North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proposed a $1.4 billion budget for public safety and mental health, aimed at addressing staffing shortages and low wages. The proposal includes $211 million specifically for the public safety sector. This comes amid a two-year budget stalemate that has left the state without a new spending plan since 2022. Stein highlighted the state's ranking in the nation for starting pay for state troopers and correctional officers, and stated that the state needs to improve its ability to intervene and provide treatment before criminal acts occur. The $850 million proposal includes specific raises across multiple departments within the public health and health sectors. However, Senate Leader Phil Berger and other Republican leaders have expressed skepticism about the proposal.