Support Us Button Widget

$30 billion NC budget prioritizes highways, children, tax cuts

The NC budget outlines funding for state-backed projects, including colleges, infrastructure, and other important aspects of NC’s government.

The NC State Capital building

This budget comes three months behind schedule.

Photo by RALtoday

NC’s $30 billion budget passed in the General Assembly on Friday, Sept. 22, and will go into effect 10 days from Friday. The budget includes state employee pay raises, tax cuts, support for children, and more. Let’s talk about the biggest numbers in this new NC budget.

Quick facts

  • $2 billion in grants for water and sewer infrastructure will go to rural communities.
  • $700 million will go to highway maintenance projects.
  • $1.2 million will go to child care grants.
  • State employees will receive an average 7% raise across the state.
  • Personal income tax will be reduced to 3.99%.
  • The budget includes funding to plan a new business school at NC State.
  • Students who qualify for reduced-price programs will receive free lunches.
  • A section of I-40 will be named after Cherie Berry, the first female Commissioner of Labor in NC, who you may know from the elevators.
  • Breast pumps and related breastfeeding equipment will be exempt from sales tax.

If you’re feeling up for it, read the full 600-page document for more details.

More from RALtoday
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Raleigh.
From the floral backdrop to the customized ring — we’re dreaming of having our own viral engagement in Oak City.
The Pack is back in Carter-Finley on Thursday, Aug. 28 — here’s what you need to know while rooting for NC State football this season.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Have you ever thought “That’s an odd place for a bar.” Well in Raleigh, there is no such thing as odd for these spots around town.
After its March closure, a new team with ties to the former ownership group of 42nd Street Oyster Bar has expressed interest in reopening the Raleigh staple as early as February 2026. Read up on readers’ memories from this local gem.
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in Wake County with this guide to local business.
NC State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are joining forces for their exhibition games against South Carolina + Maryland, respectively, ahead of promising seasons.
Our readers dogeared these parks for us while we dream of this concept founded in South Korea’s capital city.
Electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh, and they can start and stop just about anywhere. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.