Gov. McCrory today held a press conference to discuss some of the main details of his budget proposal – which is expected to be released in full next week.
Some of the highlights discussed by McCrory include:
- No tax or fee increases proposed in this budget.
- Increases the total savings reserve account to $1.4 billion, or nearly 7 percent of overall state spending, by adding $300 million to the state’s rainy day fund. Since 2013, North Carolina has nearly tripled the savings reserve, making it the largest in state history.
- Caps total spending at $22.3 billion, representing a modest spending increase of 2.8 percent. This increase is below last year’s increase of 3.1 percent and below the rate of population plus inflation.
- Increases average teacher pay in North Carolina to more than $50,000 for the first time in state history by providing an average 5 percent pay increase.
- Provides an average 3.5 percent bonus for teachers and principals with a greater share going to veteran teachers. This will equate to a $5,000 bonus for our veteran teachers with more than 24 years of service.
- Establishes a scholarship program by investing $2 million to attract 300 new, highly qualified math and science teachers to earn degrees and teach math and science in the state’s public schools.
- Invests $30 million to implement the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use, including transitional housing, case management, mental health first aid training, child crisis centers, tools to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, as well as evidence-based specialty courts, including drug and veteran treatment courts.
- Provides $3 million to expand Medicaid services for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, by adding 320 new slots to the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults.
- Increases funding by $1 million for family caregiver support services, including respite care for caregivers.
- Invests $2.5 million to expand Medicaid services for people with developmental disabilities and children with Autism. This investment supports an additional 250 Medicaid Innovations Waiver slots providing the needed services to help individuals with developmental disabilities live successful lives in the community.
- Provides an average 3 percent bonus for all state employees and school support staff. Each agency head in consultation with OSHR will determine the allocation
- Provides an additional $27 million to the Salary Adjustment Fund, for a total of $40 million to help recruit and retain the best and brightest state employees.
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