(The Center Square) – North Carolina is the first state to send a bill to its governor opting into the signature school choice program of President Donald Trump.
In less than two weeks, it could be the first to try getting it done by veto override. First-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is expected to issue a veto citing use of public funds mingling with private school options.
The Senate on Tuesday by 30-19 on party lines passed Educational Choice for Children Act, known also as House Bill 87. The House of Representatives on Wednesday morning moved it along to Stein 69-47.
The day the governor receives legislation is considered Day 0 in the count of 10 days to either sign, veto or allow to become law without a signature.
Under the Trump plan signed into law July 4 in what is known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 can start in 2027. Rep. Brian Biggs, R-Randolph, told colleagues on the floor the cost to North Carolina is zero.
“These are all federal dollars,” he said.
Rep. Julie von Haefen, D-Wake, said the proposal was wrong and Rep. Deb Butler, D-New Hanover, named multiple rural counties she says would lose money.
No Republicans in either chamber voted against the bill. In the House, Democratic Reps. Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County and Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County crossed the aisle in favor – signaling a veto from Stein could wind up impotent.
“North Carolina has been a leader in parental school choice for more than a decade,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. “By opting into President Trump’s signature school choice initiative, we’re giving North Carolina’s families access to additional resources for sending their child to a school that best meets their individual educational needs. The school choice movement in our state strengthens our public schools and provides families with robust educational options.”
