North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently updated his constituents on a slew of health and safety initiatives under the NC Strong Update banner, placing a spotlight on efforts toward improving rural healthcare access, combating childhood hunger, and enhancing drone safety. Stein's call to action directed at the General Assembly was clear: prioritize the needs of North Carolinians in the state budget, specifically addressing the looming spike in health insurance costs as federal tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expire.
Among the highlights, Stein announced a substantial $213 million funding boost, obtained from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program. Expanding health care availability for the rural populace, this capital is set to reinforce the workforce, enhance medical technologies, and support hubs connecting an array of health and social services. "RHTP funding will help improve health care access for the more than 3 million North Carolinians living in rural communities," Governor Josh Stein conveyed in his address, according to the Governor's Office.
With the summer months looming, Governor Stein also focused on addressing food insecurity among children when school is out and school meals are unavailable. The SUN Bucks program, in partnership with various private entities, will provide a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to help families afford groceries. Governor Stein, who thanked these private partners for their community commitment, urged the General Assembly to include SUN Bucks in the state budget.
On the safety front, Governor Stein touched upon safeguards against malicious use of unmanned drones. Following a bipartisan push by over 30 governors, Congress passed the Safer Skies Act, embedded in the NDAA FY 2026, enhancing states' capacity to mitigate drone threats. "Drones can be useful and even save lives, but the risks are also real," Stein stated in a session where committed to protecting the North Carolinians from any unauthorized drone uses, as reported on the Governor's Office website.
