Governor Stein’s Budget: A Bold Vision for North Carolina’s Future

Governor Josh Stein has unveiled his proposed 2025–2027 North Carolina budget, and it’s a strong step forward for working families, public education, and resilient communities. Titled "North Carolina Strong," this $68 billion plan focuses on building a better future — from the ground up.

Here’s what you need to know:

Investing in Public Education

Governor Stein is prioritizing our students, teachers, and school facilities:

  • Average teacher raise of 10.7% over two years — starting teacher pay would reach $53,000, putting NC at the top in the Southeast.

  • Advanced degree pay supplements restored to attract and retain qualified educators.

  • A new Public School Bond Act to fund school construction and upgrades across the state.

Harnett County Schools currently earn a C+ rating, ranking in the lower half of school districts in North Carolina. While our graduation rate stands at 86%, there’s a clear need for more resources, stronger support for educators, and better facilities to help every student succeed.

Governor Stein’s budget proposal directly addresses these challenges:

  • Raises for Teachers: Higher pay will help Harnett attract and keep talented teachers — a key step toward improving academic performance and outcomes.

  • Pay Incentives for Advanced Degrees: Restoring these supplements supports teacher growth and helps bring experienced professionals into the classroom.

  • Modernized Facilities: The proposed Public School Bond Act would make critical investments in school buildings, giving Harnett students safe, updated, and inspiring places to learn.

Supporting Working Families & Growing Our Workforce

  • Expanding apprenticeships and technical training to prepare students and adults for high-demand jobs.
  • Boosting access to affordable child care, making it easier for parents to stay in the workforce.

These programs can create new economic pathways for Harnett residents and reduce barriers to employment.

Harnett’s population is growing, but many residents still struggle to find good-paying, stable jobs close to home. This budget would:

  • Expand apprenticeship and skills training programs through local community colleges and high schools — preparing people for in-demand jobs in fields like construction, healthcare, logistics, and technology.
  • Increase support for child care, making it easier for parents — especially women — to return to or stay in the workforce.

Fiscal Responsibility That Works for All of Us

  • Stops harmful income tax cuts that mainly benefit the wealthy — and instead protects vital state services.

  • Introduces targeted tax relief for working- and middle-class families.

  • Maintains strong rainy day reserves to keep North Carolina stable in uncertain times.

A Fairer Tax System

  • The Governor’s plan would stop planned income tax cuts that mainly benefit the wealthy and could put essential services like public safety, schools, and roads at risk.

  • Instead, it offers targeted tax relief to working- and middle-class families — the backbone of Harnett County.

This approach ensures the state can afford the services our communities rely on, without pushing the burden onto those who can least afford it.

Stay Engaged

Unfortunately, Republicans have already signaled that they intend to ignore the Governor’s budget recommendations. Instead, Republican leaders intend to pursue yet more tax cuts, paired with additional spending on the private school voucher scheme. Republicans have also referred to the school bond funding as “dead on arrival,” according to Carolina Forward.

Your voice matters. Contact your elected officials and urge them to support a budget that invests in people, not politics.