Name as it appears on the ballot: Monika Johnson-Hostler

Age: 49

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: www.monikafornc.com

Occupation & employer:  NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Years lived in North Carolina: born in NC 49 yrs

1. What in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your three biggest career accomplishments?

I have served as the executive director of the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA) for over 20 years and elected to the Wake County Board of Education since 2013. These are not just roles but rather an indication to my lifelong commitment to advocating for our community.I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to advocate and lift up the voices of women, children, and families through my local, state and federal advocacy efforts. I have had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA) for over two decades and as a member of the Wake County Board of Education since 2013. These positions are more than just titles; they represent my lifelong dedication to championing our community’s needs. 

Throughout my career, I’ve achieved significant milestones at both the state and national levels. 1) My role on the Wake County Board of Education, my contributions have been focused on improving the lives of educators and students alike. I spearheaded initiatives to increase supplemental pay and reinstate master’s pay for educators, raised staff pay to a minimum of $17 per hour, facilitated the opening of the first Pre-K early learning center, and bolstered support services by expanding the number of social workers and school counselors.  2) Alongside two colleagues,  I was honored with the inaugural Attorney General’s Dogwood Award for my pivotal role in shepherding through comprehensive legislation to combat child sexual abuse in North Carolina. This legislation included landmark measures such as the passage of the sexual battery law, making North Carolina one of the pioneering states to enact protective orders for victims of sexual assault and stalking, and the establishment of the first statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. 3) Lastly, on the national level, I have been involved in shaping legislation to combat sexual violence. I co-authored critical sexual assault provisions in both the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, while also securing close to $600 million in funding dedicated to combating sexual violence, domestic violence, and bolstering Title IX initiatives. These efforts have been essential in advancing protections and resources for survivors across the country.

2. What do you believe to be the three most pressing issues facing the next General Assembly? What steps do you believe the state should take to address them?

  • Fully Fund Public Education:
    • Addressing funding disparities to ensure equitable access to high quality education for all students.
    • Initiatives to recruit and retain qualified and diverse teaching staff.
    • Investing in high-quality early childhood programs to prepare children for kindergarten, particularly those at-risk.
  • Economy:
    • Addressing affordable housing and housing affordability.
    • Lowering costs for families through initiatives like child care credits and earned income tax credits.
    • Protecting workers’ rights through living wages, paid time off, and parental leave.
    • Encouraging public-private partnerships and investing in affordable housing programs.

Voting Rights:

  • Our democracy faces threats from gerrymandering and measures aimed at limiting voting access, such as voter identification requirements. 
  • To uphold the integrity of our electoral process, it is imperative to establish a non-partisan redistricting commission. 
  • Every voter should have abundant opportunities to participate, whether through in-person or absentee ballots. 
  • Equitable funding for our electoral system is crucial to guaranteeing robust processes and adequate staffing at all levels and in every location. 
  • Protecting the integrity of our electoral process is paramount to preserving our democracy, and I am committed to these vital efforts.

3. To what extent do you support municipalities exerting local control over issues such as regulating greenhouse gas emissions, criminal justice reforms and police oversight, and passing development-regulating ordinances?

I firmly believe that towns and municipalities possess an intimate understanding of the specific challenges confronting their communities and should therefore be empowered with a degree of flexibility in setting standards, such as tree ordinances and similar regulations, within the bounds of their statutory authority. However, it’s crucial to recognize that certain aspects of the law warrant uniform regulations to ensure consistency and safeguard the interests of constituents statewide. Establishing such standards can provide essential protections and ensure equitable treatment for all residents across the state.

4. Do you support raising North Carolina’s minimum wage, and if so, by how much? 

I advocate for raising the minimum wage to a minimum of $15 per hour. However, considering the current state of inflation and the increasing costs of basic necessities, we know for certain the current minimum wage is not sufficient. In addition to addressing the minimum wage, it’s crucial that we take action on other pressing issues, such as tackling the housing crisis and alleviating the burden of child care costs. These steps are essential for ensuring that all individuals and families can afford a decent standard of living.

5.  What, if anything, should the state legislature do to address the growing affordability crisis and support low-income families in North Carolina?

Affordable housing is crucial for low-income families and is often subsidized through various programs. In countries like Wake, one of the significant housing issues stems from managing growth at the local level. To address this, I advocate for increased investments in the NC Housing Trust Funds, particularly in areas like Wake County where there is a shortage of affordable housing due to high interest rates and limited home supply.

Furthermore, the state can enhance support for programs that assist individuals who may not qualify for traditional loans, particularly communities of color disproportionately affected by housing challenges. It’s imperative to prioritize initiatives aimed at addressing affordable housing and housing affordability. Additionally, efforts to lower costs for families should include initiatives such as child care credits and earned income tax credits. These measures can provide crucial financial relief to families struggling to make ends meet.

Protecting workers’ rights is paramount, and this includes advocating for living wages, paid time off, and parental leave. These policies are essential for ensuring the well-being and economic stability of workers and their families. Encouraging public-private partnerships and investing in affordable housing programs can also play a significant role in addressing housing challenges. By leveraging resources from both sectors, we can create more sustainable solutions to ensure that all individuals and families have access to safe and affordable housing.

6. What is your vision for transit in North Carolina? What kind of regional transit systems should the state work to implement and what kind of transit legislation would you support?

NC should take a multi-pronged and statewide approach including but not limited to the following.

  1. Community Engagement: Involve local communities in transit planning to ensure services meet their needs. Public input can help shape routes, schedules, and amenities.
  2. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Promote the benefits of public transit to encourage more people to use it. Highlighting cost savings, environmental benefits, and convenience can attract new riders.
  3. Focus on Equity: Ensure transit options are accessible to all communities, especially underserved areas. Tailoring services to meet diverse needs can improve overall ridership.
  4. Long-term Planning: Develop a comprehensive transit plan that looks ahead 10-20 years to ensure that growth is accommodated and future needs are anticipated.

By prioritizing these areas, North Carolina can create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable transit system.

7. Would you support an independent process for drawing new legislative and congressional districts?

Yes, our state, our democracy, has been eroded by voter suppression and restrictive laws. Currently, elected representatives are often the ones choosing who their constituents can vote for, rather than voters selecting their representatives. This underscores the urgent need for an independent redistricting commission. The constant changes in districts contribute to people feeling disconnected from the electoral process, particularly in marginalized communities. This can lead to increased voter apathy and a belief that their voices don’t matter. Ensuring that voting is easier and more meaningful for individuals to participate in the democratic process is essential for fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Establishing a non-partisan redistricting commission is a crucial step towards revitalizing our democracy and ensuring that all voices are heard and represented fairly.

8. Do you support expanding funding for Opportunity Scholarships? Do you believe the legislature has a role in ensuring that private schools don’t further raise tuition on families and taxpayers with the infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars into the private school economy?  Please explain your answer. 

 Does the General Assembly have a constitutional obligation to comply with the state Supreme Court order in the Leandro case to fully fund public schools and give every child in North Carolina a sound basic education? What else should state lawmakers do to improve North Carolina’s public schools? 

Yes, since the 2002 appeal in the Leandro case, it has been evident that the state is failing to uphold students’ rights by not ensuring a sound, basic education for all. Despite ample time given by the courts for the state to rectify this situation, the General Assembly has consistently failed to take sufficient action. Furthermore, in 2021, the trial court reiterated North Carolina’s failure to meet its obligations and ordered the state to allocate $1.7 billion to schools from a surplus of $6 billion. However, the legislature has once again refused to comply with this court order, further exacerbating the issue. It is deeply concerning that despite clear mandates from the courts and available resources, the state government continues to neglect its duty to provide all students with the quality education they deserve. This ongoing failure must be addressed urgently to ensure that every child has access to the educational opportunities necessary for their success.

9.  North Carolina is one of the lowest-paying states for teachers in the nation. Schools across the state are facing shortages of educators, support staff, and other key personnel. By what percentage should the next budget raise wages for teachers and school employees? What else can the General Assembly do to improve working conditions for teachers and make the teaching profession more attractive to potential future educators?

We must prioritize addressing teacher pay and benefits to ensure a stable and supportive environment for educators. It’s crucial to make a long-term commitment, allowing teachers to dedicate themselves to the profession without fear of disruptions due to changing political climates. To achieve this, we should reinstate pay for Master’s degrees, restore retirement health benefits, and adequately fund and support professional development opportunities for educators. Teachers are facing increasing demands and challenges while receiving diminishing respect. It’s essential to recognize their dedication and professionalism by equipping them with the resources and compensation they deserve. This not only benefits teachers but also enhances the overall quality of education for students. In addition to supporting teachers, we must ensure that students have access to comprehensive support services within schools. This includes providing school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses to address the diverse needs of students. By investing in these vital resources, we can create an environment where teachers can focus on teaching, and students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

10. North Carolina bans abortion after 12 weeks’ gestation. Do you think abortion access in North Carolina should be expanded or further restricted, or do you support the current law? 

Yes, it should be expanded to ensure access to reproductive healthcare is a top priority for me. Reproductive health and reproductive justice advocacy have been central to my work as an advocate for women. Additionally, I have engaged in successful bipartisan advocacy efforts, particularly in highlighting the importance of women’s rights to trauma-informed and comprehensive healthcare, especially in cases involving survivors of rape. However, recent decisions, such as the Dobbs decision, which failed to make exceptions for rape victims, underscore the urgent need to protect women’s rights to choose without government interference. No, I do not support the current law and rollbacks. NC was a shining star of the south for our laws and efforts to support a women’s right to choose. It’s essential to champion policies that safeguard reproductive autonomy and ensure that women can access the healthcare they need without unnecessary barriers or stigma.

11. Do you support reforming North Carolina’s marijuana laws? Do you support full legalization? Please explain your position. 

Yes, I  support the legalization of medicinal marijuana. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of medical cannabis for managing various medical conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, and symptoms associated with certain mental health disorders. Legalizing medicinal marijuana would provide patients with access to alternative treatment options that may offer relief where conventional medications have failed. Overall, legalizing medical marijuana is a compassionate and sensible approach to improving healthcare options for individuals in need.

12. Do you support strengthening gun safety regulations such as expanding background checks, banning bump stocks, and raising the age to buy or otherwise regulating the sales of assault-style weapons? Please explain. 

Yes, I am a proponent of common-sense gun safety regulations, and I have actively sponsored legislation aimed at promoting responsible firearm storage practices. It’s imperative that we take measures to enhance the safety of our communities and prevent tragic incidents involving firearms. Encouraging safe storage practices can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access to firearms, particularly by children and individuals at risk of self-harm. By promoting responsible gun ownership, we can work towards a safer society for all.

13. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address? 

No