State budget talks will likely heat up next week with the goal of having a new plan in place before the July 4th holiday.

Senate Leader Phil Berger told the News & Observer Thursday that he and House Speaker Tim Moore may meet as soon as Monday to discuss a budget agreement, then meet with Gov. Roy Cooper to work out differences. The North Carolina Tribune reported today that budget votes could come the week of June 27.

State employee and retiree raises and bonuses are expected to be the primary topic of discussion in talks, along with possible tax cuts.

SEANC’s lobbying team gives their take on the week and the upcoming budget talks in this week’s Legislative Update.

IN THE NEWS

In this week's news, the UNC System announced that it would incorporate a Juneteenth holiday into its calendar beginning next year. The move comes a week after Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order to give paid leave to state workers for or in place of Juneteenth.

At a stop in Wilmington this week, State Treasurer Dale Folwell discussed how inflation and health care costs are making it hard for state employees to make ends meet.

Fayetteville State University announced it had received the largest gift in its history. The $5.8 million charitable grant from Anonymous Trust, a private foundation in Raleigh, will be used to support student success.

And a federal judge ruled last Friday that the State Health Plan must cover gender-affirming health care for members of the plan.