Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed H.B. 10, a bill that fully funds Opportunity Scholarships, requires sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, and includes budget adjustments. Cooper criticized the Scholarships, saying they will harm public schools. He urged legislators to uphold his veto and not override it this year. Cooper argued that public schools are under threat from the legislature diverting funds to private school vouchers, with no accountability.
He noted that many critics of public schools have not experienced them firsthand, and defended them against claims of poor performance. Cooper called for more funding for public schools and teacher raises, at the expense of Opportunity Scholarships. He highlighted the success of private schools for some students but opposed diverting taxpayer money from public schools.
Proponents of Opportunity Scholarships, such as Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, praised the program for benefiting families and meeting student needs. They urged the legislature to override Cooper’s veto and continue investing in students. Incoming Speaker of the House Destin Hall supported parental choice in education, pointing to the high demand for the Scholarships.
Hall predicted the legislature would override Cooper’s veto soon, with bipartisan support. Despite the controversy, the debate over Opportunity Scholarships continues, with Cooper advocating for more funding for public schools and Hall defending the right of parents to choose the best educational options for their children.
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