Two critical NC agencies have been seriously underfunded. That must change.

Fund state agencies

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Quality have been grossly underfunded by our state legislature for years. According to the Environmental Integrity Project, between 2008 and 2018 DEQ lost more than 30% of funding for pollution control programs and staffing cuts.

While the COVID-19 crisis has been sudden and severe, we should always be able to count on state agencies to get us through public health and environmental challenges. Sadly, it’s taken a world health crisis for some decision-makers to realize the need for fully funded state agencies. I hope our state lawmakers are taking note and begin to fund DHHS and DEQ properly. Without them, all of our lives are at risk.

Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration and all N.C. legislators must get resources to people who really need them. Legislators who represent us going forward must commit to properly funding these agencies.

Cynthia Gallion, Raleigh

Repeal the tax cut

Now that we have reached the stratosphere in federal trillion-dollar debt to mitigate the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, it is time to repeal the trillion-dollar tax break awarded to the top 1% in our country.

The tax cut did not result in the much-hyped surge in business investment that Republicans used to sell Congress on it. Instead, it led to corporations buying back their own stock to inflate their stock value. And, o course, the trillion-dollar debt awarded to our grandchildren.

The Republicans would point to the monstrous debt and call for cuts to Social Security and Medicare to offset the loss of revenue from the federal tax cut. They have already successfully cut Medicaid. But for the pandemic, they would have started on the other safety-net programs. After all, who in the 1% needs a safety net, since Congress gave them one for generations to come?

Eleanor Kinnaird, Chapel Hill

Gov. Roy Cooper

As long as Gov. Roy Cooper purposely continues to extend his stay-at-home orders, he continues to play the part of “the good Democrat” by contributing to the destruction of the president’s economy. I would much rather he govern supportive of the welfare of the people of North Carolina, as opposed to his present policies. Playing politics, for personal gain, etc., is hardly worth sacrificing the country. With self-reflection and small policy changes, Cooper will become the outstanding, highly respected people’s governor. I know he can do it.

George Mitchell, Morehead City

ReOpen protesters

The ReOpenNC movement is as frightening as it is tragically misinformed. At this point, everyone is aware of the genuine impact that business restrictions and closings are having on the economy.

This is hardly about constitutional or God-given rights, as their spokesperson claims. One might credibly make such an assertion if we had the luxury to consider individuals’ actions as stand-alone, separate choices that do not put the lives of others at risk. But that is not the case. Why should your “right” to move about freely be more important than my right as a health care worker - and the rights of my colleagues - to not be needlessly exposed to COVID-19 and quite likely infected?

Keith Feather, Hillsborough

Help protect all

I want to thank all the people who are standing up for our civil liberties. I also would like to point out that these ReOpenNC gatherings are prolonging this pandemic. I’d like for protesters to understand why there is a limitation on the size of gatherings. When there is a confirmed COVID-19 case an effort is made to locate and alert anyone who came in contact with the infected person. The smaller crowd makes it much easier to notify potential victims. With adequate warning, they can take action to protect their friends and families. Please, at least cover your mouth and nose! Everybody can be affected.

Billy Windham, Cary

Dr. Mandy Cohen

The N&O’s excellent profile of Dr. Mandy Cohen stressed her leadership, but neglected to emphasize her public statements. I asked students in my science communication course at NC State to analyze one of her press conferences. They gave her top marks for following research-based principles for risk and crisis communication, including:

Express empathy — acknowledge that people are afraid. Be consistent — people can deal with hardship, it’s inconsistent messaging that heightens fear. Acknowledge uncertainties while explaining what’s being done to find answers. And most importantly -— be honest and accurate, always.

Speaking without excuses or evasion, Cohen has helped us understand and deal with the terrible situation we’re in. Her steady public presence is a model for the nation.

Jean Goodwin, Raleigh