Republican leaders in the North Carolina House have released the details of their proposed budget for the state. And while it does include teacher raises, the House plan would spend less on teachers than what Governor Pat McCrory wants.
The $22.2 billion House budget represents an increase in state spending of roughly 2.3 percent. And it includes some items not found in the governor’s proposed spending plan, like a 2 percent raise and $500 bonus for most state workers.
But to pay for those plans, House budget writers propose roughly $100 million less in teacher raises than what the governor has called for.
Those raises would be doled out in a six tiered system. With the newest and most experienced teachers receiving the least. Teachers with less than five years in the classroom would see a $1,000 bonus but no raise and those with 25+ years in the classroom would see a salary bump of just 2 percent. Mid-career teachers fare better, seeing raised between 3.4 percent to 5 percent.
Today, the House’s various finance and appropriations committees will debate the measure, with floor votes on the budget expected by the end of the week.