McCrory talks economy, education

HOLLY RIDGE, NC (WWAY) — Governor Pat McCrory was in Onslow County today to present two people with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. While there, he spoke about how 2015 has been for the state of North Carolina.

“The economy has seen vast improvement,” said McCrory. “Just three years ago we were the 5th highest unemployment rate in the country and now we’re not even in the top 25 in unemployment.”

He said things are turning around on the job front.
“We’re seeing tremendous job growth. We’re seeing growth in personal income. But we still have a long way to go and we cannot stop some of the innovative approaches that we’re trying to implement to improve the economy and to allow the next generation to have the same opportunities as the past several generations right here in North Carolina. That’s my goal,” said McCrory.

To make that happen, it starts with the kids, like the students at Dixon Elementary where McCrory met to talk about the importance about programs like the Bright Ideas grant which connects the classroom with the working world.

“And if we continue that integration and partnership where the private sector understands what teachers have to go through and teachers understand some of the challenges of the private sector then it’s a win-win for the students of North Carolina and for jobs for North Carolina,” said McCrory.

We asked McCrory about the upcoming race for re-election and other ongoing topics in our state. He declined to comment today.