(RALEIGH) -- Democratic state lawmakers are accusing Republicans of rolling back the clock on public education by supporting a bill that would allow some public money to be dedicated to private and charter schools. Some educators and legislators say House Bill 1104 would damage the public's trust in education.

"The most vulnerable in our society, those who truly rely upon education provided by public schools will see their opportunities closed off as public trust in and support of our public schools slowly erode," said Evelyn Bullock, chairwoman of the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Board of Education.

Bullock said Republicans are taking away the right for every child to have a free public education. 

“The perception that this measure is part of a right wing, anti-public school agenda is not the case,” said Darrell Allison, President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina.  “Low income parents don’t care what the educational model is, whether public or private. They just want a school that works. And the sad reality is that far too many of the schools that they are zoned to are not working."

The bill allows corporations to receive tax credits for contributions that will specifically help poor children attend non-public schools through scholarships.