The Onslow Observer: State Budget, Constitutional Carry, & More...

Dear Neighbor,

This month, we delivered meaningful wins for Onslow County — from passing a responsible state budget that invests in our community, to advancing legislation that strengthens our Second Amendment rights and public safety.

Whether it’s securing $5 million for the New River YMCA Aquatic Center, or standing with our veterans at Camp Lejeune, I’m focused on real solutions that reflect our values and priorities.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.

At your service,

Michael Lazzara

North Carolina Senator

NC SENATE PASSES STATE BUDGET

I'm proud to report that the Senate has passed a conservative state budget (Senate Bill 257) that delivers meaningful wins for Onslow County and all of North Carolina.

This spending plan is several hundred pages long. Here's some top highlights:

Rainy Day Fund: Replenished to $4.75 billion, restoring it to what it was before Hurricane Helene.

WNC Recovery: Sets aside $700 million for additional Hurricane Helene Recovery needs, plus $633 million in temporary and permanent repurposing of funds within the Department of Transportation to support recovery.

State Employee Raises & Bonuses: An across-the-board 1.25% pay increase in the first year of the biennium for most state employees, plus a $3,000 bonus.

Teacher Pay Raises: An average 2.3% pay increase in FY 2025–26 and an average increase of 3.3% over the biennium, plus a $3,000 bonus. On average, teachers will receive additional compensation of 8.9% over the biennium.

Law Enforcement Pay: A $3,000 bonus over the biennium for local law enforcement officers across the state.

Guaranteed Tax Relief: Furthers our plan to cut the personal income tax rate to 3.49% in 2027 and 2.99% in 2028. We're continuing to adjust the tax rate revenue triggers in order to reach a 1.99% personal income tax rate.

NC Children's Hospital: Increasing support for a partnership between the UNC and Duke health systems to build the state’s first and only freestanding children’s hospital, providing a total of $855 million in support.

Coastal Land Trust: Providing $2 million to protect Topsail Island’s natural beauty and resilience.

This budget meets the moment and puts the people of North Carolina first.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SPENDING PLAN >>>

NC SENATE PAGE: STEFAN ARAGONA

It was a pleasure having Stefan Aragona serve as my Senate Page last week. He did a fantastic job — sharp, respectful, and eager to learn.

His parents, Martin and Lori, were able to attend session, making it especially meaningful to see their son shine here at the NC General Assembly.

I have no doubt Stefan has a bright future ahead!

FREEDOM TO CARRY NC ACT

Last month, the NC Senate passed Senate Bill 50: Freedom to Carry NC, bringing us one step closer to constitutional carry for law-abiding citizens.

It’s time North Carolina joins the 29 other states that trust their citizens to exercise their rights without a government permission slip. Our bill — which I’m proud to co-sponsor — preserves our concealed carry permit system for reciprocity, but makes permits optional here at home.

Now, it’s up to the House to approve and send it to the Governor.

VISITING VETERAN MARINES AT CAMP LEJEUNE

I was honored to be the guest speaker for the Regiment of Retired Marines aboard Camp Lejeune. Grateful for the warm welcome and inspired by the incredible group of Veterans in attendance. Semper Fi!

JACKSONVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at a Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce event in Holly Ridge. It was a great opportunity to connect with local leaders, share legislative updates, and hear from other elected officials on the issues that matter most to our community.

PUBLIC SAFETY IN JACKSONVILLE

We had a productive meeting recently with Jacksonville Police Chief Jarad Phelps and Public Safety Director Michael Yaniero — discussing key public safety concerns and opportunities to strengthen our community. Grateful for their leadership and dedication to keeping Jacksonville safe.

NEW RIVER YMCA AQUATIC CENTER

I’m proud to have secured $5 million in state funding for the new New River YMCA Aquatic Center — a much-needed investment in health, recreation, and community for Onslow County. This project has been years in the making, and I’m grateful to see it finally coming to life.

A BETTER FUTURE FOR DMV SERVICES

North Carolinians deserve a streamlined, efficient DMV. Too many have faced long lines, outdated systems and unclear policies.

As co-chairs of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Senator Vickie Sawyer and I have worked to enhance DMV customer service and hold the agency accountable.

Now is the time to embrace a more innovative future — one that harnesses technology to make life easier for everyone.

READ OUR FULL OP-ED >>>