RALEIGH, N.C. — As North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh Tuesday to work on a new state budget, Gov. Josh Stein released his proposal for the year ahead.
The governor’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 focuses on increasing teacher pay, providing tax relief, and investing in public safety, health care, and workforce development.
The plan would raise starting teacher salaries to the highest in the Southeast, increase pay for all teachers, and restore master’s pay for veteran educators. It also includes funding to expand child care access and support early education programs…