House overrides Governor's veto on budget

Sep 16, 2019

The N.C. House voted this week to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto on the legislature’s state budget. This action has little direct effect on most state employees.

Raises for most state employees have already been adopted by the legislature and signed into law by Cooper. That happened as part of a series of “mini budget” bills two weeks ago, which granted the largest two-year pay increase in a decade (5% over two years), as well as five bonus days of leave to employees at state agencies.

Because this bill was passed separate from the budget and has been signed, these employees will likely see the raise in their September paycheck.

Raises for UNC and community college employees, non-certified school personnel, teachers and retirees remain in limbo because of the veto. The override must now pass the Senate in order for these folks to receive their increases. Senate leader Phil Berger has signaled that the Senate will not take up the override until the redistricting debate is settled.

The legislature could also pass a standalone bill to address these groups.

SEANC will continue to work for the pay and benefits of state employees until the session is over and legislators have gone home. Please continue to follow SEANC on social media for the latest developments