For the second time this election season, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein was the guest of the Brunswick County Democratic Party on Aug. 22.
He was met by more than 300 avid supporters who arrived early to meet the candidate at Leland’s Brunswick Beer and Cider restaurant. “Brunswick County, 10 a.m., you all are happy to show up,” Stein declared.
During his talk, Stein laid out his positions on giving all North Carolinians “a fair shot at prosperity.” If elected, he said he would tackle the high cost of housing, push for an increase in the minimum wage, reduce taxes for working families and stimulate local economies. He endorsed the expansion of technical education for students in high school who choose not to enroll in college. “College is right for many people,” he said. “But it’s not right for everyone, and someone shouldn’t have to go to college to provide for his or her family.”
Education is high on Stein’s list of priorities. He favors an expansion of meals for students, offering all kids free breakfast and lunch. “Kids don’t learn when they’re hungry,” he said. Stein also favors giving teachers “a real pay raise.”
Stein praised Governor Roy Cooper’s successful effort to expand Medicaid in North Carolina, a long-time campaign that so far has brought affordable health care to more than 500,000 residents. Stein said if elected, he will veto any bill that restricts any further the already limited right of women to reproductive freedom. He also pointed to his work as attorney general to fight opioid addiction and sexual assault.
Above all, Stein said the people of North Carolina are worth fighting for. He noted that while his campaign is “forward, positive and welcoming,” his opponent embraces “division, violence and hate.” He said “Freedom is worth fighting for, and our freedoms are on the line this November. The stakes could not be higher, and the choices could not be clearer.”
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