State Senate District 14
Dan Blue
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers?
I support the use of responsible incentives to attract responsible employers that will improve the quality of life in our communities.
5. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers? Why or why not?
6. Do you support Medicaid expansion?
Yes
Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not?
Healthcare is a human right. Every person should have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Medicaid expansion would do just that by providing 600,000 working adults health insurance and access to regular, preventative care.
Medicaid expansion would also offer us an economic boost, creating new jobs and activity.
7. How do you intend to collaborate with your partners at the municipal and county level to create a better environment for our region?
I want to see the state honor municipal autonomy and let our city leaders do what they know is best for their citizens.
As a state, we can promote open communication and foster a relationship of mutual respect with local partners.
And the state should support common sense regulatory measures that don’t put unnecessary burdens on our cities and towns.
8. How will you work to support Wake County’s public education needs, including our public schools, community colleges and public universities?
Wake County is fortunate to be able to provide additional funding for public education where the state has fallen short. But it’s time for the state to step up and make serious investments in public education, from pre-K to our public universities and community colleges. I will continue to advocate for the state to commit more funding to public education that provides every child with a sound basic education.
9. How will you help North Carolina to be more competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally?
North Carolina is the most business friendly state in the US. But we’re the worst state for workers. We need to find a balance that honors both businesses and workers.
We also need to steer clear of culture wars at the state level to protect our reputation as a welcoming place to live and work.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the state for ongoing growth.
This is critical if we are going to compete with cities like Austin, and Atlanta. At the state level, we need to be part of the conversation, and help to turn effective transit plans into action.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Our strength is in our people, and we need to ensure there are work training opportunities that align with the market’s needs.
Low corporate tax rates only go so far in attracting new businesses. Companies also need adequate infrastructure, and assurance that their employees can enjoy a higher quality of life when they move to North Carolina.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Raleigh’s greatest challenge right now is affordability. Some of this is beyond the city’s control — with the price of food and gas hurting family budgets. The price of homes is increasing at a much faster rate than the average income. People need to be able to afford to live where they work.
I will continue to call for reinvestments in the state’s Housing Finance Agency.
Great Government - Promote a vision of a city government that partners with all levels of government to empower, protect and serve its citizens through a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation
We need to create more opportunities for public and stakeholder input — both in person and online. The city has a great history of empowering residents and local businesses, and it has helped shape more insightful growth in Raleigh. We need to see more of this at the state level.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
The state should continue to support and promote locally driven growth and sustainability. Every community has a unique character, and unique challenges. Those serving at the local level have the best understanding of this, and are best equipped to identify solutions with state-level support.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
This is essential, and it’s going to take more than hiring more LEOs. We need to approach public safety as a comprehensive issue. When we improve our healthcare systems, mental health services, reduce food and housing insecurities, we can create safer communities.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Improving economic and social outcomes should start early with strong early childhood education opportunities. We need to identify and address child and family challenges early to create a clearer path to success. But it doesn’t end with education. It continues with sustainable housing, healthier communities, and more opportunities for individual growth. State leaders need to partner with their local counterparts to create opportunities for a better future.
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers?
I support the use of responsible incentives to attract responsible employers that will improve the quality of life in our communities.
5. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of employers? Why or why not?
6. Do you support Medicaid expansion?
Yes
Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not?
Healthcare is a human right. Every person should have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Medicaid expansion would do just that by providing 600,000 working adults health insurance and access to regular, preventative care.
Medicaid expansion would also offer us an economic boost, creating new jobs and activity.
7. How do you intend to collaborate with your partners at the municipal and county level to create a better environment for our region?
I want to see the state honor municipal autonomy and let our city leaders do what they know is best for their citizens.
As a state, we can promote open communication and foster a relationship of mutual respect with local partners.
And the state should support common sense regulatory measures that don’t put unnecessary burdens on our cities and towns.
8. How will you work to support Wake County’s public education needs, including our public schools, community colleges and public universities?
Wake County is fortunate to be able to provide additional funding for public education where the state has fallen short. But it’s time for the state to step up and make serious investments in public education, from pre-K to our public universities and community colleges. I will continue to advocate for the state to commit more funding to public education that provides every child with a sound basic education.
9. How will you help North Carolina to be more competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally?
North Carolina is the most business friendly state in the US. But we’re the worst state for workers. We need to find a balance that honors both businesses and workers.
We also need to steer clear of culture wars at the state level to protect our reputation as a welcoming place to live and work.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the state for ongoing growth.
This is critical if we are going to compete with cities like Austin, and Atlanta. At the state level, we need to be part of the conversation, and help to turn effective transit plans into action.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Our strength is in our people, and we need to ensure there are work training opportunities that align with the market’s needs.
Low corporate tax rates only go so far in attracting new businesses. Companies also need adequate infrastructure, and assurance that their employees can enjoy a higher quality of life when they move to North Carolina.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Raleigh’s greatest challenge right now is affordability. Some of this is beyond the city’s control — with the price of food and gas hurting family budgets. The price of homes is increasing at a much faster rate than the average income. People need to be able to afford to live where they work.
I will continue to call for reinvestments in the state’s Housing Finance Agency.
Great Government - Promote a vision of a city government that partners with all levels of government to empower, protect and serve its citizens through a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation
We need to create more opportunities for public and stakeholder input — both in person and online. The city has a great history of empowering residents and local businesses, and it has helped shape more insightful growth in Raleigh. We need to see more of this at the state level.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
The state should continue to support and promote locally driven growth and sustainability. Every community has a unique character, and unique challenges. Those serving at the local level have the best understanding of this, and are best equipped to identify solutions with state-level support.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
This is essential, and it’s going to take more than hiring more LEOs. We need to approach public safety as a comprehensive issue. When we improve our healthcare systems, mental health services, reduce food and housing insecurities, we can create safer communities.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Improving economic and social outcomes should start early with strong early childhood education opportunities. We need to identify and address child and family challenges early to create a clearer path to success. But it doesn’t end with education. It continues with sustainable housing, healthier communities, and more opportunities for individual growth. State leaders need to partner with their local counterparts to create opportunities for a better future.
