Who is Yolanda Holmes, a Democratic candidate for N.C. House District 112?
Political Party: Democratic
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 50
Campaign wesbite: Yolondaholmesfornc.com
Email: dr.yofornc@gmail.com
Occupation: Education
Education: Ph.D.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory former chair and current member, Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Engagement Committee, American Cancer Society, and more.
If you’re a member of the minority party, how will you be an effective legislator as a member of the minority party?
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School test scores dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should North Carolina do to improve student performance?
NC should recognize that before a student can excel academically or behaviorally, we must meet them where they are cognitively & effectively. Teachers need support from school leaders & the government to help them. Parents need to be fully engaged & willing to receive the necessary resources & guidance on how to get their children back in gear. That includes their well-being & opportunities to allow them to reset & be at their best while listening to our children, parents, & educators.
What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
Roe v. Wade has been debated by many over the years. As a woman, I can understand that there may be situations or circumstances that justify the desire to have an abortion. I believe in the right to choose. If the law was overturned, it would be up to each state to pick a side. North Carolina should continue to honor women, our rights, our history, and the right to choose.
What should North Carolina do to reduce violent crime?
NC should engage in a listening tour to hear from the residents to better understand the impact of violent crimes in their respective communities. If we had more opportunities to grow and develop the citizens in our communities, with an emphasis on the underserved, we may see lower crime rates. We build youth centers for our children but we also need more employment readiness and wellness centers, and more.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
With proper regulation, medical marijuana should be legalized in North Carolina. We have already witnessed the challenges from the opioid crisis and laws have helped. Medical cannabis is used to treat pain, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms for individuals living with life-altering and life-threatening diseases in their bodies. Physicians are already held to requirements and compliance measures when prescribing certain drugs. This is no different.
What should the state’s minimum wage be? What policies would you support to help struggling North Carolinians?
The state’s minimum wage should be $3-4 more. With gas prices at or near $4 and minimum wage at $7.25, it does not leave the working-class room to thrive and support their families. I have a full-time job and cringe at the pumps, frown at food prices, and still have to balance my checkbook like everyone else. We need to do better to ensure that all North Carolinians are offered wages that will allow families to have their needs met and more!
Should North Carolina expand Medicaid, and how?
Medicaid affords many citizens the healthcare benefits needed to create generational health. Expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina would help leverage health equity concerns. Currently, we are faced with packed emergency rooms and many patients without insurance that could be eligible for Medicaid if we expanded. That would also reduce the cost-shifting of healthcare costs to those with commercial insurance plans which could result in lower premiums.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
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This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.