Friend,

Medicaid expansion would help North Carolina’s economy by bringing federal tax dollars into the state to use for health care services. The Cone Health Foundation estimated by 2022, this would amount to $4.7 billion dollars and the addition of 37,000 jobs into our state’s economy. Medicaid expansion would also close the health care coverage gap for 634,000 people by 2022.  Health care jobs and lower costs are very important, but perhaps the most heartbreaking consequence of failing to expand Medicaid is that more babies die when states do not act, particularly African-American babies.

The  News and Observer  recently published a revealing look at infant mortality rates in North Carolina and the disturbing gap between white and black infant death rates. Black babies are 2.44 times more likely to die in 2018 than white babies, a gap that has widened since 1999. Many factors are being studied to determine why this gap exists, including poverty, access to health providers and racism. But, the data does show that states that expanded Medicaid saw significant drops in their infant mortality rates compared with states like North Carolina. The impact was particularly strong among African-American families.

North Carolina needs to expand Medicaid so our most vulnerable and precious citizens can get the start to life that they deserve. Our failure to do so is inexcusable and unacceptable. Every day we do not take action is a day that more infants are at risk of dying. I hope that the General Assembly will address this important issue during our short session, beginning April 28.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Representative Julie von Haefen
District News:
Peak of Good Living: Apex State of the Town Video
If you live in Apex, check out this great video about "The Peak of Good Living" and get acquainted with newly elected Mayor Jacques Gilbert. Get a sense of his vision for Apex, and learn about the town's most recent accomplishments and upcoming projects.
Proposed Duke Energy Rate Hike
Last September, Duke Energy filed an application with the NC Utilities Commission to increase residential rates by 6.7%, commercial rates by 5.1%, and industrial rates by 4.8%. The North Carolina Utilities Commission is currently considering the proposed rate increase and accepting public input. You can email the Commission using this  email form .  Include docket number “E-7 Sub 1214” in the docket number line.  
Office Hours Are Back!
Rep. von Haefen will hold office hours on  Monday, February 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 3460 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (corner of Kildaire Farm and Ten Ten Roads)

Stop by anytime between 7:00PM & 8:30PM to share your thoughts or ask questions!
Office Updates
Courier News Interview
When asked what I thought about our one day session this month: “It was quite a waste of a day.”

Read my interview with Courier Newsroom
about our one day session at the General Assembly this month.
Oppose EPA's Rollback of Regulations on Coal Ash
I was proud to sign onto this letter with over 160 other lawmakers to protect our water.

North Carolina knows better than anyone the harmful effects of coal ash. It’s great to see state leaders join together to prevent further damage to our environment.
Raleigh Women's March
The Raleigh Women’s March was a powerful event this week. Marching with other women and allies, many of whom were there for the fourth year in a row, reminded me of the work we must do to ensure equal access to healthcare, income, and opportunity for women across our state.

I will not stop fighting for you and for future generations of women.

"Nevertheless, she persisted."
Planned Parenthood Champions of Choice Breakfast
It was wonderful to spend a morning at the Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic Champions for Choice Breakfast among strong supporters of reproductive rights. Kelly Robinson, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action, spoke on the importance of this year’s election.

I’m so happy to have the support of Planned Parenthood, and I will continue to work to ensure women have full access to reproductive healthcare because when we control our bodies, we control our lives.
Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King
Thank you to the  Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina  for a moving celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the St. Augusta Missionary Baptist Church. Music by the MLK Community Choir and the Campbell University Gospel Choir brought the audience to their feet and an inspiring keynote by my friend and colleague, Rep. Sydney Batch. “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”- Dr. King
Holly Springs MLK Unity Breakfast
I had an inspiring morning at the  Holly Springs MLK Jr. Community Committee  Unity Breakfast this month! We had a delicious community breakfast, followed by musical and dance performances from talented Holly Springs HS students and a moving speech from Tru Pettigrew.

He reminded us to “meet people where they are, and love people where they are” so we can work toward fulfilling Dr. King’s dream of racial equality. What are you doing to “keep the dream alive?” Thanks to the committee for a great event!
State Employees Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King
I had the honor of attending a moving ceremony at First Baptist Church in downtown  R aleigh,  celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. during the annual State Employees event.

Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke on voting rights and encouraged us to use our voices both at the ballot box and on the ballot. In the words of Dr. King, “Only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars.”
Upcoming Events
Did you Know?
African American History
In North Carolina
The first African American woman elected to the NC House of Representatives was Brown Kennedy in 1979. An African American woman was not elected to the North Carolina State Senate until 1993, when Jeanne Hopkins Lucas took office.