NEWS: NCGA passes state budget, Humphrey secures funding for local projects

RALEIGH, N.C. – On Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified the 2026 State Budget (SB 257), which passed 88-21 in the House and 35-10 in the Senate on third reading.

This spending plan features major investments statewide, including:

·      Adds $450 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund, bringing the total up to just over $4.2 billion.

·      $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief.

·      Continues personal income tax reductions, guaranteeing a rate of 2.99% by 2033, eventually to reach a 2.49% rate.

·      Funds new Driver License Examiner positions to provide enhanced service at the DMV.

·      Average 8% raise for teachers and bonuses based on years of service.

·      3% raise for all state employees and a bonus based on their salary.

·      Average 17.7% raise, with step increases, for State Highway Patrol officers and up to 11.5% for State Highway Patrol civilian personnel.

·      Average 15.4% raise for correctional officers, with step increases.

·      13% raise for other law enforcement officers across state government.

·      $1,750 one-time bonus for local law enforcement officers across the state.

·      Fully funding the state’s Medicaid program with integrity to strengthen oversight, prevent fraud, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent properly.

·      Provides funds to enhance technology that will identify Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.

“Investing in our infrastructure, our emergency personnel, and our communities is the most important job I have in Raleigh,” said Humphrey. “These funds represent a massive win for our rural communities, ensuring Eastern North Carolina is not left behind.”

State Representative Chris Humphrey (R – Lenoir, Greene, Jones) announced several local initiatives that are set to receive funding in this latest round of state appropriations.

Lenoir County —

·      $50,000,000 to the NC Global TransPark MRO Facility for planning and construction of the aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Kinston.

·      $400,000 for a new Inclusive Playground, ensuring children of all abilities have a safe, fun place to play.

·      $400,000 for the Neuseway Nature Center Campground.

·      $100,000 to the Kinston Police Department for new body-worn and in-car cameras

·      $8,800,000 to the National Guard Northeast Region RSOI Site in Kinston for capital improvements.

·      Lenoir County is re-designated as an Electing County in the TANF State Plan

Greene County —

·      $1,400,000 for the construction of a new Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Station to ensure faster response times and state-of-the-art facilities for our first responders.

·      $400,000 to the Town of Walstonburg for vital water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

Jones County —

·      $3,569,383 for the construction of a brand-new DOT Maintenance Yard, bringing jobs and long-term infrastructure support to the county.

·      $125,000 to Maysville Fire and EMS for new & upgraded equipment.

·      $100,000 for critical Communications Equipment upgrades to keep emergency services connected.

·      $20,000 for water & sewer improvements.

·      $30,000 for a Veterans Services Officer (VSO) to ensure our local heroes get the care, benefits, and support they earned.

To learn more about Chris Humphrey, visit www.ChrisHumphreyNC.com.

Below image is provided for public use, courtesy of Representative Chris Humphrey.