Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has proposed a state budget for 2025-2027, seeking cooperation from the Republican-led General Assembly. The budget allocates $33.6 billion for the first year and $34.3 billion for the second year, with a significant portion going towards education, including raising teacher pay and providing free breakfast for students. Additionally, the budget proposes tax cuts for working families, aiming to bring $1,600 to certain families.
Despite seeking cooperation from the Republican-led legislature, Stein’s proposed budget did not include Hurricane Helene relief, sparking questions from lawmakers about the severity of the storm’s damage. The State Budget Office estimates a $60 billion price tag for full recovery, emphasizing the importance of federal funding.
While the federal government may provide significant funding for recovery efforts, communication on timing and amount has been limited. State Budget Director Kristin Walker mentioned that North Carolina may be entitled to more than $15 billion from the federal bill passed in December, but specific details are yet to be determined.
Overall, Governor Stein’s budget proposal emphasizes investment in education and tax cuts for working families, all while addressing the need for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina. The proposed budget will require cooperation from both parties to pass and receive necessary funding for recovery efforts.
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