NC Senate Approves $500M Boost for Private School Vouchers Amid Controversy

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The North Carolina Senate on Monday approved a bill that provides hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding for the state’s private school voucher program, sparking intense debate over the impact on public education. The measure passed with a 27-17 vote, strictly along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.

The bill allocates $463 million specifically for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, which has seen a surge in demand after the General Assembly removed income caps last year. The change made all families in North Carolina eligible for vouchers, leading to a waitlist of approximately 55,000 students. The new funding is intended to clear this backlog and provide retroactive reimbursements for families who had to pay out-of-pocket for private schooling this fall.

Senate Leader Phil Berger, a strong supporter of the bill, highlighted the importance of school choice in North Carolina. “Parents deserve the right to choose the best educational setting for their children, and this funding ensures that financial barriers do not stand in the way,” Berger stated during the Senate session.

However, the expansion of the voucher program has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and public school advocates. Governor Roy Cooper has been vocal in his opposition, arguing that the state’s focus should be on strengthening public schools rather than diverting funds to private institutions. Cooper warned that the bill could lead to a "budget crisis" given the state’s declining revenues and the already planned tax cuts.

“We’re telling children in underfunded schools that their education is less important than providing a taxpayer-funded handout to those who can afford private tuition,” said Senator Michael Garrett (D-Guilford) during the Senate debate.

The bill’s passage follows months of public demonstrations and lobbying by families on the voucher waitlist. Rachel Brady, a mother from Wake Forest who led a rally in July, expressed relief at the Senate's decision. “We’re so thankful they listened to us,” Brady said, noting that the funding will provide much-needed financial relief for her family and others in similar situations.

In addition to the voucher funding, the Senate’s supplemental spending plan includes provisions for Medicaid expansion, rural broadband access, and new requirements for sheriffs to assist federal immigration agents. The latter measure has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it could erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

The House is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday. If passed, it will go to Governor Cooper, who is likely to veto it. However, with Republicans holding a narrow veto-proof majority in both chambers, an override vote could occur as early as November.

As the debate over the future of education funding in North Carolina continues, this bill’s passage represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to school choice and public education.