The North Carolina House of Representatives moved to expand eligibility for private school tuition vouchers to families of all income levels, but Governor Roy Cooper declared a “state of emergency” on Monday in an attempt to stop the “school choice” bill from passing state legislature.
Senate Bill 406, called “Choose Your School, Choose Your Future,” allows families in all income brackets to take the funds allocated toward their children’s public education and spend it on a school of their choice, which includes private education.
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This bill would significantly grow the opportunity for students in higher income brackets, although the chief priority will remain with lower-income families.
Supporters of the school choice bill argue that all families will be given more opportunities to choose where their children get an education, specifically those with special needs. Opponents argue the bill will strip away money from underfunded public schools, while increasing investment in the private sector.
“It’s clear that the Republican legislature is aiming to choke the life out of public education. I’m declaring this state of emergency because you need to know what’s happening. If you care about public schools in North Carolina, it’s time to take immediate action and tell them to stop the damage that will set back our schools for a generation,” Cooper declared.
Cooper issued a video statement where he announced a state of emergency, maintaining that the state of public education is “no less important” than other crises.
The governor has been slammed over opposing private school vouchers despite providing his own daughter with a private education in Raleigh.
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