Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say a budget vote is still unlikely.
RALEIGH, N.C. โ North Carolina remains the only state that did not pass a budget last year, leaving teachers and law enforcement without raises as legislators prepare to return to Raleigh later this month.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say a budget vote soon is still unlikely.
Last month, Gov. Josh Stein proposed a $1.4 billion critical needs budget that includes $319 million for Medicaid. The proposal also calls for a 13% increase in starting teacher pay and a 5.8% average raise for all teachers, totaling $397 million. Stein is also seeking $99 million for public safety, including a 10% raise for law enforcement.
Sen. Brad Overcash, a Republican representing Gaston County, said public safety will be a top priority when the General Assembly reconvenes.
“You’re going to continue to see a focus on public safety,” Overcash said on Flashpoint. “If we don’t get that right in this state, it’s going to damage us economically, and we’re not going to allow that to happen.”
Republican leaders have already passed Iryna’s Law, aimed at cracking down on repeat offenders. The legislation came in response to the killing of Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail last year. The law is expected to increase the number of people held in county jails, though Democrats have criticized it for not providing enough funding to handle the increased capacity.
Rep. Jordan Lopez of Mecklenburg County said he will push for more local judicial funding during the upcoming session.
“If you’re requiring us to house more people or to confine more people who we suspect of having mental health issues, we don’t have the staff for it,” Lopez said. “If you’re increasing our caseload, we don’t have the capacity for it at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.”
Lawmakers are set to return to session on April 21. The full interview will air at 9 p.m. Monday on Flashpoint, only on the free WCNC+ streaming app.ย
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
