Image courtesy of Michael Achterling, North Dakota Monitor
Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540 on Wednesday, rejecting income-based Education Savings Accounts worth $1,107 to $3,900 for private school families. Despite supporting school choice expansion, Armstrong called the bill inadequate because it serves “only a small segment” of students, noting that just 19 of North Dakota’s 168 school districts have private school options. Armstrong warned the limited approach “guarantees a voter referendum” that could harm future school choice initiatives, stating “We only get one bite at this apple.” He instead endorsed Senate Bill 2400, which would offer education funds to all North Dakota students. A veto override appears unlikely as the bill lacked two-thirds support in its original passage through both legislative chambers.
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