Workforce Act of 2026

IntroducedDonny Lambeth (R)House2025–2026 SessionEducation
AI Generated

This bill appropriates approximately $14.1 million to expand North Carolina's workforce development and education-to-career pathway programs. It funds apprenticeship support, industry credentials, postsecondary transfer technology, career planning platforms, a career development pilot program for middle and high school students, and a consolidated teacher bonus program rewarding performance in advanced courses, career-technical education, and student growth.

Arguments in Favor

Supporters argue this bill addresses critical workforce shortages by creating clearer pathways from education to employment, particularly through apprenticeships and industry-recognized credentials that lead to faster job placement and higher wages. They contend the bill benefits both students seeking affordable career options and employers needing skilled workers, while teacher bonuses incentivize instruction in high-demand fields and improve student outcomes in reading and mathematics.

Arguments Against

Opponents may express concerns about the substantial cost ($14.1 million) and whether these programs will demonstrate measurable return on investment. Some may question whether teacher bonuses are the most effective use of education funds compared to raising base salaries, and whether the Career Development Plan pilot program creates additional administrative burden on counselors already stretched thin serving multiple duties.

AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.

Sponsors

Cosponsors (33)

Mary Harrison
Mary HarrisonDemocrat

Representative · District 61

Becky Carney
Becky CarneyDemocrat

Representative · District 102

Francis Iler
Francis IlerRepublican

Representative · District 17

Larry Potts
Larry PottsRepublican

Representative · District 81

Reece Pyrtle
Reece PyrtleRepublican

Representative · District 65

Howard Penny
Howard PennyRepublican

Representative · District 53

Lindsey Prather
Lindsey PratherDemocrat

Representative · District 115

Gloristine Brown
Gloristine BrownDemocrat

Representative · District 8

Larry Strickland
Larry StricklandRepublican

Representative · District 28

Donnie Loftis
Donnie LoftisRepublican

Representative · District 109

Jeffrey McNeely
Jeffrey McNeelyRepublican

Representative · District 84

Jordan Lopez
Jordan LopezDemocrat

Representative · District 112

Blair Eddins
Blair EddinsRepublican

Representative · District 94

Charles Miller
Charles MillerRepublican

Representative · District 19

Frances Jackson
Frances JacksonDemocrat

Representative · District 45

Shelly Willingham
Shelly WillinghamDemocrat

Representative · District 23

Richard Carver
Richard CarverRepublican

Representative · District 95

Bill Ward
Bill WardRepublican

Representative · District 5

Donna White
Donna WhiteRepublican

Representative · District 26

Marcia Morey
Marcia MoreyDemocrat

Representative · District 30

Mike Colvin
Mike ColvinDemocrat

Representative · District 42

Mary Belk
Mary BelkDemocrat

Representative · District 88

Stephen Ross
Stephen RossRepublican

Representative · District 63

Jeff Zenger
Jeff ZengerRepublican

Representative · District 74

Heather Rhyne
Heather RhyneRepublican

Representative · District 97

Tracy Clark
Tracy ClarkDemocrat

Representative · District 57

Joe Pike
Joe PikeRepublican

Representative · District 6

Patricia Cotham
Patricia CothamRepublican

Representative · District 105

Brian Biggs
Brian BiggsRepublican

Representative · District 70

Beth Helfrich
Beth HelfrichDemocrat

Representative · District 98

Zack Forde-Hawkins
Zack Forde-HawkinsDemocrat

Representative · District 31

Jake Johnson
Jake JohnsonRepublican

Representative · District 113

Dante Pittman
Dante PittmanDemocrat

Representative · District 24