North Carolina

NC congressional votes for the week ending May 1

Published

1 year ago

May 3, 2025

Here’s how North Carolina members of Congress voted over the previous week.

Along with roll call votes this week, the Senate also passed the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act (S. 307), to address sexual harassment and sexual assault of Bureau of Prisons staff in prisons.

The House also passed: the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (H.R. 1479), to prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising of prices for hotel rooms and other places of short-term lodging; the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act (H.R. 2480), to require SelectUSA to coordinate with state-level economic development organizations to increase foreign direct investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing and production; and the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act (H.R. 2444), to establish a critical supply chain resiliency and crisis response program in the Commerce Department, and to secure American leadership in deploying emerging technologies.

House votes

REGULATING LITHIUM BATTERIES: The House has passed the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 973), sponsored by Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., to have the Consumer Product Safety Commission adopt a rule imposing safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, scooters, and other personal mobility products. Torres said: “Poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries often imported from China are hidden ticking time bombs waiting to detonate in American homes and neighborhoods. The danger has become too great to ignore.” The vote, on April 28, was 365 yeas to 42 nays.

NAYS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), Knott R-NC (13th)
YEAS: Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Adams D-NC (12th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Edwards R-NC (11th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Foushee D-NC (4th), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)

ENTERTAINMENT TICKET FEES: The House has passed the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act (H.R. 1402), sponsored by Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis, R-Fla., to require sellers of tickets to sports, concerts, and other entertainment events to clearly show detailed ticket prices to would-be purchasers. Bilirakis said: “This legislation is about empowering consumers and ensuring fans can enjoy live events by improving ticket price transparency.” The vote, on April 29, was 409 yeas to 15 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Adams D-NC (12th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Foushee D-NC (4th), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)

PRODUCTS WITH SODIUM NITRITE: The House has passed the Youth Poisoning Protection Act (H.R. 1442), sponsored by Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., to ban the sale to consumers of products whose weight is 10 percent or more sodium nitrite. Trahan said: “This bill is focused and reasonable. It targets bad actors who are exploiting a loophole to profit off tragedy, and it does so without burdening responsible businesses.” The vote, on April 29, was 378 yeas to 42 nays.

NAYS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Knott R-NC (13th)
YEAS: Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Adams D-NC (12th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Edwards R-NC (11th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Foushee D-NC (4th), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)

INTERNET-CONNECTED APPLIANCES: The House has passed the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (H.R. 859), sponsored by Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, to require manufacturers of Internet-connected products to inform shoppers that the products have a camera or microphone. Fulcher said of the need for consumer awareness: “Our stoves or refrigerators shouldn’t be secretly recording conversations in our homes. Such information could be accessed by a hacker or nefarious third party.” The vote, on April 29, was 415 yeas to 9 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Adams D-NC (12th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Foushee D-NC (4th), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)

GLEN CANYON RECREATION: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 60), sponsored by Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, to disapprove of and void a National Park Service rule, issued this January, restricting the use of motor vehicles in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona and Utah. Maloy said that by cancelling the rule, “We can ensure that Glen Canyon remains a place of freedom, adventure, and opportunity for generations to come and isn’t a hindrance to the local economies.” A resolution opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said the rule appropriately “balances visitor use and access with the long-term stewardship and management of park resources.” The vote, on April 29, was 219 yeas to 205 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)
NAYS: Adams D-NC (12th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Foushee D-NC (4th)

CALIFORNIA VEHICLE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 87), sponsored by Rep. John James, R-Mich., to disapprove of and void an Environmental Protection Agency notice granting the California Air Resources Board a waiver allowing that state to impose various emissions standards on motor vehicles. James said a waiver “allows California to ram its comply-or-die, zero-emission truck rule down the throat of the American trucking industry, essentially gutting the trucking industry all across Michigan and across the country.” A resolution opponent, Rep. Luz M. Rivas, D-Calif., said: “Strong vehicle standards protect Americans from expensive and volatile fossil fuels and accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies to help us compete globally.” The vote, on April 30, was 231 yeas to 191 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)
NAYS: Adams D-NC (12th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Foushee D-NC (4th)

VEHICLE NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 89), sponsored by Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., to disapprove of and void an Environmental Protection Agency rule issued this January that granted the California Air Resources Board a waiver allowing the state to regulate vehicle nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Obernolte said: “If we were to allow every single state in the country to establish its own emission standards for those trucks, every one of these goods would have to stop at every single state line and be trans-shipped from one truck to another truck. Madam Speaker, that is ridiculous, costly, inefficient, and unnecessary.” A resolution opponent, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., said: “Maintaining the California program is critical to improve public health outcomes and secure the right to clean air for everyone.” The vote, on April 30, was 225 yeas to 196 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)
NAYS: Adams D-NC (12th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Foushee D-NC (4th)

STATUS OF LONGFIN SMELT: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 78), sponsored by Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., to disapprove of and void a 2024 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule that listed the San Francisco Bay variety of the longfin smelt fish as an endangered species. LaMalfa said: “The longfin smelt is being used as the latest weapon to take water away from farmers and take water away from people.” An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., called the listing “both scientifically and legally sound. The longfin population has declined over 99 percent since the 1980s.” The vote, on May 1, was 216 yeas to 195 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)
NAYS: Adams D-NC (12th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Foushee D-NC (4th)

CALIFORNIA CLEAN CARS WAIVER: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 88), sponsored by Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., to disapprove of and void an Environmental Protection Agency notice issued this January that granted the California Air Resources Board a waiver in order to allow the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulatory plan. Joyce said that allowing California’s plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state in 2035 to be electric ran against the principles of consumer freedom and open markets, and would impose high costs on drivers. A resolution opponent, Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., said “after the upfront costs, EVs are proven to save consumers considerably through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.” The vote, on May 1, was 246 yeas to 164 nays.

YEAS: Harrigan R-NC (10th), Foxx R-NC (5th), Hudson R-NC (9th), Murphy R-NC (3rd), Rouzer R-NC (7th), Harris (NC) R-NC (8th), McDowell R-NC (6th), Edwards R-NC (11th), Knott R-NC (13th), Davis (NC) D-NC (1st), Moore (NC) R-NC (14th)
NAYS: Adams D-NC (12th), Ross D-NC (2nd), Foushee D-NC (4th)

Senate votes

CHINA AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to China. Perdue was a senator from Georgia from early 2015 to early 2021; otherwise, he has been in private business, including as a senior executive at Reebok and Dollar General. A supporter, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, said, “We need a strong leader like David Perdue at the front of our fight with the Chinese government to execute on President Trump’s vision.” The vote, on April 29, was 67 yeas to 29 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

U.K. AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Stephens is chairman of the Stephens investment bank, and a leading philanthropist in Arkansas. A supporter, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., called Stephens “the right person to lead our strong, special relationship with the United Kingdom.” The vote, on April 29, was 59 yeas to 39 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

TURKEY AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to Turkey. Barrack was the founder and CEO of the private equity Colony Capital (since renamed as Digital Bridge) real estate firm, and was an Interior Department official early in the Reagan administration. A supporter, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, called Barrack “the right man to tackle this challenging post” in Turkey, given the country’s ties to Russia and Hamas while remaining a U.S. ally. The vote, on April 29, was 60 yeas to 36 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

ITALY AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador to Italy, and to concurrently be Ambassador to San Marino. Fertitta is primary owner of the Landry’s hospitality company, the Houston Rockets basketball franchise, and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos. A supporter, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, voiced confidence that Fertitta would help address U.S. objections to Italy’s barriers to U.S. product imports, and its relatively low military spending levels. The vote, on April 29, was 83 yeas to 14 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

APPLIANCE ENERGY STANDARDS: The Senate has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 42), sponsored by Rep. Andrew S. Clyde, R-Ga., to disapprove of and void an Energy Department rule issued last October that tightened energy efficiency requirements for consumer appliances such as washing machines, and industrial climate controls. A resolution supporter, Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, said: “This rule wastes time and money, raising costs without delivering meaningful energy savings on items like dishwashers, clothes washers, and HVAC systems.” The vote, on April 30, was 52 yeas to 46 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

TARIFFS EMERGENCY DECLARATION: The Senate has rejected a resolution (S.J. Res. 49), sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., that would have voided President Trump’s declaration a month ago of an emergency that involved imposing a base 10% tariff on imports into the U.S., with additional tariffs imposed for numerous specific countries. Wyden said the Senate “cannot be an idle spectator in the tariff madness. The Congress has the power to set tariffs and regulate global trade.” A resolution opponent, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said “disapproving this emergency will undercut the serious negotiations that are underway, which are also yielding results” for the U.S. The vote, on April 30, was 49 yeas to 49 nays. A subsequent motion to reconsider the resolution was tabled by a 50 yeas to 49 nays vote, with Vice President Vance as the 50th yea.

NAYS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

REGULATING COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATORS: The Senate has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 75), sponsored by Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Texas, that would nullify and void an Energy Department rule issued this January that set out energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration products. A resolution supporter, Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., said keeping the standards “would force commercial fridge and freezer manufacturers to discontinue product lines and close factories in the U.S.” An opponent, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said the standards save energy, cut climate emissions, and “reduce costs for American families and businesses.” The vote, on May 1, was 52 yeas to 45 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

REGULATING AIR POLLUTANTS: The Senate has passed a resolution (S.J. Res. 31), sponsored by Sen. John R. Curtis, R-Utah, that would disapprove of and void an Environmental Protection Agency rule regarding emitters of persistent, bioaccumulative hazardous air pollutants. The vote, on May 1, was 52 yeas to 46 nays.

YEAS: Tillis R-NC, Budd R-NC

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North Carolina

Proposed NC property tax cap, affordable housing exemption set for debate

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Press Room

Proposed NC property tax cap, affordable housing exemption set for debate

A proposal to limit property tax increases is set to go before state lawmakers Tuesday — an effort that could culminate with North Carolinians voting on the issue as early as this year.

The state House of Representatives’ Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss a proposed state constitutional amendment restricting how much city and county governments could raise property taxes each year.

Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved by North Carolina voters. If the idea is approved by a supermajority of legislators, North Carolinians would be asked to decide the issue through a ballot vote, likely in November.

The legislation, House Bill 1089, doesn’t outline a limit for property tax increases. It calls on state lawmakers to come up with specific restrictions at a later date — if the referendum is approved by voters.

The bill is part of a broader push by legislators in the Republican-controlled General Assembly to address affordability issues ahead of the midterm elections.

Republicans in the state Senate last week approved a bill that would temporarily block county governments from applying appraisals conducted during this calendar year to property tax bills. Reappraisals often lead to higher property tax bills. Republican Senate leader Phil Berger has referred to that proposal as a “moratorium” that could bring temporary relief to taxpayers in a number of counties scheduled to reappraise properties this year — including Guilford and Harnett. Berger has framed the idea as simply buying time for the legislature to come up with more sweeping reforms.

The proposed constitutional amendment moving forward in the House could be that more sweeping idea, although it’s unclear if the Senate will go along if the idea passes the House.

Tax reduction has been a stated goal of Republican lawmakers for decades, but the proposed reappraisal moratorium and constitutional amendment are not guaranteed to pass. Neither Berger nor House Speaker Destin Hall has committed to supporting the other chamber’s idea for addressing rising property taxes.

Democrats have expressed skepticism over both plans. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch, D-Wake, chided Senate Republicans last week for failing to take up an amendment to Berger’s bill that would have lowered the state’s income threshold to qualify for property tax exceptions.

Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, said Monday — during a press conference calling for higher taxes on millionaires — that the property tax changes being proposed by GOP lawmakers seemed aimed more at gathering political credit than solving a problem.

“We can be the quote-unquote ‘good guys’ down here in Raleigh and say we’re going to lower your property taxes,” Prather said. “But all that means is that the local governments are going to have to be the ‘bad guys’ to raise revenue in other ways.”

Closing a loophole

The House Finance committee on Tuesday is expected to consider a proposal that could help municipal governments recoup more property tax revenue. The committee is expected to discuss House Bill 1042, which would tighten rules for nonprofit organizations that receive property tax exemptions.

The state currently allows certain organizations to avoid paying property taxes if they use their property entirely for charitable purposes and are not run for profit — a law that kept nearly $750 million worth of property out of Wake County’s tax base in 2025. The proposed change seeks to winnow down the list of who qualifies, especially nonprofits that provide affordable housing for low- or moderate-income people.

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North Carolina

North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11

Published

18 hours ago

May 11, 2026

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North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11

The 2026 North Carolina high school softball state playoff brackets are out, and High School On SI has all eight brackets with matchups and schedules for every team.

The first round begins on May 5, and the playoffs will culminate with the NCHSAA state championships being played May 27-30 at Duke University in Durham.

2026 North Carolina High School Baseball State Tournament Schedule

May 5: First Round
May 8: Second Round
May 12: Third Round
May 15: Fourth Round
May 19-23: Regionals
May 27-30: State Championships

North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11

CLASS 1A BRACKET (select to view full bracket details)

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Bear Grass Charter vs. No. 5 Vance Charter

No. 3 East Columbus vs. No. 2 Northside – Pinetown

No. 1 Robbinsville vs. No. 5 Falls Lake Academy

No. 6 Bethany Community vs. No. 2 Oxford Preperatory

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 North Duplin vs. No. 8 Camden County

No. 5 Rosewood vs. No. 4 East Carteret

No. 3 Perquimans vs. No. 11 Pamlico County

No. 10 Franklin Academy vs. No. 2 Manteo

No. 1 South Stanly vs. No. 9 East Wilkes

No. 5 South Stokes vs. No. 4 Starmount

No. 3 Swain County vs. No. 6 Murphy

No. 7 Highland Tech vs. No. 2 Roxboro Community

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Midway vs. No. 9 Providence

No. 12 Wallace-Rose Hill vs. No. 4 Heide Trask

No. 3 Farmville Central vs. No. 11 Ayden – Grifton

No. 10 Northwood vs. No. 2 McMichael

No. 1 West Lincoln vs. No. 8 Union Academy

No. 5 Draughn vs No. 4 Pine Lake Preperatory

No. 3 West Davidson vs. No. 11 East Surry

No. 7 Walkertown vs. No. 2 West Wilkes

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Randleman vs. No. 9 Nash Central

No. 5 Bunn vs. No. 4 East Duplin

No. 3 Southwest Onslow vs. No. 6 Roanoke Rapids

No. 7 Ledford Senior vs. No. 2 Central Davidson

No. 1 West Stokes vs. No. 8 Forbush

No. 5 Pisgah vs. No. 4 West Stanly

No. 19 North Surry vs. No. 11 Foard

No. 10 Mount Pleasant vs. No, 2 Bunker Hill

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Southeast Alamance vs. No. 8 C.B. Aycock

No. 5 Seaforth vs. No. 4 Rockingham County

No. 3 Eastern Alamance vs. No. 6 West Carteret

No. 7 South Brunswick vs. No. 2 Southern Nash

No. 1 Enka vs. No. 9 Oak Grove

No. 5 Crest vs. No. 13 West Rowan

No. 3 North Davidson vs. No. 6 Franklin

No. 10 East Rowan vs. No. 2 North Lincoln

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Union Pines vs. No. 9 South Johnston

No. 5 South View vs. No. 4 Gray’s Creek

No. 3 J.H. Rose vs. No. 6 Harnett Central

No. 7 Triton vs. No. 2 West Brunswick

No. 1 Kings Mountain vs. No. 8 Charlotte Catholic

No. 5 Alexander vs. No. 13 T.C. Roberson

No. 3 Piedmont vs. No. 6 Central Cabarrus

No. 10 A.C. Reynolds vs. No. 2 South Caldwell

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 D.H. Conley vs. No. 8 Wake Forest

No. 5 Purnell Sweet vs. No. 4 Cleveland

No. 3 Heritage vs. No. 6 Topsail

No. 7 South Central vs. No. 2 New Bern

No. 1 Weddington vs. No. 8 Mooresville

No. 5 A.L. Brown vs. No. 4 Hickory Ridge

No. 3 East Forsyth vs. No. 11 Porter Ridge

No. 7 Ronald Reagan vs. No. 2 South Iredell

Third Round – May 12

No. 1 Willow Spring vs. No. 4 Hoggard

No. 3 E.A. Laney vs. No. 2 Cornith Holders

No. 1 Providence vs. No. 4 Hough

No. 3 West Forsyth vs. No. 2 Apex Friendship

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North Carolina

Perspective | What North Carolina gets right about workforce: Progress beyond politics

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2026

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Perspective | What North Carolina gets right about workforce: Progress beyond politics

Across the country, workforce development is often framed as a policy challenge. In North Carolina, we’ve come to understand it as something more fundamental: a shared responsibility between educators and employers that works best when it rises above politics. It is a nonpartisan priority with bipartisan support — and a clear focus on outcomes.

North Carolina’s approach to workforce and talent development offers a different model — one grounded in collaboration, consistency, data, and a relentless focus on student and employer needs.

Over the past several years, our state has aligned around an ambitious goal: ensuring that 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 hold a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. myFutureNC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, led by a bipartisan Board of Directors, that was created to champion this work.

This goal is not owned by a single administration or political party. It is the state’s attainment goal — codified in law with bipartisan support and signed by the governor — to ensure North Carolina remains economically competitive now and into the future. The work is guided by leaders across business, education, policymakers, and philanthropy.

This kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires trust, discipline, and a willingness to prioritize long-term impact over short-term wins — placing the needs of students and employers above the silos that often define education and workforce systems.

North Carolina’s leaders don’t agree on everything, and unanimity is not what makes this work. There is broad agreement on a set of essential truths: Talent is the top driver of economic development. Education fuels economic prosperity, public safety, and healthier communities. Having a robust educational system and an educated population is one of our state’s greatest assets. Economic mobility matters. And preparing people for meaningful work benefits everyone.

This alignment is delivering results. North Carolina has been named the No. 1 state for business three out of the past four years and ranks No. 1 for workforce — reinforcing what’s possible when leaders stay focused on shared priorities.

This strong foundation has enabled progress in areas that often stall in partisan debate. Through strategic policy and philanthropic investments, the state has expanded pathways into high-demand careers, strengthened connections between education and industry, and increased access to work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.

That same foundation is shaping how policy is developed in real time. The proposed Workforce Act of 2026 reflects North Carolina’s cross-sector approach — bringing together business and education leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to strengthen pathways into high-demand careers and expand access to work-based learning. Rather than introducing a new direction, this Act builds on what is already working, demonstrating how alignment can translate into coordinated action.

The bipartisan-led Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships puts this approach into practice. Building on the state’s existing foundation, the council brings together leaders from industry, education, and government to strengthen coordination across the workforce system. Its value lies not in setting a new direction, but in reinforcing and accelerating a shared one.

This is what it looks like to build systems designed to last. Workforce development is not a one-year initiative or a single funding cycle — it is a long-term investment in people, communities, employers, and the educational infrastructure that supports them. North Carolina’s progress is rooted in structures that bring partners together consistently, align efforts across sectors, and create continuity beyond political cycles.

By embedding collaboration into how the work gets done — not just what gets prioritized — the state has created a model that can evolve over time while staying focused on its goals.

Work remains to be done. Gaps in attainment persist, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of the state will require continued focus and innovation. But North Carolina’s significant progress and continued success being No. 1 nationally in many related categories demonstrates what is possible when leaders choose partnership over partisanship.

At a time when it’s easy to focus on what divides us, North Carolina offers a reminder: Some of the most important work we do — preparing people for the future of work and ensuring employers have access to skilled talent — is our north star and unifying force.

And in our shared goal of 2 million by 2030, we are not just building a stronger workforce. We are building a stronger state — for today and for generations to come.