RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) — The State Senate Wednesday (June 3) joined the House in overriding Governor Josh Stein’s veto on an education bill.
The Senate voted to override the veto of House Bill 87, known as the Educational Choice for Children Act. It would conform state law to a new federal law, passed under Republican President Donald Trump, giving tax breaks to people who donate to educational scholarship programs.
“Families across the state want to have a choice in where to send their children to school,” Republican Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger said in a press released. “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.”
President of Parents for Educational Freedom Mike Long issued a statement supporting the move.
“Today’s veto override of House Bill 87 marks a historic step forward for North Carolina families. By opting into the federal Education Choice Tax Credit program, our state is embracing a commonsense policy that expands opportunity, strengthens parental choice, and aligns North Carolina with a growing national movement to ensure education dollars follow students, not systems.”
“With this vote, North Carolina lawmakers have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring families can access every available tool to support their children, no matter where or how they learn best.,” Long continued.
Governor Josh Stein also issued a statement stating, “I vetoed House Bill 87 because at the time we were awaiting sound guidance from the federal government before opting in. Despite not receiving that guidance yet, the General Assembly decided to opt the state into the program.
“I see potential opportunities for public school students to benefit from this program,” Stein continued. “We are working on a solution to make it easy for North Carolinians like me who want to direct their federally reimbursed donations to scholarship-granting organizations that directly benefit public school students, and I look forward to sharing more once the federal guidance has been provided.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee 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 overridden 13 of 15 vetoes by Governor Stein.