Governor's Crime Commission Resolution: In Support of Medicaid Expansion

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Crime Commission recently surveyed law enforcement
agencies, victim advocacy groups and the public about the needs and priorities within 
state and local justice systems. The survey showed that drug use and gun violence stand 
as the top two threats to Public Safety. Illegal drugs represent the largest emerging 
criminal justice issue for non-law enforcement respondents and second largest for law 
enforcement respondents after recruitment; and

WHEREAS, researchers from the University of North Carolina provided the findings and 
recommendations of the victims of crime needs assessment which addressed the rural 
barriers to accessing services; and

WHEREAS, in rural communities, the biggest mental health and substance abuse 
treatment facility often is the jail or detention center; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Governor's Crime Commission is to improve the quality of 
life for the citizens of the state, to enhance public safety, and to reduce and prevent 
crime by improving the criminal justice system; and 

WHEREAS, pursuant to § 143B-1101, the Governor's Crime Commission serves as the 
chief advisory body to the Governor and to the Secretary of Public Safety on matters 
pertaining to the criminal justice system;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governor’s Crime Commission voted 
unanimously to adopt a resolution in support of expanding Medicaid in the upcoming 
state budget. 

Adopted on Sept. 7, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C.
s/Chairman Robert Evans
s/Executive Director Caroline Farmer