NC Governor Stein proposes $33.65 billion budget prioritizing education, tax changes

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has unveiled his first budget proposal for the 2025-2027 fiscal years, highlighting a focus on education, family support, and economic growth. His plan, which totals $33.65 billion for the first year, includes significant investments in public school teacher salaries, free community college for certain career paths, and extensive hurricane recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Stein also proposed freezing scheduled tax cuts and scaling back private school vouchers, emphasizing the need to maintain current tax rates to avoid fiscal challenges. The budget aims to enhance child care options, health care services, and public safety while addressing social issues like fentanyl addiction. Stein's approach seeks cooperation from the Republican-led legislature to pass the budget, which he believes prioritizes the needs of families and children in North Carolina. His proposals are framed as essential for sustaining the state's strength and future growth.