Statement from Alexandra Sirota, executive director of the North Carolina Budget & Tax Center, on Governor Josh Stein’s proposed budget

NC Budget & Tax Center: State Budget Should Prioritize Well-Being and Affordability for North Carolinians

“North Carolinians want a budget that helps make life more affordable and strengthens the foundations of our state’s economy. Families across the state are facing rising costs for essentials like housing, child care, food, health care, and energy, and they need leaders in Raleigh to focus on policies that improve well-being and expand opportunity for everyone. 

“For more than a decade, repeated tax cuts for profitable corporations and the wealthiest households have drained billions from North Carolina’s state budget — limiting our ability to invest in public schools, health care, child care, infrastructure, and other building blocks of thriving communities and a strong economy. And with no state budget for nearly an entire fiscal year, families and communities are facing even greater uncertainty. 

“In today’s critical-needs budget from the governor’s office, it’s clear just how urgent it is to invest in people’s well-being through Medicaid, child care, higher education, and higher pay for teachers, nurses, and other essential workers who power our economy. 

“It’s why North Carolina policymakers must stop the automatic income tax cuts that continue to shrink our state’s revenue, so profitable corporations and the wealthiest contribute their share, and invest in the programs that help families and communities thrive. 

“North Carolinians power our economy every day. Our state budget should reflect that reality by prioritizing the well-being of people and communities across the state.”