Every child in North Carolina deserves a fair shot at a quality education, no matter where they live or how much their family earns. Unfortunately, the state’s voucher program, which was originally created to give families more choices and help students in struggling schools, is falling far short of some of its key promises.
Instead of lifting up the students who need the most help, NC’s voucher program is funneling hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars into private schools in the state’s wealthiest counties—leaving rural and underserved communities behind.
Nearly half of North Carolina’s voucher schools are concentrated in just 10 counties, with the lion’s share of funds going to Wake and Mecklenburg counties alone. Meanwhile, 30% of counties—many of them rural and economically distressed—have only one or no voucher schools at all, leaving families in those areas without any real educational alternatives. This imbalance means that public schools are being drained of resources, while many families in the hardest hit areas have no voucher schools to pick from.
Even more troubling is the racial divide the program is exacerbating. While the state’s public schools serve a diverse population, 73% of new voucher applicants are white, compared to just 13% who are Black. Instead of increasing educational opportunities for everyone, the voucher program is deepening the racial and economic divides in our schools.
North Carolina Democrats believe in an education system that works for every child, not just for those in wealthier counties or private schools. As long as the voucher program continues to divert funds from public schools, the most vulnerable students in rural and low-income communities will be left behind. It’s time to invest in public schools, ensure every child has the resources they need to succeed, and fulfill our constitutional duty to provide a fair, quality education for all.
In a letter to Senator Blue, MaryBe McMillan, President of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for his candidacy, pledging to mobilize members in support of his campaign.
Senator Blue’s campaign will be supported in 2024 by union-printed materials, demonstrating one of his many commitments to union values.
As Senator Blue seeks another term, the AFL-CIO endorsement reinforces his alignment with the labor community and his ongoing efforts to champion the needs of working families in North Carolina.