June 2025

• Ugly BILL

  • The bill barely passed the House and would cut healthcare (Medicaid) for about 16 million people, reduce food assistance, and cut clean energy jobs — all to pay for tax cuts that mostly help the wealthy and big corporations.

  • It actually adds more debt, raising the debt limit by $5 trillion and spending more money than it saves, which has worried lawmakers in both parties.

  • The bill is very unpopular and dividing Republicans, turning what was supposed to be a win into a major political fight with no clear path forward in the Senate.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Explain it simply — help friends and family understand how this bill affects healthcare, food costs, and jobs in real life, not just politics. Get in the habit of sharing BIG items in digestible ways for friends and family not as politically active so they can see the real-life affects these things have!

• State Budget Progresses

  • The NC House passed a state budget 86 to 20 with Republicans gave unanimous support and about half of the Democrats, it included higher teacher pay and changes to income tax cuts.

  • Many Democratic ideas were rejected, like free school lunches, pausing corporate tax cuts, funding bike lanes, and tracking hate crimes.

  • The budget is not final yet — House and Senate leaders will now negotiate a compromise. The Final version release is unknown.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.:

  • Pay attention to the final budget — remind people that what lawmakers decide now affects schools, taxes, and basic services for years.

• New Social Districts in Apex & Wake Forest

  • Apex and Wake Forest are creating “Social Districts,” where people can legally walk around outside with alcoholic drinks in certain areas.

  • The goal is to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time downtown.

  • Each town has set specific hours and boundaries, and businesses choose whether to participate.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Support local communities — learn how city decisions impact small businesses and neighborhood life.

• Wake County Passes Budget

  • Wake County approved a $2.1 billion budget, increasing funding for public schools to $740 million.

  • Some services were cut, including EMS positions and money for affordable housing.

  • Property taxes will go up, and leaders are worried about possible federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Stay engaged locally — county budgets affect schools, housing, and emergency services more than most people realize.

• Western NC's Slow Recovery

  • Recovery efforts in Western NC are stalled, with Republicans blocking or delaying funding at both the federal and state levels.

  • President Trump denied federal help, leaving North Carolina responsible for around $200 million in disaster costs.

  • State lawmakers are divided, delaying aid while communities wait for help.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Speak up for disaster relief — remind others that helping communities recover should never be a political game.