At a post-election press conference on Nov. 4, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said he knew the state’s voters felt frustrated by the government. But it was not until the ‘blue wave’ in the general election results that he said he saw the full extent of their desire for change.
Democratic candidates dominated in local, state and federal elections as results rolled in Tuesday night. Notably, the party took control of North Carolina’s House of Representatives for the first time since 2010 and nearly eliminated Republicans’ control of the Senate.
“The voters of North Carolina made their voices heard loudly and clearly,” Stein told the crowd of reporters. “They want balance. They want common sense in their government. They flipped the House of Representatives in dramatic fashion and they narrowed the margins in the state senate to ensure that there will be balance between the two parties. The voters want leaders who work together on their behalf.”
Some successes from the state government Stein touted as examples of that work were how the two parties collaborated this year to both fully fund Medicaid and give historic pay raises to teachers and state law enforcement. He also highlighted a historic $3 billion investment to fund Hurricane Helene recovery efforts — a core issue he said he plans to continue with in the new year.
Stein explained how the Trump Administration has delivered no new federal dollars to support the region’s recovery, as the $11 billion given to address $60 billion in damages were under the Biden Administration. Noting Roy Cooper’s win in the U.S. Senate election, Stein said he believes the former North Carolina governor’s voice will be “loud and important” within the Democratic majority when advocating for the needs of Western North Carolina.
The governor said his administration’s other key issues with the new Democratic caucus include lowering housing and healthcare costs, as well as strengthening public safety and schools. While stressing the need for investments in public education at the Pre-K, K-12, community college, and university levels, Stein referenced how North Carolina’s General Assembly overrode his veto in June to enact House Bill 87. Set to take effect in 2027, it opts North Carolina into the federal tax credit program and would provide tax breaks and scholarships to high-income families, donors, and families with high educational expenses. But when it comes to public schools, Stein said North Carolina currently ranks 50th in cost-adjusted, per-pupil funding.
“Do we really want these scarce dollars for education to go away from a public school kid?” Stein said. “[Do we want it] taken out of that public school kid’s backpack and put it into the bank account of somebody who’s doing pretty well sending their child to an unaccountable private school whose child never was in public school?
“I firmly believe that each parent should decide for themselves what’s best for their child,” he continued. “And if a parent decides sending their child to a private school is what’s best for that child, absolutely, I support that decision. But we don’t have enough dollars invested in public education today to be taking out $750 million a year away.”
Despite the wins for the Democratic Party, North Carolina’s voters approved all three constitutional amendments on the ballot: one to enshrine a voter ID requirement, one that would cap the state income tax at no more than 3.5%, and a third that would require state lawmakers to place limits on local governments’ ability to raise property taxes. Orange County leaders previously urged against the amendments, warning caps on property taxes could push more costs down to counties and limit local governments’ ability to fund emergency services, senior resources, and schools.
The North Carolina General Assembly’s organizational day for the 2027-28 session is slated for January 13. Stein said he is eager to work with its leaders.
“We can work together to invest in our people so that they have the skills, the knowledge that they need to succeed in this fast-changing economy,” Stein said. “Investments in education — pre-K, K-12, community college, and universities — are investments in North Carolina’s future. Voters expect us to work together for them. The next General Assembly has an incredible opportunity if we just listen…If we just listen to what the people of North Carolina want.”
Featured image by Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Governor Stein Shares Early Policy Goals for 2027 After Election Results, Voters’ ‘Desire for Change’ Chapelboro.com.
Hence then, the article about governor stein shares early policy goals for 2027 after election results voters desire for change was published today ( ) and is available on chapelboro ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Governor Stein Shares Early Policy Goals for 2027 After Election Results, Voters’ ‘Desire for Change’ )
Also on site :
- Julia Garner Says Madonna Biopic Status Changes ‘Every Hour,’ But She’d ‘Love for the Movie to Get Made’
- ‘Ebenezer’ First Reactions: Johnny Depp’s Hollywood Comeback is a ‘Wickedly Fun Holiday Treat’ That Adds ‘Refreshing New Layers’ to the Christmas Classic
- Who Went Home on ‘The Voice’ Tonight? Live Show Week 1 Results and Eliminations (Spoilers)