News
NC lawmakers send $34B budget to Gov. Stein
NC lawmakers sent a $34 billion budget to Gov. Josh Stein after final House and Senate votes, ending years of budget gridlock.
News
NC budget clears first votes, final passage likely Thursday
NC lawmakers advanced the state budget in initial House and Senate votes, setting up possible final passage Thursday.
Opinion
Lack of labels boosts policies’ popularity with NC voters
NC voters show strong support for education scholarships, reduced health care regulation, and more freedom for nurses to do their jobs.
News
Democrat bill: Defund Opportunity Scholarships to fund child care
Four House Democrats have filed HB 1066, the Child Care Stabilization & Affordability Act, which would cut nearly $400 million from North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program over two years and redirect the money to child care subsidies, while restoring a 200% income cap on voucher eligibility.
News
Stein’s budget would kick roughly 60,000 students off Opportunity Scholarships
Gov. Josh Stein's recommended state budget would phase out North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program by halting new awards and imposing an income cap of roughly $90,000 for a family of four. That would strip scholarships from an estimated 60,000 of the program's 106,789 current recipients.
News
State legislature to return July 29 for veto override votes
The state Senate will consider seven veto overrides, along with legislation on a new federal school choice credit. Republicans hold a supermajority in the Senate and are just one vote short in the House, so overriding Stein’s vetoes will require full attendance and support from at least one House Democrat.
Video
WATCH: The School of Hope sparks visions of a brighter future
In a small Fayetteville church building, Amy Sparks turns grief into love, embracing autistic students with daily hugs and smiles. For families at the School of Hope—where 95% rely on Opportunity Scholarships—she’s a lifeline.
Video
Debrief: State Legislature passes Opportunity Scholarship Funding
This week on the Debrief, the presidential debate puts the candidates in a dead heat in North Carolina, plus there’s a squabble over the lieutenant governor debate.
News
NCGA passes budget adjustments, funds Opportunity Scholarship waitlist
On Wednesday, the House passed HB 10, which passed the Senate earlier this week. The multifaceted bill fully funds opportunity scholarships, requires sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, and includes adjustments to the budget proposal.
News
‘Extremely frustrated.’ Parents rally for full funding of Opportunity Scholarship waitlist
Parents and private school administrators assembled on Halifax Mall behind the Legislative Building in Raleigh on Wednesday to urge state lawmakers to fully fund the 55,000 students on the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist.
News
Opportunity Scholarships: 13,511 low income families get first tier awards
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority announced March 30 that 13,511 new students in the first award tier have been offered scholarships. Renewal families — those already enrolled in the program — have also been offered scholarships. Families have until April 19 to accept or decline the award offer.
Video
Rep. Tricia Cotham touts ‘Choose Your School, Choose Your Future’ legislation, House Bill 823
Rep. Tricia Cotham, R-Mecklenburg, presents House Bill 823 to colleagues on the House floor. The bill is titled “Choose Your School, Choose Your Future.” Cotham offered these comments on May 17, 2023. Video courtesy of ncleg.gov.
