North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein’s ‘State of the State’: Faster Helene relief, better teacher pay

 

In his inaugural State of the State address on March 12, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein outlined key priorities for his administration, emphasizing swift recovery from Hurricane Helene and significant investments in education.

 

**Hurricane Helene Recovery**

 

Governor Stein highlighted the urgent need for additional disaster relief, proposing a $500 million recovery bill to aid rebuilding efforts in western North Carolina. He stressed the severity of the hurricane’s impact, stating it caused nearly $60 billion in damages. Stein called for immediate legislative action, saying, “We need that money now. Heck, we needed it yesterday.”

 

To expedite recovery, Stein signed five executive orders on January 2, 2025, focusing on increasing temporary housing and repairing essential infrastructure. These orders aim to accelerate housing solutions and restore access to vital services disrupted by the hurricane.

 

**Educational Initiatives**

 

Addressing education, Governor Stein proposed measures to enhance teacher compensation and school facilities. He advocated for making starting teacher salaries the highest in the Southeast and introduced a $4 billion public school bond to upgrade infrastructure and improve student safety.

 

**Economic Development and Public Safety**

 

Stein also focused on economic growth, announcing the creation of over 1,500 new jobs in rural areas within his first two months in office. He proposed offering free community college for students pursuing certifications in high-demand fields and expanding apprenticeship programs to bolster the skilled workforce. In terms of public safety, Stein called for salary increases and signing bonuses for law enforcement officers and advocated for funding a dedicated Fentanyl Control Unit to combat opioid-related deaths.

 

**Bipartisan Collaboration**

 

Throughout his address, Governor Stein emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation to address the state’s challenges effectively. He urged legislators to prioritize recovery, education, and public safety, stating, “North Carolina is strong!”

 

Governor Josh Stein’s State of the State Address Highlights