North Carolina Democrats are voicing concerns about the stalled state budget negotiations, attributing the delay to Republican leadership. Attorney General Josh Stein, a 2024 gubernatorial candidate, joined House Democrats in criticizing the GOP for hindering progress on crucial state matters. With Republicans holding a veto-proof majority, Democrats have limited influence over the budget's final form. They argue that this impasse is negatively affecting key areas such as Medicaid expansion, teacher recruitment, and law enforcement funding.
House Minority Leader Robert Reives highlighted the lack of raises for school personnel and state employees, along with unmet funding needs across the state. Disagreements between the House and Senate regarding tax cuts and allocation of unspent funds have contributed to the slowdown. Speaker Tim Moore acknowledged the differing viewpoints but maintained that progress is being made. However, some Republicans have indicated a final agreement might not be reached until late summer.
While delayed budgets aren't unprecedented in North Carolina, this year's holdup poses particular challenges for education. Rep. Julie von Haefen emphasized the difficulty in hiring teachers without knowing the allocated salary increases. Republican Rep. Jason Saine countered that the Democrats' criticism is merely political posturing and that a thorough budget process takes time. He anticipates a mid-August resolution, citing lawmakers' summer schedules.
Attorney General Stein stressed the importance of increased investment in law enforcement recruitment and retention, stating that current budget proposals fall short of addressing the needs he consistently hears from law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the delay is impacting the implementation of Medicaid expansion, a bipartisan measure signed into law in March. Governor Cooper has warned that this postponement is withholding federal funds from the state and impacting current Medicaid recipients whose income now exceeds eligibility limits. Democrats have called for the removal of the budget contingency for Medicaid expansion, a demand Republicans are unlikely to meet.
