NCDP Rural Caucus

10/24/2026

**Rural North Carolina deserves more than promises.**

Here's something worth talking about this week.

A bipartisan proposal in Congress would offer tax credits of up to $10,000 to eligible healthcare professionals working in rural communities.

Why does that matter? Because too many rural families still travel long distances to see a doctor, struggle to find specialists, or worry about whether their local hospital will survive.

It's encouraging to see lawmakers from both parties working on a problem that affects so many of our communities.

But proposals are just the beginning. What matters is whether they turn into real improvements for rural families.

**So here's our question: What's the biggest healthcare challenge in your rural community: finding a doctor, getting an appointment, or simply affording care?**

We'd love to hear from folks across North Carolina.

Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

The REACH Act would offer eligible doctors, nurses and other providers a refundable federal tax credit of up to $10,000.

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

The NCDP Rural Caucus is pleased to announce three new candidate endorsements!

Congratulations to:

⭐ Charlie Wallen – NC House District 93

⭐ Zyaire Bell – NC House District 10

⭐ Brittany Newton – NC House District 46

We’re proud to recognize these candidates as they seek to represent North Carolina communities in the General Assembly.

Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

10/13/2026

Receiving a letter does NOT mean you've lost your right to vote.

10/12/2026

Rural Healthcare Is at Risk. Let's Pay Attention.

Across rural North Carolina, access to healthcare is already a serious concern. Hospitals operate on tight margins, providers are difficult to recruit, and many residents travel significant distances for care.

The federal Medicaid changes could make those challenges even greater.

KFF estimates that the 2025 federal budget law will reduce Medicaid spending by approximately $911 billion nationwide over the next decade, while increasing the number of uninsured Americans.

Rural communities have particular reason to pay attention. Medicaid helps support patients, healthcare providers, and hospitals that many communities depend on.

When healthcare coverage is reduced, the consequences can extend beyond individual patients to the financial stability of the entire rural healthcare system.

Rural North Carolina deserves reliable access to healthcare, strong local hospitals, and policies that recognize the challenges our communities already face.

Let's keep this conversation grounded in facts and focused on the people affected.

Source: KFF - Federal Medicaid Spending and Coverage Analysis

10/08/2026

What’s Happening in Rural North Carolina?

Two small rural towns, Ronda in Wilkes County and Rowland in Robeson County, have officially had their finances placed under state control.

On October 6, the NC Local Government Commission voted to intervene after years of financial concerns, including budget problems, delayed audits, and questions about the towns’ ability to manage their finances.

Both communities are located in rural counties represented by Republicans in the NC General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

This raises some important questions about the challenges facing small rural communities.

How do towns with limited tax bases maintain essential services, aging infrastructure, and financial stability? What resources are available to help struggling municipalities before state intervention becomes necessary?

Rural communities deserve strong local leadership, financial accountability, and the resources needed to remain sustainable.

This is worth watching, particularly as other small towns across North Carolina face increasing financial and infrastructure pressures.

Read more: https://www.wect.com/2026/10/07/state-leaders-take-control-two-towns-north-carolina/

NCDP Rural Caucus
Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

Leaders voted to assume control of Ronda and Rowland amid the towns' financial distress.

10/05/2026

Now is the time to make your voting plan.

North Carolina's voter-registration deadline is October 9.

Early voting begins October 15 and continues through October 31 at 3 p.m.

Election Day is November 3.

During early voting, you can vote at any early voting location in your county. Eligible voters who missed the regular registration deadline may also be able to register and vote during the early voting period.

Before you go:
Check your voter registration.
Look at your sample ballot.
Research the candidates.

Know what matters to you and your community.
Then make your voice heard.
Rural North Carolina matters. Rural voters matter. And your vote matters.

Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future