Roy Cooper in State of North Carolina secondary Archives
On Crime:
Second Chance Act: expunge misdemeanors & under-age crimes
Summary by Dummit-Fradin Law (6/25/20): Before, only one non-violent, non-DWI misdemeanor conviction could be expunged if at least 5 years have passed. The Second Chance Act will allow for more than one non-violent misdemeanor conviction
to be expunged after 7 years, and expands the list of offenses eligible for expungements for convictions that occurred when a Defendant was under 18 years old.Summary by NC Justice Center:Nearly 1 in 4 North Carolinians has a criminal
record; this landmark piece of bipartisan legislation provides clean slate relief for thousands of people with criminal records to have their records expunged. NC's "revolving door" criminal justice system has devastated communities around the state,
and disproportionately impacts Black communities and other people of color.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 119-0-1 on Jun/10/20; passed Senate 47-0-3 on Jun/16/20; signed by Gov. Cooper on Jun/25/20.
Source: NC Justice Center on North Carolina voting records S561
Jun 25, 2020
On Abortion:
No politicians in medical room telling doctor what to say
Cooper is the state's lawyer, so he's obligated to defend state laws even if he personally opposes them. So, for instance, though Cooper is considered a supporter of reproductive rights, he asked the US Supreme Court last month to review a federal
appeals court ruling that struck down a North Carolina law requiring abortion patients to view a narrated ultrasound image prior to the procedure.The appeals court ruled that the ultrasound law violates the First Amendment rights of physicians by
compelling delivery of ideological information that transforms "the physician into the mouthpiece of the state." But in petitioning the Supreme Court to take up the case, Cooper said the ultrasound law was consistent with the First Amendment as a
regulation of medical practice.
Just a few months earlier, though, Cooper spoke to a gathering of abortion rights supporters, criticizing state leaders "who want the voice of politicians in the medical examining room telling the doctor what to say."
Source: Huffington Post on 2016 North Carolina gubernatorial race
Apr 2, 2015
On Civil Rights:
Women deserve equal pay
Our daughters deserve the same pay as men who are
working the same job.#EqualPayDay
Source: Facebook.com posting on 2016 North Carolina Governor race
Apr 12, 2016
On Civil Rights:
Repeal law requiring bathroom use based on birth gender
A state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people and directs transgender people to use public restrooms matching the gender on their birth certificate has dominated the political discourse since it was signed by GOP Gov.
Pat McCrory earlier this year.Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, who has held the office since 2001, has declined to defend the law and vowed to try repealing it as governor.
Source: Associated Press on 2016 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Oct 1, 2016
On Civil Rights:
Repeal the "Bathroom Bill"; it's a dark cloud over NC
North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in America. By 2025, we will have one million more residents. And when they come here, they are welcomed. There is a welcoming handshake at the ball field. There are the open arms of entire communities.
Our people are welcoming. But some of our laws are not.I call on the legislature once again to repeal House Bill 2 [the "Bathroom Bill" which requires transgendered people to use the bathroom of their birth gender]. The law has damaged our state.
The legislature must erase this law from our books. Pass a clean repeal of HB2 and I will sign it the same day. Pass a compromise repeal that works to eliminate discrimination and brings back jobs, sports and entertainment and I will sign it--as long as
it truly gets the job done.
I also raise this issue at the beginning because HB2 is the dark cloud hanging over our state of promise. It drains the energy from what should be our work for the people of this state. It's time to move on.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Civil Rights:
Workplace discrimination "bathroom bill" is unacceptable
When I took office, House Bill 2 [the "bathroom bill"] was hurting North Carolinians and holding our economy back. I said we must repeal it and with bipartisan support, HB2 is gone. But there is more to do. We must show the rest of the nation
and the world who we really are: a state that values diversity, that is welcoming, and that is open for business. I've signed two executive orders that reaffirm those values by banning workplace discrimination.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Corporations:
Pushed to pass first U.S. anti-predatory lending law
Q: Tighten or loosen regulation of banks and credit card companies?Roy Cooper: Tighten. Pushed to pass first U.S. anti-predatory lending law and financial fraud protections.
Dan Forest: Loosen. "Having fewer regulations fosters a spirit of innovation in our state."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Crime:
Created task force on racial equity in criminal justice
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Roy Cooper: Yes. Created task force on racial equity in criminal justice and a new center to track statistics and "improve training related to the use of force."
Dan Forest: No. "I will always DEFEND the police." "Our police officers need to be able to do their jobs."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Drugs:
Eliminate stigma & encourage opioid addicts to get treatment
One of the most frightening developments in our country and state is the opioid and substance abuse crisis. It threatens lives, rips apart families and can create a shortage of qualified workers.In my hometown of Nashville, North Carolina, Police
Chief Tom Bashore is working to combat this addiction crisis. Last February, Chief Bashore and the Nashville Police Department launched the "Hope Initiative," the first program in North Carolina encouraging opioid addicts to walk into a police station
seeking treatment without fear of arrest.
Recognizing that addiction is a disease, Chief Bashore has engaged with the community to eliminate the stigma surrounding opioid addiction and encourage addicts to seek treatment.
My budget directs
mental health and law enforcement funding in a multi-pronged approach to combat the substance abuse crisis. This is an area where we must find common ground to help our friends and neighbors gripped by addiction.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Drugs:
Launched state's first Opioid Action Plan in 2017
In addition to being appointed by the President to serve on his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, I've worked with the legislature across party lines. We launched the state's first Opioid Action Plan in 2017 and
opioid prescriptions have dropped by 24%, emergency room visits for opioid misuse have declined by 10% and opioid related deaths have decreased by 5%.
Source: Raleigh News-Observer on 2020 North Carolina Governor race
Mar 2, 2020
On Education:
4,700 additional Pre-K slots for at-risk 4-year olds
As I have traveled the width and breadth of North Carolina, it doesn't matter where I am or who I'm talking to, people want us to make education better. When I'm recruiting a business to come here, the first thing they ask is whether North Carolina has
the workers skilled enough to fill the jobs they create.I've laid out aggressive goals to make North Carolina a Top Ten Educated State by 2025--emphasizing early childhood education, increasing enrollment in pre-kindergarten, improving our high
school graduation rate and increasing the percentage of adults with a higher education degree.
My budget creates nearly 4,700 additional Pre-Kindergarten slots to eliminate the wait-list of at-risk four year olds. Getting more kids in pre-K means
they'll arrive at school ready to learn. It's the foundation for a lifetime of success, showing economic and health benefits well beyond their pre-K years. And it allows both parents to stay in the workforce, a necessity for many North Carolina families.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Education:
NC GROW: Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce
In my talks with business owners, I hear time and again that they have job openings, but can't find workers with the skills necessary to fill them. We know the problem and we have the answer: educated workers with high-tech critical thinking skills,
earned at our high schools, community colleges and universities.To give people in the middle class more opportunity to afford higher education, let's pass a workforce program we call NC GROW-
Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce. It means free community college--a scholarship to cover last-dollar tuition and fees for recent high school graduates to attend a North Carolina community college.
To earn it, young people have to make
good grades and apply for already-existing scholarships, loans and grant programs. It's an idea that Republican and Democratic governors alike have supported in other states. We can make it a bipartisan reality here in North Carolina.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Education:
$8 billion in building or renovating schools
Public education is our most important job as a state. We must do better. Let's give kids a better start by investing more in early childhood education. We've worked together to expand pre-K to thousands more students,
but we shouldn't stop until every child has it.
Let's give our students safe, healthy places to learn. Right now, 4 in 10 public schools in our state are at least 50 years old. That means they're still using the schools you and I went to.
That's great for nostalgia, but not so good for students in classrooms with unreliable heat, leaking roofs or crumbling walls.
K through 12 schools need at least 8 billion dollars in new construction and renovations let's have the people vote on a strong school construction bond.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Education:
Increased teacher pay before tax cuts for the 1%
Too often, public schools have taken a back seat to tax breaks for those at the very top. Simply put, public education is our most important job as a state. We must do better. If we want our educators to teach well, we need to treat them well.
North Carolina is still ranked 37th in teacher pay nationwide. That's not the respect they deserve. When I send you my budget, we'll put our schools and our teachers first.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Education:
Proposed 9.1% pay increase for teachers, 8.5% compromise
From my first day in office, I've fought for better teacher pay and funding for our classrooms. My 2019-20 budget proposed a 9.1% increase for teachers, and my compromise offer included an increase of 8.5% over two years with no
plateaus and a pay raise for every teacher. Legislative Republicans, on the other hand, want just a 3.9% increase over 2 years with some teachers left out.
Source: Raleigh News-Observer on 2020 North Carolina Governor race
Mar 2, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Supports Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard
I have supported successful efforts like North Carolina's Clean Smokestacks Act, which I used to limit TVA's pollution in our mountains, and the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.
Pursuing alternative energy production has benefited our environment and our economy.
Source: 2016 North Carolina governor campaign website RoyCooper.com
May 2, 2016
On Energy & Oil:
Reducing greenhouse gas means green jobs
We must also limit damage from the next storm by rebuilding stronger and more resilient. Weeks after Hurricane Florence, I formed the new office of recovery and resiliency to carry out
recovery and develop strategies to protect our state from future storms. We've seen violent weather threaten every corner of our state, and scientists agree climate change is making storms more fierce.
It is real. And we're the generation that must act.In October, I signed an executive order to reduce our state's greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2025.
This won't just help in the fight against climate change. It will boost our economy by creating more clean energy jobs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
Cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2025, 70% by 2030
We launched a Clean Energy Plan and established a goal to cut North Carolina's greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025 and 70% by 2030 and renewed our state's commitment to reducing pollution. We've fought offshore drilling and
have stood against those who would threaten our coastal economy and our beaches. We need to continue to invest in renewables and make sure we achieve a carbon neutral North Carolina.
Source: Raleigh News-Observer on 2020 North Carolina Governor race
Mar 2, 2020
On Environment:
Vetoed weakening environmental/health regulations
Legislative Title: SB553: Regulatory Reform Act:
Analysis by N.C. LCV: SB 553 earned modest bipartisan support after some of the most environmentally objectionable provisions regarding landfills and electronic waste
recycling were removed.
Veto Message : Provisions in the legislation allowing trash receptacles in exit corridors could pose a fire safety risk for residents and emergency responders.
Also, this legislation could allow septic system permits to be issued that circumvent state septic system rules which can hurt public health and threaten clean water. Both of these provisions threaten public health and safety.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 78-31-11, Roll Call #804 on Aug/29/19; Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Sep/20/19; Veto Sustained in Senate 28-21-1, Roll Call #663 on Jan/14/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 553
Jul 6, 2020
On Government Reform:
Voter ID is a solution for no problem
Q: Support stricter ID requirements and other rules on voting?Roy Cooper: No. Voter ID "is a solution for no problem." Vetoed bill that would set "barriers to voting that will trap honest voters."
Dan Forest: Yes. "The only reason to oppose photo voter ID is if you intend to commit fraud at the ballot box."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Government Reform:
Veto weakening appointment powers over elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 21, 2017
On Government Reform:
Vetoed shielding death investigation records from public
Legislative Summary: SB 168: An act making technical, conforming, and other modifications to laws pertaining to the Department of Health and Human Services.Veto Message : SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling
of public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.
Analysis by WBTV-3: Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that
makes law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of
transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 43-0-7, Roll Call #877 on Jun/26/20; Passed House 109-1-0, Roll Call #1063 on Jun/25/20; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 168
Jul 6, 2020
On Health Care:
Accept Federal dollars to expand Medicaid
We know too many North Carolinians don't have health insurance. Many North Carolinians are tired of their tax dollars going to Washington to cover people in other states, but not our state.
It makes no sense to say no to something our Federal tax dollars already pay for in other states. As soon as we can, right now, we should expand Medicaid.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Immigration:
Supports "pause" in Syrian refugee immigration to NC
Roy Cooper is facing criticism for saying he wants to "pause" Syrian refugees coming to North Carolina. "I support asking the federal government to pause refugee entries to make sure we have the most effective screening process possible so our
humanitarian efforts are not hijacked. At the same time, we must not let political fear-mongering on this issue divert our attention and resources from stopping terrorists who may already be here or who are trying to get into our country in other ways."
Source: News-Observer on 2016 North Carolina gubernatorial race
Nov 19, 2015
On Immigration:
Vetoed bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE
The case of the Honduran man was the most recent of several that prompted North Carolina's Republican-controlled state Legislature to pass a bill requiring local sheriffs to honor ICE detainers. Cooper vetoed the bill last week. State law enforcement
officials opposed Cooper's veto, as did President Donald Trump. Cooper said the legislation, House Bill 370, would drain resources from local law enforcement.Governor's Veto Message:
This legislation is using fear to divide North Carolina. Current law allows the state to jail and prosecute dangerous criminals regardless of immigration status. This bill, in addition to being unconstitutional, weakens law enforcement in
North Carolina by mandating sheriffs to do the job of federal agents.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 25-18-7 on June 24; passed House, 62-53-5 on Aug. 20; vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Aug 21.
Source: The Daily Signal on North Carolina voting record H370
Aug 26, 2019
On Jobs:
Grow out Unemployment Trust Fund to more than $2 billion
Our economy is recovering. But our unemployment rate is still 5.3%, still slightly above the national average. Meanwhile, our Unemployment Trust Fund has grown to more than $2 billion. That's good. But we must use this opportunity and these funds to
help for those who can't find work, while also taking a deeper look at those who are chronically unemployed.The Governor and the legislature need to work together to get better-paying jobs for North Carolina.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Jobs:
NC Job Ready: state helps train students, handle expenses
There are thousands of jobs available from advanced manufacturing to construction to technology in health care, jobs that offer better pay, yet employers tell me they struggle to find the skilled workers they need. That's why we started
NC Job Ready, a program that trains workers in the skills employers need. Our finish line grants help community college students living on the economic edge when they face unexpected costs like car repairs, medical emergencies, and childcare.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Jobs:
$15 "admirable goal" for minimum wage
Q: Raise federal hourly minimum wage above current $7.25?Roy Cooper: Yes. Will "work with the General Assembly to see how high we can get it. $15 is an admirable goal."
Dan Forest: No recent position found.
In 2012 called minimum wage laws "an unfair intrusion into the labor market" that "hurt the employment opportunities for unskilled labor."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Common Ground Solutions instead of either/or choices
The budget I shared two weeks ago reflects the priorities of North Carolina's hard-working people. It contains no increase in taxes. It rejects the false "either/or" choice of either saving or investing. Instead, my budget puts millions in our rainy day
fund while committing to a future of growth.I call this budget "Common Ground Solutions" because it contains many areas of agreement. In Raleigh, partisan battles, power struggles and lawsuits might grab the headlines, but we have to work together
where we can. To look beyond ourselves to see what's right for the state, regardless of who's in power.
That's what the people of North Carolina want us to do, and what common sense demands us to do. So let's get to work. Job recruitment, raising
teacher pay, fighting the opioid crisis, and boosting our infrastructure: these are areas where we already agree more than we disagree. These tasks don't come with a party label for a reason. They are priorities we all share.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties
Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions. Let's place integrity at the forefront. We are all North Carolinians. These times of triumph and trial have
shown us that we are more connected than we ever imagined. And one thing is clear, just as we did one hundred years ago--North Carolina is ready to roar again.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address (North Carolina inaugural)
Jan 9, 2021
On Technology:
Rural high-speed broadband access, and technical training
There are strategic steps we can take to make our state more competitive--funding to prepare mega-sites to attract large-scale, advanced manufacturing.- Workforce technical training that is more nimble & customized to what companies say they need.
- Encouraging more people to get into high-paying trades, like plumbing and electrical work, or medical research and high tech engineering.
- Incentives to bring the film industry back to NC. Initiatives to harness the innovation and entrepreneurship
happening right now at our world-class universities and in our cities.
- Encouraging renewable energy which is already bringing good jobs to our state.
- Providing help for small business. And a focus on rural broadband access, which is a must for
economic success in our rural communities. We cannot leave them behind.
- We must do more to help rural small businesses and family farms grow. High-speed broadband access is key to their success, in fact, a necessity, in a global marketplace.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
On Technology:
Public/private team up for rural internet access
Too many North Carolinians lack the internet connection they need to apply for jobs, do homework or run a small business. Among households without broadband, about 95% are in rural areas, a digital divide with very real consequences.
I'm asking you to join me in an expansive effort to complete rural broadband projects. We can leverage public/private partnerships to bridge the digital divide and connect all parts of our state to opportunity.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
On Welfare & Poverty:
Create affordable, available housing for disaster recovery
I urge cooperation as we work to rebuild the thousands of homes, businesses, schools and roads damaged by last year's storms. No solution is as easy or as quick as we want it to be, but I pledge to continue working with NC's Congressional delegation and
the NC General Assembly to help residents rebuild in those 50 hard-hit counties.In just the past couple of months, we've been able to repair and reopen more than 100 roads, and help hundreds of families return home or find other places to live.
But nearly 600 households are still in need of permanent housing. We will not forget these families, and must keep working together to help them.
One thing that has become clear during the disaster recovery is the lack of affordable, available housing
in eastern NC that has hindered relocation efforts. That's why I am asking you to work with me to restore allowing the use of federal money for housing so we can start to build our way out of this affordable housing shortage.
Source: 2017 North Carolina State of the State address
Mar 13, 2017
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023