Gov. Josh Stein reflects on his first 100 days in office

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein will reach his first 100 days in office later this month. We sat down with him to talk about his job so far, and what he plans to accomplish in the next 100 days. 

Recent polling from Elon University shows public perception of Stein is mostly positive. 44% of polled North Carolinians approve of his job so far, with 39% unsure and 17% disapproving. 

Stein’s term began on the heels of devastation in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The governor has made rebuilding in that part of the state a top priority.  

Last month, he signed an aid package into law totaling more than $500 million, but he said more is needed from Washington.  

“It’s a good start, because it lets us begin some really important programs around home reconstruction and building private roads and bridges, but again, nowhere near enough,” Stein said. 

Stein also released his budget proposal to the General Assembly last month. His proposal included reinstating the back-to-school tax-free holiday, and raises for teachers.  

“Our starting teachers are the second lowest-paid in the southeast, that’s an embarrassment and unacceptable. North Carolina should have the highest starting teacher pay in the southeast,” Stein said. 

Though, Stein’s first three months haven’t been without challenges; one of the biggest is managing state programs after cuts to federal funding. 

“We’ve seen cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services that limit the state’s ability to provide substance use treatment services, mental health treatment or immunizations,” Stein said. “That is concerning.” 

Stein noted one of his goals moving forward is making sure North Carolinians have access to safe drinking water.   

As Attorney General, Stein sued Chemours for dumping PFAS in the Cape Fear River. That lawsuit helped bring public awareness to the issue of PFAS pollution, but he said more still needs to be done to hold polluters to account.  

“The Department of Environmental Quality actually did take measures to set a standard on PFAS levels, what are acceptable,” Stein explained. “Unfortunately, the Environmental Management Commission, which is appointed by the legislature completely weakened those rules.” 

Gov. Stein also is set to visit Wilmington this week as Avelo launches their new base at Wilmington International Airport on Thursday.