RALEIGH -- Governor Pat McCrory has announced major education initiatives that will include more money for teachers and state employees. He also said that if we are going to have successful students we have to expand early childhood education.

Gov. McCrory, "It is so important, if a student starts behind in school they usually end up being behind throughout their career and throughout their life. And, therefore, in my budget we will provide an addition $3.6 million to expand early childhood education in North Carolina."

McCrory also announced raises for veteran teachers. Teachers in steps 8-12 will receive increases ranging from 2.8 to 4.3%. Teachers in steps 13-36 will average a pay hike of 2%.