Governor Josh Stein recently addressed the North Carolina AFL-CIO Annual Convention, emphasizing his dedication to reducing living costs and bolstering the state’s workforce. The North Carolina AFL-CIO, representing over 250 local unions and labor councils, advocates for nearly 150,000 workers statewide.
Governor Stein stated, “North Carolina’s economy is only as strong as the people who power it. By investing in workers, expanding workforce development, and lowering the cost of living, we will create real opportunity for every North Carolinian to succeed.”
Efforts to Reduce Living Costs
Governor Stein outlined measures to make North Carolina more affordable, focusing on housing, healthcare, and consumer protection:
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: An executive order signed by Governor Stein earlier this year mandates collaboration among cabinet agencies to increase housing supply and affordability. New laws also simplify housing construction processes, allowing for diverse housing types and reducing parking requirements. Learn more.
- Health Care Cost Management: In June, the establishment of the Health Care Affordability Commission was announced to address rising health care costs, consisting of a diverse group of health care experts. This follows a historic $6.5 billion medical debt relief initiative benefiting 2.5 million residents. Read more.
- Consumer Wallet Protection: By advocating for legislative changes, the sales tax exemption on electricity for data centers has been eliminated, and efforts to prevent additional utility costs from Duke Energy have been supported. The Energy Saver NC program offers rebates for efficient appliances, potentially saving families up to $1,000 annually. Details here.
- Child Care System Support: The recent state budget allocates over $160 million for child care subsidies, introducing a novel statewide subsidy reimbursement rate floor to aid parents. More information.
Strengthening North Carolina’s Workforce
Focusing on workforce development, Governor Stein continues to foster job opportunities and skill-building initiatives. The state has maintained a top ranking for business friendliness, attributed in part to over 46,000 new jobs announced and nearly 6,000 apprenticeships created under his leadership. The recently signed budget includes provisions for Propel NC, assisting community colleges in preparing students for high-demand careers and expanding ApprenticeshipNC to increase apprenticeship opportunities across industries.
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