North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for public education in the state. Why? To prevent extreme legislation from being passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. In a special address on May 22, Cooper spoke out against recently proposed education reform measures by Republicans that he says will “choke the life out of public education.”
One of the proposed measures is Senate Bill 406, which would expand the state’s school voucher program. This means that children in families at any income level could receive North Carolina taxpayer funds to attend K-12 private schools. The Opportunity Scholarship Program, created in 2013, would see an increase in state spending from $133 million to $500 million by the 2031-2032 school year. At least 50% of the funds will go to children whose families qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
Cooper is calling on North Carolinians to protest the legislation and take immediate action to stop the damage that will set back schools for a generation. He wants to phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program and use the funds elsewhere. Meanwhile, Republicans argue that the move will level the playing field and ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation.
School Choice for All
Republicans believe that expanding the school voucher program will give every child the opportunity to receive a quality education. Cooper, on the other hand, believes that pouring billions of dollars in taxpayer money into private schools that are unaccountable to the public is not the solution. He argues that private schools can decide which students they keep out, and that the proposed legislation will only benefit the wealthy.
What Can You Do?
If you care about public schools in North Carolina, it’s time to take action. Contact lawmakers and let them know that you oppose the proposed legislation. Every child deserves access to quality education, and it’s up to us to make sure that happens.
Takeaways:
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for public education in the state to prevent extreme legislation from being passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Republicans want to expand the school voucher program to give every child access to quality education, while Cooper wants to phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program and use the funds elsewhere.
Contact lawmakers to let them know that you oppose the proposed legislation and believe that every child deserves access to quality education.
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