The North Carolina legislature, dominated by Republicans, recently approved a supplemental spending bill that addresses various issues, including eliminating a long waitlist for private school vouchers and requiring sheriffs to aid federal immigration agents in locating jail inmates. Despite an anticipated veto by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, the bill is likely to become law later this year if Republican lawmakers maintain their unity.
The House voted 67-43 to accept the bill, which was negotiated by Republican legislative leaders, following a debate. The Senate had previously approved the measure during a scheduled General Assembly session. Additionally, the House successfully overturned a separate Senate bill related to the state’s building code, turning it into law.
The spending proposal includes provisions that had been under consideration by Senate and House Republicans but had not reached Governor Cooper’s desk due to budget adjustment and bill agreement issues when the chief work session ended in late June. The compromise bill allocates an additional $463.5 million for the Opportunity Scholarship program for this school year and the next, which experienced a significant increase in applications following the removal of income limits for qualifying families in 2023.
Moreover, the bill directs more funding towards Medicaid for the current fiscal year and addresses the growth in enrollment in public schools and community colleges. Prior to the bill, approximately 55,000 children were on the scholarship program waitlist, but the new provisions allow for retroactive reimbursement of fall private schooling costs for families.
Republican legislators had prioritized fully funding the universal voucher program, with parents on the waitlist advocating for this financial support. Conversely, opponents, including Governor Cooper and Democrats, argue that the expanded voucher program could negatively impact public schools relied upon by low-income families, while benefiting wealthier families sending their children to private or religious schools.
In addition to education-related measures, the bill also instructs county sheriffs to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers for inmates believed to be in the country unlawfully and charged with serious crimes, holding them for up to 48 hours for ICE pickup. While some Democrats supported the bill, Governor Cooper’s historical opposition to vouchers and ICE-related bills suggests a potential veto, although Republicans now hold narrow veto-proof majorities in both legislative chambers.
Advocates for the immigration provisions argue that they are necessary for public safety due to some sheriffs in Democratic counties disregarding ICE detainers. Conversely, opponents claim the legislation unfairly targets the Hispanic community in North Carolina, potentially damaging families and eroding trust in local law enforcement.
The bill passage marks a contentious issue in North Carolina politics, with potential implications for education funding, immigration enforcement, and community relationships.
