Valerie Foushee, candidate for US House District 4 in NC, answers our questions
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Name: Valerie Foushee
District/seat: 4th Congressional District
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 68
Campaign website: https://valeriefoushee.com
Current occupation: Congresswoman
Professional experience: Retired administrator, Chapel Hill Police Department
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA in Political Science and African and Afro-American Studies
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Congresswoman NC-04 (2023 - Present), North Carolina General Assembly (2012-2022), Orange County Board of Commissioners (2004-2012), Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education (1997-2004), The Links Incorporated, Triangle Park Chapter Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
What would be your top priority if elected?
I am committed to protecting our fundamental freedoms, particularly reproductive freedoms. In Congress, I am fighting to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, by calling on the federal government to pass legislation codifying Roe v. Wade. This would prevent state legislatures from passing restrictive and archaic abortion laws like what we have seen here in North Carolina from the General Assembly. I am also working to protect an individual’s right to contraceptives.
How would you describe the state of the economy and what would you do to improve it?
Our economy continues to grow but we have more work to do. Costs are still too high for working families and wages remain too low. I am a strong supporter of unions and union workers, broadening participation in the workforce, permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit, raising the federal minimum wage, and ensuring easy access to affordable credit for first-time homeowners and small businesses. I am also working at the federal level to secure funding for local affordable housing projects.
What should Congress do to ensure that it meets its deadline to fund the government?
Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to fund the government and pass a funding package that addresses some of our nation’s biggest challenges and invests in programs and services that people across the country rely on. A government shutdown would be unnecessary and reckless. We need a clean budget for the American people that focuses on fighting inflation, keeping our communities safe and moving our country forward.
Will you certify the results of the presidential election?
Yes.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
No.
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