Get on the Bus

It’s time for North Carolina to step boldly into the future of education policy by being the first state to opt into the federal school‑choice initiative. 

Last week, the General Assembly passed the bill but unfortunately Gov. Josh Stein vetoed it. When the legislature reconvenes to override the veto, North Carolina could be the first state opting into President Trump’s tax and spending bill, which provides a $1,700 federal tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations beginning in 2027.

This would cost nothing to the state, but it delivers real value.

This initiative promises to expand access to educational opportunities, especially for families in underserved communities. It allows low- and middle-income families to gain access to private, charter, or other alternative schools and fuels the way to equality within the school system.

North Carolina can, and should, lead the nation by implementing the federal school-choice tax-credit opt-in. It’s a daring step toward empowering families, offering meaningful choices, and fostering educational innovation without burdening the state’s budget.

With smart accountability measures and continued support for our public school system, NC will demonstrate that expanding opportunity and empowering parents truly benefits all learners.