The Senate made quick work of its budget proposal this week, passing it on Thursday with little debate. It included a small raise and bonus for active employees, but nothing for retirees.

The Senate's budget includes:

• a 1.25% raise and a $3,000 bonus over two years for most employees
• No increases or bonuses for retirees
• Correctional officers would get an additional 5.25% raise, which, combined with step increases, would total 8.9%, while probation and parole officers would get additional raises of 2%.
• State law enforcement officers, including officers with the State Capitol Police and sworn officers of the State Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigation, and Alcohol Law Enforcement, would also get an additional 5.25% raise.

The budget also creates a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency within the State Auditor's office that would report on possible agencies and vacant positions in state government to cut. This language has been debated this session in a separate bill called the DAVE Act.

It would also establish the North Carolina Investment Authority to manage investments with the state pension system and allow the State Treasurer to invest up to 5% of the fund in "digital assets," such as Bitcoin-containing ETFs.

It's important to note that this is not the final budget. The debate now moves to the House, where leadership has signaled a willingness to do better by employees and retirees than the governor's and the Senate's proposals. Once the House passes a plan, the two sides will appoint conferees to hash out the differences and pass a compromise on to Gov. Josh Stein for signature or veto.

Now is a great time to contact your Representative and tell them to stand up for you. Click below to tell them why state employees and retirees deserve better.