Opportunity Scholarships, ICE cooperation bill heads to governor

(The Center Square) – Three Democrats joined 64 Republicans in passage Wednesday of legislation that both erases a student waiting list of 55,000 for Opportunity Scholarships, and requires sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement.

House Bill 10, known also as Require ICE Cooperation & Budget Adjustments, passed 67-43 and next goes to Gov. Roy Cooper. He’ll have 10 days to sign into law, allow to become law without his signature, or veto, the latter of which is a consensus forecast.

“Today’s passage of HB10, which clears the wait list of nearly 55,000 families who have applied for Opportunity Scholarships, marks a significant victory for families and students across North Carolina,” said Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican and educator who changed parties more than a year ago. “By empowering students and parents to choose what type of education best fits their needs, regardless of ZIP code or income, the Opportunity Scholarship Program puts kids and their futures first. As North Carolina continues to expand education options for families, we are ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive. This is a win for students, parents, and the future of North Carolina!"

Reps. Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County, Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe and Michael Wray of Northampton were Democrats joining Cotham in favor of the bill. Wray, a 10-term incumbent, was beaten by Rodney Pierce on Super Tuesday; Williamston Republican Brent Roberson is Willingham’s opponent this fall; and Cunningham is running unopposed .

The Senate on Monday passed it 27-17 with no Democrats in support. There were no Republicans in either chamber against the measure.

The spending plan is essentially a mini-budget amendment to the state’s two-year fiscal plan, will also supply more money for Medicaid and rural broadband access. The bill began, and contains, language for all 100 county sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers.

The proposal came back to both legislative bodies with agreement from respective conferees Sens. Warren Daniel of Burke County, Danny Earl Britt of Robeson County and Buck Newton of Wilson County, and Reps. Destin Hall of Caldwell County and Brenden Jones of Columbus County.

Republicans favor the $463 million going to Opportunity Scholarships, citing the immense appeal of school choice; Democrats decry it, saying it erodes the public school system. Opportunity Scholarships can be used for students to attend another traditional K-12 public school, charter schools or private schools.

Charter schools are public schools, a fact that is often either mischaracterized or outright mistaken.

The legislation would provide a retroactive option for reimbursement of costs this fall at private schools.

Education efforts get $95 million toward K-12 enrollment increases and $64 million for community college enrollment growth.

Health care assistance includes $277 million in recurring funding and $100 million in nonrecurring funding for Medicaid.

And toward business growth, there is $150 million for major transportation improvements at the Randolph County megasite and $55.1 million for infrastructure improvements to support economic development in Chatham County.