NORTH CAROLINA & JUSTICE POLICYuPROGRESS CENTER uRecession Drags on for Some Spring 2011 uIssue NC Communities Highlights As the Triangle rebounds, other areas struggle to recover from years of job losses The Critical Role of Child- Jerontric Green was one of them. An found the occasional, short‐term By Julia Hawes, NC Justice care Subsidies electrician by trade, Green was contract job with the help of Center Communications Specialist working for a private trucking company Opportunity Industrialization Center, PAGE 2 in early 2010 when the company tried Inc. (OIC), a nonprofit in Rocky IT WAS NEARLY 12 YEARS ago that to cut costs by laying off its newest Mount, working in warehouses or A Tax Increase on Hurricane Floyd swept across North employees, including Green. driving transit buses. But even those Working Families Carolina, leaving flooded towns, “I can’t make anybody hire me,” jobs seem to have dried up. destroyed homes and crop damage in Green, 33, said. Green, who’s unmarried, has three PAGE 5 its wake. Rocky Mount, NC suffered Green hasn’t worked in a regular, sons, ages 3, 2 and 4 months, and has some of the most severe devastation, steady job for nearly three years. He been staying with a relative in NC’s Best Educational with more than 20 percent Tarboro, about a 20‐minute Investment of the city estimated to be drive from Rocky Mount. As under water by the time his children get older, the PAGE 6 Floyd finished its watery pressure will only increase tantrum. to find work to support his The Charter School Battle It seemed like family. PAGE 7 communities were just “I’m focused on finding beginning to move on from work, period, no matter The Legislative Assault the storm when a new type what it is,” Green said. “I on Public Schools of devastation touched have three children. I’m not down in Edgecombe picky.” PAGE 8 County. The Great Green has lived in Recession left thousands of Edgecombe County for The Effort to Undermine individuals hunting for more than 10 years and Health Reform work so they could support doesn’t plan to leave the their families and remain in area, but Rocky Mount’s PAGE 9

the cities they called home. Julia Howe by Photo dearth of employment (continued on page 3) An Immigrant Finds Asylum in North Carolina uHow North Carolina Can Create Jobs PAGE 10 Expanding successful job‐creation programs could put thousands back to work The Unexamined $5 Billion Program By Alexandra Forter Sirota, Director of the NC Justice Public investments can support and accelerate job Center’s Budget & Tax Center creation. North Carolina's recent experience in the Great PAGE 10 Recession with a wage subsidy program, funded with NORTH CAROLINA’S ECONOMY is creating jobs at a federal stimulus dollars, demonstrates public investments Hypocrisy of “Local sluggish pace, and that has implications for the well‐being can create jobs, connect workers to employment Control” of working families and the long‐term trajectory of the opportunities, create wealth and spur business forward. state. PAGE 11 The job numbers for January tell the tale. North Carolina Job Creation Works gained just 4,500 jobs in that month—far short of the The federal government created the TANF Emergency The 2011 Defenders of 14,000 needed each month to reach pre‐recession Fund to support state job creation efforts. It provided Justice Honorees employment levels by 2015. Without a considerable North Carolina with critical funding for numerous supports increase in job creation, the economic recovery will ring for working families, such as child‐care subsidies. It also PAGE 12 hollow for hundreds of thousands of working families in enabled North Carolina policymakers to effectively North Carolina for years to come. implement a subsidized jobs program with $11.4 million in (continued on page 4)

North Carolina Justice Center n P.O. Box 28068 n 224 S. Dawson Street n Raleigh, NC 27611-8068 n (919)856-2570 n www.ncjustice.org 1 uChild care is critical to economic growth The North Carolina Subsidies for child care help parents keep jobs and drive economic growth Justice Center is the state’s leading single most expensive item in a family’s these children lived in households progressive research and advocacy By Louisa Warren, NC Justice Center budget, averaging between $600 and earning less than $25,000 a year. organization. Our mission is to Policy Advocate $1200 per month, per child. For a family Regrettably, funding cuts and the eliminate poverty in North Carolina of four with two minimum‐wage earners, Great Recession have taken their toll. by ensuring that every household in child care can easily eat up a third of The child‐care‐subsidy waiting list is now “I WORK FOR AN AIRLINE company their annual earnings. Many families are at an all‐time high of 45,507 children the state has access to the and was doing well enough to buy my forced to choose either to work, to leave who are eligible for – but not receiving – resources, services and fair own home. However, due to cuts in the their children in inadequate and quality child‐care subsidies. treatment it needs in order to enjoy industry, I was forced to take a lower‐ potentially unsafe care arrangements, or As state policymakers consider economic security. paying job in order to maintain my to pay for housing, food, and other basic further drastic budget cuts in health and employment. Because I had not been able living necessities. human services funding, they should To make opportunity and prosperity to access child care subsidy in my county Fortunately, North Carolina has an carefully consider the impact of such for all a reality, we fight for: due to a waiting list, I recently lost my excellent, if under‐funded, child‐care cuts on the education system, jobs and home, and my four‐year‐old and I have subsidy program to help reduce this North Carolina’s future economic l Public investments in services spent nights in my car. Now I stay with barrier to employment and economic prospects. and programs that expand and friends or family members for a few days hardship. The vast majority of child‐care The child‐care subsidy program is one enhance opportunities for at a time. I need help with child care so I subsidy recipients are required to work critical part of the state’s nationally economic security can keep my job and not be homeless!” (93 percent of current recipients are recognized early childhood education l A fair and stable revenue system That is the voice of a real North working), with a small portion receiving system, which includes Smart Start and that adequately funds those Carolinian who lives in Mecklenburg time‐limited subsidies while they pursue More at Four. (Learn more about these public investments while fairly programs on page 6.) Children distributing tax responsibility receiving child‐care subsidy may receive “wrap‐around” health l Health care that is accessible and services at a local Smart Start affordable agency and then qualify as four‐ year olds for More at Four. l Public education that opens a Moreover, their funding is blended, world of opportunity to every with 30 percent of Smart Start child funds required to go to child‐care l Consumer protections that subsidies. A large cut to child‐care shield hard‐earned assets from subsidies will impact the integrity of abusive practices Smart Start and More at Four, and vice versa. l Jobs that are safe, pay a living Furthermore, investments like wage and provide benefits child‐care subsidies and other early childhood programs are essential to l Housing that is safe and the vitality of local economies affordable across the state. The child‐care l Fair treatment for everyone industry as a whole employs almost in North Carolina, regardless of 50,000 North Carolinians and race, ethnicity or country of allows 380,000 parents to work. In origin total, these families earn almost $12.5 billion annually, which is spent locally and drives local KEEP INFORMED! economic growth. But perhaps most importantly, The Justice Center puts out a County. Her story isn’t an anomaly— education and training or search for a investments in programs like child‐care weekly e‐newsletter covering state finding affordable, quality child care is new job. Nearly all working parents subsidies are an investment in North and federal policy issues. Visit one of the biggest barriers to obtaining receiving child‐care subsidies are Carolina’s future. High‐quality early www.ncjustice.org to subscribe – and holding on to a job. required to contribute 8% to 10% of their childhood education has been proven It’s free! The future of North Carolina depends incomes to child‐care costs, with the over and over again to be the most critical on the state’s ability to foster the healthy subsidy making up the difference. intervention a state can make to support development of the next generation— In 2010, more than 151,000 children high student achievement and the NORTH CAROLINA JUSTICE CENTER our children. And the state’s economic across the state benefited from North development of a productive workforce. Executive Director: recovery is contingent on ensuring that Carolina’s child‐care subsidy program, North Carolina’s future business Melinda Lawrence North Carolina’s workers hold on to the and 85% of those children were enrolled leaders, nurses, firefighters, and elected Policy & Progress Managing Editor: jobs they have and obtain the support in child‐care programs that are high‐ officials are being trained now. If the Diane Morris they need to seize new employment quality (meaning they have earned at state invests in them and their families Design and Layout: opportunities. least three stars on the state’s five‐star today, we will all reap the benefits – now Phyllis Nunn Unfortunately, quality child care is the rating system). Approximately 84% of and in the long run. n

2 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress Recession (continued from page 1) options is problematic. Driving back and January, Edgecombe currently rates sixth Children (DEPC) in Rocky Mount, agreed. United Community Ministries in Rocky forth to a job, even one in Greenville, a in unemployment. Graham County has "Things may have gotten better in the Mount, said he’s seen a growing number city 45 minutes away, would eat away at the highest rate in the state with 19.4 Triangle but not in Edgecombe County." of families that have been pushed out of his paycheck. percent unemployment – a dramatic and DEPC, a nonprofit serving Nash and jobs, and in some cases, their homes. “I’m not the most strong‐minded disconcerting jump from a rate of 15.8 in Edgecombe counties that focuses on “It’s been a struggle,” he said. “Lots of person,” Green said, but if he were any December 2010. prevention and intervention services for homeless people, jobs way down… We less so, he believes he might have fallen Reuben Blackwell, president of OIC, children under age 8, has already faced just have to hold our heads up.” into a deep, perhaps dangerous where Green found contract work, has $1.5 million in cuts internally and among Mason said The Community Shelter, depression. Green tries to look to the seen a rapid increase in demand for its associated programs. The community which is part of United Community future, like so many others in Tarboro employment and housing services in could face an additional $7 million cut Ministries, has turned people away due who face the same struggle. There aren’t Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County’s when the new state budget is to limited space, and the center gets 15 a lot of jobs to apply for, Green said, and largest metropolitan area. With 13.1 announced. Already, childcare workers to 20 calls per day from people looking are not making a living wage, Zalkind for shelter. said. UCM works with other local job‐based “If those folks lose their jobs, it cuts off programs and offers job readiness classes the bottom of the education system,” to help clients improve their resumes and Zalkind added. interview skills. "I’ve noticed people Education and childcare cuts could [coming out of the shelter] who have create a huge ripple effect in become supervisors of plants, managers, communities already blighted by the line‐leaders,” Mason said. “They stepped recession. One signature from the up and made a change.” governor could put thousands of people Although nonprofits and community out of work – both childcare workers and services are aiming to keep hope alive in the individuals who rely on “The recession has been a depression their services. “There are for us… We’re just beginning to see the 6,000 parents light at the end of the tunnel. [But] really, who are able to we’ve been in an abyss.” work because their kids are in – Reuben Blackwell, Rocky Mt. City Council Member childcare,” Zalkind said. “Those jobs are at risk if Edgecombe County, some forces are out there’s no available care for their kids.” of their control. For now, jobs and Both Blackwell and Zalkind said that companies seem to be in constant flux, Photo by Julia Howe by Photo disasters like Hurricane Floyd and with devastating lows as well as hopeful changes to local manufacturing laid the highs. This past January, Home Depot what is available is mostly in the fast‐food percent unemployment – up from 12.6 in groundwork for a industry. Even those jobs are highly December – Rocky Mount has the highest shaky economy competitive. unemployment rate out of all North long before the “You do what you gotta do,” Green Carolina metropolitan statistic areas. recession hit. said. “You gotta work three fast‐food jobs “The recession has been a depression Blackwell if that’s the case.” for us,” said Blackwell, who's also a estimated that Green’s story isn’t uncommon among member of the Rocky Mount City 10,000 jobs were the individuals looking for work in North Council. lost in Rocky Carolina. According to reports in January Blackwell said that OIC has seen a 100‐ Mount due to the by the Employment Security Commission percent increase in total numbers of North American (ESC), unemployment dropped from 11.4 individuals who come to the center Free Trade percent in January 2010 to 9.9 this past looking for education opportunities and Agreement month. work training. “Without education, (NAFTA), which But you wouldn't know it to look at nothing is available to you,” Blackwell opened borders some of North Carolina's most said. and caused beleaguered communities, such as The city council is trying to coordinate tobacco and local Tarboro, the county seat of Edgecombe with other nonprofits and government textile companies County and the town where Green and resources to help Rocky Mount families to relocate. his family live. In early 2009, Edgecombe get out of the “black hole of economic “Edgecombe Julia Howe by Photo County had the highest percentage of struggle.” died earliest,” people looking for work in North “We’re just beginning to see the light at Zalkind said simply. She noted that many shuttered two stores in Rocky Mount and Carolina, with a 13.3 percent the end of the tunnel,” Blackwell said. families had to leave Rocky Mount to Greenville, putting nearly 100 people out unemployment rate. “[But] really, we’ve been in an abyss.” follow good jobs, disrupting already of work in Rocky Mount alone. A month Although that rate has only increased Henrietta Zalkind, the executive marginalized communities. later, Gov. Bev Perdue announced that over the past two years, resting at 15.3 in director of the Down East Partnership for Willy Mason, a case manager with the home‐shopping retailer QVC would (continued on page 5)

Policy & Progress North Carolina Justice Center 3 How NC Can Create Jobs (continued from page 1) stimulus funds that supported working families and spending cuts that will provided job opportunities for low‐income adults. move North Carolina to l “Working as a Benefit Bank Counselor at Sacred The subsidized jobs program allowed counties to the back of the pack in the develop their own programs to suit local labor market and race to recover. Pathways in Pembroke [through the TANF wage‐subsidy economic development needs. Employers who used the Research shows that program] has helped me to see and help connect with the program provided workers with training and supervision, young, small firms—not and they received a 100% subsidy of the workers’ gross the large corporations or needs in our community. This job has given me an wages, which ranged from $8 to $12 per hour. The multi‐state businesses programs provided the subsidy for three to seven months, lured by economic opportunity to help families become more stable. It is after which the job could become permanent. development dollars—are rewarding to know you are helping make a difference in the Workers served by the program were low‐income the most likely to create adults earning less than 200 percent of the Federal jobs. These firms can be way someone lives. Poverty Line. While the Department of Social Services built in North Carolina does not yet know how many of these temporary jobs from start‐ups that are This job has made a tremendous impact on my family. We've became permanent, it is certain that more than a seeded with small capital thousand workers gained work experience, maintained injections and may well been able to meet our monthly obligations without the or developed their skills, and established networks for turn into the future future employment. behemoths of the business stress of how we're gonna make it. I am saddened to think The wage subsidy works to change the economics of world. Right now, however, hiring by providing a cushion for employers as they build these small‐business this opportunity will end for me soon. I cannot stress to you up demand for their goods and services. And because it the importance of me keeping my job.” creates jobs for low‐income workers, who are most likely to spend their earnings quickly, the funds contribute to l “My name is Celeste Smith, – Sandra S. Dial, Pembroke, NC local demand for goods and services, which helps to keep workers that produce, ship and sell those goods and I am an employee through the and services employed. TANF program. This program has North Carolina can do even more Looking at wage subsidy programs in other states, opened many doors for me. I am a North Carolina can find ways to expand on its recent mother of four and a student. This owners need support from Small Business Centers at successes and put thousands more people to work. community colleges, as well as access to capital from For example, a program implemented in Minnesota in position has assisted me with state and federal sources. the 1980s created more than 18,000 permanent jobs. Creating a truly entrepreneurial environment in North Participating employers said the wage subsidy getting off welfare. I have recently Carolina will also require continued investment in a motivated them to expand their payroll and allowed been able to open a bank account strong public education system, sound court system and them to grow their businesses.1 good transportation networks and infrastructure to get Research shows that the most effective programs and move into my own place goods and services to market. engage the private sector in identifying job opportunities and provide workers with case without public assistance. This No time to waste management that connects them to training and work North Carolina cannot turn away from the job creation supports.2 Building off North Carolina’s recent program has given my family some challenges faced today. Confronting the demand for experience with subsidized employment and independence and a huge amount work and the need for good, quality jobs is the only way incorporating this longer‐term systemic approach that North Carolina will move forward into a new and should be at the top on the state’s job‐creation agenda. of work experience. I am so thankful brighter economy. n There is a lot of talk these days about policymakers’ promises to create jobs and how best to accomplish that for this opportunity.” 1 Rode, Peter, March 1988. MEED means more business: Job Growth through Minnesota’s Wage Subsidy Program. JOBS NOW Coalition: Minnesota. goal. The evidence points to the benefits of targeted 2 Katz, Lawrence. Wage Subsidies for the Disadvantaged. National Bureau of public investments—not corporate tax cuts and Economic Research.

Speak NC Real Stories from Real North Carolinians Together NC—a coalition of 120 advocacy Speak NC (www.speaknc.org) is rolling out a Watch the videos, learn more about the groups, service providers and professional video each week featuring North Carolinians who state budget debate, and get involved in the associations—has launched a new website that rely on speech therapy, nursing, or any of the conversation about North Carolina’s priorities looks at the people who provide and benefit hundreds of public services that touch thousands and values at www.speaknc.org. from vital state services. of people every year.

4 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress uNC Legislators Push Tax Increase of Working Families Some state lawmakers want to cut the State Earned Income Tax Credit

It's not just Evens‐Carpenter’s family, but best anti‐poverty, the best pro‐family, the best job By Jeff Shaw, NC Justice Center Communications hundreds of thousands like hers that benefit from creation measure to come out of Congress." Director the Earned Income Tax Credit. In 2008, the first year With more Tar Heels living in poverty than at any time North Carolina’s state EITC was in place, more than in decades, cutting a program that helps many of the 800,000 North Carolinians claimed the credit. In that poorest members of the labor force seems to ask for PATRICIA EVENS‐CARPENTER'S FAMILY is like many year, the state EITC put $59 million into the pockets considerable sacrifice from those least able to afford it. others across North Carolina: working hard to make of low‐income working families. Rep. has called it “appalling” that some ends meet. She lives with her grandchildren and her In addition to providing resources to help low‐income lawmakers want to effectively raise taxes on those daughter, who works as a hotel housekeeper, making working families meet families. To Evens‐Carpenter, about $15,000 per year. That is the family’s only income. their basic needs, the state this is asking for blood from a Because North Carolina’s tax system is regressive, EITC stimulates local stone. “I don't think it's fair working families like hers pay a greater share of their economies because these for those who don't have income in taxes. To help offset this regressive system, families are likely to spend anything,” she said. “How can North Carolina has an Earned Income Tax Credit – a those dollars quickly and you share what you don't credit that helps people who work hard but don’t make close to home. have?” high wages. Last year, Evens‐ Maintaining the EITC, This common‐sense policy helps families provide Carpenter’s family used however, would bolster the necessities and local economies grow. But today, the about $250 from NC's EITC state’s middle class and Earned Income Tax Credit is under attack in North to help pay for a car so her protect thousands of families Carolina. State House Bill 93 and Senate Bill 117 would daughter could get to from hurtful cuts in a time of eliminate key portions of the credit. Even if the bills work. great economic uncertainty, don’t pass, there is talk of lawmakers attacking the EITC Stories like this are said Alexandra Forter Sirota, during the state budget process. repeated throughout the director of the NC Budget & Undermining North Carolina’s Earned Income Tax state. Families use the tax The EITC is vital to families for purchasing food and other necessities. Tax Center. Credit would have dire effects on the state’s working credit on vital needs like “The Earned Income Tax families, as well as North Carolina’s economy. transportation. The fact that those funds are spent Credit helps working families build a path to the middle What would happen if this program were cut? locally helps the economy grow. class,” said Sirota. “Undermining this credit would raise “Well, if such a thing was to happen,” says Evens‐ The Earned Income Tax Credit has long been a taxes on these families, prevent them from making ends Carpenter, “families that depend on a small amount of bipartisan policy. On a federal level, the EITC was meet, and harm local economies across North Carolina.” money like mine would never be able to get caught up proposed by Richard Nixon, signed by Gerald Ford, and The Earned Income Tax Credit helps struggling on medical and food bills, housing expenses, and other expanded by Ronald Reagan. Reagan was a staunch families build a better life. Really, is there any better necessities.” advocate of the Earned Income Tax Credit, calling it "the investment? n

Recession (continued from page 3) add 200 jobs in Rocky Mount and invest industries.” to get her Certified Nursing Assistants $71 million over the next five years. Crystal Crocker is (CNA) certification at Edgecombe Public and private agencies are also a testament to that Community College. With several brainstorming ways to create jobs in the philosophy. Crocker, phlebotomy and pharmacy technology area. The Twin County Business Growth 37, worked as a college courses already under her belt, Initiative, a project developed by phlebotomist for Crocker hit the books and received University of North Carolina’s Kenan the Red Cross until financial aid and resumé guidance from Institute and Carolinas Gateway 2009, when she fell OIC as she completed her certification. Partnership, is attempting to identify ill and missed 90 Crocker was finally granted a reprieve in companies in Edgecombe and Nash days of work, February, when she was offered a job at an counties that have potential for forcing the Red eye care center in Tarboro, just a few expanding and adding jobs. It’s not Cross to terminate minutes away from her home in Pinetops. enough to simply hope that new her position. She started in mid‐March and soon she’ll companies are going to open shop in “I’ve been looking take the CNA certification board exam. Rocky Mount or Tarboro. Instead, the for a job ever since,” After a year without a job, Crocker is idea is to focus on existing local industry Crocker said. “I kept more grateful than ever to be working full‐ and mobilize community resources in Julia Howe by Photo applying for jobs – I time when so many others are waiting – order to provide financial and technical applied for a lot.” and hoping – to do the same. services for these businesses to grow and and small businesses to the area. After months of silence and occasional Unemployment can feel relentless, but the expand their workforce. “You have an entire region with a strong rejection, Crocker decided to go back to hope of that first day at a new job is a Ultimately, education could be the work ethic," Blackwell said. “But there school, hopeful that furthering her sustaining force. defining tool in helping Rocky Mount aren’t skill sets to match the new education might get her one step ahead. “It’s going well so far,” Crocker residents fight unemployment, Blackwell environment… We have to retrain our Crocker, who lives with her boyfriend reported after her first week on the job. said, and might help recruit industries workforce to compete in high‐tech and 16‐year‐old daughter, began studying “I feel a lot of relief.” n

Policy & Progress North Carolina Justice Center 5 uProtecting North Carolina’s Best Educational Investment Pre‐kindergarten programs, which improve education and and save money, are targeted for severe cuts

Preparing Children to be Great Start has a distinct but By Matthew Ellinwood, Policy Analyst, Students connected mission. It is a NC Education & Law Project More at Four (MAF) is a high‐quality pre‐ public/private partnership, kindergarten program targeting low‐ administered with the NC NORTH CAROLINA HAS TWO income four‐year olds at risk of later Division of Child Development, nationally renowned, award‐winning academic failure. It is proven to have net that was created under pre‐kindergarten programs—Smart economic benefits—a dollar spent today Governor Hunt to serve all Start and More at Four. Both programs can save many more dollars later in children in North Carolina prepare young children for school, and welfare, education, health and justice‐ under age 6 regardless of numerous studies show that these related expenditures, and it can generate income. The primary goals of students do better throughout their revenue through the improved career Smart Start are to help families academic careers. trajectories of all children. pay for child care and to But this year, the NC General The independent researchers at the ensure children are healthy Assembly is considering proposals to Frank Porter Graham Child Development and prepared for school. consolidate the two programs, reduce Institute at UNC Chapel Hill have closely Independent evaluations by funding, or even eliminate one or both scrutinized MAF since its inception in 2001. Duke University’s Center for of them. These evaluations have consistently shown Child and Family Policy show Tens of thousands of parents who that quality in MAF classrooms is high and that MAF and Smart Start can’t afford quality child care rely on that MAF students at the greatest risk of provide substantial these programs, and the cuts under academic failure exhibit the highest rates educational benefits to all consideration would put these families of learning growth. In addition, MAF students in areas where and local economies in jeopardy. Also, students are better prepared for programming is offered—even to those who did not participate Photo courtesy of NC Partnership for Children in either program. The center’s found that such programs provide a 7% to most recent findings 10% return on investment per year. The show that North long‐run estimated return on investment Carolina third‐graders is an astonishing $7 for every $1 invested, have significantly according to Dr. Heckman’s research along higher standardized with the National Institute for Early reading and math Childhood Education. scores (equivalent to Some of the economic returns are several months of extra immediate, as parents who could not schooling for all otherwise afford child care are able to go children) and lower to work. And the returns continue special‐education through the children’s school years with placement rates in reduced remedial‐education, special‐ areas where families education and health‐care costs. Finally, have access to these the economic benefits of these programs programs. can be seen in the children’s adult lives, with increased school and career Early Childhood achievement and earnings and reduced Investments criminal justice expenditures. Investment Boost the State’s in early childhood education has been Economy shown to increase graduation rates, which can produce huge savings in incarceration Children aren’t the costs and crime‐related expenditures Photo courtesy of NC Partnership for Children only ones who benefit associated with higher drop‐out rates. targeting More at Four and Smart Start kindergarten and do significantly better on from programs like More at Four and Budget cuts to early childhood makes no sense fiscally. These programs end‐of‐grade reading and math tests than Smart Start. Everyone in the state programming would directly harm every have been thoroughly evaluated over similarly situated children who did not benefits. child and taxpayer in the state. With the many years, and the research shows participate in the program. Thus, the Nobel Prize‐winning economist James controversial educational reforms and they provide substantial and measurable benefits of MAF continue to accumulate Heckman from the University of Chicago budget reduction options that are educational benefits not only to for years after students age out of the put together a consortium of economists, currently being considered, let’s hope students who participate but to all program. psychologists, statisticians, and that the General Assembly leaves proven students who live in areas where they While MAF is strictly an academic neurologists to look at the impact of early successes like these alone. n are offered. program targeting at‐risk children, Smart childhood development programs. They

6 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress uCharter School Battle Rages in Rutherford County Discrimination charges and mocking emails from legislators add fuel to fight over resources

Education and give it to a new commission. plants have steadily pink‐slipped could do to district’s budget drew 500 By Sarah Ovaska, Investigative NC Policy Watch obtained copies of the thousands of workers, and the parents. The Facebook page “Stop NC Reporter, NC Policy Watch some of the legislators’ emails through a unemployment rate was 15.5 percent in Senate Bill 8” attracted more than 1,000 public records request to the Rutherford January. followers in less than a month and keeps A GROUP OF Rutherford County County Public School System. Names of The Rutherford County School system concerned parents and teachers abreast schoolchildren found themselves recent the children were redacted, and copies of was sued in January 2009 by its local of the debates going on 200 miles away in fodder for legislators’ jokes about the the emails can be seen at public charter school, the Thomas Raleigh. Local newspapers carry stories state’s public school system. www.ncpolicywatch.com. The jesting began after a number of The email exchanges highlight a students from the western North growing rift between supporters of Carolina county emailed lawmakers charter schools and traditional public about Senate Bill 8, which would schools as the legislature debates Senate dramatically increase the funds that Bill 8, which appears to be on its way to school districts must give to charter Governor Perdue’s desk. schools, even if the charters serve no Public charter schools, funded with additional children. Some of the emails public dollars and tuition‐free, are off‐ arrived with grammatical and spelling shoots of traditional public school errors, and that became an opening for systems and have been glorified recently some legislators to start joking about the in critically acclaimed documentaries like failings of the state’s public school “The Lottery” and “Waiting for system. Superman,” which portray the schools as “Are English and writing still ‘apart’ of last hopes for parents raising children in our core curriculum in North Carolina?” urban areas with sub‐standard schools.

wrote Rep. , a Greensboro But charter schools and the “parental Sarah Ovaska by Photo Republican, in response to an email from choice” that goes along with them have Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro, NC. The charter school sued the Rutherford County School student that said he was “apart of RS also become rallying cries for District for $900,000. Central,” a high school in Rutherford conservative groups and the Tea Party County. movement, which praise the business‐ Jefferson Classical Academy. The lawsuit and editorials about the bill, while “From the emails we are receiving I like approach to education. Critics on the opened up a divide in the community. parents, teachers and schoolchildren on would say no,” quipped Rep. George left fear the push from conservative Thomas Jefferson is a top‐ranked both sides of the debate have contacted Cleveland, a Jacksonville Republican, in quarters to expand charters is a charter school that puts students on track legislators with their views. response. dangerous first step toward privatization for college, but critics say it is an exclusive Blust, the legislator that emailed a joke of the public haven for children of area’s well‐to‐do about a student’s misuse of the word education professional class. Teachers and “apart,” said he thought the students system. Rutherford County administrators have were emailing as part of an orchestrated In North seen some low‐performing children sent effort and expected better grammar and Carolina, the away from Thomas Jefferson and back to spelling if they hoped to influence push for charters traditional school just before end‐of‐ lawmakers. is coming as the grade tests, an important measure of “You’d think that if someone were state grapples how schools stack up against each other, pushing school children, they’d be very separately with said Dr. John Mark Bennett, the chair of careful they (letters) were well written,” a $2.4 billion the county school board and a local Blust said. “I don’t think someone, a budget shortfall family physician. schoolchild, sitting in Rutherford County that will likely In the lawsuit, Thomas Jefferson sought would do that on their own.” result in drastic $900,000 in funds it contends the school But that’s exactly what’s happening, cuts to the system should have shared. The charter Bennett said, who thought legislators state’s public school got a favorable ruling from a lower were inappropriate and mocking in their Photo by Sarah Ovaska by Photo A classroom at Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School in Forest City, NC, a traditional schools, with court, and both sides are now awaiting a jokes. Instead of making fun of the public school. proposals like decision from the N.C. Court of Appeals. children, the legislators should have eliminating It’s in that atmosphere of growing commended them for taking an interest Blust and Cleveland sent their March 9 teacher‐assistant positions in classrooms tension in Rutherford County that Senate in a problem facing state government and remarks to an email chain that included or cutting early education programs Bill 8 has attracted so much attention and for getting involved, he said. bipartisan House Education Committee already on the table. inflamed emotions, Bennett said. A “The sad part is this is an adult issue members. That committee held a hearing lifelong resident of the area and 11‐year with administrators and boards and the last month on Senate Bill 8, a GOP‐backed Tensions rise in Rutherford member of the school board, Bennett legislature making decisions,” Bennett bill that could lift the 100‐school The debate over the role of charters thinks that Senate Bill 8 has split the said. “But there’s a lot of bitterness with cap on charter schools, allow charters schools appears to be most heated in population more than any other issue the children, saying ‘Your board is trying more access to public funding streams, Rutherford County, a rural manufacturing he’s ever seen his county face. to steal our money’ and things like that. and take oversight of charters community in the foothills of the Blue An informational meeting held by the They see it and they feel threatened schools away from the State Board of Ridge Mountains. Here, manufacturing school district about the bill and what it about it.” n

Policy & Progress North Carolina Justice Center 7 My Take

Death by Buckshot The legislative assault on North Carolina’s public schools

of charter schools tout them as an alternative to $2,500, would cost the state less than educating By Chris Hill, Director, traditional schools, as free market choices for those children in public school. That argument is NC Education & Law Project parents. While parental choice should be honored, specious—if a child was going to private school schools are not businesses and children are not anyway, there cannot be a savings. Plus, $2,500 isn’t PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA are looking widgets. enough money to convince parents to send their down the barrel of a shotgun this year. Buckshot of The proposed changes to the state’s charter schools students to private school. The money would only budget cuts and so‐called reform measures threaten law would place traditional public schools at a offset the costs for those who can already afford it. to rip apart the state’s public education system. disadvantage because Students from low‐ Our schools educate the future workforce and open school districts would be wealth families— a world of opportunity to our children. Yes, North forced to give money to those most in Carolina’s schools face many challenges—which is the charter schools for “ But today, rather than talking need of greater why state leaders must support them in ways that services they don’t even about the free exchange of investments in ensure the success of all students. Doing so is provide. The charter their education— essential for the state’s economy and is the schools would receive ideas, proponents of charter would not be able responsibility of a civilized society. It is also a transportation and child‐ to use these funds. fundamental obligation of state leaders and nutrition money with the schools tout them as an Therefore, the lawmakers—North Carolina’s constitution mandates mere promise that they alternative to traditional voucher would not that the state provide a sound, basic education for will make plans to provide be a saving of every student. these services. At a time schools, as free market government The General Assembly is considering severe budget when traditional public choices for parents. While money; it would be cuts that will eliminate teaching positions and schools are told that they the irresponsible decimate the ranks of teacher assistants, resulting in will receive major cuts, parental choice should be spending of money

larger class sizes with fewer people to serve the which will mean real job that is needed for

educational needs of students or provide the support losses to real people honored, schools are not public schools. they need to thrive. affecting real students, businesses and“ children are Any one of these In addition, the legislature is considering a bill that charter schools would proposals would be would eliminate the cap on the number of charter receive already limited not widgets. a major threat to schools in North Carolina. It would also give charter money for unproven traditional public schools money taken from traditional public schools promises and yet‐ schools in North without the same oversight. It is important to know unrealized innovation. Carolina. If all of how this proposal threatens traditional public schools And this isn’t the only these measures are in North Carolina. proposal to strip traditional schools of funding. successful, the state will be in danger of violating its The original intent of charter schools was to Another one would provide vouchers to parents who constitutional mandate, and worse, it will endanger provide places where teachers could try innovative send their children to private schools or homeschool the future of our children. To underfund public techniques, and successful ones would be integrated them. The idea is a transparent way to encourage the schools programs is to tell the world North Carolina into traditional public schools. But today, rather than use of private schools with taxpayer dollars. does not want to compete. n talking about the free exchange of ideas, proponents There is the argument that the vouchers, worth

u Speaking the Language Plain Talk about English Language Learner Education in NC

By Tyler Whittenberg, Fellow, considerable share of the state’s workforce. ELL students in all but two years from 2002 that increasing numbers of ELL students NC Education & Law Project But they are struggling in North to 2009, and the state has never meet AYP will enter the worst job market in recent Carolina’s schools. Overall, ELL students for 10th grade ELL students. Moreover, history without a high school diploma or perform lower academically than their North Carolina’s Hispanic students—many the tools needed to support themselves ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS— black, Hispanic and white peers. Only 36% of whom are classified as ELL—had the financially. Educating them is a necessity if students with limited English of 4th grade ELL students tested in 2007 lowest four‐year graduation rate of all these students are to achieve their proficiency—are a rapidly growing scored at or above basic reading levels, racial subgroups in 2010. potential and contribute to North portion of North Carolina’s school‐age compared to 66% of non‐ELL students. The North Carolina Constitution Carolina’s economy—and if North Carolina population. The total number of ELL The academic progress of ELL students in establishes that all school‐age children in is to avoid a workforce crisis in the coming students in North Carolina has almost North Carolina is far from adequate, even the state have the right to a “sound basic decade. doubled in the past eight years, from by state‐established standards. North education,” but the challenge of educating The good news is that North Carolina can 59,849 in 2002 to 113,823 in 2009. Carolina failed to meet Adequate Yearly ELL students transcends constitutionality. drastically improve ELL instruction while These students will one day make up a Progress (AYP) for 3rd through 8th grade Demographic and academic trends suggest staying within the confines of a shrinking

8 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress uThe Bill that Just Won’t Die Legislative leaders use shady tactics to revive bill challenging federal health reform

likely take up the challenge. Adding North Carolina’s from the state’s top attorney. It turned out that Cooper By Adam Linker, Policy Analyst, NC Health Access name to the legal challenge would not change anything. was not impressed with the bill. Coalition But the bill crafted in Washington by ALEC would do In the opinion he submitted to the governor, Cooper much more than force North Carolina to join a lawsuit. noted that the bill would not change federal LEGISLATION ATTEMPTING to exempt North Carolina Other little‐noticed provisions said North Carolinians health reform; it could, however, have unintended from federal health reform has followed a strange path could not be compelled to purchase insurance or undergo consequences on state law. It could even threaten some this session of the General Assembly. a medical procedure. It also allowed of North Carolina’s Medicaid funding, a Many conservative politicians campaigned in the last anyone who felt aggrieved by national distasteful risk in a year of drastic cuts to election on promises of creating jobs. Based on those health reform to bring a lawsuit and state schools and services. With that, Gov. pledges, Republicans gained full control of the state directed the state’s attorney general to Perdue vetoed the bill. legislature for the first time since Reconstruction. represent the chagrined citizen in court. Republicans only need a few defecting However, once installed in office, legislative leaders Fiscal researchers at the General Democrats in the House to override a abandoned the focus on jobs. Instead, as their first act, Assembly were unable to judge the cost veto, so they took a second charge at Republicans filed a bill renouncing the Affordable Care of the legislation because no one knows passing the legislation. The vote count fell Act. how many people would sue and require short of the required two‐thirds, and it The first bill introduced each session carries great representation by the overburdened was assumed this tortured bill was buried. import, as it advertises the priorities of the legislature. office of the attorney general. Moreover, But desperate opponents of health reform The last long session of the General Assembly opened many lawyers quickly recognized all of had other plans. with a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. So it was the flaws in trying to fit a half‐baked On a Thursday afternoon Minority a curious move for Republican leaders to push a bill Washington bill into a North Carolina Leader Joe Hackney asked Republican regarding national health reform as their curtain raiser. pan. In many custody disputes, for example, a judge will leaders if any more substantive items were on the The bill, misleadingly named the Protect Health Care order one parent to purchase health insurance for the legislative agenda. Several Democrats needed to leave Freedom Act, was not a homegrown product. It used child in the case. Would that violate the ban on requiring town, including Rep. Pricey Harrison, who was making language imported from Washington, DC, via an someone to buy insurance? In the case of a pandemic funeral arrangement for her sister. Republican leaders organization called the American Legislative Exchange disease outbreak in North Carolina, could the state force assured Hackney that he could release his members. Council, or ALEC. ALEC gets paid to push conservative citizens to undergo testing and treatment? The Once enough Democrats left Raleigh, Republicans cookie‐cutter laws out to the states for enactment. In amendments kept piling up. changed course and declared that they now had North Carolina, leaders in the General Assembly grabbed Instead of slowing down the legislation, the collective enough votes to override Gov. Perdue’s veto. Hackney the ALEC bill on health reform and rammed it through the weight of these amendments seemed to give the bill protested, and Republicans revived the legislation legislature without delay and without public comment. added momentum as it slid through the General without voting on it. The intent of the Protect Health Care Freedom Act as Assembly on party‐line votes. The bill was filed in the Now the specter of the Protect Health Care Freedom explained by its sponsors was to compel North Carolina to House on January 26, passed out of that chamber on Act haunts the General Assembly. Legislative leaders can join other states in a legal challenge to the individual February 2, and was approved by the Senate on February reconsider the bill any time enough supporters of health mandate. The individual mandate refers to the 16. For the General Assembly this is screaming fast. reform leave the House chamber. And the way this bill requirement that everyone who can afford insurance As they hustled this bill through various committees, no was originally passed – no public comment, the rush purchase a policy. This requirement does not take effect legislative leaders bothered to ask Attorney General Roy through committees, the legislative trickery – has come to until 2014. Cooper what he thought about the Protect Health Care characterize this session. Unfortunately, partisan Lawsuits probing the constitutionality of the mandate Freedom Act. After the legislation moved to her desk for gamesmanship does not protect the interests of North are underway already, and the U.S. Supreme Court will final approval, Gov. Bev Perdue requested an analysis Carolinians, and it does nothing to create jobs. n

budget. Low‐cost policy changes and frequency and improve the quality of whenever possible and translate all crucial trainings can make a tremendous professional development regarding ELL school forms into the native languages of difference. instruction. North Carolina needs more the parents of ELL students. First, the state should implement a teachers who are well‐trained in As North Carolina’s population of policy requiring schools to develop techniques that make grade‐level content English Language Learners grows, so too Personal Education Plans for every ELL more accessible and promote English will the need to better educate these student. These plans, available to any acquisition. students—for the sake of our economy student at risk of academic failure, Third, schools should do what they can and for the promise of these children’s allow students, families and teachers to overcome the language barrier that futures. By enhancing three initiatives to work together to figure out what prevents the parents of ELL students from already in place, North Carolina can interventions will increase the being involved in their children’s improve the quality of ELL instruction in a likelihood of success. education. At a minimum, school districts manner that is both fiscally and Second, the state can increase the should hire bilingual teachers and staff administratively feasible. n

Policy & Progress North Carolina Justice Center 9 u Afghan woman finds asylum Opinion from NC POLICY WATCH in North Carolina The story of one person helped by the Justice Center’s The unexamined $5 billion program Immigrants Legal Assistance Project modernization commission that will By Chris Fitzsimon, Executive By Julia Hawes, NC Justice Center immigration law issues. That includes report back to next year’s legislative Director, NC Policy Watch Communications Specialist asylum, a complex process riddled with session. That’s a fine idea. The tax legal red tape and countless documents, code certainly needs to be witnesses and expert accounts. As state lawmakers try to decide modernized, as several commissions MUSADDIQAH (not her real name)* In May 2010, ILAP attorney Winstona what to cut to address the state’s have recommended in recent years. did not come to the United States to flee Cole took Musaddiqah’s case. “She could massive budget shortfall, you would But the lawmakers are trying to her homeland or with the intention of not go back to the place she once think that a program that costs $5.85 balance the budget this year. seeking asylum. In called home,” Cole explained. billion a year would be worth some Shouldn’t they spend as much time Afghanistan, she had “That was the turning attention, especially if its cost rose looking at why multistate been an outspoken point in her decision to roughly 40 percent from 2005 to member of her apply for asylum.” corporations get a huge tax break as 2009. they do going line by line over the community—an In order to But while budget subcommittees unusual and qualify for expenses at the western office of the are considering firing teachers and governor? potentially asylum, abolishing programs for at‐risk kids, dangerous Musaddiqah These multistate companies are position in a had to prove no panel is spending any time looking allowed to shift the profits they make country that she had at the $5.85 billion worth of tax in North Carolina to other states to where, as she suffered past expenditures the state makes every avoid paying the state taxes they owe, described it, persecution year. robbing the state treasury of revenue women are and/or has a It won’t require a lot of research. and punishing North Carolina‐based regarded as well‐founded There’s a list readily available to companies who compete with the “less than fear of future lawmakers, complied every two years multi‐state corporations but have no animals.” persecution in by the Department of Revenue. The place to hide their profits. Unlike other Afghanistan on 2005 report found that the There are 49 exemptions to the women in her account of one of expenditures cost the state $3.57 family, who married the five protected state corporate income tax alone that billion. The 2009 report came up with cost the state $300 million a year, and young and stopped grounds: race, nationality, the $5.85 billion figure. That’s a $1.38 school at an early age, religion, political opinion or that does not include the loophole for billion increase. Surely that’s worth a multistate companies. Insurance Musaddiqah completed her belonging to a particular social subcommittee meeting or two. education and began working full‐time, group. She worked with Cole and former companies receive almost $200 refusing to be limited by Afghan laws and ILAP Director Attracta Kelly to produce a The Department of Revenue report million in tax breaks. Maybe there is a restrictions placed on women. In her clear, compelling case to U.S. Citizenship defines a tax expenditure as “an good reason for some of them. But words, “I want to work and study, have and Immigration Services (USCIS) and exemption, exclusion, deduction, there’s a good reason to have my own freedoms and rights to dress the satisfy the legal requirements for asylum. allowance, credit, refund, preferential teachers in the classroom and mental way I like and do whatever I wish as a Last summer, Cole and Musaddiqah tax rate or other device that reduces health services available to families woman who is entitled to fundamental traveled to Virginia for an in‐person the amount of tax revenue which too. human rights.” She often faced interview with USCIS. Although a decision otherwise would be collected.” Most budget subcommittees now persecution and attacks by members of is usually made within three weeks, There are literally hundreds of meeting have before them options for her community for not adhering to the Musaddiqah waited month after month them, including sales tax exemptions cuts of 5, 10 and 15 percent. There is social norm of marrying and tending to without any word, during which time she for a farmer’s seeds and a her family. was unable to work and lived with talk of even larger cuts to the corporation’s electricity. Individuals university system. Yet it wasn’t until after she came to the constant worry that her case would be pay taxes on their utility charges. United States that Musaddiqah’s entire referred to court or, worse yet, never be Somebody needs to make a list of Many businesses don’t. possible cuts to tax expenditures at family began to suffer as a consequence approved. One tax expenditure that is of her being an unmarried woman living Thankfully, the ILAP attorneys’ hard the same levels. A 5 percent cut abroad. Her family received phone calls work finally paid off. Musaddiqah beginning to get a little public would raise almost $300 million, a 10 from individuals accusing Musaddiqah of received approval for asylum in January. attention is the break that tobacco percent cut almost $600 million. living an immoral lifestyle in the United “I can’t express in words the joy when distributors get if they file their Legislative leaders have said many States and threatening to kill her upon she came in to say thank you for what we reports and cigarette tax collections times this session that everything is her return to Afghanistan to restore had done for her,” Cole said. “To live free on time. Alcohol distributors also get on the table as they decide how to honor to the community. in a country where she won’t be a break for timely collections and balance the budget. That won’t be That’s when she turned to the NC persecuted, living as a woman… that’s reporting. There’s no break for true until they get a subcommittee Justice Center’s Immigrants Legal human rights, to be able to do those citizens who file their taxes before the busy reviewing the Department of Assistance Project (ILAP) for help. ILAP things.” n deadline, of course. Revenue report. n provides direct legal assistance to low‐ *The asylum client’s name was Rep. Johnathan Rhyne has filed a income individuals dealing with certain changed to protect her safety. bill to set up another tax

10 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress Hypocrisy of “local control”

won or revived “local control.” Local annexation policy – Rather than “digital” billboards. It remains to be By Rob Schofield, Director of But, alas, as it has turned out, such an simply reforming state annexation law – seen be seen whether opponents will be Research and Policy Development, expectation would be 100% wrong. something that people across the able to derail the proposal. NC Policy Watch When it comes to actual legislative spectrum agree could be useful – Immigrant identification – Recently, action in the 2011 session, conservatives have been passing bill members of the House gave final “Local control!” For years, those two conservatives have rapidly and after bill to affirmatively revoke approval to a bill that revokes the words have been a rallying cry for decisively abandoned all pretense of annexations that local governments authority of cities that have seen fit to ideological conservatives in North increasing local control. On the contrary, have already duly and lawfully passed. rely upon photo IDs issued by foreign Carolina as they railed against proposals their policy has been to seize and Local broadband – Another bill that embassies. This would apply even to regulate this or mandate that. centralize power and cement change as flies in the face of “local control” is a where city governments and law Local control is also supposed to be fast as possible. proposal advanced by cable monopolies enforcement officials have made a consistent with a belief in “limited Here are just a few examples: to ban the development of local, determination that, for the purposes of government.” Here, the premises are Local taxing authority – One of the community‐supported broadband public safety in their communities, such that government is better when it’s first actions of the General Assembly networks. Though promoted as being documents are an extremely useful way smaller and that smaller local this session was to pass a bill that about “leveling the playing field” with to secure immigrant community governments are “closer to the people.” revokes the authority of counties to hold private providers, the bill is clearly about participation in aiding public safety. This year, with conservatives fully in public referenda on a local land transfer two things: appeasing to the demands These are just some of the areas in control of the General Assembly, one tax. No longer may local governments or of a large and powerful corporate lobby which conservative actions this session would expect that local governments voters in individual counties have their and preventing local governments from are at odds with traditional conservative would be reveling in all sorts of newly say on this question. responding to the needs and demands rhetoric about local control. There are of their others, including: constituents. • Early childhood education, where Gun control – The conservatives seem determined list of bills to do great damage to the introduced by statewide network of Smart Start conservatives this programs that are the epitome of session to make the a locally controlled service possession of delivery system firearms easier than ever and restrict • High school accreditation, where local gun conservatives propose replacing regulations is a long the current system in which schools work with private, one. Most recently, regional organizations with a the state House of new, centralized bureaucracy in Representatives Raleigh passed a maddening proposal that would • Interscholastic athletics, where a prevent local conservative bill would force governments from local school districts to allow banning concealed homeschooled children to weapons in participate on public school restaurants and athletic teams parks. Of course, there’s nothing inherently Billboards – wrong with elected officials using the Senate Majority levers of power to advance their Leader Harry Brown political agenda. They ought not to be is sponsoring an allowed, however, to pretend that industry “wish‐list” their agenda is something other than bill that would what it really is. In the days ahead, let’s encourage tree hope more and more North cutting, reduce local Carolinians wake up and stand up to control and expand this hypocrisy. n the use of electronic

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www.defendersof justice.org DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE AWARDS

Thursday, May 19 l Bay 7, American Tobacco Campus, Durham, NC

2011 AWARD RECIPIENTS

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POLICY RESEARCH LITIGATION GRASSROOTS EMPOWERMENT & ADVOCACY

STATE SEN. STATE REP. DEMOCRACY THE LAW FIRM OF COALICIÓN DE COMMUNITY JOSH STEIN ANGELA BRYANT NORTH CAROLINA ELLIOT, PISHKO ORGANIZACIONES SUCCESS INITIATIVE of Wake County of Edgecombe County for fighting AND MORGAN LATINO-AMERICANAS of Raleigh for his commitment for her work to improve to protect voting rights, of Winston-Salem (COLA) of Asheville for empowering to expanding protections NC's systems of civil, increase voter for two decades for their work and giving hope for homeowners, criminal and juvenile participation of effective and improving the lives to people released consumers and justice, fight poverty, and reduce passionate advocacy of workers from incarceration low‐income families promote economic the influence for workers' rights and families and helping them access throughout development and of big money and civil rights in Latino communities the services North Carolina affordable housing, and in politics in western and opportunities secure equal rights for North Carolina they need to build women and people of color new lives

Previous Award Recipients First presented in 1999, the Defenders of Justice Awards honor those who have made significant contributions in the fight against poverty in four areas that reflect the scope of the Justice Center’s work: Grassroots Empowerment, Legislative Advocacy, Litigation, and Policy Research and Advocacy.

LEGISLATIVE POLICY RESEARCH GRASSROOTS SPECIAL ADVOCACY & ADVOCACY LITIGATION EMPOWERMENT HONOREES Sen. Sen. Wib Gulley Great Schools in Wake Jane Wettach Kay Zwan JUBILEE‐NC Thomas W. Ross Rep. Garland Pierce Rep. Philip A. Baddour, Jr. AARP John Alan Jones Angaza Laughinghouse El Centro Hispano In Memory of Sen. Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. Sen. Jeanne H. Lucas Ames Alexander, Kerry Christopher Olson Juvencio Rocha Peralta Jereann King Deborah Greenblatt Rep. Pricey Harrison Rep. Martha Alexander Hall, Franco Ordonez, Jane Perkins NC Fair Share Geraldine Blackston In Memory of Rep. Jennifer Weiss Sen. Ellie Kinnaird Peter St Onge, Ted Edelstein & Payne NC State Conference of El Pueblo, Inc. Carol Kirshenbaum Mellnik of The the NAACP Greg Malhoit Rep. Dan Blue Rep. Bob Hensley Charlotte Observer Jerry Hartzell, Hartzell Sen. Katie Dorsett Sen. Brad Miller & Whiteman, LLP Jim Grant Dr. Pam Silberman Farmworker Advocacy Robert Spearman Rep. Sen. Eric Reeves Network Patterson Harkavy LLP Western NC Workers’ Center Polly Williams Rep. Alma Adams NC Coalition for Lobbying Douglas Sea Rep. Verla Insko Reform Reid Adams Farm Labor Organizing Committee Sen. William Purcell William Schweke Garth Gersten Jack Boger Linda Virgil, Caught Before Rep. Mickey Michaux Prosperity Unlimited, Inc. Fallen Robert J. Willis Sen. Martin Nesbitt, Jr. Institute for Southern Center for Community Sen. Dan Clodfelter Studies Mal Maynard Action Rep. Paul Luebke Dr. Bob Bridges Justice for Smithfield Harry Payne Common Sense Workers’ Campaign Foundation Jim Long Student Action With NC State AFL‐CIO Rep. Ruth Easterling Farmworkers Deborah Ross Casa Guadalupe

12 North Carolina Justice Center Policy & Progress