Years of misguided economic policies continue to have terrible consequences for North Carolina, where we endure the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Now there’s this.

The number of people in North Carolina enrolled in the federal food stamp program increased 10.5 percent to 1.834 million during the 12 months ending in January, according to the North Carolina Department of Human Services.

Thankfully we are changing course in this state. If we follow an economically sound roadmap, we can create jobs and return dignity and self reliance to so many who are enduring tough times.