When President Donald Trump nominated me as Secretary of Education, he told me I’d succeed if I fired myself. But his vision isn’t about me or one position — it’s about you and breaking up the education bureaucracy in Washington, a system that enriches adults while stifling progress for students. He and I, along with millions of Americans, believe education should return to states, local communities, and parents to unleash a new era of excellence. And one of the most powerful ways to achieve this is by expanding school choice.
Since my confirmation, I’ve traveled the country listening to parents, teachers, legislators, and students from every corner of the nation, including here in my home state of North Carolina. Their message is consistent: Americans are tired of top-down, one-size-fits-all policies that trap students in failing schools. That’s why the President and I have worked to expand educational freedom, allowing families to select the learning environment that best meets their children’s needs.
Here in North Carolina, I was elated to see the legislature swiftly pass House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act, becoming the first state to opt into President Trump’s Education Freedom Tax Credit. This initiative allows families to use scholarships for private schools, tutoring, and after-school programs, tailoring education to fit each child.
But when the bill arrived on Governor Stein’s desk, he had this to say: “Once the federal government issues sound guidance, I intend to opt North Carolina in so we can invest in the public school students most in need of after school programs, tutoring, and other resources…HB 87 is unnecessary, and I veto it.”
Yet in the seven months since Governor Stein issued his veto, and more than a month after the U.S. Departments of Education and Treasury jointly released comprehensive guidance detailing exactly how the program works, he has yet to follow through on his promise. North Carolina remains on the sidelines while 27 other states have already opted in. This isn’t leadership; it’s partisan delay dressed up as caution.
Nor is his reasoning sound. Governor Stein asserted that the tax credit would “hollow…out” public schools, “cutting public education funding by billions of dollars.” It does neither. The Education Freedom Tax Credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools – and it doesn’t cost Tar Heel taxpayers a dime. Instead, it raises additional funding for education by stimulating private donations with federal tax incentives, providing flexible scholarships for K-12 expenses, such as private tuition, tutoring, and homeschooling materials. All driven by private generosity, not government spending.
The program empowers families across all income levels and builds on North Carolina’s existing strong choice ecosystem. Crucially, it allows students in traditional public schools to receive scholarships for extra support without changing schools. Families can use funds to get tutoring for their child, or to procure supports for their students with disabilities while remaining in their traditional public school.
Governor Stein’s hesitancy now appears less about policy details and more about political posturing that puts ideology ahead of North Carolina’s students and families. But he’s not denying the president a victory. He’s denying North Carolinians their right to choose an education that fits their child’s needs.
Even if North Carolina chooses not to participate, its taxpayers can still claim the federal tax credit—they’ll just send their money to scholarship organizations in other states instead of supporting students in their own communities. No Governor should want residents’ tax dollars leaving the state when they could help North Carolina families and schools.
North Carolinian families need more than excuses. Every child deserves access to an education that empowers success — not one limited by their ZIP code, family income, or government-imposed barriers. The legislature showed boldness in passing HB 87; it’s time for Governor Stein to match that urgency and secure this tool for Tar Heel families before another generation misses out.
North Carolina, the state that gave the world powered flight, has long led our nation in innovation.
The Trump Administration is your ready partner — opt in, unlock these opportunities for every Tar Heel family, and ensure every child can manifest their academic destiny.
– Linda McMahon is U.S. Secretary of Education
