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House concurs with education tax‑credit scholarship plan over vocal objections
Summary
The House concurred with the Senate committee substitute to House Bill 87, enabling participation in a federal tax‑credit scholarship program; supporters said it brings private dollars at no cost to the state while opponents warned of large federal costs, lack of accountability and harm to rural public schools. Vote: 69-47.
The North Carolina House voted to concur with the senate committee substitute for House Bill 87, the "Education Choice for Children Act," by a recorded vote of 69-47.
Representative Biggs, the lead mover, said the bill elects the state into a federal tax-credit program that allows donors to receive up to $1,700 in federal tax incentives for contributions to certified scholarship organizations. Biggs told the chamber the measure expands educational opportunities and "brings no new cost to our state" by leveraging private dollars.
Opponents disputed that characterization. Representative Von Hayfren urged strong opposition and described the federal program as "a fiscal disaster waiting to happen," warning independent analyses that the program could cost taxpayers tens of billions annually. "This is public money flowing to private institutions with virtually no accountability," Von Hayfren said.
Representative Butler said the bill would siphon limited education resources away from rural counties that have few or no private schools and would penalize the students and teachers who remain in public systems.
The House ordered the senate committee substitute enrolled and sent the bill to the governor.
