Budget 2025 News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Stein signs stopgap funding bill aiding law enforcement and businesses impacted by disasters

Senate Bill 449 expands and modifies programs for businesses and governments impacted by Hurricane Helene. It also appropriates money for several law-enforcement initiatives.

WRAL News staff

No new NC budget likely until at least 2026, as GOP leaders adjourn with no deal

Republicans state lawmakers were able to reach a deal on a new congressional map but remain deeply divided over how to run North Carolina, with a new budget deal still far out of reach.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC Senators push 'mini budget' spending plans, but deals appear elusive

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, unable to reach a state budget deal, are attempting to pass smaller and more targeted spending plans.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC Senate approves $35 million for infrastructure related to Lenovo Center development

Development around Raleigh's Lenovo Center is set to begin after the NC State home football season ends in December. The first phase of the development includes new parking structures, a new music venue and retail shops. Future phases are expected to include apartments and a hotel.

Jack Hagel and Brian Murphy, WRAL News

NC Senate votes to find new ways to execute prisoners, make other legal changes in wake of Charlotte stabbing

Changes to bail policies, rules for magistrates and the death penalty are among the proposals North Carolina legislators are considering after the Charlotte stabbing of Iryna Zarutska.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Democratic NC lawmakers reiterate plea to GOP for more law enforcement, mental health funding

House minority leader Robert Reives called on GOP legislative leaders to issue a bipartisan bill that provides funding for local police, district attorneys, magistrates and judges.

WRAL News staff

NC lawmakers still far away from passing new state budget

Raises for state employees are on hold until Republican leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives can reach a state budget deal.

Why hasn't NC approved raises for teachers and state employees? GOP stalemate over taxes

Raises for state employees are on hold until Republican leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives can reach a state budget deal.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

CEO of NCInnovation, group that boosts university research, to step down

As Republican state lawmakers weigh taking back the $500 million in state funds behind NCInnovation, the group's boss says his plans to leave aren't related to the funding fight.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Stopgap spending bill on its way to Gov. Josh Stein for his signature

Public schools, universities and the State Health Plan would get funding for continuing operations under a mini budget, while lawmakers remain at an impasse over a full state budget plan. The bill also contained a provision to create a government efficiency program to be run by the state auditor.

NC lawmakers send 'mini budget' and DOGE-style plan to Stein

Public schools, universities and the State Health Plan would get funding for continuing operations under a mini budget, while lawmakers remain at an impasse over a full state budget plan. The bill also contained a provision to create a government efficiency program to be run by the state auditor.

WRAL News staff reports

DMV relief in mini budget approved by NC Senate

The DMV has been a big inflection point in the state. Gov. Josh Stein held a news conference on Tuesday morning, calling out the legislature for reconvening to override his 14 vetoes instead of focusing on the budget and DMV woes.

NC lawmakers reach deal on 'mini budget' plan

Public schools, universities and the State Health Plan could see efforts by the state legislature to keep them funded, even as lawmakers have failed to reach agreements on a full state budget plan.

NC lawmakers reach deal on 'mini budget' plan to fund some basic state functions

Public schools, universities and the State Health Plan could see efforts by the state legislature to keep them funded, even as lawmakers have failed to reach agreements on a full state budget plan.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'They can put their differences aside': Gov. Josh Stein calls on General Assembly to pass a budget

As the General Assembly plans to return to Raleigh, Governor Josh Stein highlights the stories of North Carolinians who are counting on the legislature to pass a state budget after being a month late.

NC Republican reps respond to Gov. Stein letter

All 10 Republicans who represent North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives are responding to Gov. Josh Stein's concerns about President Donald Trump's budget plan. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran breaks down the latest developments.

North Carolina lawmakers vote unanimously for new $500M Helene relief bill

The last-minute push to help western North Carolina's recovery came as the state's Republican legislative leaders struggle to reach a deal on the broader state budget, even though the new budget year begins next week.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers fail to reach budget deal, plan to adjourn. Can Helene aid squeak through?

A new Hurricane Helene aid bill might be on its way in the North Carolina legislature, even as lawmakers fail to make progress on the broader state budget.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

DMV needs workforce flexibility to tackle hiring and retention issues, NC state auditor says

The North Carolina DMV has struggled with long wait times, difficulty booking appointments due in part to an overwhelmed workforce. North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek released preliminary findings of an audit into the division as lawmakers negotiate a state budget.

Pritchard Strong and Will Doran, WRAL News

Billions more for Helene aid and new 'mini' budget unveiled as NC budget negotiations wither

Both chambers of the state legislature are controlled by Republicans. But they've proven unable in recent months to negotiate a deal to pass a new budget into law.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Wake County commissioners approve budget, increase public schools' funding by $5.3 million

Wake County commissioners amended the budget on Monday to increase funding to $40.3 million more this year for public schools compared to last year. The county's initial budget proposed $35 million more for schools.

'Toll road's dead': NC lawmakers pump the brakes on Wake County road-widening plan

A plan to use tolls to pay for a long-delayed Wake County road widening project has won widespread approval from local politicians. State lawmakers are trying to block it.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Proposed federal budget could leave holes in NC state budget

North Carolina lawmakers have increasingly shifted toward using federal dollars, rather than state dollars, to pay for education and health services nominally provided by the state. Federal cuts could jeopardize those services as state lawmakers also look to cut spending.

Federal cuts could sap services for NC as state lawmakers also look to trim

North Carolina lawmakers have increasingly shifted toward using federal dollars, rather than state dollars, to pay for education and health services nominally provided by the state. Federal cuts could jeopardize those services as state lawmakers also look to cut spending.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol bureau chief

Paying more for less? NC lawmakers propose UNC System tuition increases, budget cuts

Looking to pay for new tax cuts, Republicans in the state legislature want to free up more than $100 million a year from higher education through higher tuition and funding cuts.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter