Governor Stein Focused on Lowering Costs for North Carolina Families at General Baptist State Convention

Today Governor Josh Stein addressed the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina Annual Gathering, recognizing the leadership of faith-based organizations in the state and sharing his commitment to lowering costs for families.

"It was a pleasure to be with faith leaders from across our state who are dedicated to serving their fellow North Carolinians," said Governor Josh Stein. "Together, we can build a state where everyone can thrive by strengthening public education, investing in good jobs and training, lowering the cost of living, and making sure that all voices are heard. That's how we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous North Carolina."

Governor Stein is committed to lowering costs for North Carolina's families. Earlier this month, Governor Stein signed House Bill 3 into law, suspending the state gas tax, and he previously directed the North Carolina Department of Revenue to provide penalty relief from the prohibition on the highway use of red-dyed diesel fuel through the end of 2026. He also succeeded in securing federal penalty relief for the use of the same fuel to lessen financial pressure on farmers.

Governor Stein is working to lower the cost of living by:

• Increasing access to affordable housing opportunities. Earlier this year, Governor Stein signed an executive order that directs cabinet agencies to work together to increase housing supply, affordability, and access and to use technology to deliver data-driven solutions. Governor Stein recently signed into law two bills that will cut red tape and make it easier to build more types of housing, including by reducing burdensome parking requirements, paving the way for innovation in factory-built housing, and allowing accessory dwelling units and housing near jobs in more places across the state.
• Reining in surging health care costs. In June, Governor Stein established the Health Care Affordability Commission made up of experts from across the health care landscape, including medical providers, hospitals, insurers, researchers, and patient advocates to develop timely, concrete solutions to make health care more affordable for all North Carolinians. Additionally, he announced last year $6.5 billion in medical debt relief for 2.5 million North Carolinians - the largest medical debt relief effort in the nation's history.
• Protecting ratepayers by successfully pushing the legislature to end the sales tax exemption for data centers' electricity use and opposing Duke Energy's efforts to pass on utility costs to consumers. Through the Energy Saver NC program , now available in all 100 counties, families can save up to $1,000 in utility bills each year through rebates for home efficiency upgrades and high-efficiency electrical appliances.
• Stabilizing the child care system. In July, Governor Stein signed into law a budget that invests $160 million in child care subsidies so more parents can find care for their children. The budget included a first-of-its-kind statewide subsidy reimbursement rate floor.