Cheri believes we must make targeted investments in creating and growing good paying jobs, workforce development and expanding economic opportunity for all North Carolinians.  Even before the pandemic times were tough and too many in our state were shut out from jobs that can support a family.  The last year deepened existing challenges for workers, income inequality and the racial wealth gap.  

Cheri will fight for investments in infrastructure and renewable energy to create good-paying jobs, increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour and expanding training, certification and apprenticeship programs. We must also invest in affordable childcare to help ensure our businesses have the people they need to operate and enable parents to re-enter and remain in the workforce. 

To help North Carolina’s small businesses and entrepreneurs – the backbone of our economy — Cheri supports expanding programs that provide technical assistance, access to capital and help for small business owners and entrepreneurs, especially for entrepreneurs of color and women.  

Cheri will fight for the dignity of work, and that North Carolinians deserve fair wages, safe working conditions and the ability to work and build a business in an environment free from discrimination.  A former member of SEIU, she is a strong supporter of the labor movement and the Pro Act as well as the Paycheck Fairness Act.  

Cheri will also fight to make the Expanded Child Tax Credit permanent and pass Federal Paid Family and Medical leave to help people balance work and family when welcoming a child, caring for a loved one or dealing with a personal illness, just as she created a family leave policy for North Carolina court employees when she served as Chief Justice.