In a continuous fight to keep North Carolinians out of harm's way, Governor Josh Stein detailed his commitment during a recent visit to Western North Carolina, focusing on the utilization of opioid settlement funds and law enforcement support. In a roundtable in Clay County, Stein discussed how over $2.7 million, procured under his tenure as Attorney General, is now fueling local programs for treatment and recovery services. According to a press release by the Governor's office, investments include hiring a peer support specialist and acquiring a new vehicle for reaching those in more remote areas, a vital step toward making inroads against addiction.
The Governor's stance on public safety was further emphasized at the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police's 50th Annual Training Conference in Cherokee, where he gathered with law enforcement heads and highlighted the pressing need to boost behavioral health services. Governor Stein stands firm in advocating for the passing of a hefty $195 million public safety package by the General Assembly—a call reaffirmed in his dialogue with the police chiefs. Yet, amidst his push for improved officer training and augmented salaries a disconcerting number of lives still fall to the shadow of fentanyl, with Stein noting, "An average of six North Carolinians die every day from fentanyl overdoses, and that’s six lives too many," underscoring the battle is far from over, as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor website.
Recent legislative developments were addressed as Governor Stein referenced the newly passed Safer Skies Act, positioning North Carolina law enforcement to better handle the threat of unmanned drones. This initiative stands as yet another example of the state's proactive measures to keep its citizens safeguarded against modern perils. The commitment to public service and officer preparedness was echoed by Stein when he expressed his gratitude to the police chiefs, "Law enforcement officers run toward danger when others may flee. Their work is demanding, dangerous, and too often underappreciated,” furthering his call for higher wages and bonuses aimed at recruitment and retention—an issue much debated in the public arena, according to the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
During a November roundtable, a broader perspective on public safety was given room to unfurl, garnering input from law enforcement officials on how the state could uplift their duty to public safety. The Governor’s proposal doesn't just top up the paychecks for those already serving, but also extends financial incentives to those newly donning the badge or crossing state lines to do so in North Carolina; with inflation on the rise and budgets tight these efforts are not just about maintaining law and order, they are as much a question of justice for those who serve to protect it. By consistently pushing for comprehensive public safety legislation, Governor Stein aims to address not only staffing deficits but also funnel much-needed support into the state’s mental and behavioral health systems, as reported in the official press release from his office.
