Sept. 8, 2026
This morning’s Forum featured a timely and substantive conversation with Republican Stacie McGinn, a candidate on the November ballot for NC Senate District 42, and Democratic Joyce Waddell, the incumbent in NC Senate District 40. The discussion covered several issues affecting families across our region, including rising property taxes, the future of I‑77, teacher compensation and decisions made by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Congresswoman Alma Adams raised an especially important question: Would the candidates support indexing teacher pay to inflation so educators would not have to depend on the General Assembly to repeatedly approve increases just to keep pace with the cost of living?
The recently enacted state budget raises beginning teacher pay from approximately $41,000 to $48,000 (Grateful). This is a meaningful increase of roughly 17%. However, MIT estimates that a single adult living in Mecklenburg County needs approximately $53,092 annually before taxes to meet basic needs. A single adult raising one child needs approximately $90,257. Therefore, the new state starting salary remains about $5,100 below the local living-wage estimate for an individual without children, before accounting for any local CMS salary supplement. (Take a deep breath)
The gap is even more striking when we consider minimum wage workers. The federal minimum wage increased from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009. More than 17 years later, both the federal and North Carolina minimum wages remain $7.25 – $15,080 annually for someone working 40 hours every week. Meanwhile, MIT estimates Mecklenburg County’s living wage for one adult without children at $25.53 per hour. (Did you take a deep breath?)
Here’s what keeps me adding an extra shot of espresso to my morning brew as a community leader:
I think about how policy decisions made at the state and federal levels reach people on the ground. How will they affect families struggling to remain in their homes? Will major transportation investments benefit or harm residents’ quality of life? Are we compensating educators and other workers in ways that reflect the actual cost of living? (Don’t answer) And how will elected officials respond when the interests of their political party conflict with what is equitable and beneficial for the people they serve?
THESE FORUMS MATTER! PERIOD! Everyday people must see and feel meaningful improvements in their lives.
Needless to say, I left yesterday’s conversation reminded that informed communities must continue asking difficult questions. I encourage everyone to attend community forums, learn about the issues, ask candidates for clear answers, and make your voice heard at the ballot box.
Our elected officials WORK HARD and because of that they must know that residents are paying attention! We are expecting results and we’re prepared to hold them accountable for the decisions they make.