In a news release, House Speaker Pro Tem Paul "Skip" Stam, R-Wake, wrote that legislative leaders delivered on a promise made coming into the "short" session. 

 

"I am glad we were able to deliver on that promise in a significant way.  The budget provides an average teacher pay increase of 7%. Teachers will get three benefits that they have not had for seven years (except for one small pay increase): pay schedule is going up overall, teachers can now move up a step, and longevity pay is going to be included in each paycheck instead of one payment at the end of the year.

 

Stam wrote that he is disappointed with the criticism.

 

"I am disappointed that groups, like the North Carolina Association of Educators, have chosen to share wrong information.  I believe teachers will like taking home more money this year than they took home last year.  The proof is in the paycheck."