JOINT STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 5, 2016
CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Director of Communications, elliot.imse@victoryfund.org
Charlotte, NC – State Rep. John Bradford voted for a bill to strip $500,000 from the state’s Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund to cover legal fees from HB2 – the bill he championed – despite dire warnings from NC State researchers this hurricane season would be significantly more active. As North Carolina braces for tropical storm or hurricane conditions with potentially devastating consequences for eastern and central parts of the state, it is important to remember the devastating consequences of HB2 on the state’s disaster relief budget.
John Bradford raided the state’s emergency response and disaster relief budget to clean-up the manmade disaster he created by drafting, sponsoring and voting for HB2. His legislative incompetence is costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands in legal fees, damaging the state’s reputation and economy, and under resourcing its disaster relief efforts as Hurricane Matthew barrels toward the shore. Bradford’s short-sightedness led him to remove $500,000 from the fund that will assist residents and rebuild cities in a hurricane’s aftermath. He was playing politics when he stripped the civil rights of North Carolinians by supporting HB2, and then stripped the disaster relief budget of precious resources to pay for his catastrophic mistake.
The Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund’s $10 million budget was reduced by five percent as a result of the vote by Rep. John Bradford and his colleagues.
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Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.
Equality North Carolina
Equality NC is dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians.
Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic
Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic (PPVSAT) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Fortifying our commitment to protect access to health care for all, educate teens, and prevent unintended pregnancies, PPVSAT engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.
