Topic

State Budget

North Carolina state budget coverage — raises, allocations, tax legislation, budget bills, fiscal-year cycle. Distinct from the local-budget Budget tag used for City/County/CMS budget coverage.

government

A SNAP Penalty Could Cost Mecklenburg $30 Million to $42 Million a Year. A November Ballot Question Could Cap How It Pays.

A federal penalty tied to North Carolina's food-assistance error rate could take $30 million to $42 million a year out of Mecklenburg County's budget, and the county will owe a share of it even if…

Jack Beckett·Aug 7, 2026

An illustrated news graphic shows the Charlotte skyline, a highway and a calendar marked October 5 alongside text about an I-77 deadline to pay $64 million or halt progress.

government

The Study Charlotte Wanted on I-77 Takes Five Months. Its Deadline Is in Eight Weeks.

Charlotte has until October 5 to reverse itself on the I-77 South toll lanes or absorb a penalty the legislature wrote in July: a state bill the city attorney puts at $64 million, a freeze on its…

Jack Beckett·Aug 5, 2026

An illustrated news graphic shows an October 5 deadline for Charlotte to decide on I-77 South toll lanes, with clocks, a calendar, a highway map and a $64 million penalty folder.

government

At Mecklenburg's Budget Hearing, a Flat Tax Rate Met a Long Line of Funding Requests

County Manager Michael Bryant's recommended FY2027 budget holds Mecklenburg's property tax rate flat and fully funds Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Jack Beckett·May 23, 2026

government

After Ten Months Without a Budget, NC Republicans Found a Framework. Most State Workers Get a Raise Below Inflation.

Senate Pres. Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall announced a budget framework Tuesday afternoon, ending a ten-month standoff. Teachers get an 8 percent raise and a $48,000 starting floor.

Jack Beckett·May 13, 2026