TWO OUSTED BLACK
LAWMAKERS HELP GOP
OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S
VETO AGAINST ANTI-DEI
LAW
It was one thing for House Republicans to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of their bills outlawing DEI (diversity, inclusion and equity) policies in schools and government, and also immigration enforcement in state government.
But too many, it was shocking who seemingly helped to override Stein’s veto. In fact, if it wasn’t for Democrat Rep. Shelly Willingham from Edgecombe County and former Democrat Rep. Carla Cunningham from Charlotte, being absent from the override vote on June 24th, it is very likely those votes wouldn’t have even been taken.
Reportedly both Cunningham and Willingham were present in a committee hearing earlier in the day, but were not present when the state House convened in the afternoon when the votes were called.
Also notable is that both Black House representatives were ousted in their respective Democratic primaries last March. They were opposed because they had previously helped the Republican House majority override Gov. Stein’s veto, drawing the ire of Stein, NC Democratic Party leaders, snd other top legislative Democrats.
Neither Rep. Cunningham nor Rep. Willingham offered an explanation or excuse for their critical absences, but in the minds of many Democrats, it didn’t matter.
When their party needed them, especially on a critical issue like saving DEI in state government by protecting Gov. Stein’s veto of the Republican measure outlawing it in state government, the two veteran Black Democratic lame duck leaders who remain in office until next December, were nowhere to be found.
House Republicans needed three-fifths of House members in attendance to override a governor’s veto. In each case, Republicans were able to get their three-fifths threshold - 71 to 47 - because Cunningham and Willingham were absent from the vote on the Democratic side.
Wilmington Democratic Rep. Deb Butler challenged the House vote.
"It appears that these override votes here that we are seeing today are very well choreographed, and so I would ask you to reconsider the question of privilege concerning the integrity of the House's proceedings because the ability of members to deliberate and represent their constituents is central to the institutional rights of this body," Butler told House Speaker Destin Hall, who then dismissed her concern.
Gov. Stein vetoed three of the four bills overridden last week, a year ago - HB 171 (banning DEI in local and state government hiring; Senate Bill 227 and 558 ban DEI in K-12 public schools and public universities; Senate Bill 153 requires local and state law enforcement to further cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they carry out their duties.
Stein blasted House Republicans for taking the time to override his vetoes from a year ago, but still not be able to pass a state budget that is over a year late. Others critics went after Cunningham and Willingham.
“Today’s a difficult day in Raleigh,” Democratic House leader Robert Reives II wrote on social media last Wednesday. “House Republicans overrode Governor Stein’s vetoes of harmful legislation regarding DEI. We could be focusing on policies that actually help improve the lives of North Carolinians, like passing a budget or making life more affordable. Instead, we focus on divisive culture war issues.”
Other Democratic House members weren’t so restrained.
“Today was a day of cowardice at the General Assembly, “ wrote Rep. Brian Turner from NC House 116. Two Democrats ho lost their primaries “took a walk” and left the chamber and handed the Republicans the numbers they needed to overturn Gov. Stein’s vetoes.”
“The vote count from today will be remembered and those voting against a better future for all who call NC home will be remembered for their failure of character,” Rep. Turner vowed.
-30-
CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL
SELECTS NEW INTERIM
MAYOR TO LEAD CITY
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
As of July 1st, and for the next 18 months, Charlotte has a new interim mayor, and his name is Robert Harrington. When the Charlotte City Council selected Harrington on June 22nd to succeed the outgoing Vi Lyles, he became the 60th mayor in the Queen City’s history.
“I just think we’re gonna work together, I’m excited to work with this group of people. You can feel their passion about the city, and I can feel their passion about the city and we’re just looking forward to the future,” Harrington said.
Harrington will serve out the remainder of Mayor Lyles’ term. Lyle’s announced on May 7th that she would be stepping down early to spend more time with her family. She had only spent five terms in office, having won her last election in November 2025. She was the Queen City’s second longest serving mayor.
Mecklenburg County Commission Board Chairman Mark Jerrell issued a statement saying, “Mr. Harrington’s appointment stands as a meaningful testament to the respect he has earned over the years through professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.”
Harrington currently serves as the president of the North Carolina Bar Association, but hs never held public office before.. After he won a runoff to be selected, Mayor Lyles went to social media and wrote, “Charlotte City Council selected Robert Harrington as interim mayor to help guide Charlotte through its next chapter. I’m grateful for Harrington’s leadership and for the care he will bring to this role.
“Charlotte’s future is bright, and I know this city will continue moving forward with strength and purpose.”
-30-
No comments:
Post a Comment