AFP-NC, LIBRE Initiative & yes. every kid. Endorse Bill to Expand Opportunity Scholarships

H.B. 823 introduced by education champions Representative Tricia Cotham, Representative David Willis, Representative Donnie Loftis, and Speaker Tim Moore serves as the House companion bill to Senate Bill 406 introduced by education champions Senators Mike Lee, Amy Galey, and Lisa Barnes. The bills would result in the largest expansion of school choice in the state’s history.

AFP-NC Deputy State Director Tyler Voigt issued the following statement after bill introduction:

“AFP-NC is excited to see two pieces of legislation introduced to create universal school choice introduced this session. Every child in North Carolina deserves an equal opportunity to pursue an education tailored to their individual needs. Opportunity scholarships for all will spur educational innovation and shift the outdated mindset that a child’s ZIP code should determine their educational horizons.”

“Providing flexibility and opportunity in education is the right way forward for North Carolina’s students and puts us one step closer to realizing true educational equality in the Old North State. AFP-NC will leverage its large network of grassroots activists and allies to ensure that this makes it across the finish line.”

Jeffrey Baldwin, strategic director for The LIBRE Initiative, also expressed support for the bill saying:

“As the Latino community in North Carolina continues to grow, it is imperative that lawmakers enact policies that will make it easier for families to customize an education plan that works for every child. Now more than ever, we need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to education and move towards an educational system of increased customization and personalization. 

We look forward to mobilizing our community of grassroots volunteers and activists to ensure that universal school choice legislation reaches the governor’s desk as quickly as possible.”

Andrew Yates, government affairs director for yes. every kid. also endorsed the bill:

“Every North Carolina family—regardless of their income or ZIP code—should have the freedom to decide how and where their child is educated. By passing this legislation, the Tar Heel State can demonstrate its commitment to giving every child access to the best education and acknowledge what families already know: our outdated, one-size-fits-all education system just doesn’t cut it.

If enacted, Choose Your School, Choose Your Future would, for the first-time, open North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship up to all students in North Carolina. Through the Opportunity Scholarship, parents can access funding to seek alternatives to traditional public schools, including tuition and fees for a nonpublic school or for books, transportation, equipment, or other required items.