Article Summary –
Josh Stein is running for governor of North Carolina with a vision to make the state’s prosperity more inclusive, focusing on economic equity, public education, and healthcare access. He emphasizes the need to raise the minimum wage, reduce housing and healthcare costs, and invest in public education to ensure long-term success. Additionally, Stein is committed to protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and working with a potentially challenging Republican-controlled legislature to achieve these goals.
In his bid for North Carolina governor, Josh Stein travels the state spreading a message many already know.
“North Carolina is awesome,” Stein told Cardinal & Pine in an interview from his front porch.
From its people to its terrain, Stein says North Carolina is a top place to visit and to live.
“It is a place where you feel warm and welcome,” Stein added.
The state’s economy and tourism are booming, with top universities and tech hubs.
However, Stein notes that opportunities aren’t evenly distributed across North Carolina.
‘We have to keep investing in our people.’
North Carolina leads in business but ranks worst for workers and public school funding.
Stein proposes a Working Families Tax cut and plans to raise the minimum wage from $7.25, which he calls “an embarrassment.”
‘I give them an F’
North Carolina ranks last in public school funding and is 38th in teacher pay.
“The Republican legislature is failing public education,” Stein said.
‘We’ve been able to get things done together’
Stein, as Attorney General, led bipartisan efforts to address the opioid crisis and eliminate rape kit backlogs.
Gov. Cooper also reached bipartisan deals to invest in EV plants and expand Medicaid.
‘Fight like hell’
Reproductive rights are a key issue in 2024. Stein has made protecting abortion rights central to his campaign.
“It’s just unacceptable,” Stein said. “I will veto any further restrictions on reproductive freedom.”
Robinson has called for a full abortion ban, but Stein vows to “fight like hell” against it.
‘It breaks your heart’
Climate change is a pressing concern for North Carolinians. Stein proposes building resilience and reducing carbon emissions.
He aims to continue Cooper’s push to make North Carolina a leader in the EV industry.
‘It is equally necessary that we break the supermajority’
Republicans hold a supermajority, but Stein believes Democrats can win key seats. “Every vote matters.”
‘So we need to get excited’
“North Carolinians have the power to shape who wins and who loses,” Stein said. “So we need to get excited and use it.”
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