After the $27.9 billion state budget was signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper, District 62 state Rep. John Faircloth (R-High Point) sent out a press release about the $6 million included in the budget for Guilford County.

Faircloth said, “This fiscally responsible budget will not only help with projects across our state but ensures we are prepared for any economic uncertainty in future.  Many key statewide investments were made, and I am proud to have secured nearly $6 million in the budget for some deserving projects in Guilford County.”

Faircloth lists the following allocations in the 2022-2023 budget:

  • $2.3 million for High Point Furniture Market.
  • $1 million for High Point University Principal Preparation Program Support.
  • $1 million for International Civil Rights Museum.
  • $749,000 for E-Sports Guilford Tech.
  • $250,000 for American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame.
  • $150,000 for High Point Arts Council.
  • $100,000 for North Carolina Folk Festival.
  • $100,000 for Wyndham Championship.
  • $75,000 for City of High Point.
  • $75,000 for Town of Oak Ridge.
  • $75,000 for Senior Resources of Guilford.
  • $50,000 for Town of Stokesdale.
  • $25,000 for AWOL Outreach.
  • $25,000 for HBCU Bound Athletics.

The state operates on a two-year budget cycle with the base budget being passed in odd years and then revised in even years.

Faircloth notes that this budget includes a 4.2 percent average raise for teachers and that the raise for teachers over the two years of the budget cycle totals 9.1 percent.

School support staff received a raise of 4 percent or an increase to $15 an hour, whichever is greater.

State employees received an average raise of 3.5 percent, which equals 6 percent over the biennium.

The state budget also sets aside $876 million for major economic development projects and $883 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects.

There is $32 million in the budget for school safety grants to support students in crisis, safety training and equipment in schools.

The budget also includes $14.8 million for mental health programs.