NC General Assembly passes 2026 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.