Kamala Harris will visit Charlotte Thursday to talk abortion rights, internet access

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Charlotte Thursday to talk with state legislators about reproductive rights and to discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in affordable, high-speed internet.

This White House didn’t provide details Tuesday about where Harris will speak in Charlotte.

North Carolina is approaching elections that could change abortion rights in the state. While the procedure remains legal, Republicans could pass legislation curtailing or banning it if they gain a supermajority in the November general election.

With a supermajority, the GOP would be able to override vetoes from Gov. Roy Cooper. There are at least four competitive state House and Senate districts in the Charlotte area.

Harris’ second visit in eight months

Harris last visited Charlotte in December, when she celebrated the passage of the administration’s infrastructure bill. The legislation could bring nearly $9 billion to North Carolina projects over the next five years, including $7.2 billion for highways; $457 million for bridges; $911 million for public transit and $100 million for broadband internet.

Both state and local officials have promoted closing the “digital divide” by expanding internet access to residents who have limited access.

About 10% of households in Mecklenburg County lack internet access, according to U.S. Census data. Among households with incomes below $20,000, nearly a third lack access.

At least one federal program, the Affordable Connectivity Program, hopes to make a dent by offering discounted and in some cases free high-speed internet to qualified households.

Both AT&T and Spectrum participate in the program, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Cooper announced Monday more than $23.4 million in grants would expand internet access in 12 counties, including in Gaston and Lincoln counties.

In Charlotte, money from the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative will also be dedicated to expanding internet access. At least some of that money will create a Center for Digital Equity housed at Queens University, the Observer previously reported.

This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM.

Will Wright

The Charlotte Observer

Will Wright covers politics in Charlotte and North Carolina. He previously covered eastern Kentucky for the Lexington Herald-Leader, and worked as a reporting fellow at The New York Times.