New North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein told lawmakers during his first State of the State address that he wants a Hurricane Helene aid bill on his desk and seeks to help make living expenses affordable across the state.

After eight years, a new governor was at the podium to share the North Carolina State of the State address Wednesday night. Gov. Josh Stein spoke directly to citizens about his vision for the state while also highlighting people of North Carolina who he says “make our state strong.

The Democratic leader called for bipartisan cooperation in his address to the Republican-controlled General Assembly.