Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) speaks at a press conference announcing a NC Senate lead bill that would expand the state’s Medicaid program to cover some 600,000 low income North Carolinians who lack health insurance. Corbin, who represents mountainous western counties has been pressing his caucus to adopt the policy for several years. He’s recently been bolstered by county commissioners and chambers of commerce in his constituency that have issued proclamations supporting the measure. Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) stands on the far left. Photo credit: Rachel Crumpler