RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed the state's new $34.4 billion budget into law on Tuesday, July 7, calling it a compromise that makes meaningful progress while acknowledging the state still has work to do. Stein said the budget includes several of his major priorities but noted it still leaves North Carolina lagging behind neighboring states and does not do enough to support low-income residents or veteran teachers.