(RALEIGH, N.C.) – Today, the North Carolina Senate Appropriations Committee passed HB 823. This bill would fully fund the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program, which empowers every family with education freedom to craft an experience that best meets their kids’ needs.
A recent poll conducted by yes. every kid. foundation. found that nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%), including majorities of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, support expanding access to education savings accounts like the Opportunity Scholarship program. That same poll found that Americans believe increased options would improve education overall.
“North Carolina families have spoken loud and clear that they want universal education freedom,” said Andrew Yates, government affairs director, yes. every kid. “And legislators stepped up. When they saw the massive interest in Opportunity Scholarships with nearly 72,000 kids applying before the deadline, they were determined to fully fund every kid. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to further empower families and kids across the state.”
yes. every kid. commends Sens. Michael Lee and Phil Berger for their leadership on this critical issue for North Carolina kids.
Background on HB 823
- Appropriates $248 million for the upcoming school year and $215.5 million to support scholarships for the 2025-26 school year.
- The appropriation is intended to clear the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist with an estimated 54,800 applicants.
- HB 823 will also include $24.7 million to clear the waitlist for the Education Student Accounts program, which supports students with disabilities. There are an estimated 2,015 applicants currently on the waitlist.
About yes. every kid.
yes. every kid. supports policies that respect the dignity of every student, welcome innovative ideas and foster a diversity of approaches to learning. yes. every kid. will support and build coalitions to advance new conversations and bold visions by bringing together differing voices and perspectives to revolutionize the K-12 education experience.
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