Attorney General Josh Stein issued a statement on September 11, 2024, criticizing Republican legislators for what he describes as neglecting the needs of North Carolina families.
“North Carolinians want their families to be safe and their children to get a strong education – but Republican legislators have ignored what most North Carolina families want,” Stein stated.
He emphasized that law enforcement officials across the state have been consistently requesting additional resources to recruit and retain peace officers. “Sheriffs and police chiefs across the state have been asking repeatedly for more resources so they can recruit and retain peace officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. But the legislature refuses to give them the funding they need to serve our communities. Their refusal to listen to law enforcement is putting our public safety at risk,” Stein said.
Stein also criticized the General Assembly's decision to redirect billions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private institutions. He argued that this move undermines public education standards. “And the General Assembly’s decision to take billions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to pour into unaccountable private schools is a betrayal of every child’s right to a sound, basic public education," he stated. "Private schools that accept vouchers have no obligation to evaluate student learning, have certified teachers, keep kids safe, be accredited, have an approved curriculum, or accept all students."
Stein noted that there is already a plan in place aimed at ensuring quality education by having qualified teachers and principals in every school. However, he expressed disappointment over the legislature's lack of investment in this plan. “The state already has a plan that would make sure we have a good teacher in every classroom and a good principal in every school. But the General Assembly won’t invest in our children and their futures. They are failing our kids, and it’s a disgrace.”