Carolina QuotesThe biggest challenge facing North Carolina today is affordable housing. As our state experiences rapid growth, housing costs continue to rise, making it harder for working- and middle-class families to find affordable places to live. This issue directly impacts our workforce, local economies, and community stability.
Val Applewhite Connected to the Carolinas
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“The biggest challenge facing North Carolina today is afforda…” Val Applewhite. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-3D7E5D0294. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/3d7e5d0294
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I recognize the concerns that some have about how this program might affect public schools. As senator, I will work to close any gaps within the Opportunity Scholarship program, because I know it’s not a perfect system. I believe we can support both public and private education, and I’m committed to finding solutions that improve the program while ensuring our public schools remain strong. This doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Competition can drive improvement, and at the end of the day, it’s about making sure every child — no matter their background — has access to a quality education.
The claim that N.C. Opportunity Scholarships are about "parental choice" is misleading. Yes, parents should have the ability to choose to send their children to private schools, but they should use private funds — not public tax dollars meant for our struggling public schools. In Cumberland County alone, these vouchers will divert over $25 million from our public schools, further starving a system that’s in crisis. This isn’t about choice — it’s about undermining public education.
These scholarships are distributed based on household income, ensuring that low- and middle-income families benefit the most. As the program stands today, higher-income households are unlikely to qualify for a voucher, making it a targeted solution for those who need financial support. This gives families who couldn’t otherwise afford private school tuition the ability to make the best choice for their children based on academic needs, safety concerns or other factors.