Children's Alliance State Budget Advocacy Day — Wednesday, June 10
Children's Alliance members and community partners—it's time to remind our state legislators that children and families cannot afford more delays.
North Carolina is currently operating on a continuation budget based on 2023 funding levels while communities face 2026 realities. Every day without a budget creates uncertainty for families, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations across our state.
On Wednesday, June 10, we are asking our community to contact state legislators and ask:
Where's The Money?
Children & Families Can't Wait.
Pass The Budget.
North Carolina is still operating on 2023 funding levels while children, families, schools, and community organizations face 2026 challenges.
It's time to pass a comprehensive state budget that invests in North Carolina's future.
Three Ways to Participate
Send An Email
Use the sample message below and personalize it with your experience.
Call Your Legislator
Share why investments in children and families matter.
Share With Your Network
Forward this information to staff, board members, volunteers, families, and community partners.
Sample Phone Script:
{Please add your personal "why"}
"Hello, my name is [Name], and I live/work in Mecklenburg County.
I'm calling to urge Representative/Senator [Name] to prioritize passing a state budget.
North Carolina is still operating on 2023 funding levels while children, families, schools, and community organizations face 2026 challenges. It's time to pass a comprehensive state budget that invests in North Carolina's future.
Strong communities begin with strong families. Investments in healthcare, food assistance, mental health services, child care, education, and support for vulnerable youth help create a healthier, more prosperous North Carolina for everyone.
Thank you for your service."
Sample Email Script:
Subject:
Where's the Money? NC Children & Families Can't Wait
Dear Representative/Senator [Name],
Thank you for your service to North Carolina and the residents of our community.
I am writing to urge you to prioritize passing our state budget without further delay.
North Carolina is still operating at 2023 funding levels while children, families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations face 2026 challenges.
{Personalize with your experience. Example: My child is a special-needs student in CMS, and stability in his classroom is a huge part of his success. He depends on highly skilled teachers and support staff, and I worry about the impact of continued uncertainty on the professionals who support him.}
Our state budget has a direct impact on the lives of North Carolina children, especially our most vulnerable. When children and families have access to healthcare, food assistance, child care, strong public schools, and mental health services, our entire community benefits.
Investing in children today strengthens North Carolina's future workforce, economy, and quality of life.
A strong North Carolina starts with strong children and families.
I respectfully urge you to prioritize passing a comprehensive state budget that invests in our state's future.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Organization, if applicable]
State Legislator Information
Find Your Legislator
Mecklenburg County Delegation
There is no rule that says you can only contact officials who represent you directly. You may also contact chamber leadership, committee leaders, or legislators sponsoring issues that impact children and families.
House Leadership
Speaker of the House
Destin Hall
Senate Leadership
Senate President Pro Tempore
Phil Berger
Tell Your Story
Legislators need to hear how budget delays impact real people.
Consider sharing a story about:
Medicaid
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Families losing coverage
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Difficulty finding providers
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Long waits for services
Child Care
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Long waiting lists
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Families unable to work
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High Costs
Foster Care
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School instability
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Placement challenges
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Delays accessing services
Exceptional Children
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Staffing shortages
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Delayed evaluations
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Reduced access to support
SNAP
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Food insecurity
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Increased demand at food pantries
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Families struggling to afford groceries
Youth Mental Health
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Youth waiting for treatment
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Children stuck in emergency rooms or hospitals
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Lack of crisis services
Juvenile Justice
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Youth placed outside Mecklenburg County
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Barriers to family connection and reentry
Personal stories are often the most powerful form of advocacy.