Governor Josh Stein addressed a broad audience of child care, health care, education, and foster care professionals on Tuesday during the second annual “State of the Child” Summit. The event, organized by NC Child and the NC Institute of Medicine, focused on the current state of child well-being in North Carolina.
In his opening remarks, Governor Stein emphasized the shared commitment of the attendees to improving the future of North Carolina’s children. “We believe in the promise of North Carolina, that where you come from should never limit how far you can go,” he said, underscoring the need for a brighter future for all children.
During the summit, several reports were highlighted that assess the state’s progress on child well-being. The 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Databook ranked North Carolina 33rd in the nation for overall child well-being. Additionally, NC Child’s new report card presented a mixed picture of the state’s achievements and setbacks. It showcased successes such as the decline in teen births and increased health insurance coverage, while also drawing attention to ongoing challenges like youth mental health issues and poor birth outcomes.
Governor Stein reaffirmed his office’s dedication to prioritizing children’s needs. He pointed to efforts aimed at improving child care, protecting Medicaid funding, and enhancing investments in education, health, and safety.
“We must start with our children,” Stein said. “They deserve our fiercest advocacy, our deepest investment, and our greatest efforts.”
Child Care Crisis
One of the key issues discussed at the summit was the ongoing child care crisis in the state. Governor Stein and other state leaders described child care as a critical area needing bipartisan support. Stein pointed out the flaws in the current child care business model, which have led to a shortage of child care workers, creating both access problems and higher costs for families.
“This is a vicious cycle that harms every North Carolinian, whether you have kids or not,” Stein noted.
To address these issues, Stein highlighted the establishment of a new bipartisan Task Force on Child Care and Early Education. Co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, a Democrat, and Sen. Jim Burgin, a Republican, the task force is working to identify and implement solutions.
Lt. Gov. Hunt echoed the need for expanded child care efforts. She mentioned initiatives like Tri-Share and early childhood training programs at community colleges as part of her broader plan to tackle the issue. Hunt recently began a tour of child care centers, starting in Charlotte at LeafSpring School at Ballantyne.
“This is more than just a family issue,” Hunt said. “It’s an economic one.”
Legislative Proposals and Budget Plans
A panel of experts discussed the root causes of the child care crisis and proposed several potential solutions. In the current legislative session, several bills aim to recruit more child care teachers and secure public funding for the sector. Both Governor Stein and the state Senate have introduced budget proposals that include significant investments in child care.
Stein’s budget includes $88 million for the child care subsidy program, which helps low-income families afford care. It also proposes over $80 million to expand NC Pre-K and $530 million in recurring funding to create new tax credits for working families. Meanwhile, the Senate’s plan includes $80 million for the subsidy program and $6 million in federal funding for a three-county pilot project aimed at expanding child care capacity.
As the legislative session progresses, state leaders are focused on finding ways to strengthen the child care system and ensure a brighter future for North Carolina’s children.
