RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) – For the first time in several years, North Carolina state government has a fully approved budget. While stating some reservations, Democratic Governor Josh Stein signed the $34 billion spending plan approved by the Republican-led General Assembly.
“North Carolinians expect their elected officials to come together across our differences to deliver for people. This budget delivers the largest starting teacher pay raise in nearly 50 years and overall teacher pay raise in fifteen years, fully funds Medicaid for the year, and provides historic salary increases to public safety officers who sacrifice to keep our communities and prisons safe,” Stein said in a statement.
“It reaffirms our commitment to western North Carolina’s full recovery and eliminates tax exemptions for data centers’ electricity use. The budget also makes meaningful investments in our community colleges, the DMV, child care, cybersecurity, a new veterans’ home, clean drinking water, and summer food programs for kids.
“This budget has real flaws, however. The legislature slashed more than 1,000 state government positions, making it harder for us to keep people safe and healthy. It also includes a number of unconstitutional and wrong-headed provisions like those shifting power from the executive branch or those that are hostile to local governments, especially Charlotte.
“Going forward, there is more work to do. We must continue to invest even more in public safety, public education, and other public services to be competitive with other states and to serve our people well. But as today’s budget proves, we can work together to get things done. I am eager to keep at it with the General Assembly to keep building on our momentum to create a North Carolina that’s safer, stronger, and more prosperous with opportunity for every person.”
The budget required Senate and House Republicans to hash out differences over issues such as taxes and priorities. The compromise received enough votes — including some from Democrats — to withstand a possible veto by Stein.
After the signing, State House Speaker Destin Hall also issued a statement: “(Today), the best budget in decades becomes law, delivering historic raises for teachers and law enforcement, as well as tax relief for the working men and women of our state. There is something in this budget for every North Carolinian, and the meaningful investments we’ve made will deliver real results that strengthen our communities, put more money back in people’s pockets, and improve lives across our state.”
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger also issuing a statement:
“For over 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have meticulously crafted budgets to rein in the runaway spending Democrats were dependent on. After decades of fiscal recklessness, Republicans right-sized state government and sent billions of dollars back to residents in the form of regular personal income tax cuts and reforms.
“Our fiscal policies resulted in an incredible decade of success and economic growth. Senate Republicans fought to secure a budget that would continue those efforts, and the budget Gov. Stein signed does just that. It continues to slash tax rates for all North Carolinians and prioritize the needs of our citizens, not bureaucrats.
“This budget supports educational access, from our K-12 public schools and private schools to expanding community college workforce programs and our UNC System campuses. We replenished our savings account and ensured hurricane recovery efforts can continue. We also addressed critical healthcare needs and chipped away at archaic certificate-of-need laws that drive up costs for patients.
“I’m glad Gov. Stein recognizes how vital this budget is for the people of North Carolina.”
Governor Stein also signed a technical corrections bill.