Now that the OSP is available to all families in North Carolina, more families than ever are taking advantage of education freedom!
Good evening,
Now that the OSP is available to all families in North Carolina, more families than ever are taking advantage of education freedom!
Over 40,000 new Opportunity Scholarship applications were submitted during the priority application period this year, according to new data from the North Carolina Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).
Opportunity Scholarships help cover the cost of tuition and fees at private schools. In 2023, the NC General Assembly expanded eligibility to all NC families, regardless of income.
Then, after initial funding was insufficient for the 72,000 applications received, the OSP received increased funding in 2024 to address the backlog of approximately 55,000 waitlisted applications from the previous year's surge.
For the OSP, families are classified in a tier system based on income level, ranging from Tier 1 (lowest-income) to Tier 4 (highest-income). Tier 1 families were awarded the highest number of scholarships at 29.7%, Tier 2 families 27.8% of scholarships, Tier 3 families 28.1% of scholarships, and Tier 4 families just 14.3% of scholarships.
Despite claims that the OSP primarily subsidizes wealthy families, based on the maximum scholarship awards in the different tiers, over 70% of all scholarship funds are awarded to lower- and middle-income families in Tiers 1 and 2. The data show that the program is clearly focused on expanding educational opportunity for those with the greatest financial need—not the affluent—while still universally accessible.
The data demonstrates not only that there is sustained demand for the program, but also that lower-income families still receive priority.
So far, according to the NCSEAA, the total number of applications received during the 2025-2026 priority application period was 40,089.
This demonstrates sustained demand for the program, and shows the popularity of school choice with North Carolina families.
While the priority application window may be closed currently, the portal is still accepting applications if there is leftover funding available.
You can read more about the OSP and school choice in North Carolina here, here, and here.
President Trump issued an executive order on March 25th to alter federal election policy, overturning President Biden’s executive order on voter registration
While the executive branch has limited influence on election policy, Trump’s executive order has several key provisions:
Mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration using the national mail voter registration form and the Federal Post Card Application
Grants state officials access to citizenship verification data, such as the Social Security Number Verification Service
Authorizes the Election Assistance Commission to deny funding to states that don’t comply with proof-of-citizenship requirements
Directs the Attorney General to work with state authorities on combating voter registration fraud, election fraud and other election crimes
Improve voter registration list maintenance
Review the security of electronic voting systems
Enforce the federal election day deadline
Prevent foreign interference in elections
What effect will President Trump’s executive order have on North Carolina?
North Carolina may need to:
Require proof of citizenship when registering to vote with federal programs
Limit the use of ballot marking devices, except for those with disabilities
Comply with voter registration list maintenance practices under the National Voter Registration Act
Only accept ballots received by election day
The order is likely to spark significant legal battles, with critics arguing that some provisions overstep presidential authority
With lawsuits looming, the ultimate effect on state election procedures remains uncertain
Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) leaders are scrambling to find funding to fix failing HVAC systems, which have contributed to numerous school closures and early dismissals
To cover the costs, they are now considering redirecting funds originally budgeted for student computers, raising concerns about the impact on technology access for students
The district has estimated its backlog of HVAC maintenance and replacement needs at over $200 million
The legislation allowed school districts to spend the money on various measures to reduce virus spread, including improving air quality and replacing outdated HVAC systems
While at least 20% of the funds had to be allocated toward addressing learning loss, the remaining funds had broad flexibility, making HVAC repairs a viable option
And despite acquiring more than $434 million in federal COVID relief funding, WCPSS spend $0 fixing the HVAC issue
The legislation allowed school districts to spend the money on various measures to reduce virus spread, including improving air quality and replacing outdated HVAC systems
The district has estimated its backlog of HVAC maintenance and replacement needs at over $200 million, and is considering redirecting funds for student computers
But if that’s the case, why did the WCPSS pass on using available federal funds? Wake County parents and taxpayers deserve answers
A new report from the John Locke Foundation details how our state’s occupational licensing laws hurt the labor market, and offers guidance on reform
Occupational licensing creates unnecessary barriers by requiring workers to meet certain education, training, and fee requirements before entering specific professions
Licensing is often justified as consumer protection, but alternative regulations like market competition, voluntary certification, and online independent reviews can serve the same purpose
Excessive licensing laws both distort labor markets and increase costs to consumers
Licensing requirements reduce the number of professionals in a field by an average of 17–27%...
… which can drive up service costs by 3–16%, without improving quality
The report highlights that North Carolina’s licensing requirements cost the state over 42,500 jobs and $112 million annually
One potential solution to this mess would be a “A Right to Earn a Living Act”
The act would limit occupational licensing to “a regulation of last resort” to address specific risks
Licensing boards would have 1 year to ensure their regulations are ““narrowly tailored to accomplish a compelling government interest.”
An independent commission could evaluate existing and proposed licenses, and reduce the number of licensed occupations through a “licensing budget”
3 states (Arizona, Tennessee, and Louisiana) have already passed some version of this reform
Additionally, universal recognition would allow out-of-state licensed professionals to work in North Carolina without redundant requirements
Twenty-six states have already adopted universal recognition
If North Carolina is interested in continuing to compete as one of the best states in which to do business, rolling back occupational licensing should be a top priority
