In Raleigh, Governor Josh Stein provided a comprehensive update on North Carolina's progress in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), job creation, public school education, and disaster preparedness. Stein announced the formation of an AI Accelerator and a Leadership Council, which he signed into an executive order aiming to position North Carolina as a national leader in the AI field. The Department of Information Technology's Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley will jointly chair the AI Leadership Council. "North Carolina will be stronger if we are equipped to embrace the opportunities and take on the challenges that AI presents," Stein stated in a press release from the Governor's Office.
Stein's efforts to expand North Carolina's economic landscape further included attending the launch of a new Thermo Fisher Scientific facility and the groundbreaking for Genentech's establishment in Holly Springs—both initiatives predicted to bring more than 500 jobs to the Triangle. Details on the region's Strategic Economic Development Plan were also presented. "I am proud of our state’s strength, especially in high-demand sectors like biotech and advanced manufacturing, and I look forward to hearing from North Carolinians as we chart our way forward economically," Governor Stein told attendees during the NC Strong Update, as per the Governor's Office.
The Governor also spotlit the Department of Public Instruction's strategic plan, endorsed by the State Board of Education, that sets an ambitious target to make North Carolina's public schools number one by 2030. Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green highlighted that the plan isn't just an investment in the school system but "an investment in our people." Furthermore, Governor Stein called on lawmakers for a budget catering to increased teacher pay and student-focused enrichment in public schools.
In line with North Carolina Preparedness Month, Governor Stein signed a proclamation stressing the vital nature of readiness against disasters. “Being prepared can make all the difference for you and your family,” Stein emphasized. He also urged federal support to release grants for building resilient infrastructure, according to the Governor's Office.
