Name: Julie von Haefen

District/Seat: House District 36

County or Counties Represented: Wake

Political Party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 53

Campaign Website: juliefornc.com

Current Occupation: State legislator, part-time substitute teacher

Professional Experience:

  • Practiced law for over 10 years in various areas including criminal law, medical malpractice defense, municipal law, and education law
  • Served as a PTA leader at different levels and on various boards
  • Currently working part-time as a substitute teacher

    Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University
  • Law degree from Case Western Reserve University

    Notable Government or Civic Involvement:

  • Certified Guardian ad Litem in Wake County
  • Meals on Wheels volunteer

    Top Priorities if Elected

    Julie von Haefen’s top three priorities are:

    1. Increasing education funding for all children in North Carolina
    2. Protecting reproductive freedom rights
    3. Passing gun safety legislation

    Raise Percentage for State Employees, School Staff, and Teachers in Next State Budget

    School staff and teachers should receive a minimum of an 8.5% pay raise, while state employees should receive at least a 5% pay increase in the next state budget.

    Legislation to Improve Triangle Transportation, Housing, or Infrastructure

    Julie von Haefen sponsored House Bill 208, which provides low-income housing tax credits. She also co-sponsored the NC Housing Choice Incentive and is a leader in bipartisan clean energy and electric vehicle legislation. She supports initiatives like House Bill 296 for EV Charging Station/Parking and House Bill 582 for sustainable transportation systems.

    Funding for Private School Vouchers

    Julie von Haefen strongly opposes the expansion of private school vouchers. She believes that funding private education with public tax dollars will decrease funding for public schools and potentially promote exclusion and lack of accountability in academic outcomes.

    Disagreements within the Party

    Julie von Haefen typically aligns with the North Carolina Democratic Party’s platform.

    **Analysis:**

    Julie von Haefen, a Democrat running for House District 36 in Wake County, North Carolina, brings a wealth of professional experience in law and education advocacy to the table. With a strong focus on education funding, reproductive freedom, and gun safety legislation, she aims to make a significant impact if elected.

    Her proposed pay raises for school staff, teachers, and state employees reflect her commitment to supporting those who play vital roles in North Carolina’s communities. Additionally, her legislative efforts to improve transportation, housing, and infrastructure demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing key issues affecting the Triangle area.

    Julie von Haefen’s stance against the expansion of private school vouchers underscores her dedication to preserving public school funding and ensuring accountability in education outcomes. While she aligns with the North Carolina Democratic Party’s platform on most issues, her independent voice and experience bring a unique perspective to the political landscape.

    Overall, Julie von Haefen’s campaign priorities and policy proposals offer a compelling vision for North Carolina’s future, emphasizing the importance of education, social equity, and sustainable development in shaping a better tomorrow for all residents.

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