Debate over expanding NC vouchers showcases contrasting views on education funding

The Senate Appropriations Committee in North Carolina made a significant decision on Wednesday by voting to advance a bill that would inject hundreds of millions of additional dollars into the state’s private-school voucher program. This move highlighted the stark differences in education spending priorities between Democrats and Republicans.

Republican Sen. Michael Lee of Wilmington praised the success of the Opportunity Scholarship program, attributing its recent growth to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s efforts in promoting it across the state. The program saw a surge in demand after the General Assembly lifted income caps and increased annual payments, resulting in a waiting list of almost 55,000 students.

To address this backlog, Republican leaders proposed adding over $270 million to the budget for the upcoming year to accommodate all the students on the waiting list, as well as those with disabilities seeking private-school subsidies. The plan outlined a substantial increase in voucher funding, reaching $625 million by 2025-26 and escalating to $800 million by 2031.

While Republicans emphasized the need to provide families with certainty regarding their children’s education, Democrats raised concerns about the program benefiting wealthy families without income restrictions. They suggested alternative uses for the funds, such as investing in pre-K education, child-care subsidies, or public school teacher raises.

Despite the differing viewpoints, the committee approved the increased funding through a voice vote. The debate showcased the ongoing tension between prioritizing private-school vouchers and addressing the funding disparities in public education, setting the stage for further discussions on education spending in North Carolina.