Governor Stein Vetos HB 87

Despite our greatest optimism that Governor Stein would choose to listen to the needs of families as they make decisions about their children’s education, we regret to inform you that he has officially signed a veto of HB 87, the bill that would opt North Carolina into the national school choice program. 

In his statement, he says that he supports school choice. Yet, he used his first opportunity as Governor to strike down the opportunity for your families to access scholarships that could give you more flexibility in educating your children. His words of support are hollow. 

Qualified expenses within this national program include tuition, fees, tutoring, special needs services, curriculum materials, supplementary items and services, transportation, computer technology or equipment. 

Governor Stein used the age-old excuse about protecting public education as his rationale for vetoing the bill. Let’s be very clear: this program does not cut single cent from public education. Instead, it empowers private citizens to contribute to scholarships that ultimately open doors for children. What his veto does do is protect the status quo, deflects and delays greater opportunity for students, and signals to every parent that their student’s educational opportunity is dependent upon their zip code, their parents’ income, and political games. 

PEFNC will not stop fighting for every child to find the school in which they learn best, empower parents to make those decisions, and hold leaders accountable when they prioritize systems over students. 

For additional information contact Mike Long at (919) 971-0112 or [email protected].