RES-2022-042-Resolution detailing Orange Countys recommendations regarding goals for inclusion in the North Carolina association of County Commissioners NCACC 2023 2024 Legislative goals package

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• provide assistance to NC residents , especially youth , who are dealing with the impacts of COVID ; 2 ) Medicaid Expansion — Support legislation increasing access to the Medicaid program to make health insurance available to North Carolina residents at 138 % of the poverty level ; broaden the opportunity for coverage for more than 500 , 000 North Carolinians to address chronic conditions and to prevent illness and disease progression ; to provide additional support for rural hospitals ; and to protect families from medical debt and bankruptcy ; 3 ) Racial Equity in Criminal Justice — Support continued consideration and implementation , where practicable , of the recommendations of the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice (TREC ) , including : • legislation to legalize the possession and use of marijuana and permit licensed businesses to engage in retail sales to adults , as this decriminalization will in turn broaden the agricultural economy and jobs as well as enhance revenue for governments with taxes , licenses , and other associated revenues that can be utilized to address opioid and other drug - related problems and other needs ; • policing reforms to address use of force , community oversight and law enforcement training on crisis intervention ; • Funding at the county level to expand access to diversion and restorative justice programs ; and • the reduction of fines , fees and costs in criminal court , noting that such fines , fees and costs disproportionately impact people of color and people of low income ; 4 ) Concealed Weapons in Parks and Red Flag Law — Support legislation authorizing counties to regulate the carrying of concealed weapons on county- owned playgrounds and in county- owned parklands , and allowing courts to prevent access to firearms for individuals who show signs of being a danger to themselves or to others . Mental illness , escalating threats , substance abuse and domestic violence are among the circumstances in which a judge should have the authority to order weapon restrictions or surrender ; 5 ) Full Funding of the Leandro Remedial Action Plan — Support equity and racial justice by fully funding the Leandro Remedial Action Plan , which details additional comprehensive , targeted education funding over the next eight years , predominantly to low- wealth and minority communities , in order for the State to come into compliance with its constitutional obligation to provide every student a sound basic education ;