North Carolina's newly elected Governor Josh Stein is set to deliver his inaugural State of the State address, where he plans to outline his strategic vision for the state's future. According to an official press release on the North Carolina Office of the Governor website, Governor Stein will place emphasis on the state’s recovery from western North Carolina's Hurricane Helene and push the General Assembly towards investments spanning economic opportunity, workforce development, families and children, public schools, and public safety.
The governor's office also revealed a list of North Carolinians who will be honored guests at the address, among them are Avery County's Ashley Cook and Freddy Carpenter, who played a crucial role in their community's post-hurricane recovery by delivering essentials. "In the weeks and months since, Ashley has used her Facebook page to broadcast the needs she discovers and to connect people to resources," the governor's office noted on the Office of the Governor. Matt and Michelle Banz from Rutherford County,, whose business suffered heavily from the hurricane, have received support through the Governor's Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, aid that underscores the administration’s commitment to local enterprise.
Highlighting the importance of healthcare, especially in the wake of the pandemic, Governor Stein will also honor Haylee and Emily Orellana from Surry County. They have been part of the nursing apprenticeship program at Northern Regional Hospital, with Emily providing essential medical care and translation services during the pandemic. Furthermore, the address will feature Ali Setser, the principal of Eastern Elementary School in Pitt County, which provides free meals to students for improved health outcomes and learning experiences, representing the state's efforts in battling food insecurity while improving education.
The celebration of excellence in teaching will be embodied by the 2023 Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Jones of Orange County. Jones, a veteran English teacher at Chapel Hill High School, was selected "for fostering student agency and building authentic trust with students," as mentioned on the North Carolina Office of the Governor website. Meanwhile, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough of Forsyth County, will be representing law enforcement officers, acknowledged for running towards danger to keep the community safe. Lastly, the personal story of Debbie Dalton from Mecklenburg County, who founded the Hunter Dalton #HDLife Foundation after her son's fentanyl-related death, is going to underscore the pressing issue of drug overdoses in the state.
