Renee A. Price

Civil Rights

In North Carolina, efforts are underway to suppress the vote and to disenfranchise eligible voters. Our current political district maps demonstrate a clear case of partisan gerrymandering and, as one court said, were drawn “with surgical precision” to create a grave imbalance in our representation in the NC General Assembly and in the US House of Representatives. In addition, recent legislation grants poll observers permission to listen in on conversations between voters and election workers. As the District 50 Representative in the NC House, I will rise up, speak out, and — in the words of the late US Representative and civil rights leader John R. Lewis — “get in good trouble” to protect and ensure our right to vote and our right to representation. Learn more

No man with [dis]abilities should be denied opportunities to live a productive life. Learn more

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

Mentoring programs for justice-involved youth. Learn more

The criminal justice system throughout North Carolina and across the United States is in dire need of reform. Many of our laws, policies, and procedures are founded on racial and ethnic discrimination, sex and gender prejudice, and socioeconomic classism. I am dismayed and appalled with the lack of fairness in our criminal justice system. According to NAMI, approximately two in five incarcerated people have a history of mental illness — with 37% in state and federal prisons and 44% in local detention centers. Seven in ten of our youth in the juvenile justice system are experiencing a mental health condition. Our prisons and detention centers have become de facto mental health institutions. Learn more

Criminal justice reform Learn more

Economy

Domestic and global industries — including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, health sciences, and clean energy — are interested in locating and expanding here. These business hubs require reliable transportation networks for employees and also for moving products and parts. State government, in partnership with local and federal governments, should be investing in multimodal byways, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, van services, and last-mile transport. Learn more

In municipalities and counties across North Carolina, efforts are underway for constructing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for a robust 21st-century economy. In recent years, broadband and internet access have become priority issues across rural and urban America. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the need to expand the digital highway to all households and businesses now that broadband is essential for schoolwork, employment, commerce, telehealth, and access to social services. Learn more

Education

Learning begins at birth. Every child should have access to early childcare services, and every child should have the opportunity to reap the benefits of pre-K schooling. For students who are gifted or with special needs, options should be available for them to progress at their own pace and according to their own metrics. Learn more

People need a firm foundation and specific tools to thrive in a multidimensional 21st-century society — whether they choose a career in the health sciences or in the creative arts. The duty of elected leaders and community members, therefore, is to eliminate the achievement gaps among our students and address the disparities within our education system by investing in our children. Learn more

No child should go to school hungry. Learn more

High schools and community colleges also play critical roles in transforming teenage and young adult lives and advancing careers and professions. Along with predominantly white institutions of higher learning. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to provide pathways to success. In 1997 the North Carolina Supreme Court determined in the Leandro case that every child is entitled to a sound basic education. Leandro is evidence that we need to take critical steps to improve learning environments across North Carolina. Learn more

Investment in our public schools Learn more

Environment / Energy

Climate change is real, and while it is inevitable, we can work to reduce the impact of our activities on the precious natural resources and ecosystems that support human life. As humans we are part of the environment, and we have a responsibility to steward the water, air, land, minerals, plants, and living creatures on this planet. Individually and collectively, we can take steps to promote actions that will mitigate the adverse effects of global warming. Our policies and programs, whether big or small, affect the health and well-being of communities downstream from us as well as across the ocean. Learn more

Environmental justice is also of great concern to me. For generations, historically marginalized communities, indigenous populations, and low-wealth households have suffered the deleterious brunt of urbanization, rural development, and modern industrialization. I therefore will continue to urge investment of government funding for remedial actions and reparations to vulnerable populations harmed by human activity in the environment. As we move to protect our wetlands and air quality, we need to be inclusive of all people in our state and be aware of the diversity of livelihoods, cultures, and socioeconomic status. Environmental laws and regulations must therefore factor in feasibility and affordability if we are to succeed in our efforts. Learn more

My professional career has focused on urban and rural planning, land use, natural resource conservation, and sustainable agriculture and forestry. As a member of the NC House, I remain a strong advocate for legislation and funding that incentivizes and supports climate change mitigation and environmental justice. Learn more

Healthy ecosystems and environmental justice Learn more

Healthcare

No individual should be rejected from insurance or treatment due to a preexisting condition. Learn more

Immigration

Immigration reform Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

In my role in the NC House, I continually advocate for universal broadband, multimodal transportation, and workforce / affordable housing. I will seek to open doors for the people of Orange and Caswell counties so they may have access to career-oriented jobs, opportunities for rural economic development, and the economic wealth of this state. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Better pay and skills training for public safety workers. Learn more