Governor Josh Stein has vetoed several bills that, if passed, would have an impact on North Carolina’s charter schools, environment, and the balance of political power.
“North Carolina families are struggling to find quality child care while centers are closing their doors, making it harder for children to get the education they need and for parents to go to work without worry,” stated Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. “This Task Force has brought together industry leaders and community partners to find real solutions. While our work will continue, I believe this report lays out a path forward to make child care more accessible and affordable.”
Dozens of North Carolinians and local advocates read banned books outside of the state’s General Assembly, protesting against several Republican proposals. Tuesday’s read-in, organized by Red, Wine & Blue, included meetings with lawmakers to share concerns about book banning, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, attempts to erase Black and other marginalized communities in our state, and voting rights.
The move has left hundreds of school systems and food banks reeling. They already face rising food prices and are struggling to help community members with growing food insecurity.
According to EdNC, Gov. Stein talked about his newly released state budget, which would raise teachers’ compensation 10.6% over the next two years, give higher raises for beginning teachers, restore master’s pay, and give smaller raises to administrators and other school staff.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein revealed his state spending plan, launching his first budget battle since taking office. The proposal includes more money for schools, Hurricane Helene recovery, and targeted tax cuts for working families.
The theme of Stein’s speech was “North Carolina Strong,” a motto the newly elected governor has used to rally North Carolinians who are in the midst of a hurricane rebuild, rising costs, and deep federal funding cuts. He recognized several honored guests from across the state, leaders in fields such as education and law enforcement that Stein believes have embodied his view of “North Carolina Strong.”
“Losing this support is devastating, not merely because of the financial setback, but because it directly affects an essential lifeline connecting agriculture, regional economic well-being, and the health of WNC families,” Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA FoodBank, told Asheville Citizen-Times.
Concerned about the devastating impact of the Trump administration’s goal to eliminate the US Department of Education, North Carolina educators and parents recently delivered letters to Senator Thom Tillis, urging him to oppose efforts to dismantle the department. Despite the opposition from his constituents, Sen. Tillis ignored these concerns and voted to confirm McMahon, alongside every other Senate Republican who cast a vote.
Parents, educators, and education advocates are sounding alarms about the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). Across the state, parents and teachers have expressed concern over the plan to erase funding from the millions of students who depend on federal education funding.
On Wednesday, North Carolina teachers and parents delivered letters to Senator Thom Tillis’ office, urging the senator to vote to keep the crucial department up and running.