Gov. Cooper optimistic that state will see Medicaid expansion next year

RALEIGH — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Friday he is looking forward to working with the General Assembly next year.

Channel 9 government reporter Joe Bruno traveled to the governor’s mansion in Raleigh to talk about Cooper’s goals in 2023.

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Republicans nearly have a super majority, which means Democrats will have to be seated and vote together to override vetoes.

The Democratic governor told Channel 9 government reporter Joe Bruno he expects to work with Republicans on several issues.

Cooper predicts 2023 will be the year of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.

“I am optimistic about the new year,” Cooper said.

Cooper said he’ll work with GOP leadership on issues, such as economic development, and he hopes the General Assembly steers away from social issues and abortion restrictions.

“My biggest concern about this session is they tackle issues that I think could end up being business-killing culture war laws,” Cooper said.

The governor said Republican leaders have expressed a desire to expand Medicaid, which is something that Cooper has pushed for since he took office.

Cooper said it could be only months away from happening.

“I think now the Republican leadership understands that we need to do this,” Cooper said. “They understand it is costing people’s lives. They understand we’ve got 1.2 million North Carolinians with no health insurance.”

As Cooper serves the last two years of his term, some national outlets are speculating he may be a candidate for the presidency one day.

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Bruno asked if that is something Cooper would consider, and he didn’t rule it out.

“In 2025, I will be looking to do something else,” Cooper said. “But I do like public service, and I will be open to continuing to do something for people.”

Cooper said after his term, he wants to continue in public service, but he won’t think about his next steps until he completes his time as governor.

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