North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed the decree on Tuesday, July 7, five days after his approval in the General Assembly, the state budget of more than $34 billion
Despite enacting the measure, he acknowledged that he still has concerns about some of the provisions.
“I’m not going to hide the flaws in this budget,” Stein said at a press conference.
Even so, he asserted that the plan's approval demonstrates that "it is possible to work together to achieve results" and affirmed that he will continue to collaborate with the General Assembly.
“I am committed to continuing to work with the General Assembly to build on this momentum and create a safer, stronger, and more prosperous North Carolina with opportunities for all people,” he added.
Stein highlights the benefits, but maintains his criticisms
The plan grants salary increases of 3% for all state employees, including increases of up to 8% for teachers and up to 17% for various law enforcement officers.
These increases were one of the main points of negotiation in the budget.
Although there was consensus on the need to improve wages, Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about other provisions.
These include measures regarding cuts to legal assistance services for victims of domestic violence.
Stein echoed some of these concerns, but stated that he would not oppose pay increases for state employees.
“This budget includes the largest starting salary increase for teachers in nearly 50 years, and the largest overall increase in 15 years, and provides historic pay raises for the public safety officers who sacrifice themselves to keep our communities and prisons safe,” Stein said in a press release.
Related: North Carolina teacher pay gap is 8th highest in the country
“Real deficiencies”
Stein also stated that the budget also allocates “significant investments to the community collegesto the DMV, to childcareto cybersecurity, to a new veterans' residence, to access to clean drinking water now summer feeding programs for children".
However, Stein reiterated that there are also “real shortcomings”.
“The legislature cut more than 1.000 positions in the state administration, which makes it harder for us to protect the safety and health of the population,” he said.
“It also includes several unconstitutional and misguided provisions, such as those that reduce the powers of the executive branch or that show hostility towards local governments, especially that of Charlotte,” he added.
For more information on the contents of the state budget: North Carolina General Assembly approves state budget after more than a year without agreement
First reactions from state leaders
Dave BoliekThe state auditor said North Carolina will benefit from the budget provisions.
“The new resources, which include significant funding for technological advancements and initiatives aimed at eradicating waste, fraud, and abuse, will lay the foundation for greater accountability and transparency across the public administration,” Boliek said in a press release.
Likewise, Phil BergerThe Republican leader of the Senate stated that the budget continues to reduce tax rates, invests in education, funds recovery after hurricanes, and includes changes to the health system.
“This budget continues to lower tax rates for all North Carolinians and prioritize the needs of our citizens, not the bureaucracy,” Berger said in a press release.
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