Senate budget plan leaves film grant program at $10M, raises teacher pay

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A budget plan from the North Carolina Senate would not increase funding for the state’s film grant program.

The plan unveiled in Raleigh today earmarks $10 million for film grants.

“I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues cannot understand the importance of these grants to the survival of an extremely important industry to our region and state,” Sen. Michael Lee, a New Hanover County Republican, said in a statement. “I will not stop fighting for restoration of meaningful funding for film.”

Lee co-sponsored a bill with Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick County) that would give $66 million to the film program. The House of Representatives this spring proposed spending $40 million on film. Rabon says that means if the Senate budget plan passes as is, the final number will be worked out between the two chambers. He pointed out that during last year’s budget process, the Senate proposed $20 million for film compared to $5 million by the House before the two sides settled on $10 million.

The Associated Press reports the Senate’s version of the budget spends less on operating government than the House proposal does, in part by putting aside more money for potential fiscal emergencies. The $21.5 billion plan from Senate Republicans is almost $700 million less than what the House agreed to spend to operate government.

Senators set aside $800 million for two government reserve funds instead of spending it. They also raised teacher pay on average by 4 percent, including larger raises for early-career teachers. Critics, though, have questioned smaller increases for experienced teachers they say amount to about $50 a month for some educators.

The full Senate is likely to approve its plan by the end of the week.