“This morning, I received a call from Speaker Tillis and they have moved to a 6 percent raise. In an effort to come to a resolution, but with some concerns, I have agreed to accept that position. I've moved from a 3 percent raise to a 6 percent raise for teachers," the governor said in a statement. 

 

“We have a plan that doesn't raise taxes, provides meaningful raises for teachers without cutting thousands of teacher assistants and avoids ending critical services to the blind, elderly, disabled and those with Alzheimer's disease.

 

“This is a long-term, sustainable and affordable plan in which I stand with our teachers, our students, our principals, our superintendents, business leaders, House Democrats and House Republicans. The Senate is currently standing by themselves with no visible support outside of the Beltline of our state capital," the governor continued. 

 

 “I will veto the latest Senate plan or any plan that resembles it because I know of no financial way we can go beyond the House proposal without eliminating thousands of teacher assistants, cutting Medicaid recipients and putting at risk future core state services."

 

The governor's statement concluded with an offer to continuing talking.

 

"I’m committed to clearing my calendar next week to meet with any Senate or House member – both Republicans and Democrats - to personally communicate my resolve and to communicate to teachers who are waiting in limbo as the school year approaches," the statement said.