Governor Josh Stein, during the latest NC Strong Update, called on the General Assembly to prioritize issues such as public safety staffing, mental health funding, DMV efficiency, hurricane recovery, and veteran employment in the aerospace industry.
At the center of Stein’s concerns is a $195 million public safety proposal aimed at increasing law enforcement pay and providing recruitment and retention bonuses. The Governor stated in the press realse, “We count on law enforcement for our safety,” and added, “It’s time to put our money where our mouths are to get more well-trained cops on the beat and ensure families are safe.” The mental health system budget includes cuts of $18.5 million for behavioral health and the removal of $10 million in recurring funding for the Mental Health Task Force. Stein noted these reductions and their potential effects on the community.
In response to previous DMV operational issues, Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 245, which expanded online driver’s license renewals. Within its first week, over 10,000 licenses were renewed remotely. DMV Commissioner Paul Tine credited shorter wait times and better customer service to the quick hiring of new examiner positions. “I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made through expanding online services, reducing vacancies, and improving customer experiences across the state,” Tine said, according to the Governor's office.
Following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Stein announced a $9 million grant to 14 nonprofit Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) to support home repairs and the restoration of essential services such as electricity and plumbing for affected residents. Rachel Deery of All Hands & Hearts stated that the grant will provide quality, resilient repairs for 25 to 30 vulnerable households.
The economic portion of the NC Strong Update announced the creation of 237 new jobs across three counties, supported by North Carolina’s growing reputation as a center for business and innovation. The Governor announced a $500,000 donation from the GE Aerospace Foundation to the Heroes MAKE America Program, aimed at supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life, particularly in the aerospace sector. This funding will support a new program near Fort Bragg designed to prepare service members and their spouses for advanced manufacturing jobs. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette noted the state’s responsibility toward veterans, stating, “North Carolina is home to more than 600,000 veterans, and each deserves meaningful opportunities to build their next chapter,” as per the Governor's office.
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