US EditionGovernor Stein Asks for $1.4 Billion to Fund 'Critical Needs' as NC Lawmakers yet to Finalize Budget
The $1.4 billion proposal includes $319 million to fully fund Medicaid serving 3 million residents and raises for teachers, law enforcement, and state employees amid urgent funding gaps.
- On March 9, 2026, Governor Josh Stein proposed a $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget and asked the General Assembly to fast-track it to address urgent funding gaps.
- With no full budget for nearly two and a half years, North Carolina faces fiscal strain from planned tax cuts, population growth, and rising costs while operating under the previous spending plan.
- Among the listed allocations, the plan specifies $319 million for Medicaid, $397 million for teacher and instructional support raises, $99.1 million for law enforcement, $28.4 million for nurses, and $240.9 million for state employees.
- The proposal now heads to lawmakers, who will decide in the coming weeks, with GOP spokespeople warning it lacks basic cost controls, according to Lauren Horsch and Demi Dowdy.
- With a July 1 budget start date looming, officials say population growth, a 6% rise in living costs, and staffing shortages make urgent action necessary as lawmakers return next month.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Stein pushes $1.4 billion mini-budget for Medicaid, raises
Gov. Josh Stein urged lawmakers to pass a $1.4 billion “critical needs” budget covering Medicaid shortfalls, teacher raises, law enforcement pay, nurses, retirees, and corrections funding. House leaders said they share many priorities but questioned Stein’s Medicaid approach as broader budget talks continue.
NC Gov. Stein proposes $1.4B budget to fund Medicaid, pay raises | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Gov. Josh Stein called on the General Assembly to fast-track a $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget on Monday, March 9, citing urgent funding shortfalls in Medicaid and pay for state employees. State lawmakers are set to return to Raleigh next month with the budget as a top priority after missing the deadline last year. North Carolina is the only state in the country to have finished 2025 without a new budget, according t…
Watauga Democrat
The Center SquareStein’s $1.4B proposal swiftly rejected by Republican majorities
(The Center Square) – Day 252 of North Carolina’s wait for a state budget included a brief gaveling in of the General Assembly, a $1.4 billion critical needs budget proposal from the governor, and a swift rejection from General Assembly…
Stein presses legislature for $1.4M 'critical needs budget'
Gov. Josh Stein is calling on the General Assembly to pass what he calls a “$1.4 million critical needs budget,” as members of the Council of State from both major parties said in their last meeting they are reaching a breaking point. Stein told Carolina Journal exclusively last week that he would reveal his budget plans this week. At a press conference on Monday, he reminded reporters that North Carolina is the only state in the country that di…
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