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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases teacher salaries in North Carolina starting in 2026-2027 and locks in annual 3.67% raises through 2032-2033, with a dedicated funding reserve to protect these raises from budget delays. It also reduces funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program (private school vouchers) and tightens eligibility requirements for that program.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that North Carolina teachers earn less than teachers in every bordering state, making it hard to recruit and retain quality educators.
• •The bill creates a legally protected funding mechanism that cannot be frozen during budget disputes, ensuring teachers receive steady raises.
• •Redirecting some private school voucher funds toward public school teacher compensation helps the state meet its constitutional obligation to provide sound basic education to all children.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents contend that the bill reduces educational choice for families who cannot afford private school tuition without voucher assistance, as it cuts Opportunity Scholarship funding by hundreds of millions of dollars annually and restricts eligibility.
• •They argue the massive appropriations ($825M+ annually) could strain the state budget and that the automatic annual raises lack flexibility to adjust for economic conditions.
• •Some question whether raising teacher salaries alone addresses other education funding needs.