North Carolina Gov. Stein Signs Stopgap Spending Bill Amid Budget Impasse

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a stopgap spending measure to keep state services running while lawmakers remain deadlocked in a budget impasse. Stein criticized the mini-budget as inadequate, highlighting its failure to provide meaningful raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement, and its insufficient funding for Medicaid, which could lead to reduced services or provider rates. Despite these shortcomings, Stein signed the bill, calling it a necessary "Band-Aid" to maintain government operations, but he vetoed legislation that would have directed the state to participate in a yet-to-be-implemented federal tax credit program aimed at expanding school-choice options. Republican legislative leaders acknowledge the budget impasse stems from disagreements over tax cuts and other policy issues but say they remain willing to negotiate a comprehensive budget. Meanwhile, the stopgap budget includes funds for K-12 schools, community colleges, state construction projects, and creates a new agency tasked with recommending state office eliminations. Stein has urged lawmakers to finalize a full budget soon to better invest in education, public safety, and healthcare.