Local legislator files universal bills

HIGH POINT — Rep. Cecil Brockman, D-Guilford, filed four bills Wednesday to extend universal coverage statewide over school meals, pre-kindergarten enrollment, health insurance coverage and baseline minimum personal income.

Brockman, the lone High Point resident in the 170-member N.C. General Assembly, has some of the poorest areas in the state in his 60th House District.

“These issues are all near and dear to my heart because I’ve seen firsthand the disparities produced by all of these problems, and I am committed to addressing them at home and across the state,” Brockman said.

Brockman faces the task of advancing the bills in a House chamber dominated by Republicans.

“These universal bills are common-sense legislation that will make a difference for those who have been neglected for too long,” he said. “I call on all of my colleagues to join me in passing these bills and making North Carolina great for all of us.”

The bills

House Bill 712 would direct the N.C. Department of Commerce to establish and maintain a Pay-It-Forward Fund to provide a universal monthly income of up to $3,000 per person for up to five years to people who are currently receiving job training, performing volunteer work for 40 hours a week or both. The program would be funded in part by an increased income tax percentage for state residents who have previously benefited from the fund.

House Bill 713 would establish a universal school breakfast and lunch program for each school to provide cost-free breakfast and lunch to each student every school day.

House Bill 714 would direct the N.C. Commissioner of Insurance to establish and maintain a state-run universal health care benefit plan offering plans to residents with standards applicable to the federal Affordable Care Act.

House Bill 715 would create a universal pre-kindergarten program at a cost of $13.3 million per year.

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