School choice supporters say more families will now have control over their educational options. Voucher critics say it comes at the expense of money needed for public schools.
Gov. Roy Cooper wants to increase the state budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year from $27 billion to $29.3 billion, an increase of 8.5%. The money would come from $6.2 billion in additional revenue spelled out in the state's latest forecast. Cooper would place another $2.4 billion in reserves, leaving the remaining $1.5 billion unspent.