It marked another victory for conservative forces in the Nebraska Legislature which, in past years, has declined to pass laws that direct public funds to private and parochial schools. The Opportunity Scholarships Act is part of my promise to make Nebraska a place where future generations can succeed. Pray & Act: Heartbeat Bill, School Choice, and More! Nebraska Legislature Passes Historic School Choice Bill (KLKN) - The group hoping to repeal a school choice bill in Nebraska attended a number Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday to gather signatures, including in Seward. This is about choice its about time we got this done, said State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who has worked seven years to get a school choice bill passed. (WOWT) - Nebraska lawmakers on Wednesday passed LB753, known as the "school choice" or "school voucher" bill, but opponents are already planning to put the matter before voters After years of failed attempts, Nebraska passed its first "school choice" legislation in 2023. Get out of the political talk and look at the fundamental change were making in the community, Wayne said. This past week, I participated in a rally at the Capitol with six schools advocating for the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a priority bill to commit $50 million in tax credits to give underprivileged kids the ability to attend schools of their choice. Nebraska school choice bill advances with help from both parties The nonprofit, which calls itself a nonpartisan advocate for a strong Nebraska through clear fiscal research and analysis, is joining forces with an NSEA-led coalition called Support Our Schools Nebraska to bring forth a ballot initiative on the issue in 2024. Pillen, who just signed a law that protects unborn babies from abortions after 12 weeks of gestation and protects children from sexual surgeries and procedures, is almost guaranteed to sign the school choice bill into law as well. But opponents say the bill threatens public education, and have plans to protest at the state capitol on Saturday morning. Nebraska Farmers Union is now pushing. State Sen. R. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn said its not about creating an adversarial educational structure. .bkg-wrapper { There would be no cuts to public school funding if passed. Nebraska Family Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)(3) policy research and educational organization committed to advancing families, freedom, and life. If lawmakers cut promised state funding for public schools, it puts more pressure on our already-high property taxes.. Its about finding the best scenario for every child, for every family, for every situation, he said. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In a March 8 opinion piece at the Washington Examiner, Sen. Linehans daughter and pro-education freedom activist Katie Linehan detailed the current landscape of school choice in Nebraska. In many cases, though, people are not against the school choice law but they feel Nebraskans should have a chance to vote on it, Lauritsen said. But Omaha Sen. Wendy DeBoer said the dollar-for-dollar tax credit was more lucrative than what is given to any other charitable cause. Nebraska provides K12 students and their families a few types of school choice, including magnet schools, home schooling and inter- and intra-district public school choice via open enrollment. LINCOLN, Neb. Dem Nebraska State Senator Says He'll Abandon School Choice When A bill in the legislature aims to change that, a bit. (KLKN) - The Education Committee in the Nebraska Legislature held its final day of testimony on Monday, with one bill that would give money to students to pay for. To this day, Nebraska students are limited to their residentially assigned public schools with the hope of enrolling in better public schools with option enrollment but only if theres room. Please subscribe to keep reading. Jim Pillen, R-NE, is expected to sign the bill into law. Over the past two years, multiple states have taken focused steps to give parents and students more education alternatives. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Three Democrats, Sens. May 25, 2023 7:18 pm. They should have a say in voucher programs like LB753.. Once LB753 is signed into law, North Dakota will be the only remaining state without a school choice program. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. April 14, 2023 by Riley Johnson Nebraska lawmakers on Thursday advanced a bill that would allow for school choice in the state, which remains among the last in the U.S. to expand educational opportunities for all students. A recent school choice bill, HB 1532, passed North Dakotas state legislature only to be vetoed by Gov. "If our families could bring in scholarship money we could secure our future.". Linehan believes passionately in school choice and championed LB 753 this past session. This legislation will give parents, who have kids with the greatest needs, the means to choose a school that serves them best and allows them to thrive. The senators voting to pass LB753 chose what was easy over what was right in spite of overwhelming and constantly mounting evidence that vouchers dont improve access to private schools or academic outcomes, she said. The act, Legislative Bill 753, offers dollar-for-dollar tax credits of up to $100,000 to those who donate to scholarship-granting organizations for private schools. The majority of Nebraskans oppose giving public tax dollars to private schools and have rejected such attempts at the ballot box three times previously, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Generally speaking, much of the evidence shows that you dont see a lot of switching and dont see a lot of public school students going to private schools, she told 6 News. LB 753 passed on a 33 to 11 vote Wednesday. There are parents that are raised Catholic, they want their kids raised Catholic, they know they cannot afford the amount of tuition that they give, says Chavez. Gov. Angie Lauritsen explains why she is supporting the petition drive to place Nebraskas Opportunity Scholarships Act on the ballot. School choice bill fails in Nebraska Legislature - KMTV 3 News Now Omaha LINCOLN, Neb. Jim Pillen signed LB753 into law Tuesday, making Nebraska the 49th state to implement school choice. He progressed quickly and was taken off an IEP by the time he finished third grade. /*-->Nebraska Passes First-Ever School Choice Bill - CatholicVote org Public schools played an important role in Lauritsens own childhood, she said. Every Nebraska kid should be given the opportunity to have their educational needs met, whether they live in Omaha or Scottsbluff. by Karen Bowling | Jan 7, 2022 | Nebraska Legislature. Nebraska school choice, religious organizations hail SCOTUS voucher ruling Proponents of the Opportunity Scholarships Act said it will allow low-income families the opportunity to send their kids to private and parochial schools via the generous tax breaks offered to those donating funds for private school scholarships. Following a 33-16 second-round vote, LB753 now heads to final reading where it will face one last round of debate. People like Antonio Chavez say he was lucky to grow up in Columbus and attend Scotus Central Catholic, but he says not all of those like him are that fortunate. #block-block-22 { visibility: hidden; } Updated on May 24, 2023 by 3 Comments The American Federation for Children applauds the Nebraska legislature for passing the state's first school choice bill today, a tax credit-funded program that will provide scholarship opportunities for children to attend a private school of their parents' choice. Gov. Pillen signs Nebraska school choice bill - KLKN-TV (KLKN) - Gov. LB 753, or the Opportunity Scholarship Act, passed 33-11.. Other proponents said states such as Florida have seen rises in academic achievement in part due to school choice. Honestly if we really want to help low income kids, I would recommend that we be spending more in public schools to help those 325,000 students and really spend more where theres concentrated poverty, says Fry. nebraska is one of two states with no school choice law on the books, according to the governor. "Scholarships go to low income children whose parents cannot afford to move to a better school district or afford tuition at a private school.. Think carefully before you support LB 364 because that money is probably going to come from our public schools, says Wolfe. Governor Pillen Signs Historic School Choice Bill LINCOLN, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB753 (Opportunity Scholarships Act) - the first school choice bill in Nebraska's history to be signed into law. Gov. Pillen signs school choice bill into law - WOWT The Opportunity Scholarships Act, or LB 753, creates . Updated: 8:08 PM CDT Jun 21, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled Andrew Ozaki Lincoln Bureau Chief Show Transcript For more than a decade, Clarice Jackson has been at the forefront, pushing for school. They face the same pressures we do every day, yet their public role means their decisions impact thousands. The bill passed by a vote of 33 to 11. Two representatives from the CUES school system, which includes Holy Name, All Saints and Sacred Heart in Omaha. Giving these parents who have been red-lined, who at of no choice of their own have been put into in the poverty that they still exist in today. Posted March 10, 2023 Nebraska school choice bill advances with help from both parties School choice in Nebraska cleared a major hurdle this week when Democrats teamed up with Republicans to advance LB 753 in a 31-12 vote in the state Legislature. 1106 E Street The number of students of color in private Arizona schools didnt rise, he added. "We're talking about kids in ZIP codes that. LINCOLN, Neb. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Currently, Nebraska remains one of only two states that does not support school choice. Today is about the kids and families in Nebraska whose lives will be changed thanks to the freedom to attend a school that best fits their needs. Theyre more than willing to tell you why this is important to them.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Nebraska Family Alliance is honored to serve you and your family as we work towards our vision to see Nebraska become a place where God is honored, families thrive, life is cherished, parental rights are protected, and religious freedom flourishes. It contributed to wins in five of those races. I believe the right that I have that Nebraska voters should be able to have a say in this. To me, its personal, Lauritsen said, noting two of her three children were on individualized education programs. State Senators pass bill that will allow tax credits for granting organizations to private and parochial schools. What we have seen in other states and other circumstances is that they do not help the kids theyve intended to help,Dungan said. LINCOLN, Neb. Authorities release photos of suspect in Geneva bank robbery, RTC inmate serving sentence for manslaughter dies in custody, Red Way announces BOGO sale for a limited time, Iraqi artist shares many cultures with glass paintings, majority of Nebraskans oppose giving public tax dollars to private schools. Fax: (402) 477-0962. Unauthorized use of the text, graphics, video, source code, and editorial content may violate trademark, copyright, civil and criminal statutes, and privacy and publicity laws. 'Opportunity Scholarship' bill, given final OK, will make Nebraska a Copyright 2023 KOLN. Nebraska school choice bill advances to final round LB 364 gives tax credits to those that donate to private school scholarships, while some call it common sense, opponents say its the state subsidizing private school education. FILE - The Norris Legislative Chamber at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Neb., is seen in this June 25, 2020 file photo, (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File). Jim Pillen speaks to 15 students from a Catholic school in his hometown of Columbus. 2023 Nebraska Family Alliance. All rights reserved. It has been my honor and privilege to be part of this effort, Linehan said in a statement. Use of any Nebraska Family Alliance text, graphics, video, source code, and editorial content not explicitly authorized for any reason or purpose is strictly prohibited. A majority of Nebraska voters oppose the recently passed school choice bill. Which state agency should have the responsibility of running or overseeing the program? ]]>*/, Governor's Weekly Column: Every Kid Deserves School Choice. Nebraska Gov. Leans Into 'Opportunity Scholarships' Debate You have permission to edit this article. Opportunity Scholarship bill, given final OK, will make Nebraska a school choice state, Foes say bill violates state constitution, and wont guarantee help for more children of color and from low-income families. This year, the Legislature increased state funding for our public schools by over $309 million. Nebraska. Thus, it allows a taxpayer to divert those funds from use for other state services, including higher education and K-12 public schools. Public schools supporters launch drive to put school choice bill on July 7, 2023 6:00 pm Matt Chibe, Matthew Mittlieder LINCOLN, Neb. School Choice Nebraska - School Choice Nebraska Homepage . The Opportunity Scholarships Act takes not a single cent from public education, Linehan said. Today is an important, hard-fought victory for school choice in Nebraska, the news release states. Email our Director of Policy Jason Bedrick at jason@edchoice.org. The introduction of a new pro volleyball league is an example of the great leaps women's sports have made in the past century. He has identified himself as a supporter of school choice and posted a column on his website in support of L.B. This leaves us uncompetitive with neighboring states and itmeans we are not giving our kids every opportunity to flourish at a school they want to attend. Lincoln, NE 68509-4848 Copyright 2023 WOWT. CV NEWS FEED // The Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill that would create the first school choice program in the states history. The bill initially would set aside $25 million a year in tax credits for those who donate to a scholarship granting organization that distributes scholarships to parochial and private schools. The NSEA called LB753 a tax scheme voters dont want, saying it will hurt taxpayers and kids and hold state funding for public schools hostage. We are humbled by your continued generosity. Jim Pillen has said he would sign the bill. School choice bill fails in Nebraska Legislature - MSN Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home schooling. Finally, parents who can afford to do so can choose to send their children to a private school. Jim Pillen, the bill authorizes $25 million in tax credits for those who donate scholarships to private schools in Nebraska one of two states that do not provide such schools with public funds. Nebraska does not a private school choice program or charter schools. Fast Facts Policy Toolkit Regulations State Groups. All rights reserved. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. This is not about public education vs private education; it is simply about creating an opportunity for all parents to choose what they believe best fits their childs needs. 2023 as Nebraska School Choice Week, NE. Norfolk School Board President Sandy Wolfe worries where the money will eventually come from. He will be in eighth grade this fall. It's a bill that found unlikely political alliances; progressive senators from North Omaha were siding with solid conservatives. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. An Omaha church is celebrating the raising of the dome. P.O. I dont have anything against private schools.. The fight for education freedom in Nebraska has been hard fought but slow-going for more than a decade, she wrote: While school choice programs have blossomed in most other parts of the country, two states have held out: Nebraska and North Dakota. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Albion Sen. Tom Briese said the $25 million pales in comparison to the more than $2 billion a year the state grants for public education and tax credits focused on property taxes paid for schools. (KMTV) Nebraska is currently one of the few states that do not give any financial benefit to those that support private schools. During a speech before the Nebraska legislature, Democratic state senator Justin Wayne promised to vote against a school choice bill if his colleagues agreed to send their kids to the public school system. Jim Pillen, R-NE, is expected to sign the bill into law. No money goes to private schools," Linehan said. The kids I met in the Rotunda already know that opportunity. Of the 11 votes in opposition, ten were from Democrats and one from socialist independent Megan Hunt. Last week, on the first day of session, Senator Julie Slama introduced the Nebraska Heartbeat Act to protect unborn babies when a heartbeat can be detected. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Simply click below to download each piece of the toolkit. LINCOLN, NE Below is Governor JimPillen'sweekly column. Dr. Firestone said that doesnt mean the concept is working everywhere, however. There's also concern that some private schools discriminate against LGBTQ students and they take issue with calling this a school choice bill. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who led the effort to pass the bill, refuted that claim. If you have any questions about our vision for Nebraska, please call my office at 402-471-2244 or email me atjim.pillen@nebraska.gov. With this bill you can help change that, says CUES President, Fr. Opponents of Nebraska school choice bill gather signatures at Fourth of Click here to contact us. Omaha Senator Megan Hunt said Nebraskans already get tax breaks for private school donations, but centered her counter on discrimination. The NSEA said that more than half of Nebraskas 93 counties have no private schools; OpenSky said only seven of 38 counties west of Kearney have private schools. For this reason, we do not claim to speak for any individual bishop or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Nebraska does not a private school choice program or charter schools. SOME PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATES WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY, BUT A BILL CO-SPONSORED BY 30 STATE SENATORS . [LB753] has my full endorsement and support," said Gov. When they fall behind, when they dont have the resourceswhen theyre dealing with suspensions and things like that, then we can all go through it together, he said in reference to the senators kids. Gov. Pillen said in a statement that the approval of the Opportunity Scholarship Act was a huge is a huge step forward in giving Nebraska parents and students more school choice.. From vouchers to education savings accounts and tax credits, school choice incentives come in many forms. Renee Fry with Open Sky Policy says the tax credits are abnormally generous and would rather spend the money elsewhere. Nebraska bishops were also supportive of Wednesdays news, saying that the scholarships would provide opportunities for low-income families. An amendment prohibiting minors from attending live events featuring drag queens or drag kings failed in the Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday. It is far easier to restrict the ability of school districts to raise revenue than to finally, fully fund our K-12 public education system. This is not about public versus private schools. Angie Lauritsen and her son, Colton, pose in front of Gretna Middle School, where Colton will be in eighth grade this fall. } This is a much more generous tax break for a particular type of charitable giving to specific scholarship-granting organizations than any kind of tax treatment we see for other forms of charitable giving in this state.. And Republican western Nebraska senators, like Sen. Matt Williams opposing the bill with staunch liberals such as Sen. Megan Hunt, who led the opposition to the bill. 2023 Is Already a Record Year for School Choice - WSJ Linehan added that Sen. Wayne, one of the Democrats who voted in favor of LB753, was an integral force in getting the bill passed and has boldly and consistently put the best of [sic] interest of children before political gain. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The school choice measure provides a generous state tax break for donations toward scholarships for students to attend private or parochial schools and is seen by education groups as a foot-in-the-door for even more controversial school choice measures, such as voucher programs and state-funded charter schools. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (WOWT) - Nebraska lawmakers on Wednesday passed LB753, known as the school choice or school voucher bill, but opponents are already planning to put the matter before voters. OpenSky said in a news release public schools in rural areas would be hit particularly hard. FILE - Nebraska state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn speaks during debate in Lincoln, Neb., May 7, 2019. Currently, Nebraska remains one of only two states that does notsupportschool choice. Holdcroft emphasized that he doesn't believe the act indirectly takes funding from public schools and noted that lawmakers further invested in public schools. Nebraska needs to step up on school choice - Washington Examiner Our daily email recaps the big issues of the day from a fresh perspective. It was just a hard thing to go through to hear that they couldnt accept my child, she said. Nebraska does not have a private school choice program. Every parent regardless of socio-economic status should have the ability to decide what is the best school to meet their childs need. The only people who are opposing school choice today are the same people who have choice. The Nebraska Family Alliance, whose mission statement is to advance family, freedom, and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people, also expressed its support of the vote, saying the bill empowers parents. For now, the petition process just has to play out, Benson said. Gov. The group needs about 63,000 valid signatures verified by the Nebraska Secretary of State's office in order to have the referendum placed on the ballot. What also appeals to me is there is also a priority for military families, Holdcroft said. Our goal is 90,000 signatures in the 90-day window provided by state law, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, which is backing the Support Our Schools coalition in the effort. Then they went to Gretna Public Schools, where their son attended preschool for two years and received speech therapy from the school district. Stand For Schools, another nonpartisan nonprofit, is also joining the ballot initiative effort. Gov. Now is the time for Nebraska to step up our competition in education to help our kids prosper. She has been pushing for school choice for seven years. This leaves us uncompetitive with neighboring states and it means we are not giving our kids every opportunity to flourish at a school they want to attend. As a military retiree living in a military district, I greatly appreciate the state's recognition of the special challenges our military families face due to frequent relocations while serving their country. Introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn at the request of Gov. LINCOLN Nebraska would join 48 other states in offering school choice under a bill given final approval Wednesday. LINCOLN Forces for and against repeal of a controversial school choice law have spent more than $1.6 million thus far to woo Nebraska voters, according to recent state campaign spending reports. We simply could not have done this without his heroic leadership.. Capitol News, Education News, Nebraska News, News, Top Stories.
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