NC Teachers Rally for Raises, Governor Pitches $700M

0:00North Carolina House Democrats are fired up over the stall teacher raises thanks to the general assembly not passing a budget in 20, 25. Teachers and state employees have been waiting months for that money, and now the short legislative session is ramping up the pressure to get it done. Earlier this week, as the session hit its second day, talks heated up about finally approving those raises alongside other delayed spending. Thousands of teachers plan to march in downtown Raleigh on May 1st, pushing for better pay and education fixes amid reports of educators quitting mid-year. Parents and lawmakers are sharing real pain points like kids stuck with zoom classes after teachers bail because they can't afford to stay in the job. Democrats point out the imbalance, slamming big bucks going to private school vouchers while teacher pay lags behind. Governor signs latest pitch throws $371 million at raises this fiscal year, then $7.34 million next. After starting July 1st, that would boom starting teacher pay to just under $50,000, the

1:04top in the southeast, with average 11% hikes over two years. House minority leader Robert Raves wants even more, aiming for the nation's best when adjusted for living costs, plus back pay, Republicans like House Speaker Destin Hall say they want North Carolina leading on teacher pay too, matching the southeast high, but they're holding. Off on exact numbers, until tax talks wrap with the Senate, expect more back and forth as they hash out the budget details soon. Durham News Today, powered by AI Bringing You What Matters.