RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN) — Democratic North Carolina Representative Allen Buansi says that North Carolina public education is in a crisis. He spoke to reporters Monday about new legislation he has introduced called the Fair Share for Public Schools Act. He gave some facts about the state of public schools right now.
“There’s an estimated thirteen billion dollars in needed school repairs, construction, and renovations across the state. We are 44th right now in teacher pay,” he said. “Out of 50 states, we are ranked 50th in terms of per people or per student funding. It’s offensive to me as a parent, and I know it’s offensive to millions of parents across the state.”
He called the bill “a targeted, straightforward way to strengthen our public school K-12 and contribute to our broader economy.” The bill creates a 7% income tax on incomes over $1 million.
Other parents spoke at the conference, including Wake County Public School parent Emily Malpass, who noted that the overwhelming majority of families in the state rely on public education. “We know the people of North Carolina want our schools funded. As it stands, the General Assembly pours our tax dollars into private school vouchers that even millionaires can now receive. They pass the buck. They tell our local school boards that they need to raise property taxes or make some tough choices,” she said.
Another voice in support of the bill was Monica Lavery, who would be one of the people in the state affected by the new tax if the Fair Share for Public Schools Act passes. She said, “If this bill passes, a mere .59% of taxpayer millionaires in North Carolina, such as myself, would be liable to pay for it. And I want to say today without a shred of hesitation or equivocation that I sincerely hope that the Fair Share for Public Schools Act does pass.”
The Fair Share Amendment, a similar act that created a 4% tax on incomes over $1 million, went into effect in Massachusetts in 2023 and has generated billions of dollars for public education and transportation.