Topics Related to Supporting our future

Today Governor Josh Stein visited East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte to hear from teachers about the impact of cell phone-free classroom environments. Last summer, Governor Stein signed into law a bill that established cell phone-free classrooms. The law took effect on January 1, 2026, as North Carolina joined 32 other states restricting cell phones in classrooms.  

Today Site Selection magazine ranked North Carolina the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026. Governor Josh Stein celebrated this ranking during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, where he highlighted the state’s workforce investments and the recent recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

This year, Governor Stein is highlighting some of his most memorable moments from his first year in office.

Today in Rocky Mount, Governor Josh Stein and NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine joined the graduation ceremony of 149 new NCDMV Driver License Examiners – the largest graduating class ever. Governor Stein celebrated the new examiners' completion of Driver License Examiner Basic School and the service they will provide to drivers across North Carolina.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that furniture manufacturer Coley Home will create 45 new jobs in Catawba County. The company will invest $9 million to expand its production capacity in the city of Claremont with a new manufacturing facility.“North Carolina is the furniture capital of the world, and Coley Home’s expansion reinforces that truth,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I’m delighted to see this homegrown company grow and thrive in Catawba County, validating the quality of our workforce and the excellence of our manufacturing.”

Today Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released a report identifying 30 strategies designed to advance North Carolina’s workforce and expand access to good jobs with good wages. When implemented, these proposed strategies will help the state attain the 11 workforce goals that the Council recommended in June.

A report issued this week by Governor Stein’s Advisory Council for Student Safety & Well-Being formed in April 2025 relates early success stories from public school districts that have implemented policies to make classrooms cell phone-free.  

Today Governor Josh Stein urged Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse last month’s decision that would make it more difficult for people to pursue many professional and graduate-level health care degree programs. Governor Stein is committed to strengthening the health care workforce pipeline so North Carolinians can be healthy and safe. 

Today Governor Josh Stein joined educators, students, and local officials at W.A. Pattillo Middle School in Tarboro to deliver school supplies collected by the Governor’s Office during the annual Governor’s School Supply Drive. As the legislature continues to fail to pass a comprehensive budget, the Governor highlighted the need for the General Assembly to raise teacher pay and invest in North Carolina’s students.