(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Stein will address a joint session of the North Carolina General Assembly on March 12.
Two weeks away, the first-term Democrat is expected to address recovery from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, plans for the upcoming biennial budget, and how he hopes to work with both chambers that have Republican majorities.
On the occasion of his oath earlier this year, Stein said, “While the work ahead of us in the coming years will not be easy, the time is now to build a safer, stronger North Carolina, where our economy continues to grow and works for everyone. Where our public schools are excellent, and our teachers are well paid. And where our neighborhoods are safe, and our personal freedoms protected.
“And of course, we must act with urgency to help the people of western North Carolina recover. We can only accomplish these goals if we work together across our differences. I am confident we will do all of these things and more because together we are North Carolina strong.”
Stein, like his predecessor, has used the executive order function of his office to take actions. Five orders, all tied to Hurricane Helene recovery, were issued within hours of taking office. Another related to women’s reproductive health followed just over two weeks later.
Though he repeatedly has said he wants to work with the Legislature, he’s known for suing it the last eight years as attorney general. That includes with then-Gov. Roy Cooper in December.
