See below for updates during the debate:
On Governor McCrory’s Watch, North Carolina’s Rainy Day Fund Is The Largest In State History
Before Governor McCrory took office, North Carolina’s savings reserve account, or rainy day fund, was vastly underfunded.
“Governor [Bev Perdue] Raids Rainy Day Fund.” (“Governor raids rainy day fund,” ABC11, 3/12/2009)
Today, North Carolina’s rainy day fund is more than $1.1 billion– the largest in state history. (Office of State Budget and Management)
Governor McCrory: “This change is another way NCDMV is working hard to reduce wait times and help our citizens conduct business more efficiently.” (Press Release: “Governor McCrory applauds improved DMV customer service,” Office of the Governor, 5/1/2016)
Roy Cooper opposed rebuilding the rainy day fund. (“Cooper: Teacher raises don’t rely on tax hikes,” The Associated Press, 9/7/2016)
Governor McCrory Put Medicaid Back On Track
Under Governor McCrory, Medicaid finished the last two years in the black, after four years of shortfalls and $2 billion in the hole. (Richard Craver, “Medicaid expansion may fall on deaf ears in Congress, N.C.” Winston-Salem Journal, 1/14/2016)
2013: “Audit: State overspent budget by more than $1.4 billion” (Lynn Bonner, “Audit: State overspent Medicaid budget by more than $1.4 billion,” Raleigh News & Observer, 1/31/2013)
2015: “NC Medicaid in good financial standing.” (Gary D. Robertson, “NC Medicaid in good financial standing,” The Associated Press, 8/5/2015)
Governor McCrory signed major Medicaid reform into law, empowering Medicaid recipients to choose their provider. (“Medicaid Transformation and Reorganization,” S.L. 2015-245, North Carolina General Assembly, signed by Gov. McCrory 9/23/2015)
Governor McCrory: “This new system will focus on keeping people healthy and delivering care where it makes the most sense for patients”(Press Release, “Governor McCrory signs historic Medicaid reform that improves patient care and holds down costs,” Office of the Governor, 9/23/2015)
Under Governor McCrory, The Unemployment Rate Has Plummeted Across North Carolina
North Carolina’s unemployment rate is at a nine-year low and now below the national average. (Press release, “North Carolina’s August employment figures released,” N.C. Department of Commerce, 9/20/2016; Press release: “Regional and state employment and unemployment summary,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9/20/2016)
“North Carolina Unemployment Lowest Since 2008” (Richard Craver, “North Carolina jobless rate falls to a nine-year low in July,” Winston-Salem Journal, 8/20/2016)
North Carolina continues to be one of the most competitive states in the nation for job growth. (John Hood, “NC ranks 9th in job creation,” Carolina Journal, 8/24/2015; Press release: “Regional and state employment and unemployment summary,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9/20/2016)
Since Governor McCrory took office, the unemployment rate is down in every one of North Carolina’s 100 counties. (Press release: “Regional and state employment and unemployment summary,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9/20/2016; Press release: “New data shows NC unemployment lower in all 100 counties under Governor McCrory,” Office of the Governor, 6/17/2016)
“County unemployment rates have fallen faster outside of Wake and Mecklenburg counties on average.” (Press release: “New data shows NC unemployment lower in all 100 counties under Governor McCrory,” Office of the Governor, 6/17/2016)
Under Governor McCrory, North Carolina paid off a $2.8 billion unemployment insurance debt to the federal government, easing the penalties on employers and encouraging more to hire. (Craig Jarvis, “NC pays off $2.8 billion unemployment debt,” The News & Observer, 5/15/2015)
“Businesses will no longer pay penalties and interest on the debt. Officials say that had amounted to a combined $962 million paid by North Carolina businesses since 2011.” (Craig Jarvis, “NC pays off $2.8 billion unemployment debt,” The News & Observer, 5/15/2015)
As AG, Roy Cooper Fought Coal Ash Cleanup Efforts & Let Duke Off The Hook
2007: Roy Cooper, Easley Administration Specifically Exempted Coal Ash From Tougher Landfill Rules And Regulations (Roll call vote, S.B. 1492, North Carolina General Assembly, 8/2/2007; “Solid Waste Management Act,” S.B. 1492/S.L. 2007-550, North Carolina General Assembly, signed by Gov. Easley 8/31/2007)
2009: Even After A Massive Coal Ash Spill In Tennessee, Roy Cooper And The Perdue Administration Tied The Hands Of Regulators By Blocking Access To Dam Safety Records That Could Have Revealed Dam Safety Problems And Prevented The Dan River Spill (Roll call vote, S.B. 1004, North Carolina General Assembly; S.B. 1004, S..L. 2009-390, North Carolina General Assembly, Signed by Gov. Perdue 7/31/2009)
“§ 143-215.25A. SECTION 3.(b) Any impoundments or other facilities that were in use on the effective date of this section in connection with nonnuclear electric generating facilities under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, and that had been exempted under the provisions of G.S. 143-215.25A(4), prior to amendment by Section 3(a) of this act, shall be deemed to have received all of the necessary approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Commission for Dam Safety, and shall not be required to submit application, certificate, or other materials in connection with the continued normal operation and maintenance of those facilities.” (S.B. 1004, S..L. 2009-390, North Carolina General Assembly, Signed by Gov. Perdue 7/31/2009)
2011: Roy Cooper, Perdue Administration Allowed Duke Energy To Use Sutton Lake As A Coal Ash Dumping Ground. When Professional Regulators Protested, Cooper’s Office Told Them To Back Off (Email Chain,NCDEQ, 2011)
Cooper, Perdue Administration Weakened Water Quality Standards At Sutton Lake Near Coal Ash Basins At Then-Progress Energy’s Now De-Commissioned L.V. Sutton Steam Plant To Please The Energy Company in 2011. (Memorandum: “Policy for compliance evaluation of long-term permitted facilities with no prior monitoring requirements,” Office of Governor Bev Perdue, 6/17/ 2011; Rescinded 9/29/2015; “Progress Energy to shut down Wilmington’s Sutton Plant in 2014, Star-News, 12/1/2009 )
“The [Sutton Lake] reclassification followed a document review during which records were found indicating that while the water body met the legal definition for waters of the state, previous department leadership decided to disregard that determination.” (Press release: “Duke Energy Hit With Record $25 Million Coal Ash Fine,” NCDEQ, 3/12/2015)
2011: Roy Cooper, Perdue Administration Let Duke Off The Hook With A New Policy Shielding Duke Energy From Fines And Penalties Associated With Groundwater Contamination At Coal Ash Facilities
The McCrory Administration Overturned This Policy To Hold Duke Accountable (Memorandum: “Policy for compliance evaluation of long-term permitted facilities with no prior monitoring requirements,” Office of Governor Bev Perdue, 6/17/ 2011; Rescinded 9/29/2015)
2012: Roy Cooper, Perdue Administration Fought Efforts To Stop Groundwater Pollution At Duke Energy Coal Ash Basins (Blog: In bid for EPA rules, environmentalists target state coal ash programs,” Inside EPA, 10/19/2012)
“In October 2012, the SELC filed a petition with the N.C. Environmental Management Commission on behalf of several environmental groups. It asked for a declaratory ruling that, under state law, Duke must start immediate efforts to stop groundwater leaks found by state regulators at its ash disposal ponds.” (John Downey, “Top N.C. court rules new law trumps court order on Duke Energy coal-ash leaks, Charlotte Business Journal, 6/11/2015; Cape Fear River Watch v. N.C. Environmental Management Commission)
“The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, joined by Duke Energy, opposes implementing the parts of the rule that would require immediate action to stop the source of groundwater contamination.”(Report: “Timeline: North Carolina’s environmental agency’s interference with coal ash clean ups and citizen enforcement efforts,” Southern Environmental Law Center, 10/2015)
“[a coal ash lawsuit in Montana similar to one in North Carolina], says an attorney close to the petition, ‘is a perfect example of how states aren’t pursuing violations. There’s no doubt that there’s a regulatory vacuum here.’” (Blog: In bid for EPA rules, environmentalists target state coal ash programs,” Inside EPA, 10/19/2012)
Special Deputy Attorney General Mary Lucasse, From Roy Cooper’s Office, Represented The Environmental Management Commission. (Special Deputy Attorney General, North Carolina Department of Justice)
2014: After the McCrory Administration Became The First Administration To Sue Duke Energy, Roy Cooper’s Office Negotiated A $99,111 Limited Settlement With The Energy Company Over Groundwater Contamination At Its Coal Ash Basins. The Settlement Was Later Rescinded By The McCrory Administration (Michael Biesecker, “McCrory counsel: Cooper has politicized coal ash,” The Associated Press, 3/25/2014)
2015: Duke Energy Plead Guilty For Clean Water Act Violations At Coal Ash Facilities That Started On Roy Cooper’s Watch (Press Release: “Duke Energy Subsidiaries Plead Guilty and Sentenced for Clean Water Act Crimes,” EPA, 5/14/2015)
2016: Because Of The Perdue-Cooper Administration’s 2011 Policy Shielding Duke From Fines And Penalties, Cooper’s Office Advised DEQ To Seek A Settlement With Duke Energy Instead Of Enforcing A Record $25 Million Fine (Press release: “DEQ gives legislative update on coal ash cleanup,” North Carolina Department of Commerce, 1/13/2016)
Roy Cooper Accepted Campaign Contributions From Duke Energy As Attorney General
Cooper received nearly $83,000 from Duke Energy PACs and employees while was a candidate for and served as Attorney General. (NC State Board of Elections)
Roy Cooper served on the host committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, which received $10 million from Duke Energy (Charlotte Magazine, September 2011; The Washington Times, 3/1/2013)
“In effect, Duke Energy’s ‘loan has turned out to be a $10 million contribution to the Democratic convention. Duke CEO Jim Rogers hinted at this possibility in an interview with the Observer last month, when it was becoming clear the Democrats might not repay the company.” (Andy Kroll, “Coal Giant’s $10 million loan to Democrats is now a $10 million donation,” Mother Jones, 3/1/2013)
Jim Rogers, Duke Energy’s former CEO has supported Roy Cooper and Bev Perdue’s political campaigns.
Jim Roberts, Duke Energy’s CEO at the time, donated $12,000 to Bev Perdue
Jim Roberts, Duke Energy’s former CEO, has donated $9,700 to Roy Cooper
Cooper has received over $325,000 in contributions from the energy and natural resources industry during his campaigns. (Democracy North Carolina; Followthemoney.org)
Duke Energy has heavily contributed to the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) while Roy Cooper has served as attorney general:
$15,000 in 2015
$15,000 in 2014
$5,000 in 2013
$5,000 in 2012
$5,000 in 2011
(opensecrets.org)
Cooper Ignored Documented Coal Ash Problems At Every Turn, Leading To Dan River Spill
Coal Ash Has Been An Issue In North Carolina During Roy Cooper’s Tenure As A Lawmaker And Chief Law Enforcement Officer Over The Past 30 Years.
“The Belews Creek Steam Station dumped coal-combustion waste in its on-site, massive ash basin, a type of waste pond, which oozed into Belews Lake. Within years, 17 of the lake’s 20 fish species were wiped out. Selenium was the culprit.” (Bertrand M. Gutierrez, “Environmental concerns persist at Belews Creek plant, The Winston-Salem Journal, 10/19/2013)
“December 2008, a massive spill of coal combustion waste from a coal-fired power plant in Kingston, Tenn., brought national attention to ash basins. The Tennessee Valley Authority had a 40-acre ash basin, much smaller than the 350-acre ash basin at Belews. When the pond’s earthen dam collapsed in 2008, about 1 billion gallons of coal sludge spilled into the river valley, and about 300 acres of land got covered with it.” (Bertrand M. Gutierrez, “Environmental concerns persist at Belews Creek plant, The Winston-Salem Journal, 10/19/2013)
In The 14 Years After He Was Elected To The General Assembly In 1986, He Failed To Introduce Or Support A Single Bill To Regulate Or Clean Up Coal Ash. (Journals of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of North Carolina, 1987-1990; Journals of the Senate of the General Assembly of North Carolina, 1991-2000)
Roy Cooper, Bev Perdue And Mike Easley Knew About Toxic Hazards Near Coal Plants For Years. Despite Hundreds Of Samples Showing Groundwater Exceeding Standards, No Action Was Taken On Coal Ash Until 2013. (John Murawski, “Coal ash troubles were ignored for decades in NC,” The News & Observer, 11/7/2015)
“Since 2011, officials have disclosed more than 226 water quality test violations near the Salisbury plant that bear similarities to coal ash, the hazardous byproduct that remains after burning coal for electricity.” (Blog: Kimber Ray, Coal ash management: Long-awaited, still debated,” Appalachian Voices, 2/18/2015)
Cooper Ignored North Carolina’s Coal Ash Problem Even After A Massive Coal Ash Spill Occurred In Tennessee During His Five-Year Long Lawsuit Against The Tennessee Valley Authority Over Air Pollution From Coal-Fired Power Plants. (Elizabeth Shogren, “North Carolina Sues TVA to Clean Up Pollution,” National Public Radio, 11/1/2006)
“A coal ash spill in eastern Tennessee that experts were already calling the largest environmental disaster of its kind in the United States is more than three times as large as initially estimated, according to an updated survey by the Tennessee Valley Authority.” (Shaila Dewan, “Tennessee ash flood larger than initial estimate,” The New York Times, 12/26/2008)
In 2002, Roy Cooper Supported A Law To Regulate Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions, But Did Not Address Coal Ash Management. (S.B. 1078/S.L. 2002-4,North Carolina General Assembly, signed by Gov. Easley 6/20/2002; Julie Ball, “Local supporters of Clean Smokestack Act celebrate passage,” Asheville Citizen-Times, 6/30/2002)
Cooper Wanted Consumers To Foot The Bill For 2002 Power Plant Regulations: “The law required Duke Energy and Progress Energy to pay $2.9 billion in upgrades and retrofits to coal-burning power plants, and the costs were covered by customers in their utility bills.” (John Murawski, “NC AG: Make Duke Energy pay for coal ash fix,” The News & Observer, 6/18/2014)
Roy Cooper Did Not Join Advocacy Groups As They Sued The Obama Administration’s EPA In 2012 To Force New Federal Coal Ash Regulations. (Complaint: Appalachian Voices et. al. v. EPA [Doc. 1], 1:12-cv-00523, 4/5/2012)
“Since [2010], despite coal ash contamination at more than 200 sites nationwide, the EPA has failed to finalize the protections…” (Press release: “EPA agrees to deadline for first-ever US coal ash regulations,” Sierra Club, 1/30/2014)
The EPA Finalized The First-Ever Federal Coal Ash Rules In 2014. (“Fact sheet: Final rule on coal combustion residuals generated by electric utilities,” Environmental Protection Agency, 12/2014)
Governor McCrory: Protecting Privacy While Ensuring NC’s Commitment To Equality
Governor McCrory issued Executive Order 93, clarifying privacy rights for North Carolinians and instituting government-wide non-discrimination policies. (Executive Order No. 93: “To protect privacy and equality,” Office of the Governor, 4/12/2016)
Governor McCrory: “We have long held traditions of both ensuring equality for all of our citizens and our visitors, while also respecting the privacy of everyone.” (Governor Pat McCrory, “Affirming and Improving North Carolina’s Commitment to Privacy and Equality,” Medium, 4/12/2016)
Governor McCrory stood up for North Carolina families and children, suing the Department of Justice after the Obama Administration issued a sweeping mandate in response to North Carolina. (Monica Langley, “Salesforce’s Marc Benioff has kicked off new era of corporate social activism,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/2/2016)
Claims of Economic Damage to North Carolina “False,” “Over-Exaggerated”
Claims Of Economic Impact To NC “False” And “Over-Exaggerated” (Will Doran, “Democratic Representative Chris Sgro says North Carolina has already lost $500 million due to HB2,” Politifact, 5/4/2016)
Report: Charlotte Area Hotels Not Feeling Effect Of North Carolina’s Privacy Law (Jenna Martin, “Are Charlotte-area hotels feeling pinch from HB 2 in latest occupancy figures?” Charlotte Business Journal, 6/22/2016)
Economic Index Shows “North Carolina’s Economy Is Surging”
“North Carolina’s economy is surging with an index of data climbing to its highest point in two years, says NCSU economist Dr. Michael Walden… ‘Unless unexpected events occur, 2016 should be a good growth year for the North Carolina economy with increases in employment, wages, and production,’ he added.” (Report: “NC economy surges ‘very strong’ 3.4%,” WRAL Techwire, 5/26/2016)
“Economist: HB2 Having ‘Minor’ Effect On State’s Economy” (Rad Berky, “Economist: HB2 having ‘minor’ effect on state’s economy,” WCNC, 9/7/2016)
North Carolina Has One Of The Fastest-Growing Economy In The United States (Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce)
CEOs Rank North Carolina As #3 Best State For Business
“North Carolina has a strong technical and university support for industry. It also has great quality of life aspects for work and home life.” (Report: J.P. Donlon, “2016 best and worst states for business,” Chief Executive Magazine, 6/11/2016)
North Carolina Ranked #1 For Business Competitiveness
“The state’s position of strength is clear enough, most recently bolstered by a AAA bond rating and record venture capital numbers.” (Adam Bruns, “Battle tested,” Site Selection Magazine, 5/2016)
On Roy Cooper’s Watch, S.B.I. Rape Kit, Crime Lab Backlogs Were At An All-Time High
Roy Cooper claims he fixed the problems at the crime lab, but independent fact-checkers give his claims a “red light” on the fact-checking scale: “Roy Cooper’s crime lab “still experiences long processing times.” (WRAL, 9/8/2016)
Last year, Winston-Salem, fed up with years-long state crime lab delays, decided to pay for its own. (Bertrand M. Gutierrez, “City contracts with private firm to open crime lab here,” Winston-Salem-Journal, 1/4/2015)
“Blood-alcohol and drug evidence that took months—sometimes years—to test at the State Crime Lab will be tested within days…” (Bertrand M. Gutierrez, “City contracts with private firm to open crime lab here,” Winston-Salem-Journal, 1/4/2015)
There are still thousands of untested rape kits across North Carolina and prosecutors have to wait up to two years to receive evidence test results from Cooper’s crime lab:
“NC rape victims waiting 2 years for DNA test results” (WECT, 6/22/2015)
“Backlogs in the SBI crime lab are a problem from the mountains to the coast.” (Kinston Free Press, 8/9/2015)
Crime lab delays mean prosecutors have had to delay criminal cases and even drop charges against suspects as criminals walk free:
“Officials: Backlog at NC crime lab leads to canceled prosecutions” (Winston-Salem Journal, 1/12/2015)
“Rapists Go Free While Rape Kits Go Untested” (The Atlantic, 2/24/2015)
“The wait time doesn’t just add to the pain and suffering. In many cases, it can cost victims a conviction” (WECT, 6/22/15)
“Crime lab backlog… stall local murder cases” (High Point Enterprise, 1/3/2015)
“Justice delayed: Many felony cases remain unresolved for years” (Kinston Free Press, 8/9/2015)
These delays impact prosecutors’ ability to charge DWI cases and get habitual drunk drivers out from behind the wheel:
“Impaired drivers walk as crime lab lingers” (Haywood County Mountaineer, 2/2/2015)
“6 DWIs in 16 months and still driving?” (Column: Asheville Citizen-Times, 2/13/16)
“Delay in blood testing has created major backlog of DWI cases” (Winston Salem Journal, August 10, 2013)
When Roy Cooper supervised the State Bureau of Investigations, a 2002 study commissioned by his Democrat colleague and then-state senator Kay Hagan found that as many as 20,000 rape kits were left un-investigated. (“Rape’s evidence gathers dust,” Associated Press, 11/19/2002)
“Unless there was a known suspect, the State Bureau of Investigation refused to analyze the DNA in rape kits.” (Cullen Crowder, “SBI hopes to make dent in number of unsolved rape cases,” WRAL, 1/9/2004)
Roy Cooper Voted To Raise Taxes On North Carolina Families And Businesses By $9 Billion
In his 14 years as a state legislator, Roy Cooper voted for $9 billion in higher taxes. (Journal of the Senate of the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina; Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of North Carolina)
Cooper voted to raised or created dozens of new taxes, including votes to:
Raise the sales tax by 33%, from 3% to 4%. (S.L. 1991-689, Journal of the Senate of the General Assembly of State of North Carolina)
Increase taxes on businesses with a nearly 30% increase in the corporate income tax. (Report: Roby B. Sawyers “The history of state and local taxes in North Carolina – changes in sources and burdens,” North Carolina State University, 11/28/2006)
Make families pay more with a 10% increase in the personal income tax.(Report: Roby B. Sawyers “The history of state and local taxes in North Carolina – changes in sources and burdens,” North Carolina State University, 11/28/2006)
Hike gasoline taxes. (S.L. 1991-538, Journal of the Senate of the General Assembly of State of North Carolina)
Raise taxes on real estate transactions. (S.L. 1991-538, Journal of the Senate of the General Assembly of State of North Carolina)
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