Governor Cooper releases his Budget Proposal, Emphasizing Investments in Public Education and the Workforce or two years in a row, we have the formula for success in our high-quality public schools, talented workforce and thriving economy. Governor Cooper’s budget makes the targeted investments we need to secure a bright future for North Carolina while holding the line on taxes.
The Governor has declared 2024 as the Year of Public Schools in North Carolina and this budget makes major investments in our strong public schools to make sure they have the resources they need to set up each student for success.The Governor’s budget invests over $1 billion in North Carolina’s first-class public schools to fuel economic growth, attract business and sought-after workers, and position students to thrive now and in the future. It proposes that voters approve a school construction bond for new schools and repairs to aging buildings.
- The budget would give teachers an 8.5 percent raise and lift starting teacher salaries to more than $47,500 including local and state supplements—the highest in the Southeast.
- It invests $745 million in child care and early childhood education including $200 million for Child Care Stabilization Grants to keep child care centers open and $128.5 million for child care subsidies to increase access to high-quality child care in our rural and lower-wealth communities.
- The budget shores up NC Pre-K by investing $197 million to cover the full cost of care for NC Pre-K students and $24.4 million to provide summer programs for students after they complete NC Pre-K and before they enter kindergarten.
- It invests $251.8 million to guarantee at least a 5% across-the-board salary increase and close to $400 million for a retention bonus for all state-funded employees.
- It invests in local workforce development, apprenticeship, and work-based learning programs that lead to good-paying jobs and supports fast-growing economic sectors with funds for workforce training at community colleges.
- It establishes the rural youth apprenticeship program based on successful existing models and invests in job coaching for people with barriers to employment.
Important 2024 Events
State Convention
Saturday, June 1
Democratic National Convention
Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August, 22
Voter Registration Deadline - for Election Day Voting
Friday, October 11
Early Voting with Same Day Registration (SDR) begins
Thursday, October 17
General Election
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
See all elections dates for 2024
Remember!
Pamlico Democrats meet monthly on the third Thursday.
The Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.