With the high-profile resignation of a Democrat legislator from the party, Republicans in North Carolina are ready to advance school choice legislation along with other reforms in education. This is a crucial policy area where the GOP is gaining ground.
After representing the district of the heavily blue Charlotte area as a Democrat State Representative, Tricia Cotham revealed last week that she is switching sides and joining the Republican Party.
Even though North Carolina Republicans already enjoyed solid majorities in both houses of the state legislature, Cotham’s decision has given a veto-proof majority to Republicans in the House, resulting in what onlookers are calling a “political earthquake.”
Republicans had been hindered from enacting most of their policies by the possibility of a veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
However, now they have a better route to forward a variety of measures, including the school choice policies.
The House GOP caucus leader from North Carolina, Rep. Jason Saine, informed Fox News Digital:
“The House Republican caucus has for several years pushed for more reform on school choice. We believe that giving parents power over their child’s education improves educational experiences for everyone.”
Saine added :
“Representative Cotham, as a former teacher and principal, is in a unique position as an elected member of the House, to assist in badly needed reforms. She was already part of the reform team, and she’s now freer to openly work on those reforms in an environment that cares more for children than antiquated systems.”
