Western North Carolinians to share their stories, needs, and priorities with state legislators

Press release from The NC Budget and Tax Center:

The NC Budget & Tax Center, in partnership with the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR) and MDC Inc., is hosting a telephone townhall event next Wed., Feb 5, for Western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to share their stories, voice their needs, and make their priorities clear. We have invited state lawmakers and tens of thousands of Western North Carolinians in disaster-declared counties. When: 7 – 8 p.m., Wed., Feb. 5 How to Join: Register for the event at NCBudget.org/WNCtownhall, and shortly before the event begins, you will receive a call to join the telephone townhall at the number that you provide during registration. As press, please register by no later than Friday, Jan. 31, and use the ‘Other’ category when asked about your role for the event. (Ignore the Wednesday, Jan. 29 registration deadline; this is the deadline for non-press.) Who: In addition to numerous everyday Western North Carolinians who will be on the line sharing their stories, current confirmed speakers also include: Alexandra Sirota, Executive Director, NC Budget & Tax Center Ben Williamson, Executive Director, Asheville Poverty Initiative Jennifer Rambo, Head of School, Spruce Pine Montessori School Sam Sites, Living Wage Program Coordinator, Just Economics Meghan Rogers, Executive Director, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association Dr. Marcia Whitney Mount Shoop, Grace Covenant Church Questions: Contact Alex Campbell, Public Policy Analyst, at alex@ncbudget.org   Background resources N&O, Letter to Editor: We don’t have to choose WNC recovery or paying teachers if we tap this revenue | Opinion NC Newsline, Radio Interview: Alexandra Sirota on the legislature’s power grab bill and the disinvestment in core public services Blog: SB 382 Offers Disaster Relief In Name Only, Fails to Provide Direct Support To Western NC Citizen Times, Opinion: To rebuild WNC, lawmakers must prioritize people over tax cuts for corporations Fact Sheet: NC Needs A Full And Inclusive Recovery For Western NC Post-Helene Blog: NC Needs a Bold Response From Lawmakers To Hurricane Helene Disaster Oct. 9, 2024 Statement on NC General Assembly and Hurricane Helene recovery from Alexandra Sirota, Executive Director of the NC Budget & Tax Center   For more information, please contact Alex Campbell, Public Policy Analyst at NC Budget & Tax Center, at alex@ncbudget.org; or Mel Umbarger, Communications Director, at mel@ncbudget.org.