On March 12, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein delivered his first State of the State Address.
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.”
Stein presented a detailed plan for how his administration plans to tackle several issues facing North Carolinians today. Here are just a few of the key moments.
On Lowering Costs and Passing Targeted Tax Cuts for Working Families
“So what’s it going to be? Give money to out-of-state shareholders, or invest in North Carolina families?”
Stein noted that North Carolina is the third fastest-growing state, but its housing supply has not kept up with demand. He drew a parallel to the shortage of childcare options, where there’s only 1 childcare spot for every 5 families wanting one.
Stein called for bipartisan solutions to the housing crisis, along with targeted tax cuts to help working families pay for child care. He contrasted this proposal with the $10 billion in tax breaks recently given to the ultra-wealthy and corporate shareholders.
On Accelerating Hurricane Recovery Efforts
“The people who have been aiding folks out west don’t care a whit about the politics of the people they are helping. They simply want to help their neighbors in need… We must follow their example and step up for our neighbors in western North Carolina.”
Stein urged legislators to act quickly to pass another round of hurricane recovery funding while reaffirming his commitment to securing more federal funding from the Trump administration.
On Improving Public Education
“It’s 2025—we shouldn’t have to send kids home from school because the heat doesn’t work.”
Stein expressed concern over the state of public schools, a challenge he argues is being worsened by an expanded private school voucher program. He proposed investments in public education instead, including free community college for students looking to work in high-demand sectors, pay raises for teachers, free school breakfast, and a $4 billion public school bond.
On Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Care
“Just as we stood arm-in-arm as North Carolinians to make Medicaid expansion a reality, let’s stand arm-in-arm to defend our health care.”
North Carolina recently expanded health insurance coverage to over 600,000 working-class people, although Congressional Republicans have passed a budget blueprint that would gut the program. Stein invoked the bipartisan nature in which Medicaid expansion passed in order to inspire Republicans to join Democrats in protecting the program.
On Promoting Public Safety
“Three days ago, Hunter should have celebrated his 32nd birthday. But at 23 years old, fentanyl tragically ended his life. There are thousands of stories like Hunter’s – young people whose lives ended too soon because of one of the deadliest drugs ever to poison our country.”
As a part of his commitment to public safety, Stein said that he would prioritize addressing the opioid epidemic. His public safety plan includes ensuring that law enforcement positions are fully staffed, which he believes could be achieved through salary increases for state law enforcement.
On the Future of North Carolina
“But we do not need to be pulled into those political games. We can create something better, something forward-looking right here in North Carolina.”
Stein closed with a call for bipartisan policy solutions, promising to work across parties to deliver results for everyday North Carolinians.
