Meet Blake

Healthcare is a fundamental right that should be accessible to every individual, regardless of their income or background. We must work towards expanding access to healthcare coverage for all residents. This can be achieved through a combination of Medicaid expansion, subsidies, and state-based programs that ensure affordable insurance options for low-income individuals and families. North Carolina is already on the path of expansion and I will stand by policies that promote and solidify its growth. By closing the coverage gap, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that preventative care and early interventions are available to everyone, which ultimately reduces healthcare costs in the long run.

We need to prioritize mental health services and substance abuse treatment as integral parts of our healthcare system. By expanding access to mental health resources, increasing funding for community-based programs, and integrating mental health care into primary care settings, we can address the growing mental health crisis in our communities. Additionally, we must support evidence-based approaches to substance abuse treatment and prioritize harm reduction strategies that save lives and promote rehabilitation.

Local businesses are the backbone of our towns, which provide employment opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship and contributes to the unique character of our communities. By supporting these businesses, we will create a sustainable economic ecosystem that benefits everyone involved — which includes advocating for policies that provide tax incentives, grants, and resources to help small businesses flourish, ensuring that they have a fair chance to compete against larger corporations. Furthermore, empowering local businesses means prioritizing fair wages, worker protections and equitable labor practices. It is essential to enact policies that promote a living wage for all employees, protect workers’ rights and encourage the formation of cooperative enterprises. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably among all members of our community.

Additionally, as our cities expand, we must proactively address issues of gentrification and displacement. We will find innovative ways to preserve the cultural fabric of our towns, protecting long-standing local businesses from being priced out by larger chains and real estate speculation. This could involve implementing zoning policies that prioritize local businesses, investing in affordable housing initiatives and supporting community-led development plans.

Education is a fundamental pillar of our society, and it should be accessible to every child, regardless of their background. While embracing the idea of school choice, we also emphasize the need for responsible implementation. Our public schools play a vital role in promoting social cohesion and providing equal educational opportunities. Therefore, any approach to school choice should be accompanied by strong regulations and oversight to ensure that all schools, public or private, meet certain standards of quality and accountability. By striking a delicate balance between choice and accountability, we can create an inclusive and effective educational landscape that sets our children up for success in a diverse and evolving world. Furthermore, our schools can only be successful if our teachers are properly compensated for their immense dedication, and if our students are placed in environments that foster individual growth and learning.