North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper received a D grade on the Cato Institute’s 2024 Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors, which evaluates state budget actions from a limited-government perspective. Cooper’s grade reflects his disagreements with the Republican-led General Assembly on fiscal policies. The report, based on tax and spending data from various sources, excludes certain Republican governors due to timing or budget peculiarities.
While federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic initially boosted state budgets, tax revenues continue to rise and surpluses have led to significant tax cuts and reforms. Cooper, who took office in 2017, has had clashes with the General Assembly, especially over tax cuts. Despite his veto of a budget cutting individual and corporate tax rates in 2018, Cooper signed a $25.9 billion budget in 2021 that included significant tax cuts.
Cooper’s most recent proposed budget included changes to the state’s tax system and proposed cutting the school voucher program, which was not approved by the legislature. The report also highlights the expansion of school choice programs across multiple states, including North Carolina, where Cooper vetoed a bill providing additional funding for Opportunity Scholarships and Education Savings Accounts. The bill is awaiting a potential override by legislators.
Overall, Cooper’s D grade reflects his ongoing disagreements with the General Assembly over fiscal policy, tax cuts, and budget priorities. Despite efforts to influence state spending and taxation, Cooper’s veto actions and proposed budget changes have faced challenges and differing opinions from state lawmakers.
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