As North Carolina schools face staffing shortages, both Republicans and Democrats are pushing for bigger raises for starting teacher pay -- but the proposals could face tough odds in a tight budget year. Gov. Josh Stein’s proposal to increase starting teacher pay above $50,000 is similar to one filed recently by Republicans in the state House. Rep. Erin Paré, R-Wake and sponsor of that bill, was appointed this year to help lead the budget process. She spoke with Colin Campbell about the teacher pay plan and its prospects in the legislature. Paré also discussed her bills to offer tax exemptions on tips and gambling losses, as well as a salary transparency measure for school district administrators.