Vetoes, Votes, and Vacuums: North Carolina’s Legislature Hits Mid‑Session Crossroads
North Carolina’s General Assembly wrapped up a bruising week with Governor Josh Stein’s first vetoes and a budget stalemate that leaves teacher raises, tax cuts, and thousands of state vacancies hanging in the balance. Here is where the dust now settles.
Stein’s Triple Veto
Democratic Governor Stein axed three Republican bills late Friday:
- Senate Bill 50 would have let anyone 18 or older carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Stein said the measure “undermines responsible gun ownership.” Associated Press
- House Bill 318 sought to expand a 2024 law requiring sheriffs to hold certain defendants for federal immigration agents. Stein argued the 48‑hour hold “would be unconstitutional.” Governor’s Office release
- Senate Bill 153, branded the North Carolina Border Protection Act, would have required state agencies to sign 287(g) agreements with ICE. Stein objected that the bill “diverts officers from state duties.” NC Newsline
Republicans can override with three‑fifths in each chamber. They enjoy a super‑majority in the Senate, but are one vote short in the House, meaning every absence or Democratic defection matters. Speaker Destin Hall says he is “hopeful” on HB 318; Senator Phil Berger vows an override push on all three bills. WTVD
Budget Tug‑of‑War
While veto drama stole headlines, the bigger fight may be the $32.6 billion budget:
- Teacher Pay Gap: The House plan raises starting salaries roughly 22 percent by 2026, while the Senate offers smaller bumps and one‑time bonuses. WUNC
- Tax Timetable: The House slows personal‑income tax cuts; the Senate pushes a faster drop to 1.99 percent. Associated Press
- Vacant Positions: The House eliminates almost 3,000 empty state jobs to free cash for raises; the Senate trims about 850.
Negotiators now search for middle ground with July 1 looming. Absent a deal, agencies run on last year’s levels, and educators may see raises delayed into the school year.
What’s Next
- Calendar‑watch: Veto override attempts could land as soon as Tuesday.
- Budget‑blitz: Expect closed‑door talks on pay and tax triggers.
- Court‑check: Immigrant‑detention provisions will invite lawsuits if resurrected.
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About the Author
Nell Thomas files from a corner booth at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Ballantyne, where the iced Vanilla Hazelnut fuels her legislative math. Ask her about the Lox & Shmear combo, the chocolate‑chip coffee cake, or why the espresso bar should have its own seat in the House. Find her bylines at Strolling Ballantyne and sibling site The Charlotte Mercury.
Send us your photos and stories: ballantyne@strollmag.com – everyone has a story worth sharing!
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© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury
This article, “North Carolina Veto Clash and Budget Fight Leave Teacher Raises in Limbo,” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY‑ND 4.0.
“North Carolina Veto Clash and Budget Fight Leave Teacher Raises in Limbo”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY‑ND 4.0)
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