NC lawmakers announce deal reached on state budget

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina legislative leaders announced on Tuesday that a tentative deal has been reached for the long-awaited state budget.

Lawmakers held an afternoon news conference to discuss the deal. They announced that included in the deal is an average teacher pay raise of 8%, including bonuses based on length of service.

"It will take starting teachers to No. 1 in the South," said House Speaker Destin Hall.

There are also raises of varying degrees to state law enforcement, and a little more than $40 million toward local agencies to provide a one-time bonus.

Also of note is a change to the personal income tax rate, namely in how and when revenue triggers would go into effect.

Though there will be a drop in the rate starting next year, that will remain in place for at least three years, before another scheduled rate drop for an additional three years.

Senate Leader Phil Berger and Hall said that an agreement has been reached on "big issues."

With the framework intact, work will continue during the next several weeks to iron out the final spending figures.

Now the ball is in the court of appropriations chairs; there are also typically requested changes from government agencies, so this is not a done deal. Still, this is real momentum with key hurdles now cleared.

It was a major step forward after the chambers were engaged in a months-long stalemate.

In April, Gov. Josh Stein released his budget proposal. North Carolina is the only state in the nation without a newly adopted budget.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news and weather alerts