NC signs GOP budget: tax cuts, state employee raises, and new projects

Gov. Josh Stein signed the $34 billion budget after a year of GOP negotiations, delivering 3% raises for state workers (teacher boosts averaging 8%, some law enforcement up to 17%) and a personal income tax rate cut from 3.99% to 3.49% next year. The plan funds community colleges, the DMV, childcare and summer meals, and big-ticket projects like a new Apex children’s hospital, while eliminating hundreds of vacant positions and barring funding to some civil-legal groups. Critics say raises lag inflation and jobs will be cut; supporters call it needed tax relief and investments.