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I proposed a cost-of-living adjustment of 2% for state
employee retirees in my compromise budget compared
to the 1% increase offered by the leadership in the
-
ingful cost of living adjustments as well as working to
maintain the state’s full contribution to the retirement
system to help keep it strong. One way to have the
money to provide cost of living adjustments is to stop
the legislature’s sweeping tax cuts and tax breaks for
the wealthy that deplete state funds.
What initiatives or goals will you have to help retirees
reverse declining pension value and receive needed
pension adjustments? As Governor, what will you do to
address this need, and if the money is not there, how will
you handle it?
Dan Forest: It is important to make good on the promises
that we have made to our state employees, including
those who are retired. Treasurer Folwell has done
a great job managing the state retirement system, and
that’s especially evident when so many other states’
stages of the COVID-19 crisis.
The goal is, of course, for the fund to grow through
usually the employer and state government contributions
do so. In those years when the funding might not
be where it needs to be, I will work with the Treasurer
and the General Assembly to do whatever needs to be
done, in whatever creative way, to make sure that our
COVID
have done differently in managing the pandemic, protests,
and riots? What would you have not done differently?
Roy Cooper: I’ve learned that you rely on science and
data, particularly when you are in uncharted waters
like a pandemic. I’ve learned that North Carolinians
show up for one another when times are tough. I’ve
witnessed people come together in so many inspiring
ways. I’ve learned facts are more effective than political
bravado, but this pandemic is not over. We have to continue
to show up for each other by practicing the three
W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet
apart, Wash your hands.
I will continue to make decisions based on science
and data while putting the health and safety of North
data must lead the way on every one.
I’ve dealt with a lot of crises as Governor. What I
try to do every day is listen to the health experts, the
economic experts and the quality people I’ve chosen
to have around me and get it right. If at any point there
are adjustments to be made, I’m not afraid to do that
either. Right now, we need measured and strong leaders
who can hear everybody and who can be peacemakers
in this state and this country, because our state and
our country need healing. I’ve done my best to be that
leader and will continue to in my next term.
Would you have handled our state’s response to the pandemic,
protests and riots the same as Gov. Cooper? If not,
what would you have done differently?
Dan Forest: With more than half our state’s COVID
deaths occurring in nursing homes and similar congregate
care facilities, we’ve learned a tragic lesson
on what happens if the state does not move swiftly to
protect the most vulnerable. As Governor, I will imme-
our seniors at risk.
We’ve also learned as a state that the rule of law
becomes even more important during a time of crisis.
I will cease the current administration’s poll-driven
coronavirus response and implement policies that are
proven to keep people safe, within the state and U.S.
constitutions, while freeing the rest of the state to get
back to their lives.