John,

In March 1965, in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. King told marchers, “We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.”

Nearly 60 years later, Dr. King’s words guide us as we continue to work toward that goal. A society that’s at peace with itself and can live with its conscience. We’re not there yet.

John, to reach that goal, I believe we must embrace our diversity where we strive to make sure there is equal opportunity for all. When we embrace our diversity – the best of each of us can shine through.

We’re taking steps to fulfill this promise. We’re focused on dismantling systemic racism, eliminating long-term inequities here in North Carolina, addressing disparities in criminal justice, and advancing environmental justice.

A critical issue that we face — a matter of conscience — is increasing access to health care. Failure to expand Medicaid is costing lives and $521 million a month. It’s time for us to close the coverage gap, and I believe we’re closer than ever.

We’re making once-in-a-generation investments in critical infrastructure that will allow communities and the economy to grow and thrive. Ensuring people have safe and clean drinking water. Expanding access to high-speed internet. Ensuring that every child has a sound basic education like our North Carolina Constitution requires.

This is working toward the society that we seek.

We are making progress, but it’s on all of us to continue this work, John.

Together, we can enhance North Carolina’s reputation as a welcoming place where diversity, equality, acceptance and understanding are found in every corner.

With gratitude,

Roy