Historic $34B budget now heads to NC Gov. Josh Stein’s desk

RALEIGH, N.C. – After a years-long standoff, North Carolina lawmakers have officially passed a historic $34 billion state budget.

The Republican-led plan passed both chambers with bipartisan support on Thursday, sending the proposal to Governor Josh Stein.

The budget secures an average three-percent raise for most state workers, eight-percent for teachers, and up to nearly 18-percent for certain law enforcement.

It also cuts personal income taxes to 3.49 percent next year.

While Republicans praise its responsible spending, Democrats criticize the delay, noting that crucial raises are not retroactive.