This article was originally published in EducationNC.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper presented his $34.5 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 on Wednesday, calling for approximately an additional $1 billion to go toward public education — including an average 8.5% raise for teachers, a $1,500 retention bonus, and reinstatement of master’s pay.
His proposal includes a 5% raise for most state employees, which includes non-certified school employees, and most community college employees.
Cooper said his proposal presents lawmakers with a choice to invest in North Carolina’s public schools, instead of prioritizing further tax breaks and the expansion of private school vouchers.
Help fund stories like this. Donate now!
“That’s the billion dollar choice,” Cooper said during a press conference in Raleigh. “…We have the revenue to do this — it is about priorities.”
The governor’s proposal follows his declaration of a state of emergency for public education and proclamation of 2024 as “The Year of Public Schools.”