North Carolina lawmakers approve new state budget, sending plan to Governor Stein
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina lawmakers have approved a new $34 billion state budget, sending the measure to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration after months of negotiations.
The budget received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, but it also sparked criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups over what it includes and what it leaves out.
The spending plan outlines pay increases for state employees, with some law enforcement agencies, including the State Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation and Alcohol Law Enforcement, set to receive double-digit percentage raises.
However, some state employee advocates say many workers will see much smaller increases.
"We know the state of North Carolina needed to pass a budget, but this is a very disappointing budget," said Flint Benson, a political strategist and lobbyist for the State Employees Association of North Carolina.
Benson noted that many state employees are slated to receive a 3% raise over two years, while retirees would receive a one-time bonus rather than a cost-of-living adjustment.
"We have a lot of state employees that are receiving a 3% raise, which when you say that's over a two-year period, that's a one-and-a-half percent raise," Benson said.
North Carolina has continued operating under its 2023 budget while lawmakers worked to reach an agreement. New pay rates included in the budget will not be retroactive, although some employees will receive bonuses.
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Lawmakers also acknowledged the lengthy process it took to finalize the spending plan following a prolonged budget stalemate between Republican leaders in the House and Senate.
"There are many states who finish the budget in March, or April or May - not wait until June or July," said Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth. "These budgets have gotten so much more complicated."
Democrats also criticized the delay.
"One of our most fundamental responsibilities is to pass a balanced budget," said Rep. Sarah Crawford, D-Wake. "Yet here we are, nearly a year after that work should have been completed."
The budget now heads to Gov. Stein's desk for review.
