September 29, 2023
North Carolina has become the tenth state to approve universal school choice. According to the American Federation for Children, “eligibility for Opportunity Scholarships will be extended to all families in a tiered system based on income. This policy will stipulate that lower-income households receive the highest priority, while middle and upper-income families may access the program if funds remain available.
“The Governor has indicated he will allow the budget to become law without his signature.
“Families with lower incomes would be eligible for the full scholarship amount, approximately $7,400 for the current year, while households in the subsequent three income brackets would receive scholarships at rates of 90%, 60%, and 45%, respectively. The program cap will be $176 million for the 2023-24 school year, but will increase to $520 million by 2032.”