Resolution presented from the floor by Todd Dulaney, Asheboro East Precinct, during the Convention:

A Resolution in Support of the Freedom to Read

 WHEREAS, public libraries belong to the whole public and must remain open, welcoming spaces for all; and

WHEREAS, freedom of speech and the freedom to read are fundamental democratic principles; and

WHEREAS, diverse books, including Call Me Max, help public libraries serve all families and reflect the full range of human experience;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Democratic Party stands firmly in support of public libraries, free expression, and the freedom to read; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we reject censorship, book bans, and political interference in public library collections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we affirm the right of every reader and every family to access diverse books and make their own choices, free from intimidation or ideological control.

remain open, welcoming spaces for all; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we affirm the right of every reader and every family to access diverse books and make their own choices, free from intimidation or ideological control.

 

 

Resolutions drafted by Archdale Precinct members:

Resolution to Protect Residential Ratepayers from Data Center-Driven Utility Costs

WHEREAS, Duke Energy has requested a 15% residential rate increase over 2027–2028, following multiple increases in recent years that have significantly raised power bills for households in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, large data centers are projected to drive a substantial share of new electricity demand growth in North Carolina, requiring billions of dollars in new infrastructure, including generation and transmission capacity; and

WHEREAS, current North Carolina law (SB 266) allows utilities, with approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission, to recover financing costs for power plants during construction, which can result in residential ratepayers shouldering a portion of infrastructure costs for high-demand customers; and

WHEREAS, certain data centers in North Carolina receive sales tax exemptions on electricity while providing a relatively small number of long-term local jobs compared with their significant energy and water consumption; and

WHEREAS, ensuring fair allocation of utility costs and promoting clean energy growth are critical to protecting residential customers and the long-term stability of North Carolina’s electric grid;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Democrats urge the North Carolina General Assembly and the Utilities Commission to:

1. Implement “Large Load” Tariffs: Require data centers and other high-demand users to contribute a fairer share of grid expansion and infrastructure costs upfront rather than shifting the burden to residential ratepayers.
2. Review Subsidies for High-Demand Facilities: Repeal or modify sales tax exemptions on electricity for data centers above specified megawatt thresholds to ensure equitable treatment of all customers.
3. Prioritize Renewable Energy: Require that new electricity load from data centers be matched with new carbon-free energy generation funded by the developers rather than by the public.
4. Increase Transparency: Require Duke Energy and other utilities to publicly disclose terms, incentives, or discounts offered to large-scale data centers to allow for oversight and informed policy decisions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to North Carolina’s Congressional delegation, the Governor, the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, and the officers of the North Carolina Democratic Party for their consideration.

 

Resolution to End Rural Medical Deserts and Combat Rising Healthcare Costs

WHEREAS, North Carolina has one of the largest rural populations in the United States, with over 3.4 million residents who face higher rates of chronic disease and reduced access to healthcare compared with urban areas; and

WHEREAS, 23 North Carolina counties currently operate without a hospital, and approximately 20 counties lack a practicing pediatrician, requiring families in these areas to travel long distances for routine care and emergency services; and

WHEREAS, federal proposals to cap or reduce Medicaid funding could result in tens of billions of dollars in lost healthcare resources for North Carolina over the next decade, threatening the sustainability of rural and “safety net” hospitals; and

WHEREAS, the expiration of enhanced federal Affordable Care Act subsidies has contributed to an average 28.6% increase in ACA marketplace premiums in North Carolina for 2026, placing a significant financial strain on small business owners and independent workers; and

WHEREAS, expanding access to care, supporting rural healthcare providers, and protecting affordable health coverage are critical to the health and economic well-being of all North Carolinians;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Democrats call upon state and federal representatives to:

1. Protect and Expand Medicaid Funding: Oppose federal “work requirements” or funding caps that would reduce coverage for the 600,000+ North Carolinians who recently gained access to healthcare.
2. Incentivize Rural Practice: Expand state-funded loan forgiveness and other incentives for doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals who commit to practicing in designated rural “medical deserts” for at least five years.
3. Reform Certificate of Need (CON) Laws: Modernize state CON regulations to streamline the construction of rural surgical centers and emergency facilities, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic delays while maintaining quality standards.
4. Codify Subsidy Protections: Establish state-level premium assistance to ensure that no North Carolinian pays more than 8.5% of household income for health insurance, offsetting the loss of federal ACA subsidies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to North Carolina’s Congressional delegation, the Governor, the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and the officers of the North Carolina Democratic Party for their consideration.

 

Resolution to Fully Fund the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan and Strengthen North Carolina Public Schools

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Constitution guarantees every child the opportunity to receive a “sound basic education,” a right affirmed by the Leandro v. State of North Carolina and subsequent court decisions; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina currently ranks in the bottom five nationally for per-pupil funding, spending approximately $5,600 less per student than the national average; and; and

WHEREAS, the expansion of the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program is projected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually, directing increasing amounts of state education funding to private schools; and

WHEREAS, many rural and high-poverty counties continue to struggle with teacher shortages, aging facilities, and insufficient support staff, challenges identified in the court-approved Comprehensive Remedial Plan developed with the assistance of WestEd;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Democrats call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to:

1. Fully fund and implement the remaining components of the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan so that every school has access to effective teachers, strong school leadership, and adequate instructional resources;
2. Pause further expansion of private school vouchers until the state has met its constitutional obligation to provide every student with the opportunity for a sound basic education in the public school system;
3. Restore salary supplements for teachers who earn advanced degrees in order to recruit and retain highly qualified educators, particularly in rural and high-poverty school districts;
4. Support a statewide school construction initiative, including consideration of a bond referendum, to address critical infrastructure needs across North Carolina’s more than 100 public school districts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of North Carolina, the members of the North Carolina General Assembly, and the officers of the North Carolina Democratic Party for their consideration.

 

Resolution to Protect Due Process and Ensure Transparency in Federal Immigration Enforcement

WHEREAS, the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects all persons within the United States from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires that warrants be issued by a neutral judicial officer based upon probable cause; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently utilizes administrative immigration warrants signed by agency officials rather than federal judges, which authorize certain immigration arrests but do not permit entry into private homes without consent or a judicial warrant; and

WHEREAS, effective law enforcement depends on public trust, and transparency and accountability in enforcement operations strengthen cooperation between communities and public safety officials; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Democratic Party platform supports protecting civil liberties, ensuring due process under the law, and strengthening transparency and accountability in government institutions;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Democrats call upon the North Carolina Congressional delegation and federal policymakers to support legislation that strengthens judicial oversight of immigration enforcement actions, including requiring judicial warrants for entries into private spaces; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that federal agencies conducting immigration enforcement operations be required to ensure that agents are clearly identifiable through visible agency identification and badge numbers during public-facing enforcement actions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress and federal agencies establish stronger oversight and transparency measures for immigration detention facilities, including independent review of complaints regarding detention conditions, medical care, and use-of-force policies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that policymakers support expanded access to legal orientation programs and legal representation for individuals held in immigration detention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local jurisdictions carefully review participation in federal immigration enforcement partnerships such as the 287(g) Program in light of their impact on community trust and public safety; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to North Carolina’s Congressional delegation, the Governor of North Carolina, the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and the officers of the North Carolina Democratic Party for consideration.