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Working Families Act

IntroducedGarland Pierce (D)House2025–2026 Session
AI Generated

This bill makes several changes to support working families in North Carolina: it reduces what families pay for subsidized child care, restores a state tax credit for families with children, gradually raises the minimum wage from $10 to $15 per hour by 2030 with annual adjustments after that, expands property tax relief for homeowners, creates down payment assistance for public servants buying homes for the first time, and establishes a paid family leave insurance program funded by employer contributions to help workers take time off for family or medical needs.

Arguments in Favor

Supporters argue the bill helps working families afford essential services and build wealth. Lower child care costs allow more parents to work and save money. The minimum wage increase ensures workers earn a living wage while helping the state's economy grow. The paid family leave program protects workers during vulnerable times like childbirth or illness without loss of income. The homebuyer assistance and child tax credit help families save for down payments and cover child-related costs, improving financial stability for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants.

Arguments Against

Opponents worry the bill creates significant costs for taxpayers and businesses. The paid family leave program requires employers to contribute payroll taxes, which could increase business operating costs, especially for small employers. The rising minimum wage may lead some businesses to reduce hiring, cut hours, or raise prices for consumers. Critics also question whether $150 million for homebuyer assistance and $49 million for employer grants are sufficient, and whether these programs are the best use of limited state resources compared to other priorities like schools or infrastructure.

AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.

Sponsors

Cosponsors (43)

Becky Carney
Becky CarneyDemocrat

Representative · District 102

Mary Harrison
Mary HarrisonDemocrat

Representative · District 61

Carla Cunningham
Carla CunninghamDemocrat

Representative · District 106

Robert Reives
Robert ReivesDemocrat

Representative · District 54

Brian Turner
Brian TurnerDemocrat

Representative · District 116

Mary Belk
Mary BelkDemocrat

Representative · District 88

Amos Quick
Amos QuickDemocrat

Representative · District 58

Deb Butler
Deb ButlerDemocrat

Representative · District 18

Marcia Morey
Marcia MoreyDemocrat

Representative · District 30

Allison Dahle
Allison DahleDemocrat

Representative · District 11

Zack Forde-Hawkins
Zack Forde-HawkinsDemocrat

Representative · District 31

Carolyn Logan
Carolyn LoganDemocrat

Representative · District 101

Nasif Majeed
Nasif MajeedDemocrat

Representative · District 99

Julie von Haefen
Julie von HaefenDemocrat

Representative · District 36

Vernetta Alston
Vernetta AlstonDemocrat

Representative · District 29

Sarah Crawford
Sarah CrawfordDemocrat

Representative · District 66

Amber Baker
Amber BakerDemocrat

Representative · District 72

Terry Brown
Terry BrownDemocrat

Representative · District 92

Abraham Jones
Abraham JonesDemocrat

Representative · District 38

James Roberson
James RobersonDemocrat

Representative · District 39

Allen Buansi
Allen BuansiDemocrat

Representative · District 56

Gloristine Brown
Gloristine BrownDemocrat

Representative · District 8

Kanika Brown
Kanika BrownDemocrat

Representative · District 71

Laura Budd
Laura BuddDemocrat

Representative · District 103

Maria Cervania
Maria CervaniaDemocrat

Representative · District 41

Frances Jackson
Frances JacksonDemocrat

Representative · District 45

Ray Jeffers
Ray JeffersDemocrat

Representative · District 2

Ya Liu
Ya LiuDemocrat

Representative · District 21

Tim Longest
Tim LongestDemocrat

Representative · District 34

Lindsey Prather
Lindsey PratherDemocrat

Representative · District 115

Renee Price
Renee PriceDemocrat

Representative · District 50

Charles Smith
Charles SmithDemocrat

Representative · District 44

Eric Ager
Eric AgerDemocrat

Representative · District 114

Tracy Clark
Tracy ClarkDemocrat

Representative · District 57

Bryan Cohn
Bryan CohnDemocrat

Representative · District 32

Julia Greenfield
Julia GreenfieldDemocrat

Representative · District 100

Mike Colvin
Mike ColvinDemocrat

Representative · District 42

Beth Helfrich
Beth HelfrichDemocrat

Representative · District 98

Monika Johnson-Hostler
Monika Johnson-HostlerDemocrat

Representative · District 33

Jordan Lopez
Jordan LopezDemocrat

Representative · District 112

Aisha Dew
Aisha DewDemocrat

Representative · District 107

Rodney Pierce
Rodney PierceDemocrat

Representative · District 27

PR
Phil RubinDemocrat

Representative · District 40