NC Attorney General Shockingly Backs Controversial Budget—You Won't Believe What's at Stake!

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — On April 24, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson expressed his support for Governor Josh Stein's newly recommended budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This budget was unveiled by Stein on April 21, as North Carolina finds itself without a comprehensive budget just weeks before the new fiscal year begins on July 1. This ongoing situation has persisted for nearly two and a half years.

Stein's budget proposal, characterized by the slogan "Keep North Carolina Strong," aims to enhance teacher pay, offer tax relief to working families, and invest significantly in public safety, workforce development, and healthcare. This move comes in the wake of Stein's earlier request for a $1.4 billion “critical needs” budget to address pressing state priorities while the General Assembly works on a more permanent spending plan.

In his statement following the budget's announcement, Attorney General Jackson underscored its emphasis on public safety and prudent management of taxpayer money—two priorities that align closely with the objectives of his office. “Supporting law enforcement is core to what we do at the Department of Justice,” Jackson remarked. He noted that implementing bonuses and pay raises for law enforcement is essential for both recruitment and retention of personnel in these critical roles. “When officers put themselves at risk to keep our families safe, we should be doing more for them, not less,” he added.

Furthermore, Jackson pointed out the budget’s allocation for the Medicaid Investigations Division, which is crucial for combating Medicaid fraud. “We already lead the country in finding Medicaid fraud and prosecuting the people behind it,” he stated. The introduction of a new data mining position is expected to enhance the ability to sift through vast amounts of billing data, allowing for the identification of fraudulent activities that compromise both patient safety and taxpayer funds. In addition, he expressed his support for raises for state employees, including those in the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), emphasizing that these dedicated individuals often choose public service over more lucrative private sector opportunities.

The future of Stein's budget proposal now rests with the North Carolina General Assembly, which is set to reconvene on April 27. However, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will address the proposed budget during this upcoming session. Jackson has urged the General Assembly to prioritize these recommendations and move forward with them during the short session. “I’m asking the General Assembly to take these recommendations up in the short session and move them forward,” he concluded.

As North Carolina navigates this complex budgeting landscape, the implications of Stein’s budget could significantly affect key sectors, particularly education and public safety, shaping the state's future in the coming fiscal year. The call for increased support for teachers and law enforcement resonates with many constituents, highlighting the critical nature of these roles in maintaining community stability and growth.