RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein urged state lawmakers on Monday to significantly increase their financial commitment to the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. He cautioned that postponing necessary funding would likely lead to additional business closures, delays in housing construction, and negative consequences for students’ education.
During a news conference in a mountain county that suffered from severe flooding, the newly inaugurated Democratic governor stated that he is seeking $1.07 billion in funding from the Republican-dominated General Assembly. Stein expressed his desire to have this funding approved immediately, rather than wait for the start of the two-year budget cycle in July, when he intends to make another appeal related to Hurricane Helene.
At the press event held at a food bank in Mills River, approximately 260 miles from Raleigh, Stein emphasized the urgent need for funds in the first half of the year to help residents regain stability in their lives. He warned, “If we do not act, some businesses will not be here in the summer, and we will miss an entire building season before winter weather comes again.” He described the requested funds as a high priority for the state.
The key components of his proposal—without any new tax increases—include grants for struggling businesses, assistance for the repair and construction of homes, cleaning up agricultural debris, repairing private infrastructure, and replenishing local government revenues that have been spent or lost. Additionally, funding is allocated for summer school programs in districts that experienced at least 15 days of instructional loss shortly after Helene wreaked havoc in September.
“We can ensure that our students are set up for long-term academic success,” Stein asserted. “All of these components are necessary to building a safer, stronger, and more resilient western North Carolina, and they are needed now.”
The state legislature had previously approved over $900 million for relief and recovery efforts last fall, with additional funds earmarked for future use. Newly appointed House Speaker Destin Hall has stated that swift bipartisan action on the Helene funding bill is a top priority.
The progress of Stein’s funding request marks an early test for the new governor, who took office last month, as he aims to promote collaboration with Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger. Although Republicans hold the majority in both legislative chambers, they are just one vote shy of a veto-proof coalition.
Republican Representative Jake Johnson, who participated in a bipartisan advisory committee formed by Stein last year, spoke positively during the news conference. “We will start reviewing the governor’s proposed budget and figuring out how we can get these dollars to people who need them the most right now,” he remarked.
A spokesperson for Berger indicated that the Senate is currently evaluating Stein’s proposal and expects to address Helene-related legislation in the near future. Despite the already allocated funds for recovery, they acknowledged, “there is still more we can do.”
Since Hurricane Helene struck, North Carolina has reported over 100 fatalities, with damage affecting around 74,000 homes and thousands of miles of public and privately maintained roads. The state budget office estimates that the disaster has resulted in an unprecedented $59.6 billion in damages and recovery needs. Federal aid, including congressional legislation passed in December, is anticipated to provide more than $15 billion for rebuilding efforts in North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26 in Florida’s Big Bend region, subsequently ravaging parts of the Southeast. Officials have indicated that the recovery process from such extensive destruction will be prolonged and complex.
Stein’s call for immediate access to funds stresses the need for prompt action. He has requested $150 million to establish a home reconstruction, repair, and buyout program, aimed at initiating work quickly while awaiting federal aid, which could take a year to arrive. His proposal suggests that this state program could assist at least 225 out of an estimated 5,100 homes requiring repairs.
Additionally, Stein is asking for $150 million to create two grant programs for businesses, offering up to $75,000 to those affected by significant economic losses and physical damages. He stated, “Taking on additional business debt is simply not the answer for small businesses that are already struggling.”
In related news, Tennessee lawmakers approved a $470 million aid package last week to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene in the northeastern part of the state. This funding will assist local governments with loan interest on recovery expenses, support agricultural and business recovery, provide disaster-related unemployment benefits, and help rebuild a severely damaged high school.
Governor’s appeal for aid in Helene recovery challenges relations with North Carolina legislators.
