By 1973 women finally gained control over their own bodies and reproductive rights with the Roe v. Wade decision. We made further advancements in science and in 1985 discovered the first hole in the ozone layer, caused by pollution, and that led to the Montreal Protocol of 1987.

The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States in 2008 and his reelection in 2012 signified a remarkable change in American society and politics. In 2015 we achieved marriage equality, giving due respect to our LGBTQ+ community. Then in 2020, Kamala Harris became the first woman to win election as Vice President of the United States.

Our ideals of freedom, humanity, and justice are in jeopardy … here in the 21st century, in North Carolina and across the United States. For generations, people from a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, ages, belief systems, income levels, genders, and abilities have been struggling to build a moral and thriving nation.

The challenge before us now is the fight for our basic human rights. I personally accept this challenge, and as your State Representative I will persist in rising up and speaking out on behalf of you, my constituents and the greater community.

In my lifetime, we as a nation have rejoiced in many achievements. The Brown v. Board of Education decision led to the desegregation of public schools. Rosa Parks sat down in the white section of a bus, sparking a 13-month bus boycott that resulted in desegregation of public transportation. In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, and in 1965 the Voting Rights Act was enacted to prohibit racial discrimination in voting. 

By 1973 women finally gained control over their own bodies and reproductive rights with the Roe v. Wade decision. We made further advancements in science and in 1985 discovered the first hole in the ozone layer, caused by pollution, and that led to the Montreal Protocol of 1987.

The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States in 2008 and his reelection in 2012 signified a remarkable change in American society and politics. In 2015 we achieved marriage equality, giving due respect to our LGBTQ+ community. Then in 2020, Kamala Harris became the first woman to win election as Vice President of the United States.

My first term in office as Representative for NC House District 50 began on January 1, 2023, and since then I have witnessed the passage of many pieces of legislation that, by the will of the majority party, has set North Carolina backward in time at least 70 years. For example:

• Public schools are in a crisis due to underfunding and face resegregation based on race, ethnicity, and class, while $618 million has been appropriated for private school vouchers.

• Voting rights, particularly for African Americans, are under threat as changes in election laws easily could lead to voter intimidation.

• The right to representation is almost nonexistent due to extreme gerrymandering.

• Women have been stripped of our rights by laws limiting abortions and reproductive health care.

• Delicate ecosystems are at risk due to a farm bill that fails to protect North Carolina’s wetlands.

That said, we made some gains in 2023, including Medicaid expansion for more than 600,000 North Carolinians who previously had no access to affordable health care. We also passed a law that allows military relocation licenses for physician and physician assistant service members and spouses, so they may continue to practice upon relocation to North Carolina.

Looking forward, we must strive diligently to course-correct and then to advance with dynamic momentum. Our basic human rights came with too much pain and suffering, too much bloodshed, and too much sacrifice for us to allow anyone to deny us, to disrespect us, or to disenfranchise us now. We must secure the foundation for the evolution of our society and ensure a future for generations to come.  

I enjoy my role as your State Representative and am inspired by my experiences with you as well as with my elected colleagues. We have a responsibility to protect and defend our democracy. May we remain optimistic and focused on the vision of freedom, humanity, and justice for all people.

— Renée Price