Two Buncombe County Democrats took the lead in laying out the Democratic agenda in one of 6 news conferences held across the state. BPR's Jeremy Loeb reports it primarily centered on expansion of Medicaid.
Senator Terry Van Duyn and Representative Susan Fisher described what they called a "unified, forward-looking, positive promise to the citizens of North Carolina." Speaking at the Minnie Jones Health Center in Asheville, Van Duyn renewed Democrats' call for expansion of Medicaid in the state.
"Expanding Medicaid isn't just smart policy. It is the right thing to do. It's the moral thing to do. And it'll be the first thing a Democratic legislature does."
The Republican-controlled legislature has resisted the idea of Medicaid expansion. And they hold a veto-proof super-majority. But Rep. Fisher said Democrats are energized.
"After a spirited primary, Democrats now have a strong candidate running in every single seat this year."
The legislature starts its so-called short session on Wednesday.