Roy Cooper Criticizes Health Spending Cuts, Raises Concerns for State Economy

TL/DR –

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about the state economy as Republicans in Washington and Raleigh plan to cut healthcare spending, potentially ending Medicaid expansion in the state. Republicans argue that wage growth has outpaced inflation, giving consumers more buying power, while Cooper’s potential opponent, Michael Whatley, supports cutting Medicaid funding for illegal immigrants and able-bodied adults who don’t seek employment. The cuts could potentially impact 670,000 North Carolinians who have healthcare due to Medicaid expansion and negatively affect the state’s economy, particularly in the healthcare industry.

Concerns About State Economy: Roy Cooper’s Stand

Ex-Governor Roy Cooper, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, has expressed concerns about the state economy as Republicans in Washington reduce health care spending, and Raleigh Republicans show no urgency in replacing the funding. Cooper criticized these cuts during an event at Chavis Park in southeast Raleigh, spotlighting expected key issues in next year’s midterm elections.

The proposed budget by President Donald Trump, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, aims to raise funds for significant income tax cuts by reducing health care spending and potentially terminating Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. Cooper laments the increasing cost of healthcare as a result of the bill’s implementation.

While Republicans dispute some of Cooper’s claims, Federal data show that inflation rose 2.7% and wages increased an average of 4.2% between July 2024 and July 2025. “Wage growth has outpaced inflation in 2025, giving consumers more buying power,” Matt Mercer, North Carolina Republican Party spokesman, said recently.

Candidates Cooper and Michael Whatley, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, have yet to secure their respective party’s primary elections. Whatley has repeatedly supported the federal legislation, focusing on the income tax cuts it includes.

Jonathan Felts, Whatley spokesman, defended the Medicaid cuts in the bill, stating, “Medicaid funding in the OBBB cuts illegal aliens, people fraudulently double-dipping in multiple states, and able-bodied adults between the ages of 19-64 who don’t want to look for a job.”

Impact of the New Federal Law on Medicaid and Rural Hospitals

If the federal law leads to the end of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, approximately 670,000 North Carolinians may lose their healthcare. The termination of the program could consequently take billions a year out of the state’s economy and severely impact rural hospitals. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who voted against the bill, warned of such fallout. Despite Tillis’ opposition, the bill passed, effectively ending his U.S. Senate career.

“In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” Tillis wrote in his announcement not to seek reelection.

For more detailed insights about the upcoming U.S. Senate race and the candidates, refer to this article.

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