7 things to know from Stein's debut State of the State Address

From a $4 billion public schools bond to a 13.7% teacher pay raise to a DOGE-like initiative, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein made a number of proposals.

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein on Wednesday delivered his first State of the State Address, while House Speaker Destin Hall gave the GOP response.

Here’s seven things you should know:

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein addresses lawmakers in his first State of the State Address on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (via PBS NC video livestream).

1. Helene-centric speech

Hurricane Helene accounted for over one-fourth of Stein’s 41-minute speech. He pushed lawmakers to send him the more than $500 million disaster relief bill where House and Senate leaders are presently working out differences.

“Pass the $500 million western North Carolina recovery bill,” Stein said. “We need that money now. Heck, we needed it yesterday.”

Stein pressed lawmakers to also do more by providing grants to small businesses, just as they are seeking to do for farmers. He also vowed to work with President Donald Trump and GOP congressional leaders to secure greater federal assistance.

2. Stein’s DOGE-like effort

In his speech, Stein took aim at Elon Musk, warning of the potential for federal cuts to Medicaid and alluding to the billionaire holding up a “chainsaw for bureaucracy” last month at a conservative gathering.

Stein announced a DOGE-like effort his administration will undertake to bring more accountability to state government.