News Release: Senate Republicans Override Gov. Stein’s School Choice Veto

PRESS RELEASE

President Pro Tempore

Senator Phil Berger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Senator Berger Press

June 3, 2026

Senate Republicans Override Gov. Stein’s School Choice Veto

13 of Stein’s 15 vetoes have been overridden in the Senate

Raleigh, N.C. — Today, Senate Republicans overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 87, the “Educational Choice for Children Act,” which allows North Carolina to participate in President Donald Trump’s signature school choice program.

“Families across the state want to have a choice in where to send their children to school,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. “In North Carolina, we have great public schools that are supplemented by public charter, private, and home schools. Participating in President Trump’s landmark school choice program gives parents another opportunity to obtain an education that best fits their child’s needs.”

The “Educational Choice for Children Act” ensures North Carolina residents can participate in the federal tax credit program outlined in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act if they donate to certain nonprofits that provide scholarships to students.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) said, “Our state’s educational landscape proves that you can have a thriving public education system while having robust educational freedom. This federal tax credit adds to that. We must continue to provide families with avenues to pursue the best education for their children.”

The Senate has successfully overridden 13 of Gov. Stein’s 15 vetoes.

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Office of Senator Phil Berger | 16 W. Jones Street Room 2007 | Raleigh, NC 27601 US