In North Carolina, the government shutdown and the lack of a state budget are causing devastating consequences for the families of the state. The federal government has passed its second continuous week of shutdown, and the Republican-led NC General Assembly has yet to agree on a comprehensive state budget.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, the state Senate, and the state House have all released their own versions of comprehensive budgets to fund the state for the next financial biennium; however, the Republican leaders of the legislature, House Speaker Dustin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger, have stalled on budget negotiations.
The lack of a state budget affects many things, from teachers not receiving much-needed raises to no increase in funding for natural disaster recovery efforts. The state government does not shut down with a lack of budget, but it harms the people and services that help the state thrive.
Lawmakers have been called on to create a state budget that includes provisions that will help North Carolina’s 2.5 million children, such as providing funding so Medicaid expansion can continue, or considering a state-level child tax credit that could put more money into the hands of working-class families.
Federal funding plays a role in providing investments towards many services and programs, with less than 10% of federal spending going to areas critical to child development, like education, childcare, and social services.
Two-thirds of all government funding for children comes from the state, leaving the state government with a hefty role when it comes to supporting youth and families.
This support can come in the form of Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Funding childcare facilities or even implementing universal childcare in the state would also be a source of major support for North Carolina families, as child care facilities are facing rising prices and closures.
Though North Carolina residents are being assured that their benefits from federal programs will continue until the end of October, there is no assurance for after the October deadline unless a state budget is agreed upon and passed.
In addition to the government shutdown, the Trump administration’s mass layoffs and dismantling of certain federal programs have left families in North Carolina with less support.
