Governor Josh Stein provided an update on several key initiatives in North Carolina, focusing on improvements at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, and support for veterans moving into aerospace careers.
As lawmakers reconvened this week, Governor Stein urged the General Assembly to focus on health and safety issues rather than partisan matters. “The General Assembly needs to do its job – to keep people safe and healthy, not to strip them of their political power,” said Governor Stein. “The Republican leadership has to get its priorities straight and put people first. Let’s get to work.”
On public safety and mental health, Stein pressed legislators to act on his $195 million proposal aimed at addressing law enforcement staffing shortages through pay increases and recruitment bonuses. He also called for restoring Medicaid funding following recent cuts that affected behavioral health services and psychiatric care. “So far, the General Assembly has shown no sign that they will act to fill in the gaps and protect the health of all North Carolinians,” said Stein. “If we really want to take mental health and public safety seriously, it is past time to fully fund Medicaid. It’s not too late to right the ship.”
Progress at the DMV was another focus area. After signing Senate Bill 245 last month, more residents can now renew driver’s licenses online; over 10,000 did so in just one week. Legislative funding allowed the DMV to fill all 64 new examiner positions within a month, leaving fewer than 5% of 632 statewide positions vacant. “More examiners mean shorter lines and better experiences for customers,” said Stein. “We still have work to do, but I’m proud of the progress DMV employees are making every day to serve North Carolinians and I’m grateful to the General Assembly for its partnership here.” DMV Commissioner Paul Tine added: “I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made through expanding online services, reducing vacancies, and improving customer experiences across the state… We’re going to keep pushing forward.”
In response to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, Stein highlighted $9 million in grants distributed among 14 nonprofit Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) helping rebuild homes with essential repairs like roofing and electrical systems. In January, similar grants totaling $6 million were awarded for home repairs after disasters.
Rachel Deery from All Hands & Hearts commented: “The grant that we’re talking about today enables All Hands & Hearts to keep up the momentum as we transition to long-term hurricane repair work – work that is needed now.” She emphasized that these funds help vulnerable households access necessary repairs.
Regarding workforce development, Stein pointed out recent announcements bringing 237 new jobs across Bladen, Greene, and Lenoir counties as part of maintaining North Carolina’s reputation as a top state for business. He also recognized a $500,000 donation from GE Aerospace Foundation supporting Heroes MAKE America—a program aiding veterans’ transition into aerospace careers near Fort Bragg.
“North Carolina was first in flight, and we are also the future of flight,” said Stein. “The state is synonymous with aviation and aerospace innovation… I thank GE Aerospace for this important investment in our vets.” Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs added: “We’re grateful to the GE Aerospace Foundation for investing in programs like Heroes MAKE America that help our service members and military spouses turn their skills into lasting careers right here in North Carolina.” Christian Meisner from GE Aerospace stated: “As we continue to advance the future of flight, it is critical that we invest in developing talent…”
North Carolina’s aviation sector generates about $88 billion each year for the state’s economy while supporting over 427,000 jobs.
