North Carolina Republican Leaders Delay Budget Timeline as Session Nears End
Republican leaders say mid-June budget target may not be achievable as North Carolina enters third year without comprehensive spending plan.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Republican legislative leaders have delayed the release of North Carolina’s long-awaited state budget, casting doubt on their previous mid-June target as the legislative session nears its end.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), who had initially expected a budget bill by the week of June 15, told reporters he is now “not as optimistic about that as I was.” However, Berger remains confident that Republicans can deliver a budget by the end of June.
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) mentioned that next week might still be possible but acknowledged uncertainty about the timeline. “It’s tough to answer that question,” Hall said, adding that he hopes to have a lengthy budget discussion with Berger on Wednesday.
Committee Work Nearly Complete
Hall explained that budget committee chairs are close to finishing their work on the spending plan. “The chairs are very close to finishing up their work, and so usually what we would do is wait until they get done and resolve what they can,” he said.
“From what I hear, they’ve made a lot of progress, and so I anticipate Sen. Berger and I will probably meet sometime tomorrow. And if we don’t, we’ll probably talk this weekend or later in the week by phone,” Hall added.
Extended Budget Stalemate
North Carolina has not passed a comprehensive budget since October 2023, making it the only state in the nation to end 2025 without one. The extended delay stems largely from disagreements between House and Senate Republicans over the state’s tax policy.
Legislative leaders announced an end to their budget stalemate during a May 12 joint press conference, unveiling a framework that would raise salaries for teachers, law enforcement officers and state employees. The plan also stretches out planned tax cuts to provide more budget flexibility while placing constitutional amendments on the ballot to codify lower income tax rates.
Outstanding Questions Remain
Nearly a month after announcing the framework, lawmakers have yet to release any bill text or answer lingering questions about key provisions. Uncertainty remains about whether the budget will include additional aid for western North Carolina recovery efforts or expanded Medicaid funding, both priorities outlined in Democratic Governor Josh Stein’s budget request.
The delay comes as the legislative session winds down, adding pressure on Republican leaders to finalize details and move the spending plan through both chambers before adjournment.
