From flood disaster recovery to the challenges of a changing economy, and from tax relief to environmental stewardship, Western North Carolina families have learned the importance of responsive leadership and effective representation in Raleigh.

As your senator, I have worked hard in the areas I consider the cornerstones of Real Family Security: Jobs, Education and Healthcare.

As your senator, I made sure our agricultural research station stayed open, and set it on a course toward long-term, sustainable success. As co-chair of the Senate’s 2004 Flood Relief committee, I led the effort to provide $250 million of assistance to distressed mountain communities, from Newland and Crossnore to Canton and Clyde. As your senator, I voted to fund the economic incentives that allow us to be competitive in industrial recruitment here in the Mountains, while capping gas and property taxes.

As co-chair of the Senate’s education committee, I helped improve education for all our children by securing new funding for additional teachers at small, geographically-isolated mountain schools. As your senator, I led the effort to win approval for a ¼-cent sales tax benefiting Haywood Community College, and brought hundreds of millions dollars more to Western North Carolina for higher education.

As your senator, I helped save the hospital in Haywood County, and secured $100 million to establish the North Carolina Center for Health and Aging here in the mountains. As your senator, I voted to help seniors afford prescription drugs and expanded health coverage for uninsured children.

What Matters: Jobs | Education | Healthcare

As our senator, Joe Sam has expanded job opportunities in our region and fought effectively for our fair share of investments from Raleigh.

Working for better roads and infrastructure.