Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget proposal for the next biennium includes more than $3 billion for raises and bonuses for educators, school staff and state employees and retirees.

Cooper rolled out his plan Wednesday for the state to spend $27.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 and $28.5 billion in fiscal year 2023. Among the governor’s highest priorities are education, COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure and Medicaid expansion.