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

SNAP Penalty Could Cost Mecklenburg Up to $42 Million a Year

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

I-77 Study Would Take Months; Charlotte's Deadline Is Oct. 5

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

Mecklenburg Budget Hearing: Flat Tax Rate, Long Line of Asks

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

NC Budget Framework: Most Workers' Raises Trail 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

government

No Deal in Raleigh: Medicaid, Pay Raises, Tax Plans in Limbo

NC lawmakers end session with no budget deal, leaving Medicaid cuts, teacher raises, and tax plans in limbo as House and Senate trade blame and head home.

Jack Beckett·Oct 22, 2025