NC Lawmakers Kick Off Session with Big Moves

0:00North Carolina's lawmakers kicked off the 2026 legislative session with big moves on day one. Governor Josh Stein dropped his third budget proposal, pushing for fat raises in law enforcement and teacher pay, aiming to make the starting teacher. Salary the top in the southeast. Right away, the House and Senate locked in a deal for $319 million in Medicaid funding to cover this year's needs. Meanwhile, fresh faces filled some seats in both chambers. The House swore in Republican Representative Anna Ferguson from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, stepping in after a colleague's passing. Plus, Democrat Representative Amanda Cook, replacing someone who resigned amid charges. Over in the Senate, Democrat Jonah Garcin got appointed by Stein to take a recent vacancy. Folks are filling the push on healthcare access, especially dental care. Lawmakers wrote out a bipartisan bill with $80 million to bomb Medicaid dental reimbursements up to 50% from about 34.

1:00Unchanged since 2008, that low rate ranks us in the bottom third nationwide, driving nearly 40% of dental emergency room trips from Medicaid patients and costing. The state over $20 million yearly. The House also revived five bills from last session, sending them to conference committees after rejecting Senate tweaks. We're talking UNC enrollment changes, capital spending, hemp regulations, healthcare investments, and an education package. Some might fold into the main budget talks. As budget negotiations heat up, keep an eye on how these early deals shaped the session ahead, with Stein urging a full plan and leaders like Senate. Boss Phil Berger and his final round at the top. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Durham News Today, AI-powered local news.