Raleigh, N.C. – “I am pleased to share the highlights of the 2019 Senate Budget”said Senator McInnis. “This budget continues to invest more money in education for our teachers, our students and our physical facilities.” “This budget supports substantial raises for our state employees while increasing the standard deduction.” “I look forward to this budget being passed by the Senate, approved by the House and ultimately signed by the Governor.”
Education
• The budget provides for $1.3 billion in additional spending for public education over two years.
• Every teacher will receive a raise, and veteran teachers will receive a bonus of up to $1,000 each year.
• The average teacher raise, excluding bonuses, is 3.5% over two years.
• Funding will be provided for 100 new psychologists.
• Sets aside $4.8 billion across three accounts for school construction and maintenance over 10 years, which should begin immediately.
Justice and Public Safety
• Funding is allocated to eliminate the rape kit backlog in two years.
• Correctional officers will receive a 5% raise over two years, plus at least $7,500 in salary supplements for facilities with the highest employee vacancy rates.
• Funding is allocated to implement “Raise the Age.”
State Employees
• Most full-time state employees will receive a 5% raise over two years.
Taxes
• Increases the standard deduction to $21,000 and decreases the Franchise Tax.
Other Provisions
• Promise kept: $2.5 million to construct a monument on the state Capitol grounds honoring the contributions of African Americans.
• $1.1 billion to the Rainy Day Fund over two years. State economists estimate the fund requires at least $2.6 billion to withstand the next recession.
• $15 million recurring each year for GREAT Program rural broadband grants.
• $53 million each of the next two years for airport improvements to support a growing North Carolina.
• Funds to care for 1,000 people on the Intellectual/ Developmental Disability Medicaid Program waitlist.
• Provides funding to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic.
