Originally published on March 19, 2026 By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein proposed a $1.4 billion “critical needs” budget on Friday, aimed at providing raises for public safety workers and expanding mental health resources.

The announcement comes as North Carolina remains the only state in the country currently operating without a state budget.

The proposal includes $211 million specifically for the public safety sector to address staffing shortages and low wages. Stein’s plan arrives amid a two-year budget stalemate that has left the state without a new spending plan since 2022.