Pricey Harrison, candidate for NC House District 61

Name: Pricey Harrison

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 64

Campaign website: www.priceyharrison.org

Occupation: Legislator

Education: Undergrad from Duke University; UNC Law

Have you run for elected office before? Yes, House District 61

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have served on numerous boards including the EDF (National and Southeast), Environmental Grantmakers, Nature Conservancy-NC, NC Coastal Federation, Southern Environmental Law Center, Conservation Trust for NC, Piedmont Land Conservancy, NC Coastal Land Trust, Marine Science Boards at Duke University and UNC and others. I also previously served on the Coastal Resources Commission. I am the immediate past board chair of NCEL (National Caucus of Environmental Legislators).

What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?

My top legislative priorities are focused on protecting democracy: fair maps, access to the polls and campaign finance reform. Also focused on climate, clean energy, environmental issues and public health protections. I have sponsored numerous bills to specifically address the danger of exposure to hazardous waste and chemicals. I have also prioritized and supported gun law reform and criminal justice reform.

At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?

We should use some of those funds to create stable, affordable housing, increase teacher pay, fully fund the State Board of Elections and more.

Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?

Yes.

What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?

Increases in teacher pay are good, but not enough. Increasing the amount of tax-payer money going to private schools is wrong. Attacking teachers and diversity in curriculum is wrong.

Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?

There should be fewer restrictions on abortion after 20 weeks.

Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.

The decision to have an abortion is one that should be made privately between a woman and her doctor.

Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?

Yes.

What, if anything, should the legislature do to shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?

The legislature should not be shaping curriculum.

Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?

Yes.