Governor Stein unveils 2025-2027 budget proposal for North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced a comprehensive 2025-2027 budget proposal, prioritizing investments in education, economy, and public safety. Key initiatives include raising starting teacher salaries to $44,500 in 2025 and $51,200 by 2027, with additional supplements for rural districts, and a $4 billion bond to modernize school infrastructure. The budget also proposes tax cuts for middle-class families, including a child tax credit and a working families tax cut, potentially providing up to $1,600 annually for qualifying families. Stein emphasizes expanding child care options, supporting workforce reintegration post-incarceration, and offering free community college for students in high-demand fields. The proposal includes increases in pay for law enforcement and state employees, although it suggests freezing some corporate tax cuts. Despite these plans, the final decision rests with the Republican-controlled legislature.