Rebecca Firestone of the OpenSky Policy Institute said donations to cancer societies and public education foundations only result in a tax deduction of less than a dime for every dollar donated., Under LB 753, a donor gets a dollar-for-dollar tax break of up to $100,000 of their income tax liability, she said. He grows hops, brews homemade beer, plays bass guitar and basically loves traveling the state. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. "We all together have to have it and it's important we never quit on kids," Pillen said. 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. LINCOLN School choice advocates celebrated the advancement of LB364, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, by the Revenue Committee of the Nebraska Legislature. They want to know whether their tax dollars are being well-spent, whether state agencies and local governments are responsive to the people and whether officials, programs and policies are working for the common good. Families are desperate for options. Introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn at Pillen 's request, the bill authorizes $25 million in tax credits for those who donate scholarships to private schools in Nebraska one. "Many more parents will have the ability to choose the right educational fit for our children. School Choice Bill Benefiting Low-Income Families Advances in Nebraska HERES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BREAKDOWN FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS. After the vote, she was greeted with applause in the Rotunda by Catholic school students from St. John's in Lincoln and Holy Name in Omaha. Funding students empowers families to execute their parental rights over the education of their children, said Angie Eberspacher, a supporter of the bill. Nebraska Examiner. Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt says the bill comes down to the government interfering with market prices by using taxpayer dollars to make it cheaper to go to private schools, who according to Sen. Hunt, discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth. This must stop. Benson is vowing a petition drive to repeal the measure. "It has been my honor and privilege to be part of this effort and it would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of Governor Pillen, Speaker Arch, so many of my colleagues in the Legislature, and hundreds of advocates and families who have been fighting to open the doors of opportunity to kids who need it most. It cannot go unsaid that Senator Justin Wayne has been essential to this effort and has boldly and consistently put the best interests of children before political gain. Nebraska Gov. Leans Into 'Opportunity Scholarships' Debate Nebraska Bishops Commend Nebraska Legislature for Transformational School choice was the main topic of discussion in the unicameral Tuesday. Nebraska - EdChoice So what were trying to do with this bill is were trying to give everyone an opportunity to be educated in the method in which it best represents their needs.. We would like to thank Revenue Chairwoman Linehan and the other members of the committee who sided with children and families today, and we look forward to a full and fair debate about expanding opportunity to more children in Nebraska., I am happy to see the progress LB364 has made, and I encourage Nebraska State Senators to follow the lead of 18 other states who have benefited from scholarship tax credit programs, said Robert Ziegler, Superintendent LCMS, Nebraska Lutheran Schools. , Even a great public school is not the best fit for every kid., They were telling people that they should sign their form to help with education in Nebraska, Fisher said. PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATES STILL ARE NOT ON BOARD. LB 753, sponsored by Omaha State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. The powerful state teachers union has already organized an effort to put the school choice bill on the ballot in 2024, in hopes that voters will overturn it. 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. This is a big day for Nebraska, and we are one step closer to giving educational freedom to more families and kids across the state, said Jeremy Ekeler, Associate Director of Education Policy at the Nebraska Catholic Conference. Jim Pillen signed the state's first-ever school choice bill into law, designating Nebraska as the 49th school choice state in the country. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. WE TALKED WITH THE GOVERNOR TODAY WHO SAYS NEBRASKA IS ONE OF THE LAST TWO STATES WITHOUT ANY SORT OF SCHOOL CHOICE LAW ON THE BOOKS. ", "This is not an anti-public school bill. Joined by educators and students from private and parochial schools across. It has been my honor and privilege to be part of this effort, and it would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of Governor Pillen, Speaker Arch, so many of my colleagues in the legislature, and hundreds of advocates and families who have been fighting to open the doors of opportunity to kids who need it most. "That means if a scholarship fund receives 10 applicants and if no applicants fit the prioritization, it'll be going to wealthy kids.". He said he looks forward to signing the bill. In some neighborhoods, these schools have been failing families for generations. Pillen told KETV. Backers of LB 753, however, maintain that plenty of other tax credit programs reduce state revenue. School choice advocates released statements after the successful committee vote. "We want to say thank you to Sen. Linehan and all of the senators who have been supporting school choice and taking these courageous votes for kids like these so that they have the opportunity to find a school that best fits their needs," said American Federation for Children executive director Lauren Garcia. Previously with the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha Sun, he is a member of the Omaha Press Club's Hall of Fame. (KMTV) Nebraska is currently one of the few states that do not give any financial benefit to those that support private schools. reported raising $504,810 in June, of which $494,710 came from the American Federation for Children, based in Columbia, Maryland. The bill initially would set aside $25 million a year in tax credits for those who donate to a "scholarship granting organization." ), State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the prime sponsor of the Opportunity Scholarships Act, Legislative Bill 753, said Wednesday that it was public school advocates who are the scam artists.. var field59 = field59 || {}; "What we've seen in previous years are requirements. Nebraska Legislature passes LB 753, 'school choice' bill 'Opportunity Scholarship' bill, given final OK, will make Nebraska a Support Our Schools reported raising $1.26 million, which included an $800,000 infusion from the National Education Association and $262,000 from the NSEA, the Nebraska teachers union. Houston Boe LINCOLN, Neb. Signing the Pledge for Education Freedom distributed by the blockers which hasnt been certified by the state does not nullify a signature on the Support Our Schools petition which was approved by the Nebraska Secretary of States Office. According to the governor, Nebraska is one of two states that doesn't have any school choice law. LB753 commits $50 million in tax credits for scholarships to kids across Nebraska with priority for scholarships going to kids who live in poverty, foster care, experience bullying, harassment, or other victimizing behaviors, or have a parent or guardian who is serving in the military. educationdata.org says Nebraska has more private-school students per capita than most other states. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,22666483375/klkntv.com/capitol-news&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1689285342&cust_params=category=Capitol%20News%2CEducation%20News%2CNebraska%20News%2CNews&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klkntv.com%2Fgov-pillen-signs-nebraska-school-choice-bill%2F&post=2579269" (WOWT) -. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Sponsored and prioritized by Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, LB364 was voted out of a committee with a vote of 5-3. Public schools supporters launch drive to put school choice bill on As currently written, the bill would give an income tax credit to families who donate to organizations that give tuition scholarships to private and parochial schools. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. It's similar to bills proposed in the past that have failed. Nebraska State Education Association executive director Jenni Benson said lawmakers decided that money is more important than children. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. She sponsored the bill and similar ones for the past five years. PEOPLE HAVE DECIDED THAT MONEY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CHILDREN. Gov. Public funds should be used for what? asked Jenni Benson, the president of the Nebraska State Education Association. OPPONENTS, ARE YOU SENDING PUBLIC DOLLARS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS VIOLATES NEBRASKAS CONSTITUTION. School choice bill sparks passionate debate in Lincoln Benson is vowing a petition drive to repeal the measure. #block-block-22 { visibility: hidden; } Even a great public school is not the best fit for every kid.. This is not an anti-public school bill, he said. IM THRILLED FOR THE KIDS AND THE PARENTS AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GET ONE OTHER OPTION. Theyre deciding that, y, eah, I dont want my tax dollars going to private schools., Q&A with Gov.-elect Jim Pillen: Taxes, school finance top, An Election Day cheat sheet from the Nebraska Examiner, New U.S. House Natural Resources chair opposes limits on, as an effort to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships Act, spending more than $800,000 in nine Nebraska legislative. ALREADY VOWING A PETITION DRIVE TO REPEAL THE MEASURE. How would hundreds of thousands of bank accounts be easily and effectively monitored? asked Sunshine Metschke. SENATOR ANN LINEHAN AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF 753 ARE GREETED BY APPLAUSE AFTER THE VOTE. ), 15 Most Popular Products Our Readers Cannot Get Enough of This Amazon Prime Day 2023, Apple AirPods Pro Are the Lowest Price Ever for Amazon Prime Day 2023, These $29 Crest 3D Whitestrips Just Might Be One of the Best Prime Day Deals of Today. NOW, DOZENS OF STATES ALREADY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS IN PLACE, ACCORDING TO SCHOOL CHOICE WYCOMBE, 22 STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFER PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS. Supporters pointed to record investments into public education, including a billion-dollar education future fund, increased special education support and property tax relief. LB753 spells out requirements when it comes to the tax credit. Sen. Steve Erdmans LB 177 would give parents funding each year to send their child to the school of their choice. INSTEAD OF VOUCHERS, THIS WOULD INVOLVE A TAX CREDIT. Nebraska group petitioning to repeal school choice bill - KLKN-TV LB 753 passed on a 33 to 11 vote Wednesday. They would like another option., A growing number of Nebraska lawmakers seeks to avoid, An Election Day cheat sheet from the Nebraska Examiner, Questions raised over state economic directors use of state, majority of Nebraskans oppose giving public tax dollars to private schools. "We all together have to have it and it's important we never quit on kids," Pillen said. SEWARD, Neb. Nebraska's first school choice bill headed to governor's desk Updated: 6:44 PM CDT May 24, 2023 Infinite Scroll Enabled Andrew Ozaki Lincoln Bureau Chief Sorry, this video is not available,. 30. Jim Pillen, who reiterated his support Wednesday. Former State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, a Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for Congress last year, attended Tuesdays rally. A controversial school choice bill was signed into law on the Capitol steps Tuesday.The Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB 753) passed with a vote of 33-11 last w . We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Gov. Pillen signs Nebraska school choice bill - KLKN-TV "No matter what socio-economic background you come from, if public education isn't for you, you ought to have the opportunity to go to a school that meets your needs," said Pillen on Tuesday. The American Federation for Children applauds the Nebraska legislature for passing the states 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. The bill would provide more education opportunities to low-income children by giving tax credits to those who donate money for scholarships to private and parochial schools. The Nebraska Examiner is a nonprofit, independent news source committed to providing news, scoops and reports important to our state. We thank Governor Pillen, Senator Wayne, and especially Senator Linehan for their support of kids and parents. Under a new bill in the Nebraska Legislature, a state fund could pay parents a combined $25 million in the first year. Jim Pillen. Produced by Clare Toeniskoetter , Will Reid and Mary Wilson. Last year, it didnt have enough votes to overcome a filibuster. ITS BEEN SENT TO THE REVENUE COMMITTEE WHERE IT WILL LIKELY HAVE A HEARING NEXT MONTH. The Revenue Committees vote to advance LB364 will energize and empower the thousands of parents and kids advocating for more opportunity. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. "The time is now and we have to get it done," Pillen told KETV. 'Public funds for public schools' Supporters of private and public schools debate Nebraska's school The My Student, My Choice Act would create an account for each K-12 student in Nebraska. The group, called Support Our Schools Nebraska, is seeking to gather at least 90,000 signatures of registered voters in the next 90 days to force a referendum vote in 2024 on the Opportunity Scholarships Act. Jim Pillen signed LB753 into law Tuesday, making Nebraska the 49th state to implement school choice. From vouchers to education savings accounts and tax credits, school choice incentives come in many forms. Nebraskans want accountability from their elected officials and government. Guereca said that money could be better spent addressing poverty and teacher retention and recruitment.The prioritization would be as follows: first, for kids who've received scholarships previously or their siblings; second, for students whose family's income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, students in foster care, students who're bullied, or students of parents who're on active duty; third, for students under 158% of the federal poverty level; fourth, for students under 213% of the federal poverty level; and fifth, for students regardless of income level. "Still, the governor said it's time for Nebraska to join the 48 other states offering some school choice. Nebraska's No-Choice Sta Nebraska lawmakers debate school choice legislation - WOWT Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. SUPPORTERS POINT TO RECORD INVESTMENTS INTO PUBLIC EDUCATION, $1 BILLION EDUCATION, FUTURE FUND, INCREASED SPECIAL ED SUPPORT AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. The referendum drive was launched a month ago by public school advocates. Speakers at the rally condemned Legislative Bill 753 as providing a unique and overly generous tax break for mostly wealthy taxpayers and corporations for private schooling. "We have allowed the rich to dictate that they need tax credits to do something that's right," Benson said. Pricey spending race underway to allow or block voter referendum on By Brian Mastre Published: May. T. Michael Williams, a Baptist preacher from North Omaha and the president of the Omaha chapter of the NAACP, was the first person to sign a petition. We commend Senator Linehan for being a tireless and courageous champion for this bill and Nebraska kids, and we look forward to working with her and the 16 co-sponsors to get this bill across the finish line. The Opportunity Scholarships Act is an answer to the prayers of parents and the needs of children., This is a big day for Nebraska, and we are one step closer to giving educational freedom to more families and kids across the state, said Jeremy Ekeler, Associate Director of Education Policy at the Nebraska Catholic Conference. Those efforts have always faced stubborn resistance from special interest groups in particular, the state teachers union.