Today, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson released the following statement following Governor Cooper signing the budget compromise into law:

“The budget that was signed today provides critical relief for families and businesses across North Carolina. While not a perfect budget, Governor Cooper and legislative Democrats forced Republicans to the negotiating table and delivered increased investments in teacher and state employee pay, infrastructure, and businesses as we emerge from the pandemic.

“This budget delivers raises and bonuses for teachers and other hard-working state employees, expands high-speed internet across the state, increases funding for community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, assists Western North Carolina recover from Tropical Storm Fred, and so much more. Many of these programs would not be possible without the money COVID-19 relief funds secured by President Biden and Congressional Democrats.

“While Democrats fought for these improvements, Republicans continue to obstruct critical investments like expanding access to health care and investing in our schools. Republican leadership has once again prioritized corporate tax breaks at the detriment of working class North Carolinians.

“Democrats will continue to fight for the policies that Republicans failed to support. We are thankful for the leadership of Governor Cooper and Democratic leaders in the legislature and look forward to electing more Democrats to continue this fight next year.”

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