NC lawmakers unveil starting point for budget after yearlong stalemate

North Carolina lawmakers say they’ve reached a broad framework for a new state budget, ending a yearlong stalemate. The deal would raise pay for state employees (at least 3%, with teachers averaging about 8%), and includes tax changes with two anti‑tax amendments on the November ballot. Full details and final votes are still to come, and the plan must pass both chambers and win Gov. Stein’s approval. The state has lacked a new budget, though Medicaid funding has been addressed.