Fight to keep driver's education in North Carolina schools is picking up speed
The fight to save the driver's education program in North Carolina is picking up speed.
A new bill, filed earlier this month, could keep the program alive and save parents hundreds of dollars in fees for private classes.
Single mother Cindy Phillip is using her SUV as a moving billboard to send a message to lawmakers.
She plastered 'Pass House Bill 919! Don't Take Driver's Ed out of the Schools!' in bold white letters on her windows after she learned her son's school in Harnett County plans to cut courses.
"People are honking their horns at me. I've had a lot of response on Facebook about it. It's not just going to be my child, it's going to be a lot of children that are in the same position that my son is at 15 and 16, trying to get their permit, trying to move on to young adulthood, and it's just not going to happen if this bill does not get passed."
State funding for the driver's education program is set to expire on July 1, but House Bill 919 would use unclaimed lottery prize money and late fees on vehicle registrations to cover the $28 million cost.
State Rep. Pat Hurley said getting rid of funding is a safety concern.
"Our children need to know how to drive. They need training, because we've been having so many accidents by young people," said Hurley.
Students in North Carolina aren't required to take driver's education, but state law requires school districts to provide the class, allowing them to charge up to $65 per student.
The new proposal drops the fee to $45.
Private courses, however, range anywhere from $300 to $400.
"We've got to put the money where we think the policy is good for the greater good of this state and for these students. Schools are strapped," said Carney.
Phillips hopes she can help drive that message home too.
"You've got to cut budgets somewhere but this is not one that needs to be cut," she said.
H.B. 919 is currently tied up in committee.
There is no timetable set for when it goes back before lawmakers.
