For more than 80 years, poor people and minorities have gained rights, respect and inclusion in the American Dream and North Carolina life. But today, with a GOP-led General Assembly, Republicans seem to be starting the process of trying to retract many civil rights and protections.

 With minorities and working-class people still stinging from The Great Recession of 2007, some see a move toward the past as “Deconstruction” – or the tearing away of social gains and safety nets accumulated since the 1940’s. It’s a stunning change in direction that has many Democrats in the state’s General Assembly extremely troubled.

Behind closed doors, away from the glare of public scrutiny, Governor McCrory signed into law the NC General Assembly’s short-sighted rejection of the fully-funded federal Medicaid expansion.

Republican legislators, led by Senate Leader Phil Berger, have been distorting the facts about what this means for our everyday, hardworking North Carolinian families.  Here’s the truth: expanding Medicaid in North Carolina would create jobs, increase economic activity and provide health care to hundreds of thousands North Carolinians.

 Unfortunately, the moment we have known would be coming has arrived. This week Speaker Thom Tillis and legislative Republicans have begun the march towards implementing Voter ID. Though they promise to "go slow" and use a deliberative process we know they are determined to pass this legislation. This legislation could stand to disenfranchise 613,000 voters in North Carolina (or nearly 10%).

The reason for Voter ID is clear as Voter ID would discourage Democrats, African-Americans and women from voting. According to a report published by the State Board of Elections Democrats and women comprise 53% and 67% of those lacking a NC Photo ID respectively. African-Americans and seniors would be disproportionately affected with nearly 30% and 26% respectively lacking a NC Photo ID.