x
Breaking News
More () »

NC House Speaker says teacher pay raises are a priority in budget talks

On Flashpoint, Tim Moore says the state can afford to pay teachers more.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After the North Carolina house and senate released two separate budgets this week, the house speaker told WCNC's Flashpoint that teacher pay raises are a priority.   

"A starting teacher in North Carolina starting salary right now is $39,000, we have the ability to increase that up to $44,000," Speaker Tim Moore said.

Moore cited the state's $1 billion surplus as a source for the funding.  

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

"When we're putting so much money into the Opportunity Scholarships, which is absolutely great program, I think it's important that we not leave the traditional K 12 schools behind," he said.

Opportunity Scholarships is the state's voucher program.  Both the House and Senate budgets fully fund the program to get rid of a backlog of applicants.   

The NC Senate's version doesn't include any pay raises for public school employees or state workers.  If a compromise isn't found between the House and Senate, a previously-passed budget will go into a effect that still includes a smaller pay increase for teacher and state workers.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app.

Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora  || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Before You Leave, Check This Out