Burgum veto of ‘school choice’ bill sustained in ND House

The North Dakota House has failed to override Gov. Burgum’s veto of a bill that would give state money to some families who send their children to private school.

Under the bill, $10 million in tuition assistance would be set aside for the 2024-25 school year. Families making up to $150,000 a year could qualify.

Burgum vetoed the bill last week.

On the House floor today (Tue), co-sponsor Republican Rep. Mike Lefor criticized Burgum’s decision, saying: “With federal and state funds, we’re supporting our public schools to the tune of $2.6 billion. That’s admirable. We’re asking for $10 million for 7,500 students. This ask does not take one dollar from the public school system, as some would have us believe.”

The House voted 52-to-41 in favor of a veto, but a two-thirds majority (or 63 votes) was necessary for the override.

The result means the Senate will not vote on an override.