Over 270 days have passed since the deadline for North Carolina lawmakers to pass a comprehensive state budget, putting a strain on teachers and public schools across the state.
The last state budget was signed in 2023 and provided funding for the 2023-2025 fiscal year, with funds set to expire in July 2025. Now, lawmakers are nine months past that deadline and into the new fiscal year with no budget, leaving North Carolina the only state in the country in this position. Republicans, who hold a majority in both the state House and Senate, are fueling the stalemate by debating details of state taxes.
Senator Lisa Barnes, a Republican representing Franklin, Nash, and Vance counties, is keenly aware of the importance of properly funding the state, as she serves on the Appropriations/Base Budget committee.
Despite her knowledge of finances and ability to help pass budgets, Barnes and her Republican colleagues have chosen to leave her constituents and the state in financial limbo.
The lack of a state budget affects many operations in the state, from state agencies to state programs like Medicaid. The delay is also impacting public education funding, with waves of teachers speaking out about how it’s negatively affecting their livelihood.
For districts like Senate District 11, the state budget inaction strains already underpaid educators who do so much to support our students and communities.
More than 1, 700 teachers in Franklin, Nash, and Vance counties will not receive a pay raise or cost-of-living adjustments. As gas, utilities, and grocery prices continue to soar, teachers in these counties and across the state are left with the same pay that was approved three years ago.
According to a report by the National Education Association, North Carolina already ranks as one of the worst states in the country for teacher pay, coming in at 43rd.
“These annual rankings provide a clear view of how states stack up in supporting their educators,” said Tamika Walker Kelly, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators. “We know, just like so many North Carolinians do, that our educators and our children need and deserve more to thrive.”
Inadequate pay, stalling on raises, and an ongoing lack of investment in public education have all contributed to the ever-growing teacher vacancies across the state. Between March 2024 and March 2025, the state saw a 10% drop, with 1 in 10 teachers leaving the profession, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
North Carolina public schools are already underfunded– evidence like the infamous Leandro case and national rankings on school funding point to that reality. Teachers have made their voices heard through protests and even teacher walkouts, calling on legislators to pass a budget.
Governor Josh Stein has also called on lawmakers to pass a budget, releasing several budget suggestions since the beginning of the fiscal year. Yet Barnes and her Republican colleagues have not acted in the interest of North Carolinians.
It’s long past time for Republican leadership to put politics aside. Call state Senator Lisa Barnes today and ask her to pass a full budget – one that funds our health care, lowers costs, supports our educators, and invests in the communities that make North Carolina strong.
To contact Senator Barnes, call (919) 715-3030.
