North Carolina's Safety Gets a Massive, Comprehensive Boost Under Governor Stein's New Plan

In the heart of Raleigh, Governor Josh Stein stood before the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, his voice steady with conviction. He spoke not just as a leader but as a partner to those who risk their lives daily to protect communities. His message was clear: North Carolina’s future depends on a robust, well-supported law enforcement system. Stein’s 2025-2027 budget proposal, a $67.9 billion blueprint, reflects this urgency, weaving together strategic investments to bolster public safety while addressing the state’s most pressing challenges.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Across the nation, cities grapple with rising crime rates and police shortages, leaving communities vulnerable. Stein’s plan stands out as a beacon of proactive governance, prioritizing the tools and resources officers need to succeed. From salary increases to specialized units targeting fentanyl and cold cases, his vision is rooted in a belief that safety is a right, not a privilege. It’s a refreshing contrast to the empty rhetoric often heard from those who claim to champion law enforcement but falter when it’s time to act.

Yet, this isn’t just about funding police. Stein’s approach recognizes that true safety requires tackling root causes, like the opioid crisis and unresolved crimes that haunt families. His budget is a testament to the idea that government can be both compassionate and effective, a principle that resonates deeply in a state where trust in institutions is hard-earned. As North Carolina looks to the future, Stein’s leadership offers a path forward that balances strength with humanity.

Law enforcement officers face unimaginable pressures, running toward danger while others seek safety. Stein understands this sacrifice, which is why his budget allocates over $30 million annually for raises for state law enforcement, correctional officers, and youth counselors. These aren’t token gestures but meaningful steps to address a nationwide staffing crisis. A 2024 survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found agencies operating at just 91% of authorized levels, with recruitment growing harder each year. North Carolina is no exception, and Stein’s plan, including signing bonuses for new hires, aims to reverse this trend.

Compare this to the approach of some federal policymakers, particularly those aligned with the Republican Study Committee, who tout their support for police while proposing cuts to programs like Community Oriented Policing Services. Such contradictions undermine the very officers they claim to back, leaving local departments scrambling. Stein’s budget, by contrast, is a lifeline, ensuring officers are not only hired but valued, with the resources to thrive in an increasingly complex profession.

The impact of these investments extends beyond numbers. Better staffing means faster response times, stronger community trust, and less burnout for officers stretched thin. In a state where rural and urban needs differ, Stein’s commitment to equitable support ensures no community is left behind. It’s a pragmatic yet bold response to a crisis that demands action over slogans.

Fentanyl has cast a long shadow over North Carolina, as it has across the nation. In 2023, synthetic opioids like fentanyl were linked to 69% of fatal overdoses, a grim statistic that underscores the urgency of Stein’s proposed Fentanyl Control Unit. This dedicated team, backed by over $10 million annually, will focus on disrupting trafficking networks and prosecuting those fueling the crisis. It’s a targeted strike against a drug so potent that just two milligrams can kill.

Recent progress offers hope. Nationwide, fentanyl seizures dropped 41% between January and February 2025, and fatal overdoses fell by 25% in some states. But the fight is far from over. Stein’s plan builds on these gains by investing in prevention, including opioid use programs in correctional facilities and new drug agent positions. Unlike some who rely solely on punitive measures, Stein pairs enforcement with public health strategies, recognizing that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.

This comprehensive approach stands in stark contrast to those who prioritize border security over domestic solutions. While international cooperation is vital, the real battle is fought in communities where fentanyl destroys lives. Stein’s unit is a commitment to saving those lives, ensuring North Carolina doesn’t just react to the crisis but prevents it.

For families of victims in unsolved cases, time doesn’t heal; it deepens the wound. Stein’s proposed Cold Case Unit, focused on sexual assault cases, is a promise to deliver justice long denied. By funding experienced investigators and leveraging advanced forensics, like DNA databases, the unit aims to resolve cases that have lingered for decades. This isn’t just about closure; it’s about accountability, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.

Nationally, cold case work is underfunded, with agencies spending a median of just $35,000 annually. Stein’s investment bucks this trend, aligning with federal efforts like the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s $500,000 grants for specialized units. The results speak for themselves: thousands of DNA matches have solved cases once thought hopeless. Yet, some argue that resources should prioritize immediate policing needs, a shortsighted view that ignores the ripple effects of unresolved crimes on community trust.

Stein’s focus on sexual assault cases is particularly vital. These crimes, often sidelined, leave survivors grappling with trauma and systemic neglect. By prioritizing their stories, Stein sends a powerful message: no case is too old, no victim too forgotten. It’s a moral and practical imperative that strengthens the fabric of North Carolina’s communities.

Parents across North Carolina share a common hope: that their children return home safely from school each day. Stein’s budget answers this hope with $10 million annually for school safety grants and funding for 330 new School Resource Officers. These measures, paired with expanded behavioral threat assessment training, create a multilayered approach to protecting students. It’s a recognition that safety isn’t just about physical security but about fostering environments where kids can thrive.

This focus sets Stein apart from those who view school safety through a narrower lens, often emphasizing arming teachers or hardening buildings. Such measures, while well-intentioned, can alienate students and fail to address underlying issues like mental health. Stein’s plan invests in prevention, ensuring schools are places of learning, not fear. It’s a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the well-being of North Carolina’s future.

Governor Josh Stein’s budget is more than a financial plan; it’s a declaration of values. By investing in law enforcement, tackling fentanyl, resolving cold cases, and protecting schools, it charts a course for a safer, stronger North Carolina. These aren’t abstract policies but real solutions that will touch lives, from the officer on the beat to the family seeking justice. Stein’s leadership proves that government can rise to the moment, blending compassion with resolve.

As North Carolina moves forward, the contrast is stark. While some cling to symbolic gestures or inconsistent funding, Stein offers a blueprint grounded in action and accountability. His vision invites us to imagine a state where safety is universal, where communities are empowered, and where justice is never out of reach. It’s a call to build that future together, and it’s one we cannot ignore.