What It Means to Be North Carolina Strong (3/14)
On Wednesday (3/12), Governor Josh Stein delivered his first State of the State Address.
The theme of Stein’s speech was “North Carolina Strong,” a motto Stein has used to rally North Carolinians who are in the midst of a hurricane rebuild, rising costs, and a chaotic presidential administration.
Stein contrasted the divisive national political scene with a more hopeful, bipartisan vision for North Carolina. He centered everyday people in each policy proposal and every argument. He even showcased his sense of humor while taking a shot or two at Elon Musk.
Most importantly, he laid out a detailed plan for how his administration plans to tackle the most pressing issues we’re facing today. Here are just a few highlights:
On Lowering the Cost of Housing and Child Care
“You want to hear something crazy? Too many parents cannot afford to work.”
Stein noted that North Carolina is the third fastest growing state, but our housing supply has not kept up with demand. He went on to explain that there’s only 1 child care spot for every 5 families wanting one– a problem that is pushing parents out of the workforce. Stein called for bipartisan solutions to the housing crisis, along with targeted tax cuts to help working families.
On Passing 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?”
The Governor proposed targeted tax cuts for working class families, cuts that he hopes will help lift children out of poverty and make child care more affordable. He contrasted this proposal with the $10 billion in tax breaks recently given to the 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 was hoping to highlight another round of funding to aid recovery efforts in western North Carolina, but Republican legislators have delayed the passing of this legislation. Stein urged legislators to act quickly 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.”
Governor Stein conveyed a sense of urgency around the state of public education. He expressed concern that taxpayer dollars are being funneled to private schools, a Republican policy that is failing to address the state’s dilapidated schools and low teacher pay. He went on to propose 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 to modernize the safety and stability of our public schools.
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, but now Republicans in Congress are threatening to 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 moving forward.
On the Future of North Carolina
“If those of us who believe in the possibility of bipartisanship look to Washington, DC, we will surely become discouraged. 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.”
During an era where MAGA’s misplaced priorities, reckless cuts, and chaotic leadership are ailing communities, it was revitalizing to hear from a leader who actually sees us, who understands our challenges and is working to shape government to ease those challenges.
A government that recognizes the value of its people, one that feels our struggles and recognizes our strengths. A government that believes in uplifting one another rather than scapegoating. A government that wants to make education, health care, and the economy work for everyone, regardless of their background.
We really are creating something better here in North Carolina. This is what North Carolina Strong looks like.
