North Carolina Senate Republicans Override Stein’s Veto Of School Choice

This week, the North Carolina Senate Republicans successfully overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s Veto of House Bill 87, the “Educational Choice for Children Act,” which allows North Carolina to participate in President Donald Trump’s signature school choice program. With the successful override, North Carolina becomes the 31st state to join the program.  

“Families across the state want to have a choice in where to send their children to school,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. “In North Carolina, we have great public schools that are supplemented by public charter, private, and home schools. Participating in President Trump’s landmark school choice program gives parents another opportunity to obtain an education that best fits their child’s needs.” 

The “Educational Choice for Children Act” ensures North Carolina residents can participate in the federal tax credit program outlined in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act if they donate to certain nonprofits that provide scholarships to students. 

Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) said, “Our state’s educational landscape proves that you can have a thriving public education system while having robust educational freedom. This federal tax credit adds to that. We must continue to provide families with avenues to pursue the best education for their children.” 

The Senate has successfully overridden 13 of Gov. Stein’s 15 vetoes. Governor Stein feigned support for the bill claiming he was waiting on guidance, but the majority of other states across the union have already joined the program.