(RALEIGH) This month Governor Josh Stein is highlighting investments in his recommended budget that would build on North Carolina’s success story and keep the state strong. Media outlets are invited to publish the column below from Governor Stein. –

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to keep North Carolina strong. The Governor’s budget raises starting teacher pay to the highest in the Southeast and provides meaningful tax relief to working families while ensuring North Carolina can continue to invest in critical needs, including public safety, public education, child care, workforce development, and health care. This budget complements the Governor's targeted budgets to address critical needs and support ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, addressing immediate challenges while planning for long-term success. 

(Raleigh) Today Governor Josh Stein announced appointments to boards and commissions.

Duke Energy has announced its intent to seek an additional $800 million in fuel costs from the Utilities Commission. Governor Stein issued the following statement:

(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein, First Lady Anna Stein, and Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes joined the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction’s Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference to highlight the Stein administration’s commitment to strengthening reentry initiatives and reducing repeat crime.

(RALEIGH) Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (DIT) and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione today announced she is stepping down from her role in state government to rejoin the private sector. Starting April 6, former DIT Deputy Secretary Nate Denny will return to the department to serve as Secretary.    

(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein highlighted working North Carolinians to urge the General Assembly to prioritize passing a budget and expanding opportunity for all North Carolinians.  

(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein announced appointments to boards and commissions. 

Governor Josh Stein announced today that 27 counties across the state will receive more than $204 million in funding for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes, and improve resiliency after future storms.

(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that he would not appeal the trial court’s ruling in litigation involving Senate Bill 382’s changes to the structure of the State Highway Patrol. Governor Stein released the following statement about his decision:  

“No matter where you live in North Carolina, you should be able to access affordable health care and medications. This bill increases accountability and protects community pharmacies from Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ unfair business practices that make prescription drugs more expensive for patients. It will help independent pharmacies promote access to health care, particularly in rural areas. And critically, it will lower the amount consumers pay at the pharmacy counter by making sure discounts are passed on to them.” 

“This bill will strengthen North Carolina's Medicaid program by providing coverage for women who have just given birth for 12 months, making telehealth services more accessible, and launching a new statewide Medicaid health plan for children and young adults served by the child welfare system. 

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Stein provided updates on recent flooding in central North Carolina and urged North Carolinians to stay safe and be aware of ongoing flooding and road closures in their areas. 

Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on the U.S. House’s passage of the Senate reconciliation bill: 

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein urged North Carolina’s US House delegation to vote against the Senate budget reconciliation bill.

This summer’s record heat and soaring utility bills has shown that we need to focus on lowering electricity costs for working families -- not raising them. And as our state continues to grow, we need to diversify our energy portfolio so that we are not overly reliant on natural gas and its volatile fuel markets.

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Stein signed 15 bills into law.  

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following appointments to the District Court: 

Following Meetings Involving Educators, Providers, Parents, Industry Leaders, and Legislators, Report Outlines Six Recommendations to Tackle Crisis that Costs North Carolina $5.65 Billion in Lost Economic Activity Each Year