Governor Josh Stein Highlights Resilience and Progress in Inaugural Address
Focus on education, infrastructure, and public safety underscores alignment with local priorities and vision for a stronger North Carolina.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 13, 2025—Governor Josh Stein delivered his inaugural address on Saturday, January 11th. Focusing on unity, resilience, and progress for North Carolina, he spoke from the historic State Capitol in downtown Raleigh and outlined key priorities that resonate deeply with Wake County residents.
Stein emphasized North Carolina's history of overcoming adversity, from natural disasters to economic challenges, and reaffirmed the state's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. “We must overcome the unprecedented storm that ravaged our state and the everyday struggles that impact our neighbors. And we will,” Stein said, referencing recent weather disasters and ongoing economic pressures.
Critical Highlights for Wake County:
Education Investments:
Stein highlighted the need for increased investment in education, stating, “As long as North Carolina ranks 48th in the country in per-pupil investment, our public school students will be denied the sound basic education that our state constitution guarantees them.”
He emphasized the importance of pre-kindergarten programs, saying, “There is no better investment in our future than providing excellent pre-k so that every child starts kindergarten healthy and ready to learn.” For Wake County, these measures promise to enhance the quality of education for its rapidly growing student population and help narrow achievement gaps.
Infrastructure and Economic Development:
Stein committed to improving infrastructure, including broadband and transportation. “We must invest in broadband, roads and railroads, ports and airports to keep North Carolina moving,” he said. For Wake County, these investments are crucial for easing traffic congestion, supporting economic growth, and ensuring residents in rural and suburban areas have access to reliable internet and transportation options.
Public Safety:
Addressing the fentanyl crisis, Stein said, “We must smash drug trafficking rings peddling this poison. We must also reduce stigma so that more people seek treatment.” He also highlighted the importance of increasing law enforcement training to ensure safer communities. Wake County’s diverse neighborhoods stand to benefit from stronger measures to combat drug-related crimes and improved community policing efforts.
Climate Resilience:
Reflecting on recent hurricanes, Stein emphasized the need to rebuild and strengthen infrastructure: “We must rebuild water systems, roads, bridges, and dams so they are resilient and can withstand future natural disasters.” For Wake County, this focus ensures better preparedness and protection for its infrastructure, safeguarding both urban and suburban areas from severe weather impacts.
Economic Opportunity:
Stein promised support for small businesses and workforce development, asserting, “Every North Carolinian should have a fair shot of prosperity to start a small business or get a good paying job everywhere in our state.”
He added, “We must expand career and technical education and apprenticeship programs.” These initiatives are particularly valuable for Wake County, where a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a growing workforce require skill development and career advancement opportunities.
Stein called for bipartisan cooperation, drawing on North Carolina’s history of cross-party collaboration to solve big challenges. “No party has all the answers. Good ideas do not come with party labels,” he urged lawmakers to work together for the common good.
For Wake County residents, the governor’s vision represents a commitment to addressing immediate needs and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. With a focus on education, infrastructure, and public safety, Stein’s inaugural address underscores his alignment with local priorities and his vision for a stronger North Carolina.