cost $165, and ordering a birth certificate can cost up to $60. Additionally, the SAVE Act will upend voter registration drives and prevent voter registration online or by mail, as individuals must show proof of citizenship documentation in person. This change would create an unnecessary administrative burden for already underfunded and overwhelmed election officials.

How You Can Take Action

While these legislative developments are alarming, there are immediate steps you can take to fight back:

• Oppose SB 58 and HB 72: Call State Senator Settle and House Representative Kidwell and demand that they allow the Attorney General to do the job they were elected to do rather than unjustly stripping power from state offices.
• Fight the SAVE Act: Contact members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and urge them to vote NO on the SAVE Act. Our partners at Democracy NC have made it easy to take action with just a few clicks. Find the link to the call-to-action in the description.
• Stay informed: As these bills progress, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky for the latest updates on policy developments.

Resources

• SB 58/HB 72: Read more here
• SAVE Act Action Alert: Take action here

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.

In recent days, many of you have seen or heard about the new administration’s slate of executive orders. While several of these orders warrant close attention, we’re focusing on those with the most significant implications for climate and the environment: the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement

One of the most concerning orders seeks to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision would place the U.S. among a small group of nations—alongside Iran, Yemen, and Libya—that remain outside this global pact. The agreement is designed to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.

If this order proceeds, it will mean abandoning the ambitious goal of reducing toxic emissions by 66% by 2025. Additionally, it will halt promised payments to under-resourced countries, funds that were critical for helping these nations transition to clean energy solutions. However, it’s important to note that this move will not affect the U.S.’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Misleading Messaging: The “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order

Another key executive order, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” may sound promising, but its implications tell a different story. This order instructs agency heads to halt the disbursement of funds allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The IRA, passed under the previous administration, was a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at investing in clean energy projects and addressing climate-related challenges, particularly in Black, Brown, and low-income communities through the Justice40 initiative. Under the new order, agencies must submit spending reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the National Economic Council, aligning their disbursements with the new administration’s vision for energy policy.

Declaring an Energy Emergency

The new administration has also declared a national energy emergency. While this may sound urgent and necessary, it’s being used as a pathway to bypass permitting and approval processes. This declaration could fast-track fossil fuel production projects while excluding cleaner energy sources, further solidifying reliance on nonrenewable resources.

What You Can Do

These are just a few of the executive orders that demand our attention. We encourage you to review the complete list of executive orders to understand their full scope and implications.

It’s also worth noting that several of these orders will likely face legal challenges, which could alter their implementation and impact. We will continue to monitor the viability and consequences of these actions because these decisions affect not only the present but also the environmental future of our communities and our planet.

Climate and Environment Resources

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on environmental justice for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.