Urge Lawmakers to Take Immediate Action to Fund Medicaid, the Healthy Opportunities Program, and Public Schools as Harmful Cuts Loom 

Raleigh, NC (September 19, 2025) — Join us for a press event Monday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Carolina General Assembly (116 W. Jones Street, Raleigh) to urge NC legislators to “Love NC and Fund NC” and focus on passing a state budget that prioritizes funding for people’s well-being rather than fueling policies that further divide us.

Impacted individuals will share stories about the value of Medicaid and the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) Program, and how a strong public education system will help all North Carolinians thrive.

Patrick, a Wake County resident who relies on Medicaid for healthcare, will be speaking at the event on Monday.

“Medicaid has been a massive and necessary part of my medical journey from the very beginning; without all of the services it provides, North Carolinians like myself will lose access to treatments, medications, and appointments we need to manage chronic, life-threatening medical conditions. We are asking our lawmakers to fully fund this lifesaving program.”

Fully funding Medicaid, HOP, and public education will strengthen North Carolina; improve access to food, housing, transportation, and mental health services; bolster rural hospitals and public schools; and improve the lives of people across our state.

Speakers include: 

• Heba Atwa, Director of Legislative Advocacy and Campaigns, NC Budget and Tax Center
• Rebecca Cerese, Senior Health Policy Advocate, NC Justice Center
• Patrick Dunnagan, Wake County Resident
• Betsy MacMichael, Durham mother of adult daughter on the Innovation Waiver Program
• Hasani Mitchell, Democracy and Economy Coordinator, NC Black Alliance
• Attorney Yolanda Taylor, NC Black and Brown Policy Network

This event is hosted by the NC Justice Center, NC Black Alliance, NC Black and Brown Policy Network, and NC Budget and Tax Center.