(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s two-year budget is ready for a vote, the speaker from the House of Representatives said Tuesday morning.
As the chamber prepared for a lengthy list of votes to begin in the morning, Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, on social media about 10 a.m. wrote, “The budget has been finalized and will be voted on this week. The House fought for and delivered one of the strongest budgets our state has seen in decades.
“We secured historic raises for teachers and law enforcement, cut taxes, and strengthened public safety. This budget was worth fighting for.”
News emerged a month ago that major sticking points had been resolved, with expectation of needing a month to resolve details. Over the weekend, a finalized spending plan gained more momentum in published reports.
The Senate convened briefly Tuesday morning and resumes in earnest in late afternoon.
If agreed by both chambers, the budget goes to the governor for signing. He has 10 days to sign, veto or allow to become law without his signature – the latter a move his predecessor did in 2023 with the last budget.
If vetoed, the chambers could override if able to secure three-fifths majority in each chamber.
Expected in the budget, based on May’s announcement, are average raises of 8% for teachers that boost starting teacher pay to No. 1 in the South. The deal will provide raises to veteran teachers, even those stuck on the step scale late in their careers.
Lawmen and correctional officers are ticketed for raises. An average of 20.3% is planned for State Bureau of Investigation and Alcohol Law Enforcement officers. State Highway Patrol raises are 17.7% on average with step increases, and up to 11.5% for Highway Patrol civilian personnel.
Correctional officers, another part of state employees, are due an average of 15.4% in raises. Probation and parole officers’ average is 10.1%.
Among other state employees that are not law enforcement, the average raise is 3%. Bonuses are $1,750 to those making less than $65,000 and $1,000 to those making above the figure.
State retirees will be getting a 2.5% bonus.
Personal income taxes are guaranteed to be down to 2.99% by 2032 with revenue triggers to eventually drop it to 2.49%.
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