The Office of State Budget and Management released its revenue forecast this week, showing a $370 million surplus for the current year. On the surface, that sounds like good news. It isn't — not necessarily.

Here's the problem: the state could soon trigger a series of automatic tax cuts, as suggested by a previous General Assembly when fiscal times looked better, significantly shrinking the revenue available to fund public services. The first trigger kicks in as soon as 2027, and more cuts follow in the years after that.

Legislators have the power to pause or stop these cuts — and some already want to — but so far, there is no agreement to do so. The result is a state government that could soon bring in less revenue even as the population grows and costs rise.

Gov. Josh Stein warned this week that North Carolina is headed toward a budget gap of at least $2.8 billion — and that the state could be forced to make painful cuts to public safety, education, and health care to close it. For state employees and retirees, that means real pressure on raises, benefits, and the jobs that keep critical services running.

On this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we dig into what all of this means for you — and we discuss the political earthquake that shook the state when Sen. Phil Berger conceded his primary race to Sam Page.

While these decisions are being made in Raleigh, you have a direct opportunity to make your voice heard. Join us for Lobby Day on May 6 and fight for the raises and cost-of-living adjustments you've earned. Registration closes April 24.