Two newly released polls paint a stark picture of the rising concerns from North Carolinians around the U.S. economy and Trump’s tariffs.
Advocates say The Cost We Carry Storybook is meant to force lawmakers to confront the human cost of their inaction. As Johnson put it, “This report is about making sure our state lawmakers hear directly from hard-working North Carolinians — and start serving people, not greedy corporations.”
With utilities giant Duke Energy demanding yet another rate hike despite making billions in profits, it’s worth noting that there are other electricity providers in North Carolina. In fact, there are 26 not-for-profit electric cooperatives providing electricity to 2.8 million North Carolinians across 93 counties in the state.
Since ACA tax credits expired at the beginning of the year, North Carolina has seen a 22% drop in enrollment in the healthcare marketplace, and premiums have increased by a whopping 114%.
“North Carolina’s secret is out,” said Governor Josh Stein in a statement. “Our strong economic growth, natural beauty, and good people are attracting others from around the country.”
As the delay continues, schools are left deciding which services, programs, and staff members they can afford to keep. Across the state, teachers and other state employees are also dealing with rising bills and ever-increasing health insurance plans, with some seeing their monthly premiums nearly triple. With no budget to deliver much-needed raises, this amounts to a pay cut for many.
The facility, which broke ground in August 2025, is expected to support more than 2,000 jobs, including more than 500 high-wage manufacturing and more than 1,500 construction jobs.
“Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike is simply too high and comes as the company is also retreating on more affordable clean energy. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, we should be doing everything we can to make life more affordable, not less. I will continue to fight on behalf of every North Carolinian to lower costs and grow the economy,” said Stein.
At “Cars and Coffee” events in Charlotte and Greensboro, the conversation has shifted from performance specs to the “tariff tax.”
The top-tier ranking comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for the state’s economy. In 2025, North Carolina saw more than $24 billion in new capital investments and the announcement of over 35,000 new jobs—the strongest year for job growth in state history.