A breakdown of the recently passed NC state budget.
While the nation was biting their nails watching Congress narrowly miss a government shutdown, the NC Legislature finally passed a state budget on Sept. 22 after the previous one expired June 30.
The budget, or HB 259, directs ~$29.7 billion to be spent this fiscal year, with ~$30.8 billion on the docket for next year. Here, we unpack what the government has planned for your money.
The budget includes plans to reduce the current personal income rate of 4.75% to 4.25% by 2025, with the potential of dropping it lower to 2.49% if revenue collection goals are met. For specific corporations, the budget lowers the franchise tax, or fees required to do business.
The budget advocates for single-use plastics by disallowing any county from “restricting; taxing; charging a fee; prohibiting; or otherwise regulating the use, disposition or sale of an auxiliary container.” Individual businesses may still opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, but counties and cities may not enforce any regulations. To wit, both Asheville and Durham were previously considering plastic bag bans/fees.
The budget designated $250 million for the Opportunity Scholarship Reserve, which ends income restrictions for students to private schools, no longer specifying a qualifying income level or previous attendance at a public school. Translation: This change allows the highest income families to receive funding equal to 45% of the amount poorest families are awarded.
Any state, city or county agency is banned from firing any employee due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Although the legalization of nontribal casinos was considered for inclusion in the budget, the decision was ultimately postponed until Spring 2024 to prevent further delay.
Four Raleigh food trucks we can’t get enough of this month
The Golden Empanada
John Cena once famously ate 36 empanadas in a row—and while it may seem like an impossible feat, these deep-fried goodies (filled with the likes of shrimp, cheese, veggies or chicken) make it seem like a walk in the park. Heck, order 37! Round out your golden grub sesh with yellow rice and veggies with pebre (a nonspicy spin on the classic Chilean sauce), and top it off with a mil hojas cake (aka layers of flakey goodness with dulce de leche and cream). You’re guaranteed to be stuffed—in the best way. @thegoldenempanadanc
Eat Thai Raleigh
A taste of Thailand on wheels? Say less. Born of a passion for teaching others how to cook Thai food, the authentic catering and cooking class service has expanded its horizons with a food truck, rolling out street-style eats like larb meatballs, shrimp curry, pad thai, Vietnamese spring rolls and khanom moh gang. Prepare to break out of your comfort zone! @eat.thai.raleigh
El Toro Alebrije Tacos & Tapas
Flavor-blasted Goldfish have nothing on this bright and bold food truck fusing Latin American and Caribbean cuisine for a savory explosion that’ll have you coming back time and again. Load up on tostones, aka fried green plantains topped with Cajun ranch and cotija cheese; tacos; quesadillas; burrito bowls; and more—NTM rotating specials (check Insta before you go!). @eltoroalebrije
Santopietro’s Sandwiches
Let’s get this bread—literally. Sandwich lovers, meet your new go-to lunch spot. The mobile deli food truck specializes in freshly sliced and grilled-to-order sammies stuffed with everything from roast beef and turkey to steak and cheese to Buffalo chicken—all served with lettuce, tomato, onion, vinegar, oil and oregano. Carb counting? Lose the bread and turn your fave menu item into a bowl.@santopietros_sandwiches
Here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls this November.
Before you head to the polls next month, know this: What’s required to vote in future North Carolina elections has changed. Thanks to a new law passed over the summer, an amendment has been added to the North Carolina State Constitution now requiring photographic identification to vote, both in person and by mail. But it’s not that simple. Here is what you can do to ensure your ballot will be counted.
• Present valid photo ID, including a driver’s license, U.S. passport, student ID card, state employee ID card, military ID card, Tribal enrollment card or a veteran ID card.
• Request a free state ID card from your local DMV. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card or a document proving your Social Security number, and a document proving legal residency.
• If you don’t have access to these documents, request a free voter ID from the county Board of Elections. No documents are required—only your name, birthday and last four digits of your Social Security number. This photo ID is valid for 10 years and can only be used for voting.
• If you don’t have a valid photo ID by Election Day, you can still go and vote! All voters will have access to a voter ID exception form that can be submitted along with your vote.
• If voting by mail, attach a photocopy of a valid ID to your absentee ballot or include the exception form, or your vote will not be counted. Be sure to mail in your ballot as early as possible to ensure it’s counted.
Who’s voting?
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
Angier, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell & Zebulon Municipal Elections + Town of Cary Runoff Election (if necessary) + City of Durham Municipal Election
Raleigh voters return to the polls:
Tuesday, March 5, 2024: Primary Election
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024: General Election + City of Raleigh Municipal Election
Fall into autumn with furniture, activewear and perfume galore.
Have your luxe look in the bag with Michael Kors Lifestyle, the brand’s new concept store recently opened in Crabtree Valley Mall that casts a spotlight on “pared-down luxury and sophisticated glamour” via a plethora of accessories. Ooh la la! @michaelkors
Meet the Modern Ming Collection. Rail & Stile’s handcrafted furniture pieces spotlight Chinese Ming Dynasty aesthetics while offering customizable size options for homeowners who love that vintage look. therailandstile.com
These socks were made for running. … Embrace compression while decompressing with a workout or a run in Whitsett-based brand CEP Compression’s colorful compression socks and apparel—found at all three Raleigh Fleet Feet locations—that increase circulation and improve oxygen supply. @cep_compression
Grab your chunky knit sweater and wide-brimmed hats! Williams Sonoma at Fenton is rolling out its fall collection featuring pumpkin spice treats, Day of the Dead dinnerware and a Peanuts-themed holiday collection. It’s, er, Halloween, Charlie Brown! @williamssonoma
All the single ladies put your hands up! Catch feelings (or just stack your roster) on Hatched, the newest dating app to hit Raleigh, boasting a “less show me and more know me” attitude. Happy cuffing season! @hatched_dating
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Embrace the casual island mindset and kick back in colorful resort attire from Village District’s newly opened coastal athleisure shop Coastal Urge. Life’s a beach! @coastalurge
Not only is buying secondhand often easier on your wallet (hello, half-price Chanel bag!), it also denounces the controversial labor practices many fast-fashion companies use, and lessens the pollution and landfill contributions the constant manufacturing of new garments generates (the industry accounts for 2–8% of global emissions). Ethical benefits aside, who doesn’t love one-of-a-kind fashion finds? After all, there’s no better feeling than responding with, “Oh, I thrifted it!” when someone asks where you got your ’fit.
Ready to (thrift) shop till you drop? The bigger the city, the better thrifting scene, so Raleighites are in luck. Here, we feature some unique finds from local secondhand retailers.
Doc Martens From ’90s grunge to early 2010s Tumblr to today, the brand’s ultra-durable platform sandals, Mary Janes and combat boots are the go-to. Soften up the edgy Doc Martens look by pairing with a babydoll dress, or welcome the nostalgia with ripped jeans and a band tee. Alexa, play “R U Mine?” by Arctic Monkeys. Shop similar finds: MODE
Sea Denim Dress A denim dress is a classic, and this quilted puffy-sleeved number is no exception. Easily dressed up or down, the versatile seasonal-transition piece is giving autumn-meets-coastal cowboy—and we’re here for it. Shop similar finds: Revolver
Vintage Windbreaker
Windbreakers suddenly feel fresh again. Play up the pragmatic piece and slip on a pair of classic white sneakers, or draw inspo from Rihanna and throw on a miniskirt and a pair of stilettos with your jacket. Shop similar finds: Unorthodox Vintage
Bottega Veneta Jodie Top Handle Bag
“People will stare—make it worth their while.” Elevate the much-needed accessory with this slouchy woven bag, big enough to carry all your things and small enough to slide on your shoulder, so you can be hands-free no matter what you’re touting. Shop similar finds: Dress
Vintage Denim
Denim is always in season—and easy to style with quite literally anything. That, paired with its durability, makes denim a fab secondhand find—NTM the worn look is de rigueur. Pro tip: Not in the mood to try on? Wrap the waistline of the pants around your neck. If the two sides meet comfortably, the pants will fit. Shop similar finds: Unorthodox Vintage
Gucci Platforms
“I’m not afraid of heights, have you seen my shoes?” Take a cue from Carrie Bradshaw and reach new heights in these New York Fashion Week-worthy yellow Gucci platforms. The sandal’s wide base makes strutting your stuff and elevating your outfit far easier than your average heel would. Shop similar finds: Dress
