North Carolina signs $34.4B budget; Stein approves
PUBLISHED Jul 7, 2026, 11:29 AM ET
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Raleigh, N.C. Gov. Josh Stein signed a $34.4 billion state budget on Tuesday morning after the North Carolina General Assembly passed the measure on Thursday, July 2; legislators had proposed the plan on June 30, the last day of the fiscal year. The enacted plan directs more than $19 billion to education and redirects nearly $36 million from unused Opportunity Scholarship funds back into public schools. The law sets aside about $3 billion across reserve funds and leaves approximately $1 billion unappropriated to provide legislative flexibility; major allocations include $9.3 billion for Health and Human Services and $4.15 billion for Justice and Public Safety. Governor Stein praised teacher pay increases but noted some raises lag inflation and criticized provisions he described as stripping executive authority; implementation and agency adjustments proceed this week.
By Najma A. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- June 30: Budget proposed on the final day of the fiscal year.
- July 2: North Carolina General Assembly passed the $34.4 billion budget.
- Tuesday morning (this week): Gov. Josh Stein signed the budget into law.
- Following passage: Budget allocations publicized, including education and reserve details.
- This week: Implementation begins and administration/legislative reactions recorded.
News Intelligence
- This new budget impacts your wallet and your community. Over $19 billion is going to education, with some funds redirected from unused scholarships. There's also a focus on health, justice, and public safety. Check how your local schools and services may benefit.
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