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Governor Stein Signs North Carolina Budget with Historic Pay Raises for Teachers and Law Enforcement
The plan includes the largest teacher raise in nearly 50 years and higher pay for state employees and law enforcement, supporters said.
On Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a $34 billion state budget, finalizing a spending plan that Republican legislative leaders negotiated for over a year.
This action marks the first comprehensive state budget in more than 1,000 days, passed last week with enough support to override a gubernatorial veto despite Stein's acknowledgment of 'flaws'.
Teachers receive 8% average raises and law enforcement officials get up to 17% increases, while the plan reduces personal income tax rates to 3.49% next year and provides 3% raises for all state employees.
Senate Bill 257 allocates $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief and adds $450 million to the Savings Reserve, funding infrastructure projects including a new children's hospital in Apex.
While some Democrats criticized the limited review time and a provision banning legal aid funding, Stein defended the agreement, stating it delivers on key priorities like education and state employee support.