North Carolina Governor Stein has introduced a budget proposal for 2025-2027, drawing praise from various sectors. The budget aims to bolster North Carolina's economy and address concerns related to family welfare, health care, education, and public safety. Stakeholders across these areas have expressed their support, emphasizing how this budget aligns with their goals and needs.
Officials and experts have highlighted the budget's focus on tax cuts for working families, a move designed to alleviate the burden of rising costs of living. "The Governor's proposal makes sure working families keep more of what they earn and can keep up with rising costs for the basics like groceries, gas, and rent," said Alexandra Sirota, the Executive Director of the NC Budget and Tax Center on the North Carolina Office of the Governor website. Additionally, organizations like the North Carolina Partnership for Children and Carolina Hunger Initiative recognized the budget's potential positive impacts on child care solutions and nutrition programs, respectively.
In terms of workforce development, the Governor's budget aligns with the educational and industry needs for a competitive economy. As noted by MyFutureNC, the proposal includes increased financial support for students aiming for credentials and degrees critical in today's job market. Similarly, Surry-Yadkin Works has backed the Governor, seeing value in the increased opportunities for work-based learning that align with local business demands.
Education has also been a primary focus of Stein's budget proposal. Both the North Carolina State Board Chair Eric Davis, and State Superintendent Mo Green have lent their backing to the budget, which proposes substantial raises for teachers and reinstates master’s pay for over 1,000 educators with advanced degrees. "This proposal raises starting teacher salaries to the highest in the Southeast, provides a 10.6% average raise for existing teachers over the biennium," Green highlighted in an expression of support as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
The area of school nutrition has not been overlooked, with the Governor's budget setting aside $85 million for the Department of Public Instruction, intended to provide free breakfast to K-12 public school students. "This budget proposal reflects a deep commitment to our students, educators and communities," explained Abby Emanuelson, Executive Director of NC School Meals for All on the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
