Appropriate $25 million for the Selectsite Readiness Program managed by EDPNC for the improvement of sites in the program and to allow for subsequent rounds of statewide applications for additional sites seeking to be included in the program.

• Support the North Carolina Community College System’s Propel NC initiative, which realigns program funding by prioritizing courses that support high-demand, high wage fields.

• Encourage state funding to enhance accessible, affordable childcare, which will enable parents to remain in the workforce, reduce turnover, and promote a stable talent pipeline.

• Enhance funding to eliminate the skills gap through mentorships and apprenticeships that will provide hands-on experience, foster career development, and improve job retention.

• Support state appropriations for completion assistance grants that will facilitate program and credential completion and result in a better educated, more skilled workforce.

• Support Western North Carolina recovery and resiliency efforts.
• Provide additional funds for EDPNC to finance their operations, re-start business marketing and continue tourism marketing campaigns, and to improve sites in the Selectsite program.
• Seek state appropriations to fund grants for investments in infrastructure to create additional capacity for new businesses and existing business expansions. This investment will ensure the state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.