Alma Adams

Alma Adams won her first election to the North Carolina House of Representatives on November 22, 1994. This victory marked the beginning of Adams' long and influential political career in the state legislature, where she served for 20 years. During her time in the North Carolina House, Adams became known for her commitment to education, healthcare, and economic development. She was also a prominent advocate for civil rights and women's issues. Her work in the legislature helped lay the groundwork for her later career in the United States Congress.

On August 4, 2010, Alma Adams was a key figure in the establishment of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. As a prominent member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the Legislative Black Caucus, Adams helped found this foundation to support the educational aspirations of African American students in North Carolina. The foundation provides scholarships and conducts programs to improve access to educational resources for minority students. Adams' leadership in this initiative highlighted her dedication to education and her commitment to supporting underrepresented communities.

On June 17, 2013, Alma Adams played a crucial role in the passage of the North Carolina Equal Pay Act. As a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Adams was a leading advocate for gender pay equality. The act aimed to address and reduce the wage gap between men and women in the state, ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work. This legislative achievement was part of Adams' broader efforts to improve the economic conditions for women and families in North Carolina. Her work on the Equal Pay Act received widespread recognition and contributed to her reputation as a champion for women's rights.

Alma Adams was elected to the United States House of Representatives in a special election held on November 4, 2014. Adams, a Democrat, won the election to represent North Carolina's 12th congressional district. Prior to this, she had a long career in education and politics, including serving as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. In this election, Adams became the 100th woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, marking a significant milestone. Adams was known for her advocacy on various issues, including education, women's rights, and labor. Her election was part of a wider national trend during the 2014 midterm elections, which resulted in increased diversity in Congress.

In early January 2015, Alma Adams introduced the College Affordability Act as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislative proposal aimed to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the United States. Adams' bill focused on increasing federal investment in education, providing additional financial aid to students, and reducing the burden of student loan debt. As a former educator, Adams was deeply invested in issues related to education and worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for all students. Although the bill faced significant legislative challenges, it underscored her commitment to addressing the rising cost of college.

On May 25, 2016, Congresswoman Alma Adams demonstrated her leadership on the Nutrition Education Act, a piece of legislation designed to improve nutrition education programs in schools. The act aimed to incorporate comprehensive nutrition education into the school curriculum and promote healthy eating habits among students. Adams, a former educator, used her experience and platform in Congress to advocate for improvements in public health and nutrition. Her efforts helped bring attention to the importance of educating young people about nutrition and combating issues such as childhood obesity. This legislative work was part of her broader focus on health and wellness advocacy.

On October 17, 2017, Alma Adams was appointed as a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus. This caucus was formed to promote and support the goals of HBCUs across the United States. As a leader in this caucus, Adams worked to secure federal funding, create partnerships, and develop policies that strengthen HBCUs. Her appointment as a co-chair underscored her longstanding commitment to education, particularly for historically underrepresented groups. The caucus played a significant role in shaping federal policies affecting HBCUs and ensured that these institutions receive the support needed to thrive.

On February 27, 2018, Alma Adams expressed her strong support for the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which aimed to expand and improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). As a longstanding advocate for affordable housing, Adams recognized the impact that LIHTC had in providing affordable housing options for low-income families. Her advocacy efforts were focused on increasing the availability of affordable housing resources and ensuring that the LIHTC could effectively meet the needs of communities across the nation. Adams' work on this issue highlighted her commitment to housing security and economic development.

Alma Adams introduced the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act on July 20, 2019, to secure federal funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions. The FUTURE Act aimed to streamline funding processes and ensure that these institutions have the resources necessary to continue providing quality education. Adams' leadership in sponsoring this act was critical to the continued support and sustainability of HBCUs and demonstrated her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for minority students. The act was successfully passed by Congress, securing essential funding for these institutions.

On March 25, 2020, Alma Adams took action during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing key legislation aimed at providing economic relief and support to individuals and businesses affected by the crisis. Her proposals included measures to expand unemployment insurance, provide financial assistance to small businesses, and support healthcare providers. Adams' legislative efforts during this time reflected her responsiveness to the urgent needs of her constituents and her ability to address national challenges. Her work helped bring attention to the impacts of the pandemic and influenced subsequent relief efforts by highlighting the importance of comprehensive support measures.