CHARLOTTE — Vice President Kamala Harris visited Charlotte Thursday to talk about abortion rights and the Biden administration’s efforts to broaden internet access.
Harris tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of her visit. President Joe Biden tested positive earlier in the day, the White House announced.
[ MORE: VP Harris visits Charlotte to tout infrastructure bill ]
Harris toured a computer lab at the Carole Hoefener Center in uptown wearing a mask and took it off only for her speech.
The president’s condition was at the top of many minds.
“This morning, he and I spoke by phone,” the VP said at the Carole Hoefener Center. “He is in good spirits. He is feeling well. He is doing well. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted.”
The internet investments are part of a bipartisan infrastructure law recently signed by President Joe Biden. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with $30 per month toward internet bills, according to the White House. You can find out if you qualify at this link.
Harris asked attendees to spread the word about the program and help people sign up.
“In the 21st century, high-speed internet is not a luxury,” she said. “It is a necessity.”
After that, Harris attended a roundtable on abortion, which was led, in part, by Gov. Roy Cooper.
The governor’s veto pen and lack of a supermajority are preventing more restrictions from being enacted in North Carolina.
The VP heard from lawmakers, Planned Parenthood and Calla Hales, a Charlotte-based abortion provider.
“Abortion is not the right choice for everyone, but everyone deserves the right to make that choice,” Hales said.
North Carolina Attorney Gen. Josh Stein announced Thursday that despite the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, his office will not seek a reinstatement of the 20-year ban.
(WATCH BELOW: VP Harris visits Charlotte, spells out how infrastructure law can help NC)
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