The plan includes raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers, though reactions to the proposal remain mixed.
Retha Daniel Ruth, a school bus driver and cafeteria worker with Durham Public Schools, said she has dedicated decades to her job and cares deeply about her work.
"This is beginning my 40th year working for Durham Public Schools," she said.
During those four decades, she said the rising cost of living has outpaced her pay. She has previously shared concerns about struggling to keep up financially.
"We're already behind, and now we're way behind. And the clock is still ticking. And the bills are not stopping," Daniel Ruth said.
Under the proposal released Tuesday by lawmakers on Jones Street, non-certified school staffers such as Ruth could see a 3% raise. She said that the increase falls short.
Full proposed budget
"Three percent is not enough. We've asked for a lot more. Three percent is not even giving us a good thousand-dollar-a-year raise," said Daniel Ruth.
Teachers could see larger increases, with an average raise of about 8% and additional bonuses based on years of service. Starting teacher pay would rise to $48,000 before local supplements.
The nearly 635-page budget also calls for a 3% raise for state employees and significant increases for law enforcement. State Bureau of Investigation and Alcohol Law Enforcement officers could see an average raise of about 20%, while Highway Patrol officers could receive a 17% increase. Local law enforcement officers across the state would receive a one-time $1,750 bonus.
Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert said leaders are balancing competing priorities as they work through the budget.
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" Everyone has interests from different areas, and they're trying to represent their communities and their constituents. So, for us, it's a huge, we're excited about it," said Gilbert
That excitement is centered on funding included in the budget for health care, including $208.5 million for a planned N.C. Children's Hospital on a 230-acre campus near Interstate 540 and U.S. 1.
"I looked at it as another opportunity for enhanced health care, which is something needed, Gilbert said.
He added that the project could provide both medical services and economic benefits during and after construction.
"We understand that families will need this health care, and this provides that opportunity. And when you look at the construction jobs -- it's going to take a while to build. That brings people in. They're going to spend money at restaurants and shop. And then once the project is completed with families, we may have more people that want to move to our town," Gilbert said.
The development is expected to contribute to the region's economic vitality.
Lawmakers are expected to begin voting on the proposal Wednesday. If approved, the state would have a finalized budget after operating without one for more than a year.
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