Three major, and controversial, decisions have been made in the North Carolina General Assembly this past weekend: the Senate’s new spending plan, teacher pay raises, and the fracking bill.

The Senate has decided upon a new $21.1 billion spending plan for 2014-15 this weekend. Democrats were displeased with how quickly the decision was made, as it allowed for minimal negotiation. They seemed to be in consensus that the Senate was only interested in hearing their own approval, rather than the perspectives of the general public.

As part of this new budget plan, legislators also desire to encourage teachers to give up their tenure in exchange for an 11% raise in pay. Teachers, in response, are disagreeing with the motion as they desire more protection from unfriendly politics that surround schools presently. These raises are also planned to be gathered from cuts that would come from public school spending.

Other states are allegedly not attempting this swap of pay raise for tenure. Democrats agree that this action is not for the benefit of the teacher’s, but more of a cover-up for legislators’ inability to manage money wisely.

The fracking bill, completely supported by the House Republicans, is now on its way to be signed by Gov. Pat McCrory, who is more than ready to help get it passed. While Democrats were clearly unhappy with the bill, they failed to halt the process. Instead, they were able to add a few minor alterations to the bill as compromise before being sent to Gov. McCrory.

Many North Carolinians fear what the fracking might mean for chemicals that could get into well water, as well as how the Senate now seems to have the ability to override local governments in relation to how the fracking will be carried out.

As of now, there seems to be a great deal of controversy with each major decision processed by the General Assembly of North Carolina this past weekend. The uncertainty regarding the decided amount of the budget has some questioning how things are going to get better now. The risky move of raising teachers’ salaries whilst eliminating assistants and tenure is causing a rift of displeasure from educators of North Carolina, and unfavorable fracking plans that may affect local businesses in a way that they are unwilling to comply with the Senate’s decision.

Related Stories
‹
North Carolina Revenue Predictions Fall with Recession Risk
State officials have lowered anticipated revenue collection, largely over rising economic uncertainty and the risks of a U.S. recession.
NC House Unanimously OKs "Stopgap" Spending Plan
While the vote was unanimous across party lines, House Republicans and Democrats continued pointing fingers at each other over the larger impasse.
Kinnaird: Environmental Regulations “Swept Aside”
Two bills survived the crossover deadline this week that some say will negatively affect our local environment.
Orange County: Chair of the Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 14. In this extended conversation, they discussed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap the income tax rate at 3.5% in the state. They talked about the potential implications of this for local and state governments to fund mandatory services for citizens, and more.
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives on State of Chatham, General Assembly, and More
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, September 4. He discussed the State of Chatham Presentation from earlier in the day. He recapped his summer and looked ahead to the legislative session at the end of September. He offered criticism of an addition added to the state budget, encouraged people to vote, and more.
On Air Today: State Rep. Renee Price, on North Carolina's 2026 State Budget
State Rep. Renee Price joins Aaron to discuss this year's recently-passed state budget - and how you can make a difference in government.
On Air Today: One Budget and Three Months, with State Sen. Jonah Garson
New State Sen. Jonah Garson joins Aaron to reflect on his first few months on the job - and discuss the recently-passed state budget.
Local Government Meetings: June 8-12, 2026
This week in local government: final budget votes in Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham County.
Local Government Meetings: June 1-5, 2026
This week in local government: budget decisions for Orange County, Carrboro, and Durham, and the final vote on a CHCCS school closure.
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget Decision
Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
›