A Community Conversation with Representative Morey

About the event

The one responsibility of the State Legislature is to pass a state budget, and North Carolina was the only state in the country to close out 2025 without a budget.

At a time when working families are already navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty, the absence of a funded plan from the state government touches each facet of public life.

Teacher pay remains stagnant. State retirees don’t receive a cost of living adjustment. Public schools remain underfunded and cannot adjust for population growth. Medicaid dollars are stretched thin. Infrastructure projects stall. Tax cuts continue for the top 1% while working families wait for support.

This town hall will bring together local leaders, advocates, and elected officials to confront the real and growing consequences of North Carolina operating without a finalized state budget– and how this impacts Durham. Speakers will unpack what’s at stake when political stalemates take precedence over public needs and what we can do to fight back.

Your voice as a constituent is valuable. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their concerns, and engage in thoughtful dialogue on investment in our community.

Speakers

Representative Marcia Morey - Representative Morey serves in the North Carolina State House, representing District 30 (Durham). Prior to joining the legislature, she served as a District Court Judge for over two decades, spearheading juvenile justice reform in North Carolina. She is a fierce advocate for public schools, economic justice, and common sense gun control.

Millicent Rogers - Millicent is the Vice Chair of the Durham Public Schools School Board. Millicent is a Durham native, a product of Durham Public Schools, and the proud mother of her son raised in Durham Public Schools. She has served as the Board Chair for Rebound, Alternatives for Youth and Action Team Co-Lead of PA's Education Action Team and Co-President of the People’s Alliance.

Dr. Mike Lee - Mike Lee is Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, a dad, and a business leader. Mike is a strong advocate for public education and served for eight years on the Durham Public Schools Board of Education prior to joining the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 2024.

Alexandra Forter Sirota - Alexandra is the Executive Director of the NC Budget and Tax Center. Alexandra works to connect the dots across policy areas and identify opportunities for building the base of support for policies that will deliver better outcomes for all North Carolinians. She has been one of the leading voices behind creating equitable tax policy and passing a budget that advances economic justice.

Monday, May 4th starting at 6 p.m. in the Durham County Main Library auditorium located at 300 North Roxboro Street in Durham.

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage located at 115 North Queen Street which is behind the apartments directly across the street from the library. Parking at the garage is free. Please bring your parking ticket to a service point for validation.

Registration is appreciated to receive an email reminder and program updates.

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