Opportunity Scholarships, ICE cooperation bill heads to governor

On Wednesday, House Bill 10 was passed by the North Carolina legislature with a vote of 67-43, eliminating a waiting list of 55,000 families seeking Opportunity Scholarships. This legislation, which also mandates cooperation between local sheriffs and federal immigration authorities, is now awaiting the decision of Governor Roy Cooper, who has ten days to act on it. The bill received support from three Democrats and was primarily backed by Republicans, highlighting a significant partisan divide on education funding. The Opportunity Scholarship Program aims to provide families with more educational choices, allowing them to select schools that best meet their needs, irrespective of their income or location. Proponents, including Rep. Tricia Cotham, argue that this initiative empowers parents and students, while critics contend that it undermines public education. The bill also includes provisions for increased funding for Medicaid and rural broadband access, reflecting broader budgetary adjustments. The Senate had previously approved the bill with a vote of 27-17, with no Democratic support. The legislation is part of a larger spending plan that allocates $463 million for Opportunity Scholarships and additional funds for K-12 and community college enrollment growth. It also addresses health care funding, with significant allocations for Medicaid, indicating a comprehensive approach to state budgetary needs. As the bill moves to the governor, its future remains uncertain, with a consensus forecast suggesting a potential veto. The outcome will have lasting implications for education policy and immigration enforcement in North Carolina, shaping the landscape for families and students across the state.