Following yesterday’s eight veto overrides, the House reconvened Wednesday July 30th to take up a conference report for House Bill 125, which provides funding for several key government services. While not a full budget, it does include many provisions that were prioritized by the House’s forward thinking budget passed in May.
The “mini-budget” passed both chambers with bipartisan support, and now goes to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk.
Some of the highlights:
- Provides $9.5 million in recurring funds each year of the biennium to the NC Promise Plan, which reduces tuition at specific universities in North Carolina.
- Funds “The Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) Act.” This newly created division within the State Auditor’s office is focused on improving efficiency and transparency in state government.
- Creates seven new positions at the State Board of Elections to improve administration of elections.
- Funds 40 new positions for Driver License Examiners in the current fiscal year and another 21 in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Provides funding for new DMV offices in Brunswick and Cabarrus Counties and the towns of Fuquay-Varina and Garland.
- Directs $100 million to the State Health Plan, which alleviates some of the existing $500 million shortfall.
- Approves step-increases for public school teachers, any state employees with positions tied to step-increases.
