Today, it was great to see teachers and their supporters from across North Carolina here at the North Carolina General Assembly to focus attention upon critical issues of concern including the following:
- Provide enough school librarians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and other health professionals to meet national professional-to-student standards;
- Provide $15 minimum wage for all school personnel, 5% raise for all ESPs (non-certified staff), teachers, administrators, and a 5% cost of living adjustment for retirees;
- Expand Medicaid to improve the health of our students and families;
- Reinstate state retiree health benefits eliminated by the General Assembly in 2017;
- Restore advanced degree compensation stripped by the General Assembly in 2013.
The turnout for this year was truly impressive and I hope that the enthusiasm, excitement, and momentum which I saw today will make a difference as we adopt this year’s budget and address issues related to education. More importantly, I hope that this momentum can be sustained to elect good people from across our state that will stand up forcefully, assertively, and passionately for our students. This year, my son, Floyd B. McKissick III, who is an attorney in my law office, joined me in greeting teachers from across the state and standing up for the issues they believe in.
