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'T' DAVIS STANDS FOR

Economic stability for working- & middle-class families

I support an increase in minimum wage that sustains middle-class working families. North Carolina last raised its minimum wage in 2008, when it increased from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour, the same rate as the current federal minimum wage.

 

North Carolina’s minimum wage is not enough to provide a sufficient income for most working-class people. While some opponents to raising minimum wage like to say jobs paying that rate are for young people just starting out in the workforce, I believe that argument detracts from the fact that more than just teenagers are filling minimum wage jobs — some are parents who are having to put food on the table for their families, clothe their children, care for aging parents or who are having to return to work to make ends meet in this economy.

A full-time employee working 40 hours a week at minimum wage makes $15,080 a year, well under the poverty line for a family of two. Yet, the average cost of living in North Carolina is around $44,000 annually.

Middle-class incomes range from around $44,000 to $133,00. That income is subject to a 4.75% tax right off the bat. Residents are also taxed on their houses, vehicles, the items they purchase, motor fuels, and more. Between the minimum wage and taxes, many people can no longer afford to live comfortably on a single income.

Prioritizing teachers & schools

I prioritize education through several avenues including a reduction in class size. Currently, the statewide kindergarten class size is 1 teacher to 18 students. Beginning at 4th grade, the local school administrative units have the flexibility to use allotted teacher positions to maximize student achievement. However, often because of the statewide teacher shortage, the number of students in a class may surpass what would be considered an ideal amount to provide a quality educational experience for all students.

 

I also advocate for more classified and support staff to include school bus drivers and cafeteria staff, for enhancing funding for early childhood development, and for increasing teacher pay to surpass the national average. In June 2024 North Carolina passed $67.5 million in funding for child care; however, early childhood professionals have stated that $300 million is needed to begin stabilizing the statewide child care crisis so working parents can continue to work.

At the end of last school year, the average national teacher pay was $71,699. In North Carolina, average teacher pay is just $56,559.

 

Statewide, whether private or public, schools must be held to the same standards when receiving public funding.

Defending individual rights, including the right to choose

When I joined the Army National Guard, I recited an oath to support and defend the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the state of North Carolina. I love my country, my state, the American and North Carolina flags, and I believe elected officials should not be legislating people’s individual rights. That includes women’s rights to healthcare.

 

I recognize that we live in a diverse country and state filled with citizens from different walks of life, and when politics is interjected into culture, someone is going to be left out.

 

Although I am a man of faith, I believe that politicians should not make laws based on their religious beliefs because these issues are not for political leaders to decide. This is predicated on the foundation of the US Constitution under the First Amendment.

Support for farmers, small businesses & public servants

Agriculture
Agriculture is the number one industry in the state. Local farmers contribute over $111 billion to the state’s economy, representing one-sixth of NC’s overall income. I advocate for local farming and communities working together to develop partnerships that support sustainability.

While North Carolina’s agriculture system faces some challenges that can’t be controlled, like weather, there are other factors that could be positively shifted with the right legislation. Among those factors are limiting urban development of farmland, lessening the rising costs of farming, working to secure longer term visas for workers, supporting cost-effective hydroponic and alternative methods of farming, and helping support food security in communities considered food deserts.

Small business
As a former owner of multiple small businesses, I understand that small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies. More than 99% of North Carolina’s businesses are small businesses. They represent 1.8 million employees and 45% of the state’s private sector workforce; they create jobs, fuel the local economy, and build their communities.

 

I advocate for small businesses by encouraging citizens to buy local, supporting financial assistance for startup and growth, ensuring that public policy and regulatory processes are small business friendly, and supporting state public procurement of supplies and services.

Programs such as Medicaid expansion have aided in providing healthcare to small businesses employees without added costs to the employer.

Public service providers
I believe that politics has no place in public service. Whether 911 is dialed in the case of an emergency, a firefighter responds to a call, public utilities repairs a water main break, or a child needs assistance checking out a library book, public service providers are the backbone to keeping a community safe, healthy, and vibrant. Sufficient access to services provided by fire departments, law enforcement, streets and sanitation, EMS, and recreation is vital.

 

I believe that public service providers should be compensated adequately for their time and service, with proper retirement benefits and timely adjustments made, i.e. cost of living increases, to keep pace with the changing economy. This allows constant and consistent public access to services in local communities.

Protecting the rule of law

As a career law enforcement officer working the streets of North Carolina with 30 years of creditable service, I have a deep respect for law and order. I believe that laws should be enforced, or changed if they no longer serve their purpose for society. A safe community is a thriving community.

Opportunities for youth

Seven out of eight counties in Senate District 2 have lost population. Young people are not returning to their communities after they leave home, and there is a need to create reasons and opportunities for them to return and give back.

Youth need educational, recreational, and social opportunities that encourage them to respect and value their communities in their formative years. I believe that schools should provide a quality, sound, and equitable education for youth; that local recreation departments, libraries and other youth-based organizations need to provide programming and services for youth of all ages from pre-K through teens; and that there should be funding and focus applied to workforce development, increased salaries for local business, and employment opportunities to attract the younger population.

I would like to build a future for North Carolina that leads to a strong economy and safe communities where every child has an opportunity to receive a sound educational foundation and where families can grow and flourish according to what they envision for themselves.

Natural resources

I believe that we should do what we can in North Carolina to preserve our natural resources, which are directly connected to the livelihoods of many citizens. We need to work together in our local communities and throughout the state to protect, replenish, and conserve. Our waterways should be maintained in a way so that fishing and recreational water activities occur safely. Additionally, our water ecosystems should be protected to ensure quality growth and sustainability of the plants and animals that inhabit them, thus having a positive impact on the environment and economy. Our land should be farmed and developed in ways that allow for the continuous renewal of natural resources and the protection of habitats.

Coastal Fishing

It’s time to get serious about the fishing industry in eastern NC. I know our sport fishers, fishing guides, and commercial fishers  have long been asking for their government leadership to listen to and speak up for them. I have had a lot to learn about the industry, but in each conversation I’ve had with people who just want to enjoy the life of fishing or making a living by fishing, it is clear that the representation we have in Raleigh has cut bait on the issue and has made things worse.

I thank the folks at Hyde Guides who took me out on the water and showed me firsthand what they are up against. These kinds of conversations are what will equip me to be a strong advocate in Raleigh.

As your next state senator, I will continue to listen and deepen my understanding of the importance of people who enjoy sports fishing and work in the commercial fishing industry. I will introduce and support legislation to move things in a different direction.

I support sports fishers and their right to do what they love. Fish.

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