A budget deal is close. According to <a href="https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/nc-lawmakers-nearing-deal-on-state-employee-raises-sources-tell-wral-may-2026/" target="_self">reporting from WRAL</a>, House and Senate leaders are nearing agreement on raises of about 3% for most state employees, with 8% on average for teachers and law enforcement. Nothing is final — and that means your voice still matters.
Here's the problem.
A 3% raise does not keep up with the cost of living in North Carolina today. Groceries, rent, gas, insurance — all of it has climbed faster than that. After a year without a new budget, state employees deserve a raise that reflects the work they do and the rising cost of doing it.
Retirees deserve better, too.
State retirees have gone years without a meaningful cost-of-living adjustment, while their fixed incomes have lost ground to inflation. Any final budget must include both a COLA and a one-time bonus for retirees. They earned it. They were promised it. It's time to deliver.
Here's what you can do — right now.
Call your legislators today. Tell them:
<ul>
<li>State employees need a meaningful raise — one that actually keeps up with the cost of living.</li>
<li>Retirees need a COLA and a bonus in this budget.</li>
<li>Don't settle. Get it right.</li>
</ul>
The deal isn't done. Lawmakers are listening. Make sure they hear from you before the ink dries.&nbsp;

Budget deal is imminent