The North Carolina General Assembly gave final approval to the 2023-24 Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget appropriates $30 billion to fund new projects across the state, including significant investments in water and sewer improvements, transportation, school safety, teacher and state employee raises, and economic development.

Over the biennium, taxes will be cut by $1.2 billion for families and businesses, ensuring hardworking citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money. Furthermore, the Rainy-Day Fund grows to nearly $5 billion for potential economic downturns and natural disasters.

Locally, Rep. Frank Sossamon secured the following items in the budget for Granville & Vance Counties:

1. $11.5 million for Vance-Granville Community College Advanced Manufacturing Center and Related Equipment

2. $10 million for City of Oxford Kerr Lake Regional Water

3. $5 million for Maria Parham Healthcare Center, Inc. Capital Improvements or Equipment for Improving Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outcome

4. $5 million for South Granville Water & Sewer

5. $4 million for Vance County Water

6. $3 million for Vance-Granville Community College Capital Improvements or Equipment for Transportation Center

7. $2.93 million for Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner

8. $1 million for Granville County Economic Development

9. $691,536 for Vance County Sheriff’s Office Body-Worn Cameras and Other Equipment

10. $500,000 for Town of Butner Infrastructure Study & Downtown Revitalization

11. $500,000 for City of Henderson Aeronautics Authority Water Line Extension

12. $283,875 for the Division of Central Management to expand existing apprenticeship placements through Rural Health Group Inc.

13. $250,000 for City of Creedmoor City Hall Renovation

14. $200,000 for City of Henderson Water and Sewer

15. $150,000 for Vance County Economic Development

“I look forward to seeing the great impact these projects will have on my community,” said Rep. Sossamon (R-Vance, Granville). “This budget will allow our state to continue to receive recognition as a great place to own a business and live.”

The budget also includes additional funding for teacher pay supplements in rural and underserved areas. This will bring a yearly pay boost of $4,466 for Granville County and $4,158 for Vance County teachers.

Statewide budget highlights include:

1. 7.4% raise for teachers

2. 7% raise for state employees

3. 9% raise for bus drivers

4. 4% cost-of-living bonus for state retirees

5. Universal private K-12 school tuition assistance

6.  $2 billion for water and sewer improvement projects

7. $620 million for behavioral mental health programs

8. $70 million for school safety grants