NC public schools aren’t good because the state legislature is not investing in them

Education in NC

Regarding J. Pedar Zane’s op-ed on “4 myths about education in NC,” (Feb. 18 Opinion), I would like to mention another myth. It is the myth that says great schools will result if we pay teachers very little, don’t let them join unions, and keep classes large.

Our schools are not good. North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending. In terms of teacher salaries, we rank 28th in the United States.

When will North Carolina wake up and realize that a “right to work” state means a state that has a “right” to exploit the workers?

The N.C. legislature refuses to give raises to our teachers — and then we wonder why this state can’t get and keep teaching talent. There is a correlation between good schools and the state’s investment in them. In this state, that investment is lacking.

Want better schools? Get more and better teachers, and dramatically cut class size.

Jane Gabin, Chapel Hill

The writer is an educational consultant.

Caring for seniors

As a registered Independent voter weighing my options for the N.C. primary, I offer all N.C. candidates an opportunity to respond to an issue that impacts thousands of families.

Many adults today are supporting their aging parents. These parents worked hard all their lives, paid taxes, supported their communities, and retired. At some point the retirement savings dwindle, or an illness occurs, or both, making it impossible to remain independent.

When an assisted living facility is required, it’s not uncommon for highly rated facilities in the Triangle area to cost over $65,000 a year — well beyond what most can afford. Conversely, there are dozens of 1-star facilities that upon giving up all of one’s modest retirement savings would be covered by Medicare/Medicaid.

One political party calls caring for our most vulnerable citizens socialism. Then what do you call turning your backs on them?

Gary Hathaway, Durham

Justice reform bill

The writers are state representatives.

By signing the First Step Act in 2018, President Trump kicked off an important conversation about criminal justice reform and re-entry. His recent appointment of Pastor Tony Lowden as re-entry czar further supports administration efforts to help formerly incarcerated people succeed.

It’s critical for North Carolina to support all returning citizens in every way possible, which is why the state legislature must pass HB 463, a bill we co-sponsored. It passed the House unanimously last session and awaits a Senate vote.

People in N.C. prisons shouldn’t have to wait any longer to access post-secondary education opportunities that give them the skills and knowledge to succeed in the community. We look forward to getting this bill passed when the session convenes in April.

Jon Hardister, Greensboro

David Rogers, Rutherfordton

Tillis, town halls

A group of constituents planned a town hall in Youngsville on Feb. 20 focused on health care issues. We repeatedly invited Sen. Thom Tillis, as well as candidates from all parties running in the Senate primary in North Carolina. Most of the other candidates accepted the invitation, but Tillis didn’t have the courtesy to respond to multiple invites to the bipartisan event, much less accept.

I can understand why Tillis would be hesitant to face voters, especially those who are concerned with health care. He has voted multiple times to repeal insurance subsidies and health care protections under the Affordable Care Act. According to the Open Secrets website, Tillis has taken more than $340,000 in donations from the pharmaceutical and health products industries since 2015 while neglecting to support legislation to reduce prescription drug prices.

Stacie Jennifer Borrello, Fuquay-Varina

Trump pardons

Regarding Trump’s use of the clemency power. Does he take Mastercard or VISA?

Paul D. Naylor, Durham

Defining socialism

When I was young the hated word “socialism” stopped conversations. Today, “democratic socialism” leads to conversations about the great, underused productive capacity of our nation. Democratic socialists understand how our monetary system can work for the poor among us and maintain thriving, green industries that do not pollute our air and water.

We have put our great productive nation to work before. We did it to win World War II. We built a transcontinental highway system. We put men on the moon. Then, we lost our way. Ronald Reagan told us government was the problem not the solution. We bought into his tricky, trickle-down economics. Bill Clinton ran budget surpluses that led to financial crisis.

We can increase our productivity, raise people out of poverty, make health care, Social Security, and education human rights. And, federal deficits for the public purpose can increase our productivity to its maximum.

Dan Metzger, Cary