Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed three teacher pay raises as part of the budget since taking office in 2017. The latest teacher raise proposed was a smaller one than previous Republican budgets. Republicans appropriated 3.9 percent over two years but were not able to overcome the governor’s veto. Cooper admonished legislators, saying it’s not enough. In vetoing the budget, Cooper is gambling that no raise at all makes it easier for him to use the issue as a wedge for his reelection campaign.
In the November-December issue of Capitol Connection, there is plenty of content on education, which continues to be a hot topic in North Carolina.
It will be interesting to see if school choice can become more of a campaign issue across the state and play a bigger role at the ballot bax. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis triumped in his campaign in large part because of the issue. He had a stunning come from behind victory with the help of African-American voters, against a black opponent because of his support for school choice.
Campbell Economics Professor Mark Steckbeck highlights the unfairness and deceptive nature of our state education lottery.
Also included are the annual ranking of legislators dubbed the “Civitas Action Freedom Rankings.” Our committment to be a watchdog on our elected officials is an essential part of the Civitas Institute.
Below is the full November-December issue:
