2024 NC Governor's race: on Welfare & Poverty

Dale Folwell: $5000 first-time homebuyer credit is unconstitutional

Graham's tax credit plan would require the legislature to pass a bill changing the tax code -- something Folwell was quick to point out when asked about the proposal. "I hope that Bill Graham has read the North Carolina constitution," he said. "That would clearly point out that he would not have the ability as the governor to do such a thing."

Folwell said a tax credit wouldn't fully solve a housing affordability problem that's closely tied to other economic challenges, like inflation and the cost of childcare.

Josh Stein: Make affordable single-family home ownership a reality

Josh Stein is also talking about affordable housing. A campaign spokesperson highlighted his work as attorney general to crack down on businesses that prey on homeowners: "From his first job out of law school with the Self Help Credit Union working to make affordable single-family home ownership a reality for working families to taking on predatory mortgage lenders as Attorney General, Josh has a record of addressing folks' housing challenges. As governor, he will work to expand the full range of housing options across the state, so that a home is a source of stability, not stress. That means using incentives from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to increase workforce homeownership, expanding the supply of affordable rental housing, and reducing homelessness."

Mark Robinson: Cut taxes instead of a homebuyer tax credit

A spokesman for Robinson said Graham's homebuyer tax credit plan "ignores basic economics of supply and demand."

"The failures of Bidenomics have made just about everything more expensive, including new homes and mortgages," a Robinson spokesman said. "And as North Carolina's economy continues to grow, demand for housing outpaces available supply. If elected governor, Mark Robinson will continue to work hand-in-hand with Republican lawmakers to cut taxes and streamline regulations for families and businesses -- especially in construction and housing -- so our economy can continue to grow and thrive."

Mark Robinson: Government safety net spending is a plantation of welfare

Robinson often speaks of struggle and redemption, setting himself apart from career politicians and wealthy influencers in Raleigh, the state capital. This compelling autobiography, combined with Robinson's brash talk, has endeared him to supporters of Donald Trump, who endorsed Robinson at a March rally. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee often refers to Robinson as "Martin Luther King on steroids."

Robinson campaigned for statewide office as a staunch fiscal conservative who criticized the government as too big and costly, especially with liberals in charge. "The Democratic Party is the party of welfare checks and dependency. The Republican Party is the party of freedom and opportunity," Robinson wrote in his memoir.