Congresswoman Alma Adams is running unopposed in North Carolina’s 12th, a heavily Democratic district that used to stretch from Greensboro to Charlotte along the I-85 corridor, but has been redrawn around Mecklenburg County.
By Hannah Critchfield
Age: 77 Political experience: Adams was a member of the Greensboro City School Board from 1984 to 1986, then a Greensboro City Council member from 1987 until her appointment to the House seat in 1994. She served in the North Carolina House until 2014, when she was elected to fill a seat vacated by former Rep. Mel Watt. Education/Personal: M.A. and B.A. in arts education from North Carolina A&T University Campaign contributions: As of Sept. 30, Adams had raised $711,610 for her campaign, spent $557,811 and had $328,231 on hand, according to OpenSecrets.org.Alma Adams, Democrat from Charlotte
Adams, a Democrat, did not respond to North Carolina Health News’ requests for an interview or an emailed statement regarding her positions on these issues. The following is based on her voting and bill sponsorship record, past public statements, and stated political positions on her House of Representatives website.
The Affordable Care Act
Adams supports the Affordable Care Act.
“Health care is important to our district and to Congresswoman Adams’ work in Congress,” her House website states. “She has been a staunch and ardent supporter of the Affordable Care Act, which has brought lifesaving insurance coverage to millions, including hundreds of thousands in North Carolina’s 12th District.”
Alma Adams also supports prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, according to her campaign website, as well as allowing children to remain on their parents’ insurance policy until the age of 26.
Medicaid expansion
Adams supports Medicaid expansion.
She recently voted in favor of the proposed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, also known as H.R. 1425, which would increase federal funding for Medicaid expansion. The bill passed in the House and is currently moving through the Senate.
Rural health care funding
Adams has previously supported additional funding for rural health care.
She is a co-sponsor of the proposed Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act of 2019, which would provide enhanced funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps.
The opioid crisis in North Carolina
Adams likely supports continued federal funding for the opioid crisis.
She previously wrote a letter in 2018 to President Donald Trump urging him to take meaningful steps to combat the opioid epidemic and asked him to continue taking action after his public health emergency declaration was to expire on January 23 of that year.