Gov. Stein give first "State of the State" address
Earlier that day, the NC Democratic Party hosted an "anti-DOGE" protest
Yesterday evening, Governor Josh Stein gave his first “State of the State” address at the General Assembly in Raleigh. The theme was “North Carolina Strong.”
The speech was similar to his inaugural address given earlier this year in January with some expansion on a few topics such as education.
Stein proposed $4 billion in new spending in the form of a bond aimed at refurbishing and building new schools.
He also floated the idea of free school breakfasts in public schools, more mental health staff, and praised a current bill in the legislature that would ban cell phones in K-12 classrooms.
Like his predecessor Roy Cooper, Stein took a dig at the Opportunity Scholarship Program, which offers awards to families for private school tuition on a sliding household income scale.
“We need to put public dollars toward our public schools. “North Carolina is 48th in the nation in per-pupil investment. Let that sink in, 48,” Stein said. “We should not be taking money from our public school kids to pay wealthy parents sending their kids to unaccountable private schools to the tune of seven and a half billion dollars over the next decade.”
The figure Stein cited comes from the National Education Association, the largest public employee union in the country as well as one of the largest donors to Democrats politically.
48 sounds bad, right? Does over $13,000 sounds bad too? Because that’s the current per pupil average in North Carolina.
According to 2024 statistical data from the North Carolina Department of Instruction, the average per-student spending across state, federal and local sources was $13,222 with state funding accounting for 59.7% of the total.
Between 1970 and 2021, data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows the U.S. per-student spending, when adjusted for inflation, has increased 164%, going from $7,576 in 1970 to $19,999 in 2021. During fiscal year 2022, that spending jumped another 1.3% and the average per-student expenditure that year was $15,591, per NCES.
And what is all that spending amounting to? Well, it’s no guarantee of increased student achievement. In fact, data has shown declines and/or stagnation in reading and math achievement nationally for two decades — and the pandemic school closures made it worse.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) gave the response to Stein’s speech. He posted most of it on X:
Gov. Stein laid out his vision tonight—here’s ours: Republicans are focused on growing our economy, rebuilding western NC, investing in education & working with ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens.
If NC Democrats continue the failed Biden and Harris’ policies—open borders, inflation, and men in women’s sports—we won’t stand for it. NC voters rejected this radical agenda and we deserve better.
When sound, conservative policies focus on the needs of the people, success follows.
Under President Trump, America is entering a new golden age of strength & prosperity—by mirroring NC’s own method of success and common sense.
If you’re a local sheriff refusing to cooperate with ICE, we’ll hold you accountable. And if you’re an illegal alien committing crimes in North Carolina — you gotta go. It’s just common sense.
Men shouldn’t be in women’s sports or private spaces. Long before President Trump's executive order, we passed the “Save Women’s Sports Act” to keep men out of women’s sports.
The Left calls President Trump and NC Republicans extreme, but voters agree: secure borders, law and order, school choice & cutting taxes is just common sense.
After Hurricane Helene devastated Western NC, Biden & Cooper slow-walked the response. Families were left stranded for weeks. NC deserves better.
Through the adversity of Helene, we saw the true American spirit shine through. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming family, and heroes emerging in every corner of our communities.
Dr. Alyssa Tilly helped set up a field hospital in Yancey County to care for the injured.
Kenneth Clanton is a veteran who selflessly drove fellow servicemen to work through Western NC’s damaged and debris-filled roads.
When government fails, the people step up. North Carolinians don’t wait for handouts that may never come—we roll up our sleeves and get the job done.
No matter your party, we can all agree—NC’s success is our success. More freedom = more opportunity & growth.
NC proves that when conservatives lead with courage, people prosper. Everything Trump has fought for—NC Republicans delivered.
As we enter a new era for North Carolina, the General Assembly will continue to build on the policies that have made our success the envy of the nation.
Stein’s full remarks can be found on the governor’s website.
Watch the full speech on PBS NC. The response from Hall starts around the one hour two minute mark.
More To The Story
Earlier in the day ahead of Stein’s address, the NC Democratic Party (NCDP) organized and hosted an “anti-DOGE” protest on the Bicentennial Mall across from the legislature.
NCDP Chair Anderson Clayton claimed “800+” showed up while Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) claimed it was “over one thousand.”
The real number was probably less, based on photos and videos floating around on X like these.
Going back to Stein’s speech, he appeared to be creating a DOGE of his own. That tidbit came during a section of his remarks talking about cutting taxes for families while criticizing tax reforms enacted by the General Assembly. Stein used that as a segue and said he was going to set up an “Impact Center” to make sure government is running “efficiently.”
Here are Stein’s relevant remarks:
“So what’s it going to be? Give money to out of state shareholders, or invest in North Carolina families? We cannot afford to do both.We should choose North Carolina’s children and families every time!
Of course, we have to be fiscally prudent – to be smart about how we invest taxpayers’ dollars.
That’s why I’m directing my budget office to set up the Impact Center to ensure our government is run effectively and efficiently…because people should know that their tax dollars are being well spent!
But let’s get this right. Let’s use a scalpel, not a chainsaw.
Hall reacted to Stein’s remarks on X, tying them together with the NCDP protest and utilized a GIF of Homer Simpson retreating into the bushes for comedic effect.
Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) joined in, quoting a video of Stein’s DOGE-like proposal along with a meme.
Related Reads:
