Including women’s health, Medicaid, and preventive care. Healthcare should help people stay well, not push them into crisis. In District 99 and across Mecklenburg County, approximately 1 in 5 residents rely on Medicaid or NC Health Choice, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults. Women, particularly Black women, are more likely to rely on Medicaid for preventive, reproductive, and maternal healthcare and continue to face disparities in health outcomes across North Carolina. Statewide data shows that Black and Latino residents report higher rates of unmet medical needs and face longer wait times for care. Strengthening access to preventive care, women’s health services, mental health support, and community-based providers helps people stay healthy, avoid costly emergency care, and remain productive at work and school. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that puts people first in healthcare.

Strong communities require jobs that do more than exist. In North Carolina, the minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, far below what it takes to meet basic needs. Independent research estimates a livable wage at approximately $22.50 per hour for a single adult and over $37 per hour for a single parent with one child. In Mecklenburg County and across District 99, many working families earn below what is needed to cover housing, childcare, healthcare, and transportation. Childcare costs are among the highest in the Southeast, forcing many parents — especially women and single parents — to reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether. Supporting livable wages and affordable childcare strengthens families, stabilizes the workforce, and supports small businesses. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that supports working families and economic stability.

So people can get to work, school, and healthcare. Transportation and internet access are essential infrastructure for daily life. Many residents in District 99 rely on public transit to reach jobs, schools, and medical appointments, yet gaps in service and long commute times disproportionately affect Black, Brown, low-income, and senior residents. At the same time, nearly 1 in 5 North Carolina households lack reliable broadband access, limiting opportunities for education, employment, and telehealth. Investing in reliable transit, safer streets, walkable neighborhoods, and affordable high-speed internet ensures people can move forward both physically and digitally. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that keeps District 99 connected and moving.

Stable housing is the foundation of strong neighborhoods. In Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, more than 40 percent of renters spend over 30 percent of their income on housing, and many families face rising utility and energy costs on top of rent. These burdens fall hardest on renters, seniors, and families of color who are less likely to have generational wealth to absorb rising costs. Investing in affordable housing options and policies that keep energy costs manageable helps families stay rooted, keeps children in their schools, and preserves neighborhood stability. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that helps families stay rooted and secure.

Strong neighborhoods start with strong schools. North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay, starting salaries, and per-student funding, contributing to staffing shortages that disproportionately impact schools serving Black, Brown, and low-income students. When teachers are underpaid and classrooms are underfunded, the effects ripple beyond schools into families and the local economy. Investing in teachers and fully funded schools strengthens communities, attracts families, and prepares students for long-term success. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that shows up for every child, every teacher, and every neighborhood.

When something isn’t working, you can Check Levy. This is a Circle of Service that includes you. Representation should show up when people need help. Real constituent services mean answering the phone, following up, and helping residents navigate real problems, not passing them around or leaving them stuck in broken systems. Too often, people are told to wait, call someone else, or figure it out on their own. A responsive constituent services office listens, responds, and stays engaged until issues are resolved — whether that means help with healthcare access, housing concerns, benefits, utilities, or navigating government systems. Real constituent services bring the Circle of Service full circle — from policy to people. Check Levy — A Circle of Service that shows up and follows through for you.