RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — State lawmakers have passed a bill to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on vouchers for parents to send their kids to private schools.
The bill, which passed 67-43, will now make its way to Governor Roy Cooper’s desk.
NC Senate passes bill to add funding for private school vouchers
Republicans spent the last several months trying to reach a deal on this issue.
The bill the N.C. House passed this afternoon calls for an additional $463 million to be spent this school year and next year on the voucher program.
Demand soared this year after Republicans made every family eligible regardless of their income.
About 55,000 students are on a waiting list.
As part of the legislation, families would get a refund for money they already spent on tuition.
While Republicans say this will promote school choice, Democrats who voted against it say this latest round of funding will largely go to families that can already afford private school.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.