Governor Josh Stein marked his first 100 days in office with a focus on bipartisan collaboration and rebuilding Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Stein emphasized safe communities, strong schools, and job opportunities as central goals.
Speaker Destin Hall expressed commitment to recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, stating, “It’s going to be a long recovery with incredible devastation… this body — and I believe this governor’s office also — is committed to doing everything we can to get those folks back in their home.”
In a visit to Western North Carolina, Stein called for greater involvement from state and federal governments in the recovery efforts. “It’s time for their governments to do the same thing,” he remarked.
The priority on helping Western North Carolina recover was reiterated in a conversation with Blue Ridge Public Radio: “The number one priority has been trying to help Western North Carolina recover from the lingering and devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.”
Additionally, Stein has worked on initiatives including paying public school teachers more, raising wages for law enforcement, and expanding apprenticeships in the state.
Stein’s office has also announced over 1,600 new manufacturing jobs, totaling over $690 million in private investment. He intends to maintain this focus on economic development.
However, Stein acknowledged challenges ahead, with Carolina Public Press noting North Carolina’s strong economy as a point of pride but highlighting upcoming tests for his administration.
Reflecting on education, Stein expressed dissatisfaction with teacher pay, saying, “Our starting teachers are the second lowest-paid in the southeast, that’s an embarrassment and unacceptable.”
On law enforcement, Stein is pushing for a specialized unit within the State Bureau of Investigation to tackle a backlog in cold sexual assault cases, stating, “I want as many dangerous people off the streets so they cannot hurt anyone else.”
Republicans in North Carolina have generally welcomed Stein’s approach, but acknowledge that challenges are ahead, particularly in economic development, education, and housing supply.
