Now
28
Fri
46
Sat
36
by Morgan Ahlstrom
TOPICS:
LINCOLN, Neb. — Months after Nebraska voters rejected a school choice proposal, lawmakers have revived efforts and Thursday brought an opportunity to testify before the legislature.
The Legislature's Revenue Committee ]held a public hearing on the Opportunity Scholarship Act, known as LB509. The bill, introduced by Senator Tony Sorrentino, aims to provide up to $100,000 in dollar-for-dollar tax credits to individuals who donate to private and faith-based scholarship funds. This proposal follows the defeat of a previous school choice initiative, LB 1402, in a ballot initiative last year.
"I want to make sure that kids get the best education possible, and that’s not an affront to public school education," said Sorrentino. "It’s making sure the financial means do not deter them from making money if possible. It’s making sure the parents know the state values them as the primary educator of their child. I will ensure they have the financial means to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children’s education."
Supporters of the bill, including Omaha Marion High School freshman Avril Duran, argue that scholarships have a significant impact on students' lives. "This scholarship gave me the opportunity to be at Marion without the burden of tuition costs," said Duran. "Through the generosity of others, I am able to prioritize my education."
However, opponents of the bill express concerns that it could divert funds away from public schools. Over the past two years, more than 200,000 Nebraskans have signed petitions against using public funds for private schools.
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, who also opposed LB 1402 last year, said, "I really was concerned that we would be sending taxpayer dollars to schools that don’t serve all students."
During the hearing, 247 people left comments in support of the bill, while 610 expressed opposition. Only three individuals remained neutral.
In a separate development, a coalition of Nebraska state senators has written a letter to the state's congressional delegation, expressing concern about Elon Musk's access to federal systems through the Department of Government Efficiency. The letter, signed by nine state senators including Megan Hunt, John Cavanaugh, and Machaela Cavanaugh, claims Musk has gained "unprecedented access" with little oversight. The senators urged the national delegation to oppose Musk's influence.
