Bestselling authors gathered at the state Capitol on Saturday to protest policies they believe are harming public education, access to healthcare and more. The event was organized by novelist and musician Bland Simpson, and writer Jill McCorkle. Clyde Edgerton, Allan Gurganus and Margaret Maron were among the authors who spoke against the policies introduced by Republican legislators. The authors’ demands included increasing education funding, raising teacher salaries and expanding Medicaid. Although the Republicans have increased education funding and teacher salaries in the recent years, the authors argue that it is not enough. According to McCorkle, the writers’ group hopes to have more similar gatherings before November.

Source: The News & Observer