Today, Governor Josh Stein and State Budget Director Kristin Walker presented the 2025-2027 budget proposal for North Carolina. The proposal aims to make strategic investments in several key areas including the economy, education, health care, and public safety.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of maintaining the state’s strength for future generations. “North Carolina is strong because our people are strong, and we must work to maintain our strength so that future generations will continue to reap the benefits of our work,” he stated. He further noted that his budget prioritizes families by focusing on job opportunities, education, health, and safety.
The budget includes measures to enhance workforce opportunities through expanded apprenticeship programs and free community college for students in high-demand fields. It also supports individuals reentering the workforce post-incarceration.
Addressing financial burdens faced by residents, the budget proposes expanding child care options and increasing pay for early childhood educators. It also includes tax cuts aimed at middle-class families and initiatives to increase housing availability.
In education, Governor Stein’s plan seeks to raise starting teacher salaries to lead in the Southeast region. Additional investments include hiring more school nurses and counselors, providing free school breakfasts, upgrading school infrastructure for safety purposes, and proposing a $4 billion bond for modernizing school facilities.
Public safety is another focus area with proposed raises for law enforcement officers and measures against fentanyl distribution. Investments are also planned for solving cold cases involving sexual assault and equipping officers with body cameras.
Health initiatives within the budget promote affordable healthcare access, support rural clinics, address substance use disorders, and ensure clean air and water standards across North Carolina.
To ensure fiscal responsibility while accommodating population growth demands, Governor Stein proposes freezing current individual and corporate tax rates. The establishment of an IMPACT Center is suggested to enhance state program efficiency.
For further details on Governor Stein’s full budget proposal, additional resources are available online.
