RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Governor Josh Stein is set to give his first State of the State address Wednesday evening.
The governor will outline legislative priorities while highlighting his plans for growing North Carolina’s economy, improving public education and investing in public safety.
One of the primary focuses of Stein’s first 70 days in office is securing funding for Helene-damaged areas and industries in Western North Carolina. While legislators agree relief efforts are crucial, how much money to allocate and how quickly are still points of contention.
Stein has also been outspoken about the need for more affordable childcare options. He referred to the issue of accessible care options as a “crisis” Monday while visiting a childcare center in Durham.
“We do not have enough childcare slots to meet the needs of the state,” he said.
Stein said he plans to propose raises to childcare subsidy rates in his draft of the state budget, set to be released in late March.
The governor’s office announced the guests of honor during the State of the State address will include a drug-awareness advocate from Mecklenburg County. Debbie Dalton of Cornelius founded The Hunter Dalton #HD Life Foundation after losing her son in 2016 to fentanyl poisoning. Stein recognized Dalton’s work while he was the state attorney general in 2018.
Stein’s address is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Viewers can stream the speech online here.
State Republicans will provide a rebuttal after the event. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-87) will deliver the remarks.
