Orange County NC Website
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9 <br /> adults, and this decriminalization will in turn broaden the agricultural economy and jobs as well <br /> as enhance revenue for governments with taxes, licenses, and other associated revenues that <br /> can be utilized to address opioid and other drug-related problems and other needs. <br /> Full Funding of the Leandro Remedial Action Plan — Support equity and racial justice by fully <br /> funding the Leandro Remedial Action Plan, which details additional comprehensive, targeted <br /> education funding over the next eight years, predominantly to low-wealth and minority <br /> communities, in order for the State to come into compliance with its constitutional obligation to <br /> provide every student a sound basic education. <br /> Broadband/Digital Infrastructure — Support legislation, funding, and other efforts that provide <br /> counties with flexibility and opportunities to support options for increasing access to high-speed <br /> internet connectivity and expanding digital infrastructure/broadband capability to the un-served <br /> and under-served areas of the state. Access to high speed internet connections will reduce <br /> disparities, enhance quality of life for all the State's residents, and broaden opportunities in <br /> areas such as education, jobs creation, small business development, health care, civic <br /> participation, and growth in farm enterprises. <br /> Protection of Civil Rights for Transgender Persons — Oppose any legislation that limits <br /> equal rights for transgender persons or otherwise discriminates against them, including in the <br /> areas of healthcare and sports. <br /> Minimum Wage Increase — Support legislation to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 per <br /> hour for all, not just employees of the State of North Carolina, to enhance people's economic <br /> security, improve access to safe and secure housing, boost the economy with increased <br /> spending, decrease dependence on government assistance programs, and improve the lives of <br /> families. <br /> Flexible Billing Options for Water& Sewer Utility Providers — Support legislation allowing <br /> local governments and other water and sewer providers to implement flexible billing practices to <br /> establish pricing policies, potential waivers and debt forgiveness opportunities to assist <br /> impacted customers. <br /> Other 2021 Orange County Legislative Interests (italics denote priority issues) <br /> Health and Human Services <br /> 1) Mental Health— Seek legislation to develop and fund a plan to reduce the <br /> number of people with mental health issues in county jails as well as ensure that <br /> adequate State-funded mental health, developmental disability and substance <br /> abuse services and facilities are available at the local level, accessible and <br /> affordable to all residents and that sufficient state resources fund service provision <br /> costs inclusive of sufficient crisis intervention and treatment, and to structure <br /> appropriate county participation in governance; <br /> 2) Behavioral Health Services — Support increased state funding for behavioral <br /> health services and facilities at the state and local level, including dedicated <br /> resources for community paramedicine projects. Support Medicaid <br />