⬇️ Josh’s Journal ⬇️
July 7, 2025

Celebrating Independence Day

“Today we celebrate the core principles of equality and self-government enshrined in our Declaration of Independence. Throughout history, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, public servants, and ordinary people have moved us closer to forming a more perfect union. We continue that pursuit today.
Wishing everyone across North Carolina a meaningful and safe Fourth of July.” — Gov. Josh Stein

As always, we spent July 4th reflecting on the unique privilege it is to be an American — and the responsibility we shoulder to ensure that future generations are guaranteed the freedoms we enjoy.

This democracy is ours to protect. We hope you had a happy Independence Day!

Protecting SNAP

“Shifting the cost of SNAP from the federal government to states means states will have to find millions, or even billions of extra funds in their budgets to make sure people don’t go hungry — and states simply can’t afford that.

That’s why I organized a multi-state effort to urge congressional leadership to save SNAP. I’m grateful to the 22 governors who joined me.” — Gov. Josh Stein

Nearly 1.5 million North Carolinians rely on SNAP each month for food assistance. You might even know someone who has counted on SNAP to put food on the table.

But the federal government’s plans to slash SNAP are imperiling seniors, children, and other vulnerable folks here in NC and beyond.

No American should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.

That’s why Gov. Stein led Democratic governors’ call for the federal government to PROTECT SNAP and make sure American families don’t have to fear going hungry.

Read The Governors’ Letter To Congressional Leaders

Bringing Jobs to NC

Gov. Stein was delighted to announce that JetZero — an innovative California-based aviation company — has selected North Carolina as the site of their $4 billion airplane manufacturing hub.

Bringing this new facility to NC will create over 14,000 new jobs in Guilford County. This project is the largest economic development project in North Carolina history based on job commitment.

Learn More And Watch Josh’s Comments On JetZero Here.

Protecting the Coast

Our state’s natural beauty is one of the things that makes North Carolina such a special place, and one of our greatest responsibilities is to protect the environment so future generations of North Carolinians can share it, too.

Gov. Stein partnered with Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina to urge the federal government to maintain the moratorium on drilling for oil and gas off the Carolina shores, and protect our coastal regions for decades to come.

Read The Governors’ Letter

Josh Proclaimed June Pride Month!

We recommit this month to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating LGBTQ+ North Carolinians — whose contributions to our state have made us a better, more welcoming place for all, and whose rights are now under attack again.

North Carolina must be a safe state for all marginalized people. All North Carolinians deserve the freedom to live authentically and love openly.

Read Gov. Stein’s Pride Month Proclamation Here.

Western North Carolina updates

Friday, June 27, on the 9-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein reopened Chimney Rock State Park and announced “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” a new tourism initiative to bring more visitors back to western North Carolina.

At the re-opening, Governor Stein also signed House Bill 1012: Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part II into law. House Bill 1012 will send half a billion dollars to western North Carolina after unanimous approval from both chambers.