Rouzer's Viral Tweet Reflects GOP Disdain for Workers Hit by Pandemic

Congressman David Rouzer received some negative national attention following his April 30 tweet about a fast food restaurant complaining that it had to shut down for lack of workers. Newsweek's online edition (click here for the article) said last week that Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.) shared the now-viral image of a Hardee's drive-thru late last week. In the photo, a piece of printer paper is seen taped over part of the menu. "Due to NO STAFF," reads the sign, "WE ARE CLOSED." It adds that the store is hiring and includes a phone number for interested applicants.

Rouzer claimed that the restaurant's lack of workers could be blamed on aid provided by the federal government amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than issues others have pointed out, like poor working conditions and low pay. In his tweet, Rouzer wrote, "This is what happens when you extend unemployment benefits for too long and add a $1400 stimulus payment to it."

The Newsweek article continued: "Twitter users were quick to criticize Rouzer's post, which has since garnered thousands of reactions and comments. Many pointed out that the issue was more likely a result of workers not being paid enough, as the federal minimum wage is still a mere $7.25 per hour, and several noted that a simple solution would be to increase wages." Others noted that many potential employees are unable work due to lack of child care and in-person schooling.

In another reply to Rouzer's tweet, Richard Poole noted that a New Hanover restaurant, Sweet n Savory, has committed to paying all of its employees at least $15 an hour and appears to have the employees it needs. Poole suggested that Rouzer, who owns a house just a few miles away in Landfall, should visit the restaurant and talk with its owner.

It's clear the U.S. economy is a long way from snapping back from the free fall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The April jobs report released last week showed that new hiring in April was shockingly below expectations (see New York Times article here) President Joe Biden pointed out after the jobs report that there are still 8 million fewer jobs in America now than before the pandemic. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a renowned economist and former Federal Reserve Bank Chair, has publicly stated that there does not appear to be a connection between the extended unemployment benefits and disappointing jobs numbers. Nevertheless Rouzer and other Republicans continue to obstruct recovery efforts while blaming workers for slow job growth.

NC Republicans Move to Restrict Voting and Reproductive Rights

(From WRAL) North Carolina Republicans are backing bills that would move back the deadline for mail-in ballots and ban elections boards from accepting grant funding from sources like foundations. They say the changes will increase voter confidence in future elections.

House Bill 782 would require absentee ballots to arrive at county elections offices by the close of Election Day and be counted no later than the day after the election. Under current state law, mailed absentee ballots have to be postmarked no later than Election Day, but they have a three-day grace period to go through the mail system and get to county elections officials.

(From the North Carolina Democratic Party) Republicans in the General Assembly passed House Bill 453. North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson released the following statement in response earlier this week:

“House Bill 453 is a Republican tactic to restrict access to women’s reproductive health care — this time in the name of promoting equality and ending discrimination. If North Carolina Republicans are truly concerned about promoting equality and ending discrimination, they should start with passing the North Carolina Momnibus Act to address the disparities in maternal mortality. House Bill 453 is not that. It is yet another partisan attack against a woman’s right to choose that will damage the relationship between a doctor and their patient and further stigmatize abortion. It must be rejected.”

May 17 Meeting To Consider Board of Elections Nominees

At the regular monthly meeting on May 17th, the County Executive Committee will consider a slate of nominees for the New Hanover County Board of Elections proposed by NHCDP Chair Andre Brown. The County Executive Committee consists of Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs, County Officers, SEC Members, Chairs of Registered Auxiliary Organizations and Elected Officials. As usual, all New Hanover Democrats are welcome at the meeting, but only CEC members will be asked to vote on the slate.

The nominees are Evelyn Adger Bryant (Chair), Derrick Miller (Board Member), Lyana Hunter (Board Member) and Oliver Carter (Alternate). We will forward an email this week with biographical information about each of them.

Precinct Chair Ernestine Washington Mourned

New Hanover Democrats are saddened to hear of the passing on Thursday of Evangelist Ernestine Washington, Chair of Precinct W25.

Seventh District Chair Sonya Bennetone-Patrick provided details. Ernestine served in numerous capacities including:

Precinct W25 Chair New Hanover County Democrats.
Vice Char of the New Hanover Chapter of the National Black Leadership Caucus.
Democratic Women of NC Region 9. Nominating Committee Representative.
African American Caucus Representative N.C. Seventh Congressional District Democratic Party.
Black Lives Matter Wilmington NC co-organizer.

She will be missed.

There will be a wake on Wednesday May 12th at John H. Shaw and Son Funeral Home at 6th and Redcross Streets in Wilmington NC at 5:30pm-8:00pm and a graveside Service Thursday May 13th at 1pm at Moore's Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery on 60 Minute Man Road in Currie North Carolina. Please observe social distancing if you attend.

EVENTS

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Meeting -- May 11th

When: Tuesday May 11, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Catawba Brewery, 4712 New Centre Drive, Wilmington.

Now that the majority of the group is vaccinated, the Democratic Women of New Hanover County will meet to discuss goals for 2021, a membership drive, a volunteer event supporting Rachel Freeman Elementary School of Engineering and 2021-2023 Democratic Women officer elections. The meeting will be family friendly and health and safety precautions will be observed.. Dorian Cromartie will be the guest speaker.

County Executive Committee Meeting -- May 17th

When: Monday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom. Here's the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87104462507?pwd=cFpRaDZSWWF3aXJVYk1xZlV5TzNmUT09

Chairman Andre Brown will present the slate of Board of Elections nominees and the nominees will introduce themselves at the meeting.

2021 Congressional 7th District Convention -- May 22nd

When: Saturday May 22, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Zoom

Details TBA.

Upcoming Democratic Events To Note On Your Calendar

2021 Summer SEC Meeting – Saturday, August 7th

James Cummings and Richard Poole

If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3446

Wilmington, NC 28412

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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