On August 26, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper held a press conference to release his proposed budget adjustments for 2020-21.
Some key items include —
- $175 million for critical public health services, with $25 million for testing and tracing;
- $49 million to develop a state personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile;
- $25 million to research obstacles to reliable, rapid COVID-19 testing;
- $132 million to help K-12 public schools to protect students, teachers and staff with COVID-19 support;
- $50 million to establish an emergency grant program to invest in expanded broadband access;
- $27.5 million to combine with other funds to create a $50 million relief program to support North Carolina businesses with rent, mortgage and utility relief; and
- One-time bonuses to K-12 public school teachers, principals, support staff and non-certified school personnel.
The NCGA House and Senate are scheduled to convene on Wednesday September 2, at noon.