Republican Speaker: Undaunted conservatism, storm recovery are my visions for NC | Opinion

I grew up in Lenoir, a small town where generations of hardworking families built their livelihoods in the furniture and textile industries. When those industries began to decline in the 1990s, largely due to policies like NAFTA, I saw the devastating results of failed leadership in our government. These destructive impacts were repeated in towns all across North Carolina and the rest of the country, leaving rusted-out shells where strong, cohesive communities once stood.

The challenges my hometown faced seared into me the importance of having strong and thoughtful leaders who put America first. It was the genesis of my desire to enter public service, and it fuels my determination to advocate for families across North Carolina. My priority as Speaker of the House is to ensure that our state is a place of opportunity — where hard work is rewarded, challenges are met with resilience and every person has the chance to thrive, no matter their background and no matter where they live in North Carolina.

Out of the ashes of the economic carnage our state faced from our jobs going overseas, Republican leadership in the General Assembly has turned our state into an economic powerhouse over the past 14 years. Through pro-business policies, lower taxes and fiscal responsibility, we’ve created an environment where families, workers and retirees can thrive. North Carolina now boasts record-low unemployment, steady job growth and balanced budgets that ensure our financial future. North Carolina has become a top state for business and job creation, and thousands are flocking here to build a life.

Back home in Caldwell County, we have shared the benefits of these pro-growth policies, with new industries like pharmaceutical manufacturing growing year after year. As I step into the role of state House speaker, I’m committed to building on this legacy and continuing to champion the conservative policies and values that have made North Carolina a success.

Republicans will prioritize conservative policies that unite us and deliver results. As we look ahead, we must remain laser-focused onpolicies that ease burdens on hardworking families and small businesses. By lowering taxes and cutting unnecessary regulations, we have created an environment where opportunity thrives for all North Carolinians.

We must never forget that North Carolina’s best asset is the people of this state. Workforce development and education will ensure our people are prepared for good-paying jobs that support families and strengthen communities. We’ll continue to pursue common-sense policies, like keeping men out of women’s sports, expanding school choice, and voter ID requirements.

Public safety is a cornerstone of strong communities and will remain a top priority of the state House. North Carolinians are rightly concerned about crime in their communities. We will ensure safer communities by supporting law enforcement and advancing meaningful crime reduction measures. We will continue to pursue legislation like my bill requiring law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officers regarding illegal immigrants who have been charged with serious crimes in our state. This law helps close dangerous loopholes, ensuring violent criminals are held accountable.

As Speaker, I will continue to stand with law enforcement to protect North Carolinians from threats to their safety. North Carolinians have embraced President Trump’s vision for a safer, stronger America, and I am committed to upholding that vision at home.

Our first priority and most urgent task at hand will be rebuilding western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

To my neighbors in the mountains: you will not be forgotten, and we will see the work of recovery through to the very end.

Thanks to the sound fiscal policies of the Republican General Assembly, we have the resources to grapple with natural disasters. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but North Carolina is prepared, determined and moving forward. We will rebuild stronger than before.

As Speaker, I’m committed to ensuring opportunity for every North Carolinian — a state where families thrive, businesses prosper, and communities are safe. Thanks to the conservative leadership in our state for nearly 15 years, we are in the best position to continue to improve the lives of the citizens of our state. Together, we will build on this strong foundation to make North Carolina the best place in the nation to live, work, raise a family and build a business.

I am honored to serve and lead as we work to build that future together.

This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Republican Speaker: Undaunted conservatism, storm recovery are my visions for NC | Opinion."