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[UPBEAT MUSIC] ♪ >> HELLO AND WELCOME, I'M KELLY McCULLEN, HOST OF STATE LINES."

TONIGHT IS THE 2025 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR JOSH STEIN WILL OUTLINE HIS PRIORITIES AND PLANS FOR THE YEAR, AND AFTERWARDS THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE WILL BE GIVEN BY NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE SPEAKER DUSTIN HALL.

HERE'S GOVERNOR JOSH STEIN IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH.

>> THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL COME TO ORDER.

THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE IS RECOGNIZED.

>> MADAM PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE LONER TO ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, THE HONORABLE JOSH STEIN.

>> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WILL ESCORT THE COMMITTEE AND HIS EXCELLENCY TO THE WELL OF THE HOUSE.

[APPLAUSE] >> MADAM PRESIDENT -- >> REPRESENTATIVE BELL IS RECOGNIZED.

>> MADAM PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO PRESENT HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF THE GREAT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, THE HONORABLE JOSH STEIN.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

GOOD EVENING.

>> MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, THE HONORABLE JOSH STEIN.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU LT.

GOVERNOR.

MR. SPEAKER, MR. PRESIDENT PRO TEM, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE, MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MR. CHIEF JUSTICE AND MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. CHIEF JUDGE AND MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, CABINET SECRETARIES, AND TO ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS WATCHING FROM HOME, GOOD EVENING.

WITH ME TONIGHT ARE: MY PARENTS ADAM AND JANE.

MY SISTER GERDA, MY BROTHER-IN-LAW LEE, MY BROTHER ERIC, AND MY INCREDIBLE WIFE, OUR FIRST LADY, ANNA, AND OUR WONDERFUL DAUGHTER LEAH.

[APPLAUSE] AS A SPECIAL TREAT TO ANNA AND ME, HAVING OUR DAUGHTER HERE.

I AM HONORED TO ADDRESS THIS CHAMBER AND SHARE MY VISION FOR OUR FUTURE.

BUT FIRST, I MUST REPORT ON THE STATE OF OUR STATE.

I WAS SWORN IN AS GOVERNOR TEN WEEKS AGO TODAY.

ASSUMING THIS OFFICE'S RESPONSIBILITIES HAS LED TO PRAYER AND REFLECTION.

WHEN ANY OF US FACES AN IMPORTANT CHALLENGE, WE SEARCH FOR STRENGTH.

STRENGTH TO RISE TO THE OCCASION.

STRENGTH TO REACH ACROSS DIFFERENCES IN SEARCH OF COMMON GROUND.

STRENGTH TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT.

STRENGTH TO MEET THE MOMENT.

SOMETIMES, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE UNTIL YOU ARE PUT TO THE TEST.

HURRICANE HELENE AND ITS HORRIFIC AFTERMATH TESTED OUR STATE AND OUR PEOPLE IN UNPRECEDENTED WAYS.

THE STORM FLOODED MUCH OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, STEALING TOO MANY LIVES FROM US AND DEVASTATING TOO MANY COMMUNITIES.

BUT IN THE DAYS, WEEKS, AND MONTHS THAT FOLLOWED, I HAVE SEEN - WE ALL HAVE SEEN - THAT THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG - NORTH CAROLINA STRONG!

[APPLAUSE] AND THAT IS BECAUSE OUR PEOPLE ARE STRONG.

ASHLEY COOK IS A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF AVERY COUNTY.

HER LIFE COMPLETELY CHANGED ON SEPTEMBER 27 TH WHEN HURRICANE HELENE SWEPT THROUGH HER MOUNTAIN TOWN OF MINNEAPOLIS.

HER ROOF WAS DAMAGED, BUT HER NEIGHBORS GOT HIT WORSE, SO SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED HER ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY NEEDED.

SHE AND HER COUSIN FREDDY CARPENTER FIRST WENT TO WORK CLEARING ROADS AND THEN SPENT WEEKS HAULING FOOD, PROPANE TANKS, AND HEATERS.

IN THE MONTHS SINCE, ASHLEY'S USED HER FACEBOOK PAGE TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH WHATEVER THEY NEED - GRAVEL FOR DRIVEWAYS, ROOF REPAIRS, NOTARY SERVICES, EVEN A SLUDGE PUMP.

YOU ASK ME IF OUR STATE IS STRONG?

I POINT TO ASHLEY AND FREDDY AND THE THOUSANDS OF ASHLEYS AND FREDDYS WHO STARED DEVASTATION DOWN AND WENT TO WORK HELPING OTHERS.

THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER!

[APPLAUSE] ASHLEY AND FREDDY WERE DUE TO JOIN US TONIGHT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY ASHLEY IS UNDER THE WEATHER.

BUT LET'S STILL THANK THEM AND ALL OF OUR CITIZEN HEROES.

AND LET'S MAKE SURE THEY CAN HEAR US ALL THE WAY OUT IN AVERY COUNTY AND THE REST OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA!

BY THE WAY, THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BY THE WAY, THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AIDING FOLKS OUT WEST DON'T CARE A WHIT ABOUT THE POLITICS OF THE PEOPLE THEY ARE HELPING.

THEY SIMPLY WANT TO HELP THEIR NEIGHBORS IN NEED, JUST LIKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN WHO TOOK MERCY ON THE TRAVELER LEFT BEATEN AND BLOODY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO JERICHO.

WE MUST FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE AND STEP UP FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

MY TEAM AND I HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON DOING WHATEVER WE CAN TO HELP.

ON DAY 1 AS GOVERNOR, I TOOK ACTION TO CUT RED TAPE AND MAKE IT EASIER FOR FOLKS TO RECOVER.

THE CREWS AND CONTRACTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HAVE REOPENED MORE THAN 1,300 ROADS SO FAR.

AND AS OF MARCH FIRST, I-40 IS OPEN!

[APPLAUSE] WE'VE REMOVED NEARLY 5 MILLION CUBIC YARDS OF DEBRIS FROM OUR ROADWAYS.

HALF OF ALL STATE PARKS AND CULTURAL SITES HIT BY THE STORM HAVE FULLY REOPENED, AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM ARE ACCEPTING VISITORS.

SO MANY PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, HAVE WORKED SO HARD.

I SAW FIRSTHAND THE REMARKABLE EFFORTS OF BAPTISTS ON MISSION IN MID-JANUARY WHEN I VOLUNTEERED WITH THEM TO REPAIR THE HOME OF A SCHOOLTEACHER IN SPRUCE PINE.

GROUPS LIKE BAPTISTS ON MISSION AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO GET PEOPLE BACK INTO THEIR HOMES.

WE NEED THEM TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD WORK.

THAT'S WHY, IN JANUARY, I ANNOUNCED $6 MILLION IN GRANTS TO THESE TWO ORGANIZATIONS!

[APPLAUSE] IN ADDITION TO ADDRESSING HOUSING, WE'VE BEEN FOCUSED ON SUPPORTING STRUGGLING SMALL BUSINESSES.

AFTER A MAJOR DISASTER, MORE THAN 40% OF ALL AFFECTED SMALL BUSINESSES NEVER REOPEN; WITHIN TWO YEARS, 60% HAVE PERMANENTLY CLOSED THEIR DOORS.

FOLKS, WE CANNOT LET THAT BECOME OUR STORY!

[APPLAUSE] SMALL BUSINESS IS THE BEATING HEART OF THE ECONOMY OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

SO, WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH THE DOGWOOD HEALTH TRUST AND THE DUKE ENDOWMENT TO OFFER $35 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPACTED SMALL BUSINESSES.

THEY CAN USE THESE GRANTS FOR PAYING THEIR STAFF, RESTORING INVENTORY, AND FIXING UP THEIR PROPERTY - WHATEVER THEY NEED.

SO FAR, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AWARD GRANTS TO MORE THAN 1,000 SMALL BUSINESSES!

ONE OF THOSE IS CHIMNEY ROCK GEMSTONE MINE, A BELOVED FAMILY DESTINATION.

MATT AND MICHELLE BANZ HAVE RUN THEIR GEMSTONE MINE FOR 21 YEARS.

THAT WAS UNTIL HELENE CAUSED THE ROCKY BROAD RIVER TO JUMP ITS BANKS AND FLOOD THEIR STORE.

THEY'VE BEEN WORKING HARD TO REBUILD SO THEY CAN REOPEN THIS SUMMER, AND THEIR SMALL BUSINESS GRANT HAS ENABLED THEM TO START REPLENISHING THEIR MERCHANDISE, HIRING BACK STAFF, AND REBUILDING.

MATT AND MICHELLE, THANK YOU FOR NOT GIVING UP ON CHIMNEY ROCK.

WE WILL NOT GIVE UP ON YOU!

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA'S SMALL BUSINESSES AREN'T LOOKING FOR A HAND OUT.

THEY JUST NEED A HAND UP SO THEY CAN GET BACK ON THEIR FEET.

AND AS MANY SMALL BUSINESSES AS WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO SUPPORT, MANY, MANY MORE ARE STILL WAITING FOR HELP.

SO LET'S SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES WITH GRANTS, JUST LIKE WE DO OUR FARMERS.

FOLKS WE'RE TALKING $60 BILLION IN DAMAGES OVERALL - BY FAR THE COSTLIEST STORM TO EVER HIT NORTH CAROLINA.

THAT'S TOO MUCH FOR THOSE AFFECTED TO BEAR THEMSELVES.

THEY NEED OUR HELP.

PEOPLE NEED TO GET BACK IN THEIR HOMES.

ROADS AND BRIDGES NEED TO BE FIXED.

BUSINESSES NEED TO KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN AND THEIR WORKERS EMPLOYED.

AND COMMUNITIES NEED CLEAN DRINKING WATER.

THAT'S WHY I'M WORKING WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, HIS CABINET, AND OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SEEK BILLIONS MORE IN FEDERAL FUNDS - ASAP.

AND THAT'S WHY I URGE YOU TO -- [ APPLAUSE ] AND THAT'S WHY I URGE YOU TO PASS THE $500 MILLION WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA RECOVERY BILL.

WE NEED THAT MONEY NOW.

HECK, WE NEEDED IT YESTERDAY.

ASHLEY AND FREDDY, MATT AND MICHELLE, ALL OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA - THEY NEED US TO DO OUR JOBS.

SO LET'S DO IT, AND LET'S PASS THIS BILL.

I AM READY TO SIGN IT!

[APPLAUSE] AND ONCE WE GET IT DONE, LET'S GET RIGHT BACK TO WORK.

WE WANT THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA TO KNOW - WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU!

[APPLAUSE] TALKING ABOUT REBUILDING, WE DON'T MEAN ONLY OUT WEST.

A NUMBER OF FOLKS EAST NEED HELP.

FOLKS WHO LOST EVERYTHING TO HURRICANES MA THIGH AND FLORENCE.

FOLKS WHO JUST WANT THEIR HOME BACK.

THE BILL WE'RE WAITING ON INCLUDES FUNDING TO HELP THEM MOVE FORWARD AS WELL.

IF DISASTER STRIKES, WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

CAROLINA.

[APPLAUSE] FUNDAMENTALLY, OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR PEOPLE IS THAT THEY HAVE A REAL SHOT AT SUCCESS - TO GET A GOOD-PAYING JOB OR START A SMALL BUSINESS.

THAT'S THE PROMISE OF NORTH CAROLINA - THAT WHERE YOU COME FROM SHOULD NEVER LIMIT HOW FAR YOU CAN GO.

DELIVERING ON THAT PROMISE IS WHAT DRIVES ME AS YOUR GOVERNOR.

IN RECENT YEARS, WE'VE RECRUITED BUSINESSES THAT HAVE CREATED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS ACROSS THE STATE.

WE'VE BEEN RANKED IN THE TOP 2 STATES FOR BUSINESS, FOUR YEARS RUNNING!

WE'VE BECOME A LEADER IN THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY.

THERE IS A LOT TO BE PROUD OF AND PLENTY OF CREDIT TO GO AROUND.

AND I AM COMMITTED TO DOING MY PART AS GOVERNOR TO CONTINUE OUR STATE'S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.

IN JUST THE PAST TWO MONTHS, WE'VE ANNOUNCED MORE THAN 1500 NEW JOBS, MOST OF WHICH ARE IN RURAL NORTH CAROLINA.

BUT WE CANNOT REST ON OUR LAURELS.

OTHER STATES WANT WHAT WE HAVE HERE - IT'S A COMPETITIVE WORLD.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LEAVE ANYONE'S TALENTS ON THE SIDELINES - WE MUST BE A STATE THAT IS WELCOMING TO ALL PEOPLE.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO GROW OUR ECONOMY AND ENSURE IT WORKS FOR EVERYONE!

THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA ARE OUR GREATEST ASSET.

SO TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE, WE MUST INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE.

AND KNOW THIS: WHILE I AM GOVERNOR, WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPING OUR WORKFORCE, NO STATE WILL OUTWORK US!

AS I AM GOVERNOR.

[APPLAUSE] OUR GOAL IS TO SET THE NATIONAL PACE IN GROWING THE NUMBER OF SKILLED WORKERS, INCLUDING: DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF APPRENTICES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, AND EMPOWERING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE NORTH CAROLINIANS WITH THE CREDENTIALS THEY NEED TO SECURE A GOOD-PAYING JOB.

SO, I'M PROPOSING THAT FOR STUDENTS GETTING CERTIFIED IN HIGH- DEMAND SECTORS, LIKE IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, HEALTH CARE, AND IT, WE PROVIDE THEM FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE!

[APPLAUSE] WE'VE ALSO GOT TO SUPPORT PROPEL NC, WHICH REWARDS COMMUNITY COLLEGES WHEN STUDENTS EARN CREDENTIALS FOR HIGH WAGE JOBS.

AND I'M CREATING A COUNCIL ON WORKFORCE AND APPRENTICESHIPS TO UNITE OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES AROUND OUR SHARED GOAL OF GETTING MORE PEOPLE ACCESS TO GOOD JOBS WITH GOOD WAGES.

WE KNOW HOW TO DO THIS; HECK, IN MANY CORNERS OF THE STATE, WE ALREADY ARE.

NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN MT.

AIRY HAD A NURSING SHORTAGE AND HAD TO PAY FOR EXPENSIVE TRAVELING NURSES TO FILL THE GAPS.

SO, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SURRY-YADKIN WORKS, A LOCAL WORKFORCE ORGANIZATION, THE HOSPITAL WORKED WITH SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO CREATE AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

EMILY ORELLANA ALWAYS KNEW SHE WANTED TO BE A NURSE, BUT SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO START.

THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM HELPED EMILY GET CONNECTED TO NORTHERN REGIONAL AS A HIGH SCHOOLER AND EARN HER CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CREDENTIAL.

NOW, SHE'S ABOUT TO GRADUATE FROM THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S NURSING PROGRAM AS A REGISTERED NURSE WITH A FOCUS ON ICU CARE.

EMILY INSPIRED HER SISTER HAYLEE, WHO IS NOW PURSUING HER OWN NURSING CREDENTIAL TO WORK IN LABOR AND DELIVERY.

HAYLEE AND EMILY, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE.

[APPLAUSE] THANKS TO THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL IS TRAINING ITS NEXT GENERATION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS - HOMEGROWN - DRAMATICALLY REDUCING ITS DEPENDENCE ON TRAVELING NURSES.

IT'S ABOUT TURNING APPRENTICESHIPS INTO CAREERS, WHICH IS GOOD FOR BOTH WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS.

FOLKS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO GET A BACHELOR'S DEGREE TO GET A GOOD- PAYING JOB AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILY.

EVERY HARD-WORKING NORTH CAROLINIAN DESERVES A REAL SHOT AT A BRIGHTER FUTURE!

[APPLAUSE] AND WE HAVE TO CREATE THE CONDITIONS THAT ALLOW THEM TO FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL.

YES, THAT MEANS GOOD-PAYING JOBS.

IT ALSO MEANS CLEAN AIR TO BREATHE AND CLEAN WATER TO DRINK.

AND IT MEANS LOWER COSTS.

[APPLAUSE] TOO MANY NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR BILLS, INCLUDING HOUSING AND CHILD CARE.

HOUSING NORTH CAROLINA IS THE THIRD FASTEST GROWING STATE IN THE NATION AFTER TEXAS AND FLORIDA.

BUT OUR HOUSING SUPPLY HAS NOT KEPT UP.

TO KEEP PRICES DOWN, WE NEED MORE HOUSING OF ALL TYPES - SINGLE FAMILY, DUPLEXES, TRIPLEXES, CONDOS, APARTMENTS, SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING.

WE CAN FIND BI-PARTISAN SOLUTIONS TO HIGH HOUSING COSTS IF WE'RE WILLING TO WORK TOGETHER.

SO LET'S DO IT AND GET MORE HOMES BUILT FOR OUR PEOPLE!

[APPLAUSE] IT'S NOT JUST HOUSING THAT'S IN SHORT SUPPLY; WE ALSO NEED MORE CHILD CARE OPTIONS.

YOU WANT TO HEAR SOMETHING CRAZY - TOO MANY PARENTS CANNOT AFFORD TO WORK.

THAT'S BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND CHILD CARE THEY CAN AFFORD, IF THEY CAN FIND IT ALL.

AT THE SAME TIME, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CHILD CARE WORKERS BECAUSE THEY DON'T GET PAID ENOUGH.

CURRENTLY, THERE IS ONLY 1 CHILD CARE SPOT FOR EVERY 5 FAMILIES WANTING ONE.

OF COURSE, PARENTS SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION TO STAY HOME WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

BUT IT SHOULD BE A CHOICE - PARENTS SHOULDN'T BE PUSHED OUT OF THE WORKFORCE.

WHEN THEY ARE, THEY SUFFER - AND OUR ECONOMY SUFFERS.

EACH YEAR, OUR STATE LOSES BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY BECAUSE OF OUR CHILD CARE CRISIS.

SO THIS WEEK, I ANNOUNCED A BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE ON CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION TO FIND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO THIS CHALLENGE.

WHEN WE DO, IT WILL BE A WIN FOR OUR CHILDREN, A WIN FOR OUR PARENTS, AND A WIN FOR OUR BUSINESSES AND ECONOMY.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO EXPAND ACCESS TO QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

[APPLAUSE] TO MAKE NORTH CAROLINA A STATE WHERE FOLKS THRIVE, WE NEED TO INVEST IN CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES BY CUTTING TAXES FOR MIDDLE- CLASS FAMILIES.

[APPLAUSE] WE CAN CUT TAXES TO HELP FAMILIES MANAGE THE COST OF RAISING A CHILD.

WE CAN CUT TAXES TO MAKE CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE.

AND WE CAN CUT TAXES ON WORKING FAMILIES TO PUT MORE MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS, LIFT CHILDREN OUT OF POVERTY, AND STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMIES.

THESE THREE TARGETED TAX CUTS ARE WHAT BEING PRO-FAMILY LOOKS LIKE!

[APPLAUSE] WE CAN AFFORD THEM AND STILL MEET OUR CRITICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS.

BUT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO MAKE THESE NECESSARY INVESTMENTS IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SELF-INFLICTED FISCAL CLIFF WE FACE IN A COUPLE OF YEARS, ESPECIALLY GIVEN TODAY'S UNCERTAINTIES.

WE'RE AT A FORK IN THE ROAD WHEN IT COMES TO OUR BUDGET.

WE CAN GO AHEAD WITH NEARLY $10 BILLION OF TAX GIVEAWAYS OVER THE NEXT 4 YEARS, MAINLY TO THE WEALTHY AND TO CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS.

BY THE WAY, VERY FEW OF THESE SHAREHOLDERS ARE NORTH CAROLINIAN - HECK, MANY AREN'T EVEN AMERICAN!

OR WE CAN HELP OUR NEIGHBORS RECOVER FROM HURRICANE HELENE, INVEST IN OUR PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PROVIDE TARGETED TAX CUTS TO SUPPORT OUR WORKING FAMILIES, AND KEEP UP WITH THE NEEDS OF OUR FAST-GROWING POPULATION.

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!

[APPLAUSE] 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!

[APPLAUSE] BUT LET'S GET THIS RIGHT.

LET'S USE A SCALPEL, NOT A CHAINSAW.

TODAY, THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IS STRONG - LET'S INVEST TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!

THAT INCLUDES INVESTING IN OUR TEACHERS.

[APPLAUSE] JUST REMEMBER YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL.

A GOOD TEACHER INSPIRES THEIR STUDENTS.

THAT'S WHY WE MUST RECRUIT AND RETAIN THE BEST.

AND THAT'S WHY WE MUST GIVE TEACHERS A REAL PAY RAISE!

[APPLAUSE] RIGHT NOW, NORTH CAROLINA'S STARTING TEACHER PAY IS THE SECOND- LOWEST IN THE SOUTHEAST, LOWER THAN EVERY ONE OF OUR BORDERING STATES - EVEN SOUTH CAROLINA.

ANNA AND I KNOW SOME PARENTS OF RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES.

THOSE GRADUATES WANTED TO LIVE AND TEACH IN THEIR HOME STATE, BUT THEY CHOSE OTHER STATES BECAUSE OUR SALARIES SIMPLY AREN'T COMPETITIVE.

IT'S AN EMBARRASSMENT.

WE CAN AND MUST DO BETTER!

[APPLAUSE] HERE'S A GOAL WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND: LET'S MAKE STARTING TEACHER SALARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA THE HIGHEST IN THE SOUTHEAST!

[APPLAUSE] AND LET'S REWARD EXPERIENCED TEACHERS WHO STAY IN THE CLASSROOM.

I KNOW THAT THERE IS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THESE EFFORTS.

THERE WAS A BILL INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE.

THIS IS AN AREA WHERE WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.

SO LET'S DO IT; LET'S INVEST IN OUR KIDS; AND LET'S PAY OUR TEACHERS A SALARY THAT SHOWS HOW MUCH WE VALUE THEM!

WE ARE HONORED TO BE JOINED THIS EVENING BY SEVERAL RECENT NORTH CAROLINA TEACHERS OF THE YEAR AND BEGINNING TEACHERS OF THE YEAR, INCLUDING MS. KIMBERLY JONES WHO TEACHES ENGLISH AT MY ALMA MATER, CHAPEL HILL HIGH.

SHE DID NOT TEACH ME, HOWEVER.

WILL THESE REMARKABLE EDUCATORS PLEASE STAND UP?

[APPLAUSE] THEY ARE SHAPING OUR NEXT GENERATION, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL.

YES, WE HAVE TO PAY TEACHERS MORE, BUT RAISING PAY ALONE ISN'T ENOUGH TO IMPROVE OUR KIDS' EDUCATION.

WE NEED TO EXPAND THE STATE'S ADVANCED TEACHER INITIATIVE TO BETTER UTILIZE OUR BEST TEACHERS AND GIVE THEM A CAREER PATHWAY.

WE NEED TO EXTEND THE "SCIENCE OF READING" TO MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE LEARNING.

WE NEED TO PUT PUBLIC DOLLARS TOWARD OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

[APPLAUSE] NORTH CAROLINA IS 48TH IN THE NATION IN PER PUPIL INVESTMENT - WE CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER.

LET THAT SINK IN.

WE SHOULD NOT BE TAKING MONEY FROM OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL KIDS TO PAY FOR WEALTHY PARENTS SENDING THEIR KIDS TO UNACCOUNTABLE PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO THE TUNE OF $7.5 BILLION OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

WE ALSO NEED TO FEED OUR KIDS BECAUSE THEY CAN'T LEARN WHEN THEY'RE HUNGRY.

A SQUARE MEAL IMPROVES STUDENT ATTENDANCE, BEHAVIOR, AND LEARNING.

PRINCIPAL ALI SETSER LEADS EASTERN ELEMENTARY IN PITT COUNTY, WHICH IS ALREADY PROVIDING FREE SCHOOL MEALS TO ALL OF ITS STUDENTS.

PRINCIPAL SETSER, WILL YOU PLEASE STAND?

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

THE EXPERIENCE OF PITT AND SEVERAL OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEMS PROVE THAT WE CAN DO IT.

LET'S PROVIDE EVERY NORTH CAROLINA STUDENT A FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST!

[APPLAUSE] OUR STUDENTS ALSO NEED SAFE AND WELL-BUILT SCHOOLS.

UNFORTUNATELY, TOO MANY OF OUR SCHOOLS ARE OVERCROWDED OR USE TRAILERS OR HAVE OLD, LEAKING ROOFS AND BROKEN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING.

IT'S 2025-WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SEND KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL BECAUSE THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK.

[APPLAUSE] WE NEED SAFER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE MODERN SCHOOLS.

SO TONIGHT, I'M PROPOSING A $4 BILLION PUBLIC SCHOOL BOND!

[APPLAUSE] IF YOU AREN'T SURE, LET THE VOTERS DECIDE.

WE ALSO NEED SAFETY UPGRADES LIKE CAMERAS, FENCES AROUND PLAYGROUNDS, EXTERIOR LOCKS, AND FEWER ACCESS POINTS TO SECURE OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS FROM PEOPLE WHO MEAN HARM.

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE!

[APPLAUSE] AND THAT ALSO MEANS PROTECTING THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.

NORTH CAROLINA HAS UNDERINVESTED IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, COUNSELORS, AND PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR FAR TOO LONG.

LET'S MAKE SURE OUR SCHOOLS HAVE THE SUPPORT STAFF THEY NEED TO IMPROVE OUR KIDS' MENTAL HEALTH AND HELP THEM THRIVE.

[APPLAUSE] AND WHEN WE TALK YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH, WE'VE GOT TO TALK ABOUT CELL PHONES AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

CELL PHONES ARE A MAJOR SOURCE OF DISTRACTION FOR STUDENTS AND DISRUPTION FOR TEACHERS.

WHEN TEACHERS DON'T HAVE TO COMPETE WITH TIKTOK FOR STUDENT ATTENTION, AND WHEN STUDENTS DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA, REAL LEARNING HAPPENS.

AND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVES.

[APPLAUSE] TOO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING.

TOO MANY KIDS ARE BULLIED.

THEY NEED AND THEY DESERVE A SEVEN-HOUR BREAK FROM THE UNRELENTING PRESSURES OF PHONES AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

CLASSROOMS SHOULD BE CELL PHONE-FREE ZONES!

[APPLAUSE] I'M PLEASED THAT BI-PARTISAN MEMBERS OF BOTH CHAMBERS ARE TACKLING THIS ISSUE.

AND I LOOK FORWARD WORKING WITH YOU TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

I SPENT MY LAST 8 YEARS AS ATTORNEY GENERAL WORKING TO KEEP NORTH CAROLINIANS SAFE, AND AS GOVERNOR, I'M STILL AT IT.

SO I'M STANDING UP FOR THE PEOPLE WHO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE ASK OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO MAKE TREMENDOUS SACRIFICES.

WE ASK THEM TO RUN TOWARDS DANGER WHEN THE REST OF US MIGHT FLEE.

TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THEY SAY YES - TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HERE TONIGHT WITH US - WILL ALL OF YOU PLEASE STAND?

[APPLAUSE] EVERY ONE OF THESE PEOPLE IS A HERO.

FOR BREVITY, I'LL CALL OUT JUST ONE - FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF BOBBY KIMBROUGH, WHO HAS DEDICATED FOUR DECADES TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

[APPLAUSE] SHERIFF, WE APPRECIATE YOU, ALL OF YOUR PEERS HERE TONIGHT, AND EVERY ONE OF NORTH CAROLINA'S MORE THAN 30,000 CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

THANK YOU, ALL!

AS I TRAVEL THE STATE, I REGULARLY HEAR ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT STAFFING CHALLENGES.

VACANCIES MAKE IT HARDER FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO KEEP US SAFE.

THAT'S WHY I'M PROPOSING SALARY INCREASES FOR STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND SIGNING BONUSES FOR NEW OFFICERS.

WHETHER STATE OR LOCAL.

LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE MORE POLICE OFFICERS ON THE BEAT.

LET'S SHOW THE NATION: THAT WE PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTHS ARE.

THAT IN NORTH CAROLINA, WE VALUE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AND THAT WE INVEST IN THEM LIKE THEY INVEST IN US!

[APPLAUSE] AND LET'S IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH BY TACKLING THE SCOURGES OF OPIOID AND FENTANYL ADDICTION.

I FIRST MET DEBBIE DALTON AFTER SHE EXPERIENCED ONE OF THE MOST TERRIBLE TRAGEDIES A PARENT CAN FACE.

HER SON HUNTER WAS ONE OF THOSE LARGER-THAN-LIFE PEOPLE WHO MADE EVERYONE HE MET FEEL SPECIAL.

HE LOVED GOLF AND TRAVEL AND ONCE BEAT STEPH CURRY IN A FREE- THROW SHOOTING COMPETITION AT DAVIDSON BASKETBALL CAMP.

THREE DAYS AGO, HUNTER SHOULD HAVE CELEBRATED HIS 32 ND BIRTHDAY.

BUT AT 23 YEARS OLD, FENTANYL TRAGICALLY ENDED HIS LIFE.

THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF STORIES LIKE HUNTER'S - YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES ENDED TOO SOON BECAUSE OF ONE OF THE DEADLIEST DRUGS EVER TO POISON OUR COUNTRY.

AND TOO MANY NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE LIKE DEBBIE - PARENTS, SIBLINGS, SPOUSES, CHILDREN, AND FRIENDS WHO WILL NEVER GET THEIR LOVED ONE BACK.

DURING MY TIME AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, WE MADE REAL PROGRESS COMBATTING THE FENTANYL CRISIS AND REDUCING OVERDOSE DEATHS.

BUT EVEN ONE DEATH TO FENTANYL IS ONE DEATH TOO MANY.

THAT'S WHY I'M CALLING ON THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO FUND A FENTANYL CONTROL UNIT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTORS DEDICATED TO GETTING IT OFF OUR STREETS!

[APPLAUSE] THAT'S HOW WE CAN HONOR THE MEMORY OF HUNTER AND ALL THE NORTH CAROLINIANS WE HAVE LOST TOO SOON.

DEBBIE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TURN YOUR PERSONAL PAIN INTO PURPOSE FOR OTHER PEOPLE.

PLEASE STAND.

[APPLAUSE] WHAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT TONIGHT - THEY ARE NOT RED ISSUES OR BLUE ISSUES, THEY ARE NORTH CAROLINA ISSUES!

[APPLAUSE] OF COURSE, ON SOME OF THEM, WE MAY DIFFER ABOUT HOW BEST TO GET THERE.

THAT'S FINE.

THAT'S THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.

BUT I AM CERTAIN THAT IF WE COME TOGETHER ACROSS OUR DIFFERENCES, WE CAN FIND COMMON GROUND AND MAKE PROGRESS.

IF THOSE OF US WHO BELIEVE IN THE POSSIBILITY OF BIPARTISANSHIP LOOK TO WASHINGTON, DC, WE WILL SURELY BECOME DISCOURAGED.

BUT WE DO NOT NEED TO BE PULLED INTO THOSE POLITICAL GAMES.

WE CAN CREATE SOMETHING BETTER, SOMETHING FORWARD-LOOKING RIGHT HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

AND WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER!

[APPLAUSE] AFTER ALL, WE'VE DONE IT BEFORE.

TWO YEARS AGO, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS WORKED TOGETHER TO EXPAND MEDICAID HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

TODAY, MORE THAN 640,000 OF OUR NEIGHBORS HAVE ACCESS TO NEWFOUND, HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH CARE.

[APPLAUSE] AND OUR STRUGGLING RURAL HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A LIFELINE.

BUT WE KNOW THAT SOME IN WASHINGTON ARE POISED TO TAKE AIM AT OUR EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT, AND CRITICAL MEDICAID PROGRAM.

THE CUTS CONGRESS IS CONSIDERING WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING TO HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE AND OUR ENTIRE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

I'VE BEEN URGING WASHINGTON TO FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE BY PUTTING PARTY ASIDE AND PEOPLE FIRST.

[APPLAUSE] JUST AS WE STOOD ARM-IN-ARM AS NORTH CAROLINIANS TO MAKE MEDICAID EXPANSION A REALITY, LET'S STAND ARM-IN-ARM TO DEFEND OUR HEALTH CARE.

[APPLAUSE] WHEN WE - REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS - COME TOGETHER, THAT'S WHEN WE MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE FOR OUR PEOPLE.

WE'VE MADE BIG THINGS HAPPEN BEFORE, AND WE CAN DO IT AGAIN.

WE CAN HELP WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA RECOVER FROM THE MOST DAMAGING STORM IN OUR HISTORY.

WE CAN GROW OUR ECONOMY AND MAKE IT WORK FOR MORE PEOPLE.

WE CAN MAKE SURE OUR WORKFORCE MEETS THE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE AND OUR BUSINESSES.

WE CAN KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

AND WE CAN PUT OUR KIDS FIRST, EVERY TIME.

[APPLAUSE] THAT'S BECAUSE THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG - NORTH CAROLINA STRONG!

[APPLAUSE] OUR TEACHERS MAKE US STRONG!

OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MAKE US STRONG!

OUR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, OUR FARMERS, OUR VETS, OUR CHILD CARE WORKERS, AND OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE US STRONG!

YOU THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA MAKE US STRONG.

SO LET'S COME TOGETHER TO KEEP NORTH CAROLINA STRONG!

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS THE OLD NORTH STATE.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE WILL OPEN THE DOORS.

THE CHAIRS OF THE ESCORT COMMITTEE ARE RECOGNIZED TO ESCORT HIS EXCELLENCY, THE HONORABLE JOSH STEIN FROM THE CHAMBER.

[APPLAUSE] >> THAT WAS GOVERNOR JOSH STEIN OF NORTH CAROLINA GIVING HIS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

GOOD EVENING, I'M KELLY McCULLOUGH, HOST OF NORTH CAROLINA STATE LINES.

IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES WE'LL HEAR FROM NORTH CAROLINA'S HOUSE SPEAKER, DESTIN HALL AS HE GIVES THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR STEIN'S SPEECH THIS EVENING.

JOINING ME LIVE IN THE STUDIO, OUR PARTNER, CO-HOSTS, YOU BROUGHT IN YOUR RADIO FAMILY, PUBLIC RADIO UNC COLLIN CAMPBELL, BILLY BALL OF CARDINAL AND KIND AND NORTH CAROLINA JOURNAL.

COLLIN, YOUR MAKE OF THIS SPEECH, A TALE OF TWO SPEECHES.

>> POLICY THINGS, THE BIG THEMES SEEM TO BE HELENE, STORM RESPONSE THERE, FIRST THING.

EDUCATION WAS A BIG FOCUS TO THE SPEECH.

WE SAW REQUESTS FOR A COMMUNITY COLLEGE FREE TUITION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE IN HIGH DEMAND FIELDS.

$4 BILLION FOR SCHOOLS THROUGH A BOND REFERENDUM, FIRST TIME WE HEAR ABOUT THAT.

WE HEARD ABOUT TAXES, HE SEEMS TO WANT TO GET RID OF THE UPPER INCOME TAX CUTS AND CORPORATE TAX CUTS SCHEDULED TO HAPPEN.

AND WE HEARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY, BIG PUSH ON THAT FRONT AS WELL.

A LOT OF THINGS PUT INTO ONE-HALF-HOUR, 45-MINUTE SPEECH.

DONNA, I'M CURIOUS IF YOU THINK THIS WILL GET THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE, THEY REQUIRE REPUBLICAN SUPPORT TO GET ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

>> I THINK SO.

I THINK HE'S FOUND JUST IN THE TEN WEEKS SINCE HE HAS TAKEN OFFICE FOUND THE AREAS WHERE HE CAN AGREE.

HE CAN GET SOMETHING DONE.

HE'S WALKING IN TONIGHT WITH A 55% APPROVAL RATING.

24% OF PEOPLE UNSURE BUT 55% APPROVAL RATING IS A GOOD WAY TO START OFF A TERM HERE.

I THINK THAT HELENE RECOVERY WAS A GOOD PLACE TO START.

HE'S GOING TO FIND A LOT OF AGREEMENT THERE.

>> BILLY, READ THE ROOM FOR US, I SAW NO GIMMICKS FROM THE REPUBLICANS OR DEMOCRATS, IT WAS A CORDIAL SPEECH, TONE SEEMED RIGHT.

THIS IS THE ONE TIME I'LL SAY, IT APPEARED TO BE A CHALLENGING SPEECH TO THE REPUBLICANS WITHOUT THREATENING THE REPUBLICANS.

WHAT'S YOUR TAKE?

>> THAT'S A GOOD THING TO PUT IT, CHALLENGING BUT NOT THREATENING.

IT WAS A VERY GOOD SPEECH.

YOU SAID IT FEELS LIKE A TALE OF TWO SPEECHES, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD DESCRIPTION.

YOU SAW 75% OF THAT SPEECH WAS THINGS WHERE WE CAN HAVE A KUMBAYA MOMENT.

EVERYBODY WAS TOGETHER A LOT OF CLAPPING ABOUT HELENE RELIEF, CLAPPING ABOUT TEACHER PAY.

THEN YOU SAW SECTIONS WHERE THERE WAS A BIG DIFFERENCE.

YOU SAW WHEN GOVERNOR STEIN TALKED ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA RANKING 48th IN THE NATION IN PER PUPIL SPENDING, IT'S ONE OF THOSE AREAS WHERE NORTH CAROLINA IS WAY BEHIND SO MANY OTHER STATES.

YOU SAW REPUBLICANS STAY IN THEIR CHAIRS.

I THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THE AREAS WHERE YOU SEE REPUBLICANS BREAK WITH GOVERNOR STEIN, JUST AS THEY DID WITH GOVERNOR COOPER.

>> YEAH, I THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THE BIG CHAPEL EVENS ON THE BUDGET PROCESS.

HE MENTIONED THE FISCAL CLIFF, THE REVENUE PROJECTIONS, HALF PERCENT COMING FOR THE COMING FISCAL YEAR, HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DEFICITS IF THEY COME TRUE THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

HE WANTS TO REPEAL TAX CUTS SCHEDULED TO GEE KNEE EFFECT.

REPUBLICANS ARE RELUCTANT TO DO THAT.

IF THEY DON'T DO IT, LESS MONEY TO DEAL WITH TEACHER RAISES.

THERE'S A DESIRE, IT'S HOW BIG WILL THEY BE.

>> I DISAGREE, I THINK THERE IS APPETITE AMONG REPUBLICANS FOR TEACHER RAISES, THERE'S BY TART SAN BILL NOW, I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE ENOUGH, WRAPPED INTO THE BUDGET.

BUT THERE IS AN APPETITE PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THIS HARD TO STAFF TEACHER POSITION, SPECIAL NEEDS, MATH AND SCIENCE.

SO I THINK WE WILL SEE RAISES.

>> ON TEACHER PAY WE HAD SENATOR AMY GAILY ON, THE LEGISLATION COMES UP EVERY TWO YEARS TO CHANGE HOW SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED, YOU PUT MONEY BEHIND HIGH RISK SCHOOLS, NOT JUST A BLANKET PAY RAISE.

ONE IS FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE, ONE IS A PAY RAISE FOR TEACHERS.

WHICH IS MORE POLITICALLY PALATABLE TO THE MAJORITY OF EACH CAUCUS?

>> BROADLY SPEAKING IF YOU TALK TO NORTH CAROLINIANS OUT ON THE STREET AND I KNOW ARE YOU ASKING ABOUT THE CAUCUSES.

BUT IF YOU TALK TO NORTH CAROLINIANS ON THE STREET ABOUT TEACHER PAY, 80%, 90% SAY WE GOT TO BE PAYING OUR TEACHERS MORE.

SO AT THE END OF THE DAY AS MUCH AS YOU CHANGE AROUND WHERE YOU PULL THE MONEY FROM OR HOW THE FUNDING WORKS WHEN TEACHERS ARE SOME OF THE MOST POORLY PAID IN THE NATION, ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AREN'T GOING TO MATTER AS MUCH.

YOU HAVE TO BRING THAT NUMBER UP.

THAT'S WHY YOU SEE THESE EDUCATORS GOING TO OTHER STATES.

IT'S WHY YOU SEE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING IN GENERAL.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE TEACHER PAY, IT'S PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING IN GENERAL.

>> COLLIN, THEY SAY THE TEACHER PAY RAISE BY PERCENTAGE IS GOING UP AND UP, FASTER THAN OTHER SOUTHERN STATES.

BUT IT STILL STAYS LOWER ACCORDING TO JOSH STEIN.

CAN GOVERNOR STEIN BREAK THROUGH, CAN HE GET THOSE HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO GO ALONG WITH THE TEACHER PAY RAISE?

>> THERE'S DEFINITELY SUPPORT, WHEN YOU SAW THE BILL HE REFERENCED, DONNA REFERENCED AS WELL SPONSORED THE REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE.

THAT'S THE SHOT ACROSS THE BOW THAT THE HOUSE WILL COME IN WITH A HIGHER RAISE.

I THINK YOU WILL SEE THE SENATE WANTING TO RAISE TEACHER PAY BUT SEEING LESS REVENUE, THERE WILL BE LESS OF THAT.

ONE THING THAT WASN'T MENTIONED WAS ACROSS THE BOARD RAISES FOR STATE EMPLOYEES.

THAT'S USUALLY PART OF THE BUDGET PROCESS.

STEIN DIDN'T MENTION THAT ALTHOUGH HE DID MENTION SUPPORT FOR TARGETED RACESES AT CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS.

THAT WILL BE ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE.

AS WE GET INTO BUDGET ON SEASON.

>> THE CALL TO END THE FLAT TAX, PHIL BERGER WORKED HARD TO GET THAT, MAJORITY, WHAT, 13 YEARS AGO.

BUT WHEN YOU DO TARGETED TAX CUTS FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS AND YOU AREN'T CALLING THEM TAX CREDITS, YOU ASK TO GO BACK TO A PROGRESSIVE INCOME TAX.

CAN THAT BE SOLD IN THE STATE UNDER DIRE TIMES OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND HELENE RECOVERY?

>> I DON'T THINK SO.

THEY'VE BEEN WORKING TOWARD THIS FOR A DOZEN YEARS OR SO, THIS IS KEY PART OF THE ECONOMIC FISCAL BUDGETING PROCESS THAT REPUBLICANS HAVE RUN ON.

I DID LIKE WHAT HE TALKED ABOUT APPRENTICES AND APPRENTICESHIPS, HE'LL FIND A LOT OF SUPPORT IN THAT PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING.

THERE'S A LOT OF APPRENTICESHIPS.

YOU NEED A LICENSE.

IF THEY LOOK AT THESE THINGS THERE'S LOW HANGING FRUIT THEY CAN FIND AGREEMENT ON.

>> COLLIN, I WANT TO GET YOU AND BILLY'S TAKE ON THE $4 BILLION BOND REFERENDUM THAT GOVERNOR STEIN IS CALLING FOR.

CONSERVATIVES WILL SEE THAT AS YOU PASS A BALANCED BUDGET BILL.

BUT IF YOU PASS A BOND THAT'S DEFICIT SPENDING.

I'VE HEARD IN THE PAST.

I'M SURE IT COMES UP AGAIN, THE FUNDAMENTALS DON'T CHANGE.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> AND THE SENATE HAS BEEN PRETTY RELUCTANT TO DO BONDS.

THE HOUSE UNDER SPEAKER TIM MOORE HAS PROPOSED BONDS IN THE PAST THEY HAVEN'T GONE ANYWHERE, THE SENATE PREFERS THE PAY AS YOU GO APPROACH, FIND MONEY IN THE BUDGET THAT THEY HAVE TO FUND THINGS, SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN RURAL AREAS.

YOU HAVE SEEN THAT, BUT NOT AT THE LEVEL OF SPENDING THAT STEIN IS CALLING FOR HERE.

THIS COULD BE A SITUATION WHERE STEIN AND THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS WANT ONE THING, THE SENATE WANTS TO GO ABOUT THE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS A DIFFERENT WAY.

I DON'T KNOW THAT WILL BE A LOT OF TRACTION THERE.

>> I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE AT HOME IF THEY'RE CONFUSED, WAIT, I HAVE HAD LOCAL BONDS.

THIS ISN'T WHAT GOVERNOR STEIN IS TALKING ABOUT.

HE'S TALKING ABOUT A STATEWIDE BOND, WHICH WE HAVEN'T HAD IN DECADES FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

ANTICIPATING A QUESTION THAT PEOPLE PROBABLY HAVE, DOES THE QUALITY OF A SCHOOL BUILDING MATTER TO THE EDUCATION.

THERE'S A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS.

>> EVERYONE KNOW AS RUNDOWN SCHOOL BUILDING, REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT.

ARE THERE PEOPLE IN YOUR OPINION THAT THINK A RUNDOWN SCHOOL BUILDING DOESN'T MATTER?

>> I CERTAINLY TALK TO PEOPLE ON THE STREET WHO SAY WHAT'S IT MATTER.

>> BUT IF THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THAT'S HAPPENING IN WAKE COUNTY, WHICH IS WELL FUND ED.

>> I AGREE BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SAY WHAT DOES IT MATTER SO MUCH.

IT CLEARLY MAT WHERE IS YOU LOOK AT THE RESEARCH.

>> YEAH.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IS THE FUNDING FORMULAS.

WE'RE GETTING INTO THE WEEDS BUT THERE'S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO LOOK AT.

ANTIQUATED FUNDING SYSTEM AND REARRANGING THIS FORMULA, THERE'S MORE THAN 80 DIFFERENT FORMULAS THAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO FUND SCHOOLS.

SO REALLY MODERNIZING THAT SYSTEM WILL BE CRITICAL TO SOLVING A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS WE TALK ABOUT.

>> A GOVERNMENT TASK FORCE FOR CHILDCARE, LET'S MOVE OVER, FOR THE FINAL 90 SECONDS, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT, THE GOVERNMENT MAY FIND A SOLUTION WHEN THE GOVERNMENT HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT.

>> HOPEFULLY INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS COME OUT.

MORE THAN JUST HAVING THE STATE FOR THE FEDERAL SUBSIDIES THAT EXPIRED FROM COVID.

RAY KOHL HUNT IS GOING TO BE CHAIRING THIS, SENATOR HUNT HAS BEEN APPOINTED, SOMETHING SHE RAN ON.

AND SO SHE IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT HAVING THE STATE GOVERNMENT PICK UP THE TAB WHEN THE FEDERAL SUBSIDIES EXPIRE.

I HOPE THERE'S MORE INNOVATION.

>> COLLIN?

>> I WANT TO BRING BACK TO THE HELENE THING THAT STARTED THE SPEECH.

INTERESTING TO ME THAT STEIN DIDN'T PUSH FOR HIS BILLION DOLLAR FUNDING PACKAGE.

HE SAID PASS THE $500 MILLION PACKAGE THAT'S WORKING THROUGH THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

HE DID PUSH FOR SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE AS THEY STAND RIGHT NOW.

URGING SUPPORT TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GET ACROSS THE HUMP WITH THE TOUGH SEASON THEY HAVE HAD.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF THEY COME UP LATER.

SEEMS LIKE WE HAVE BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT ON HELENE, THIS WILL BE BECOMING LAW SOON.

>> WE HAVE 30 SECONDS, GRADE THIS SPEECH IF WE CAN ON A GRADE LEVEL TALKING EDUCATION.

>> I WOULD HONESTLY LIKE TO HAVE SEEN MORE IN THE SPEECH ABOUT EDUCATION.

SO I'LL GIVE HIM A B PLUS BUT GOOD JOB.

>> DONNA.

>> ABSOLUTELY, I THINK I'LL GIVE HIM A SOLID B.

TOOK A COUPLE OF SWIPES AT CORE REPUBLICAN THINGS BUT HE FOCUSED ON WHAT HE KNOWS HE CAN GET AGREEMENT ON.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ON THE PANEL TONIGHT.

WE RETURN BACK TO DOWNTOWN RALEIGH, LET'S HEAR LIVE FROM HOUSE SPEAKER REPRESENTATIVE DESTIN HALL.

>> GOOD EVENING, I'M DESTIN HALL, SPEAKER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

LIKE ME, MANY OF YOU WATCHED PRESIDENT TRUMP DELIVER HIS ADDRESS TO THE NATION LAST WEEK.

WE SAW DC DEMOCRATS SCREAMING AND SHOUTING WHILE THE PRESIDENT ADDRESSED THE NATION.

DEMOCRATS REFUSED TO STAND AND APPLAUD, EVEN WHEN A CHILD CAN CANCER WAS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS BRAVERY.

BUT AS GOVERNOR STEIN GAVE HIS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS TONIGHT, YOU SAW A DIFFERENT TONE FROM REPUBLICANS IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE WHO REFUSED TO LET PETTY PARTISANSHIP ECLIPSE THE MOMENT.

WHILE WE MAY HAVE STRONG DISAGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNOR STEIN ON IMPORTANT ISSUES, REPUBLICANS UNDERSTAND THAT REAL LEADERS DON'T NEED TO SHOUT DOWN THE OPPOSITION.

AND THAT REAL LEADERSHIP MEANS BEING WILLING TO LISTEN EVEN WHERE WE MAY DISAGREE.

BUT IF NC DEMOCRATS WANT TO CONTINUE THE SAME OLD FAILED POLICIES OF JOE BIDEN AND KAMALA HARRIS, POLICIES THAT LEFT OUR BORDERS OPEN TO CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS, SENT INFLATION SOARING, AND ALLOWED GROWN MEN TO COMPETE IN WOE MEN'S SPORTS, WE WON'T STAND FOR IT.

VOTERS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY MADE THAT CLEAR IN NOVEMBER.

YOU REJECTED THIS RADICAL AGENDA OF THE LEFT, YOU BELIEVE AS I DO THAT OUR STATE AND OUR NATION DESERVE BETTER.

THE REPUBLICAN LED GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONTINUE TO STAND FOR COMMON SENSE, FOR FAMILIES, AND FOR THE VALUES THAT MAKE NORTH CAROLINA STRONG.

GOVERNOR STEIN PRESENTED HIS VISION TONIGHT, SO LET ME BE VERY CLEAR ABOUT OURS: REPUBLICANS IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ARE FOCUSED ON BUILDING OUR ECONOMY, REBUILDING WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, INVESTING IN EDUCATION, AND WORKING WITH ICE TO REMOVE CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS FROM OUR STATE.

FOR 14 YEARS, THE REPUBLICAN-LED GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS SHOWN WHAT BOLD CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP CAN ACHIEVE.

WE'VE CRACKED THE CODE ON HOW TO DELIVER COMMON SENSE POLICIES THAT FUEL GROWTH AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE'VE CUT TAXES, LEAVING MORE MONEY IN THE HANDS OF WORKING FAMILIES AND ENTREPRENEURS.

WE'VE CUT RED TAPE THAT DRIVES UP HOUSING COSTS, EVERY NORTH CAROLINIAN SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A GOOD JOB AND AFFORD A HOME.

WE'RE ALSO PROMOTING RELIABLE, LOW-COST ENERGY, LIKE NATURAL GAS AND NUCLEAR POWER, ENSURING FAMILIES AREN'T OVERBURDENED WITH SKYROCKETING ELECTRICITY BILLS.

WE'VE STOOD BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MADE OUR STATE SAFER BY REJECTING THE DEMOCRATS?

DANGEROUS SANCTUARY POLICIES THAT SHIELD ILLEGAL ALIENS FROM JUSTICE.

AND THERE IS PLENTY MORE TO DO, FROM TACKLING CRIME IN OUR STATE TO MAKING EVERYDAY LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE, ELIMINATING DEI AND STATE AGENCIES AND TAKING ON LONG, HARD WORK OF REBUILDING AFTER HURRICANE HELENE.

HOWEVER, THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES: DESPITE THE NATION?S ECONOMIC STRAIN OF BIDENOMICS AND INFLATION, NORTH CAROLINA HAS REMAINED AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE.

THANKS TO REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP, NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE KEPT MORE OF THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS.

THANKS TO THEIR LEADERSHIP, WE'VE CUT POVERTY BY NEARLY A THIRD IN THE PAST 12 YEARS.

THANKS TO THAT LEADERSHIP, OUR STATE IS CONSISTENTLY RANKED AS ONE OF THE BEST STATES FOR BUSINESS.

WHEN SOUND, CONSERVATIVE POLICIES FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE, SUCCESS FOLLOWS.

AND NOW, UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LEADERSHIP, WITH A CLEAR MANDATE FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, OUR NATION IS ENTERING A NEW GOLDEN AGE OF STRENGTH AND PROSPERITY, BY PURSUING POLICIES THAT MIRROR NORTH CAROLINA'S OWN METHOD OF SUCCESS AND COMMON SENSE.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION POLICIES WILL HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

JUST LAST YEAR, THE REPUBLICAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ENACTED LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COOPERATE WITH ICE TO KEEP CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS OFF OUR STREETS.

BUT MANY DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS IN OUR STATE STILL WANT TO KEEP PURSUING THE SAME FAILED OPEN BORDERS POLICIES OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

SO JUST THIS WEEK, WE INTRODUCED NEW LEGISLATION TO CLOSE LOOPHOLES EXPLOITED BY THOSE WHO WOULD SEEK TO TURN NORTH CAROLINA INTO A SANCTUARY STATE.

IF LOCAL SHERIFFS AVOID COOPERATING WITH FEDERAL ICE OFFICIALS, WE WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE.

IF YOU'RE AN ILLEGAL ALIEN COMMITTING CRIMES IN NORTH CAROLINA ?

YOU GOTTA GO.

THIS IS A COMMON SENSE POLICY THAT THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE OVERWHELM AGREE WITH.

ANOTHER COMMON-SENSE ISSUE IS MACHINE SHOULDN'T BE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS OR PRIVATE SPACES.

LONG BEFORE PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER, THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED THE SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT TO KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN'S SPORTS.

IT'S ALSO COMMON SENSE TO WORK TO ENSURE EVERY CHILD IN NORTH CAROLINA HAS ACCESS TO A QUALITY EDUCATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM REGARDLESS OF ZIP CODE.

AS WE EXPAND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, LET'S EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TRADITIONAL K-12 SYSTEM SO THAT PARENTS HAVE EXCELLENT OPTIONS, WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

ULTIMATELY IT'S PARENTS WHO SHOULD CHEESE THE GUEST PROGRAM FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN TURNING OUR BACKS ON OUR DEDICATED PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS.

WHICH IS WHY THE REPUBLICAN LED GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS CONSISTENTLY INVESTED AND WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST EVEN MORE IN MEANINGFUL TEACHER RAISES.

ENSURING NORTH CAROLINA CONTINUES TO ATTRACT TALENTED AND PASSIONATE EDUCATORS.

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY AND SUPPORTING TEACHERS ARE NOT COMPETING GOALS.

THEY'RE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND INVESTING IN OUR TEACHERS BUILDS A STRONGER, BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL OF NORTH CAROLINA'S CHILDREN.

WE'LL ALSO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN OUR UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEMS WHICH ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

WHILE LOW TAXES ARE IMPORTANT, NORTH CAROLINA'S BEST ASSET IS THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE.

INVESTING IN EDUCATION DRAWS BUSINESSES TO OUR STATE, THE CAUSE OF OUR -- BECAUSE OF OUR QUALITY AND EDUCATED WORKFORCE.

WHILE THE LEFT TRIES TO PAINT PRESIDENT TRUMP AND THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS EXTREMISTS, THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE AGREE THAT POLICIES LIKE SECURE BORDERS, LAW AND ORDER, SCHOOL CHOICE, CUTTING TAXES, TO KEEP MORE OF OUR HARD-EARNED MONEY AND KEEPING MEN OUT OF WOMEN'S SPORTS ARE JUST PLAIN COMMON SENSE.

BUT AS WE CELEBRATE OUR STATE'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WE MUST ALSO RECOGNIZE THE RESILIENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

LAST SEPTEMBER, HURRICANE HELENE DEVASTATED THE REGION TURNING PEACEFUL MOUNTAIN TOWNS INTO DISASTER ZONES.

OVER 100 MEN AND WOMEN LOST THEIR LIVES AND THOUSANDS LOST THEIR HOMES, JOBS, BUSINESSES, AND THEIR VERY WAY OF LIFE.

THEN CAME THE DISASTER AFTER THE DISASTER WHEN THE BIDEN AND COOPER ADMINISTRATIONS WERE TOO SLOW IN THEIR RESPONSE TO HELENE.

FAMILIES WERE LEFT WITHOUT SHELTER, INTERNET, OR CELL SERVICE FOR WEEKS.

BRIDGES AND ROADS WERE IMPASSABLE.

TRAPPING MANY.

THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA DESERVE BETTER.

THROUGH THIS ADVERSITY, WE SAW THE TRUE AMERICAN SPIRIT SHINE THROUGH.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS, STRANGERS BECOMING FAMILY, AND HEROS EMERGING IN EVERY CORNER OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

HEROS LIKE DR. ELISA TILLY WHO HELPED SET UP A FIELD HOSPITAL IN YANCY COUNTY TO CARE FOR THE INJURES.

KENNETH CLAN TON A VETERAN WHO SELFISHLY DROVE FELLOW SERVICEMEN TO WORK THROUGH DAMAGE AND DEBRIS FILLED ROADS.

OTHER HEROS FROM ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA, TOO NUMEROUS TO NAME, WHO STILL DONATE COUNTLESS HOURS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED TO REBUILD THEIR ROADS, THEIR BRIDGES, AND ULTIMATELY THEIR LIVES.

THE LESSON FROM ALL OF THIS IS CLEAR, 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.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS MADE HELENE RECOVERY OUR TOP PRIORITY AND WORKING TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE STATE.

RECENTLY THE HOUSE PASSED OUR FOURTH HELENE BILL WITH AN ADDITIONAL $500 MILLION IN RECOVERY FUNDS.

WE'RE NOT DONE.

WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO REBUILD AND TOGETHER WE WILL REBUILD STRONGER THAN BEFORE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING IN HIP WITH GOVERNOR STEIN WHO I KNOW SHARES MY DESIRE TO GET PEOPLE BACK IN THEIR HOMES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

HE AND I BOTH RECOGNIZE THE LONG ROAD AHEAD AND THE NEED FOR US ALL TO RISE TO THE MOMENT SETTING ASIDE PETTY PARTISANSHIP FOR THE SAKE OF NEIGHBORS.

AS WE REBUILD WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, REST ASSURED WE WILL NOT REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF THE COOPER ADMINISTRATION'S FAILED RESPONSE TO HURRICANE'S FLORENCE AND MATTHEW.

ALMOST A DECADE LATER, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA ARE STILL BEING FORCED TO LIVE IN HOTELS.

THAT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

AND IT SHOULD BE A NATIONAL SCANDAL.

WE CANNOT AND WE WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN, ANYWHERE IN OUR STATE.

WHETHER YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT, CHALLENGES WE FACE CROSS PARTY LINES.

THE CHALLENGES OF HURRICANE HELENE ALONE CERTAINLY BEAR THAT OUT.

WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT NORTH CAROLINA'S SUCCESS IS OUR OWN.

MORE FREEDOM BREEDS MORE OPPORTUNITY AND GROWTH.

BY CUTTING TAXES AND REGULATIONS, GROWING JOBS, PROTECTING OUR VALUES AND STANDING FOR LAW AND ORDER NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS HAVE SET THE STANDARD FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP THAT PUTS PEOPLE FIRST.

NORTH CAROLINA HAS PROVEN THAT WHEN CONSERVATIVES LEAD WITH COURAGE, PEOPLE PROSPER.

EVERYTHING PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS FOUGHT FOR, TAX CUTS, DEREGULATION, PROTECTING VALUES AND ENFORCING THE LAW, NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS EVERY DELIVERED ON.

AS WE ENTER A NEW ERA FROM NORTH CAROLINA THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THE POLICIES THAT HAVE MADE OUR SUCCESS THE ENVY OF THE NATION.

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR STATE, AND OUR PEOPLE, GOOD EVENING.

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