North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declares 'state of emergency' over school choice bill

Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a "state of emergency" on Monday in an attempt to stop a school choice bill from passing the state legislature.

Cooper released a video announcement where he declared a state of emergency, arguing that the state of public education is "no less important" than other emergencies.

"It’s time to declare a State of Emergency for public education in North Carolina. There’s no Executive Order like with a hurricane or the pandemic, but it’s no less important," Cooper stated.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced a state of emergency ahead of education reform in his state. (YouTube)

He continued, "It’s clear that the Republican legislature is aiming to choke the life out of public education. I’m declaring this state of emergency because you need to know what’s happening. If you care about public schools in North Carolina, it’s time to take immediate action and tell them to stop the damage that will set back our schools for a generation."

Cooper's announcement drew intense backlash on Twitter as an overreach of government power.