North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Proposes $34.5 Billion Budget With Teacher Pay Raises, Bonuses

The proposals would also see $1 billion invested into public schools across the state.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks to the crowd during an election night event in Raleigh, N.C., on May 17, 2022. Sean Rayford/Getty Images

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is pushing for large investments in public education, along with pay rises for teachers and increased child care as part of his state budget proposals unveiled on Wednesday.

The Democrat presented his $34.5 billion proposed budget adjustment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 at the start of the North Carolina General Assembly’s short session, during which the Republican-controlled legislature hoped to pass a bill adjusting spending in the face of a roughly $1.4 billion revenue surplus.