RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein gave his first address to a joint General Assembly session Wednesday night, hitting on familiar campaign and early-term themes of helping Hurricane Helene victims, making living expenses affordable and focusing on bipartisan accomplishments.

After eight years, a new governor will be at the podium to share the North Carolina State of the State address Wednesday night.

Stein said he plans to propose raises to childcare subsidy rates in his draft of the state budget, set to be released in late March.