RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) –- The Republican State House has overridden Governor Josh Stein’s veto of a school choice bill, with the help of two former Democrats.
The lower chamber voted to override the veto —the Educational Choice for Children Act.
This marks the ninth veto of Stein’s that has been overriden. The Senate, which has a veto proof majority, has to still consider the override.
The legislation aligns North Carolina with the federal tax credit scholarship program included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, helping expand access to educational opportunities for students and families across the state.
All House Republicans supported the override, joined by unaffiliated Reps. Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed. The two left the Democratic party after losing their primary bids.
In a press release, Speaker Destin Hall said, “Today’s override was another major win for North Carolina students and parents. Gov. Stein and Democrats tried to stand in the way of giving families more control over their children’s education, but Republicans, yet again, stood firmly on the side of educational freedom. This vote was about trusting parents and giving students more choices, because when our kids succeed, North Carolina succeeds.”