North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signs $34.4 billion state budget

Governor Josh Stein signed a $34.4 billion budget for North Carolina, highlighting major investments in public education. The plan includes an average 8% pay raise for teachers, a starting salary of $48,000 for new teachers, and one‑time bonuses of $500 or $1,000 depending on experience. It also funds community‑college initiatives such as Propel NC, Apprenticeship NC, and salary increases for college staff.

Other notable provisions add $450 million to the state’s Rainy‑Day Fund, increase gambling wagering fees from 18% to 23%, and allocate $208.5 million for a new children’s hospital in Apex. The budget reduces personal income‑tax rates over the next decade and expands the state’s ability to compete in healthcare by removing old certificate‑of‑need rules.

Stein said the budget delivers the largest teacher‑pay raise in nearly 50 years but acknowledged gaps, particularly for veteran teachers and public‑safety funding. The legislation also delays a new principal‑pay schedule until 2027.