In a significant legislative move, the North Carolina House of Representatives successfully overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto on House Bill 87, thanks to a crucial vote from Rep. Nasif Majeed, U-Mecklenburg. This bill, part of President Donald Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, allows North Carolinians to claim up to $1,700 in annual tax credits for contributions to educational scholarship granting organizations.
The bill aims to support students from households earning under 300% of the area median income, covering a range of educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and special education therapies. Rep. Neal Jackson, R-Moore, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that the program supports all students without costing the state, as it relies on voluntary taxpayer contributions.
However, the measure has faced criticism from some quarters. Wake County Democrat Julie von Haefen argued that the policy could detract from public school funding by reducing federal tax revenue available to states and necessitating state oversight to prevent fraud. Governor Stein echoed these concerns in his veto message, stating his support for school choice but opposing the bill until it better benefits public school students.
Political Dynamics
The veto override required a three-fifths majority, a threshold that House Republicans, one seat short of a supermajority, could not meet without support from non-Republican lawmakers. Majeed’s switch from a no to a yes vote was pivotal, as he, along with Rep. Carla Cunningham, U-Mecklenburg, and Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe, have been known to vote with Republicans on several occasions.
Both Majeed and Cunningham have changed their party affiliation to unaffiliated after losing primary elections, influenced by their voting records on high-profile veto overrides. Despite their new status, they are barred from running in November’s election due to a “sore loser” law.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where another override of the governor’s veto is anticipated. This development is part of a broader legislative session where House Speaker Destin Hall is pushing to override several other vetoes, including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, concealed carry laws, and immigration enforcement.
While the outcome of these additional vetoes remains uncertain, Hall remains optimistic about their potential success, keeping them on the legislative calendar until the session concludes.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
