Governor Stein Pushes for Immediate Budget Action to Aid Teachers and Police

Governor Josh Stein Calls for Immediate Action on State Budget

Governor Josh Stein has emphasized the urgent need for North Carolina to address its state budget, highlighting the importance of supporting working residents and creating opportunities for all. His message is clear: without a passed budget, critical services and programs across the state will suffer, impacting everyday lives in significant ways.

The governor stressed that a well-structured budget is essential for the state’s future. “The people of North Carolina need and deserve a state budget,” he said. “Without one, our teachers will start the school year without a well-deserved pay raise, law enforcement agencies will struggle to recruit and retain quality personnel, the DMV won’t be able to hire enough staff to reduce wait times, and the Medicaid program will face cuts to essential health care.”

Impact on Educators

Educators across the state are particularly concerned about the lack of clarity regarding their salaries and recognition of their years of service. Rachel Candaso, the 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, shared her concerns. “Many educators are starting the year without knowing what their salary will be, or whether their years of service will be fully recognized,” she said. “Without a passed budget, educators are faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether they can afford to stay in the profession they love. I call on our legislators to pass a budget that honors our work and invests in North Carolina’s future.”

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement officials are also feeling the strain of an unpassed budget. Kimberly Lane, a Captain in the Durham County Sheriff Training Division, highlighted the challenges faced by officers. “People want to feel safe in their homes, in their cars, in their businesses, and in everything they do, and law enforcement has to do more with fewer resources to do that, often to the detriment of their own health,” she said. “Every position in our agency is valued, and when officers leave, it is a loss to us, our county, and our profession. A budget is a step in the right direction to encourage more people to get into the profession and stay.”

DMV Struggles

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is another area facing significant challenges. Sarah Morgan, a DMV customer, shared her frustration. “After sending 4 kids to college and saving for 10 years to buy our first home, I still have not been able to update my address or upgrade to Real ID at the DMV,” she said. “The problem with our DMV is a crisis in our state. Governor Stein has created a plan and a budget to solve the crisis, and we need our state representatives to put aside party divisions and factions to pass this budget.”

Medicaid Expansion and Health Care Access

For many residents, access to health care is a matter of life and death. Joanna Parker, a Medicaid recipient, shared her story. “When I got a diagnosis for degenerative disc disease, I did not have health care – and had not been able to afford adequate health care for years,” she said. “Medicaid expansion allows me to receive the care I need to remain healthy and be with my friends and family. I hope North Carolina lawmakers do what is right, so the more than 670,000 people like me continue to receive this life-saving health care.”

Financial Struggles for Seniors

Seniors on fixed incomes are also deeply affected by the lack of a budget. Milltrene Newell, a resident of Louisburg, expressed her disappointment. “As a senior citizen on fixed income, I need my bills to be consistent,” she said. “My utility bill continues to skyrocket, and the last thing I can afford is for my light bill to go up. I am disappointed by the General Assembly voting to raise my utility bill – let's focus on helping people succeed instead.”

Governor’s Budget Proposal

According to a release from Governor Stein’s Office, a budget for the 2025-2027 biennium was due on July 1. In March, Governor Stein released his budget proposal, which includes pay raises for teachers, law enforcement, correctional officers, and caregivers, as well as investments in North Carolina’s workforce. This proposal aims to address the immediate needs of the state while building a stronger foundation for the future.