Rep. Butler, NC Progressive House Caucus call for amendment requiring timely state budget

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Rep. Deb Butler and the North Carolina Progressive House Caucus have requested a bill calling for a constitutional amendment that would require the state to pass a budget on time in future legislative sessions.

Butler, a Democrat representing District 18, said the proposal comes as teachers, state employees and Medicaid recipients continue to face uncertainty while lawmakers remain without a finalized state spending plan.

“When politicians miss the budget deadline, it’s not a paperwork problem — it’s a people problem,” Butler said in a statement. “Our schools stall, health care hangs in limbo, and families pay the price for legislative dysfunction.”

The proposed legislation would ask voters to approve a constitutional change requiring the timely passage of a state budget. The bill would also include enforcement measures, including halting pay for legislators if the budget is not approved by the deadline.

“If lawmakers can’t do the most important job we’re elected to do, they shouldn’t get paid for failing North Carolinians,” Butler said.

Butler also pointed to teacher pay and the ongoing budget impasse, calling it an embarrassment that North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in average teacher salary.

The Progressive House Caucus said lawmakers should face consequences for prolonged delays, arguing that missed deadlines place the burden on residents across the state.

The bill is expected to be introduced when legislators return for the short session.