We believe that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or religion are entitled to a MODERN education in a safe and inclusive environment. LB 753 will provide tax credits for individuals and entities making donations to scholarship funds intended to help students attend private and parochial schools. A scriveners error by the Nebraska Secretary of State has been corrected on the petition that would repeal LB753, the bill that would give tax dollars to private schools. Top stories and information about children, education and the education profession. KRVN 880 - KRVN 93.1 - KAMI - Pricey spending race underway to allow From vouchers to education savings accounts and tax credits, school choice incentives come in many forms. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Opponents of LB753 worry public education will suffer at the expense of taxpayer dollars. The Support Our Schools petition drive is persevering despite small clerical hiccup. Search for remains resumes at former Indigenous school Support Our Schools Nebraska wants to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which commits $25 million a year in tax credits for those who donate to private school scholarship funds. Jim Pillen signed a bill incentivizing donations to scholarship funds for private and faith-based schools, Nebraska public school supporters launched an effort to repeal it. By continuing to use this service, you agree to use cookies by us and out third-party service providers as described in the Privacy Policy. 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. "But the opponents' tactics are not working. SEE ALSO: Opponents of Nebraska school choice bill gather signatures at Fourth of July events. Linehan and other supporters say that LB 753 is needed to help families, particularly those with lower incomes, have a range of educational opportunities. The bill, which has the governor's support, was introduced by Omaha Sen. Lou Ann . At SOS, we strongly believe in the power of TRUE public education. Donate Today! The Opportunity Scholarships Act, or LB 753, creates . Recently, a petition effort against the new law has emerged from a group called Support our Schools Nebraska. Its just a hiccup, said Jenni Benson, a Support Our Schools Nebraska petition sponsor. Support The 74 and stories like this one. 16h #LB753 does not help all children. SOS endeavors to support the community in their understanding of the current and future threats facing public schools and how to advocate on their behalf. Nebraska Farmers Union is now pushing for the repeal of Legislative Bill 753, while the Nebraska Catholic Conference is calling it critical to helping families in need. SOS supports students and their families by providing them access to resources that can assist with advocacy, understanding their rights, and fostering accountability within the public school system. LB753 would make this even worse and put more pressure on property taxes. NE Child Support Please review below for the nearest kiosk to your location and stop by to make a payment. I dont trust the union.. Lack of child support or failing to make adequate periodic payments negatively affects the child's emotional and physical well-being. All qualities required to thrive in an ever-changing world. We have enough division in our society, enough division economically and socially, said Williams, who is president of the Omaha NAACP. institute on taxation and economic policy, SCC proposes 20% property tax levy increase, frustrating some state senators, Arming school staff and a 'stand your ground' law being considered in Nebraska, Opponents of Nebraska school choice bill gather signatures at Fourth of July events, Nebraska voters could decide whether to require paid sick leave, Storms pose severe risk across Nebraska Monday and Tuesday, Nebraskans unable to make calls amid U.S. Cellular outage impacting thousands, Employee at Nebraska boutique accused of stealing over $1,700 worth of clothing, Nebraska hit by 80 mph winds, possible tornadoes, Lied Center plans to pack seats, boost Lincoln's economy with 'Hamilton', Trending: Elon Musk launches AI company and Chipotle jumps on robotic bandwagon, Lied Center warning of scammers selling Hamilton tickets at 10 times face value, Trending: Amazon Prime Day begins, plus 'Barbi-Heimer' double bookings, ZooFest kicks off celebration of Zoo Bar's 50th anniversary. 2023 All-Nebraska baseball team captains Millard South's Cam Kozeal, left, and Omaha Gross's Connor Capece pose for a portrait on Thursday. New LINKS program helped seven GHS students graduate on time - Star-Herald One thing I believe about Nebraskans is that they value fairness, Williams said. Hooray for Fri-YAY! Kaitlyn Emanuel, a North Bend Central three-sport athlete, is the Omaha World-Herald girls Athlete of the Year. Nebraskans support their public schools and want to keep them strong," said Jenni Benson, the president of the Nebraska State Education Association, a prime backer of the "Support Our Schools" referendum. The line between personal and professional life gets blurred sometimes, especially when it comes to email. Rather than respecting parents as the primary educators of their children, the teachers union is literally stripping educational opportunities out of the hands of low-income students, military families, students with disabilities, kids whove been bullied, and children in the foster care system, Venzor said in an email statement. A dog peeksout of a window and watches as police investigate a shooting near 30th and Hamilton Streets on Wednesday. Members, public school allies rally to oppose private school tax scheme. Sculptor John Lajba walks about his Road to Omaha Sculpture before cleaning it at Charles Schwab Field on Wednesday, June 07, 2023.The sculpture was dedicated exactly 24 years earlier at Rosenblatt Stadium. Linehan also said theres a lack of understanding., I wouldnt care if they were trying to undo it if they were being honest, she said. 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.. Under the bill, introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, $25 million will be available for credits in 2024, with the same amount available for the next two years. var field59 = field59 || {}; I trust the people, Linehan said. The League of Women Voters of Nebraska is proud to join the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition, a group of educators, parents and other Nebraskans collecting signatures to add this issue to the 2024 ballot. Public schools supporters launch drive to put school choice bill on SEE ALSO: Would tax credits for private education donations help rich or poor Nebraskans more? If that happens, the issue would go up for a vote in the November 2024 general election. var field59 = field59 || {}; Support Our Schools Nebraska made a stop in South Sioux City to give people a chance to sign the petition. Nebraska State Education Association Rev. The new petitions are already being printed and we'll be distributing them yet . One of the unions top concerns is that the measure blurs the line between church and state by allowing public taxes to help religious schools. One person was seriously injured. TCU's Tre Richardson stretches before practices on Thursday. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. We support policies that will further strengthen our public schools and allow every Nebraskan to develop the skills they need to thrive. Training Video and Important Petition Gathering Information. Local: 402-475-7611 Neither business has endorsed the petition effort. "Our schools will continue to lead by using the latest funds to support students by addressing unfinished learning and boosting . On Tuesday, Linehan said she was dumbfounded by it, noting that lawmakers also passed increases to public education funding this year. We stood here on these steps five weeks ago, and we rallied to support our public schools, Gross said. Nebraskas plan details how the state is using and plans to use ARP ESSER funds to safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and equitably expand opportunity for students who need it most, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Petition for referendum on school choice law 'on track' He called the attempt to overturn the law an attack on kids and their education opportunities. Please subscribe to keep reading. We regret any confusion this may have caused." Tonight's event in Pierce is between 200 & 215 E. Main Streets. Council Bluffs Police searching for missing teen, Police investigating southeast Lincoln smoke shop break-in, Omaha Police investigating a series of Craigslist scams, Council Bluffs Police searching for missing woman, Credit report scam claims senior citizens at risk of foreclosure. Download News Release. There was a problem saving your notification. Supporters of private and public schools debate Nebraska's school That has always been an option to students, for them to choose where they want to be educated., Linehan and other LB 753 supporters issued statements last week criticizing the petition. }; LINCOLN, Neb. Todays approvals mean a total of 44 ARP ESSER state plans have been approved since June. Support Our Schools Nebraska The Nebraska State Education Association. Those who oppose the law also said private schools can discriminate against kids based on gender, sexual orientation, religion and disability. Nebraska group petitioning to repeal school choice bill - KLKN-TV https://www.supportourschoolsnebraska.org, Personal email account a must for educators, members, Website Design & Development by UNANIMOUS. The Nebraska State Education Association is a member-directed professional association representing 26,000 PreK-12 public school teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, and aspiring educators. John Lajba scrubs his Road to Omaha Sculpture at Charles Schwab Field on Wednesday. Private school tax breaks may go before Nebraska voters Support Our Schools Nebraska (@SOSNebraska) / Twitter At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. field59.ipo = { The League of Women Voters of Nebraska is proud to join the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition, a group of educators, parents and other Nebraskans collecting signatures to add this issue to. (KLKN) - At the Capitol on Tuesday, Support Our Schools Nebraska kicked off its . Support Our Schools Nebraska on Twitter: "Tonight's event in Pierce is Omaha police investigate a shooting that injured one person near 30th and Hamilton Streets on Wednesday. This past legislative session the Nebraska unicameral passed LB 753 which would allow . We are a Nebraska-based nonprofit dedicated to our states ongoing tradition of public school excellence. We support our teachers, administrators, and our school board as we work together to provide the highest quality education to all children. Drone photography of J & S Feedlot and Farm, with about 2,000 head of cattle, near Dodge, Neb., on Tuesday. It would give tax credits to corporations and the wealthy while shifting the burden of funding essential public programs and services like public education, health and safety to less affluent taxpayers. LSU's Gavin Guidry (1) throws a ball against the wall of the bullpen in the Wake Forest vs. LSU CWS men's College World Series, game twelve in Omaha on Wednesday. Paid for by Support Our Schools Nebraska, 605 S. 14 St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Public education advocates rally to oppose Opportunity Scholarship Act You have permission to edit this article. Every signature counts! It's backed by other groups like the Nebraska State Education Association, the . The Supreme Court has ruled that private schools cannot discriminate based on race. Nebraska already ranks 49th in the nation in state aid to public schools. Chadron Drive up - Drive through Jun 21, 2023. State teachers union organizes to hold referendum vote on 'opportunity Download Amicus Brief. Nebraska is receiving $546 million total in ARP ESSER funds, and todays approval of their plan will result in the release of the final $182 million. }; LINCOLN, Neb. The approval of these plans enables states to receive vital, additional American Rescue Plan funds to quickly and safely reopen schools for full-time, in-person learning; meet students academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs; and address disparities in access to educational opportunity that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Public dollars need to go to schools that are accredited because under LB753 they dont have to be accredited to receive this money.. 9 out of every 10 kids in Nebraska attend a public school! They have to look their neighbors in the eye and say, Im sorry but we dont have any other money to work with, were going to have to raise your property taxes.'. Nebraska nonprofits launch school choice recall petition at State Capitol. Lt. Dennis Svoboda, with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, leads a training session on an airboat for the search and rescue team on the Platte River near Louisville, Neb., on Thursday, May 25, 2023. In response to the petition, Linehan also released a statement signed by the 33 members who supported the bill. A program that withholds tax dollars from public schools, including many already underfunded, is bad for Nebraska. The group which consists of organizations such as the Nebraska State Education Association claims the bill is a scheme to put millions of public tax dollars into private schools. SEE ALSO:. Support our Schools Nebraska has several events planned to collect signatures over the next week in different regions across Nebraska. Many argue the new law lacks transparency and accountability for private schools -- two tenets of public education. Omaha police and forensics investigators look for evidence as they investigate a shooting that injured one person near 30th and Hamilton Streets on Wednesday. A man who fell into Omaha's sewer system was swept on a nightmarish journey beneath downtown city streets for 1 miles over 1 hours Friday be, For the thousands of workers who never experienced upheaval in the tech sector, the recent mass layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft, A. John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, said the law also hurts rural communities that dont have any private schools. When we increase the capacity of our Association to effect change through member organizing, political involvement, advancing racial and social justice issues, and responsive governanance structures, then our members will be better prepared to advocate for and meet the needs of our students, our profession and public education. Petition opposes new Nebraska law giving tax credits for private school scholarships. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. Jim Pillen signed into law. SOS will help you support and build a coalition of individuals, organizations, corporations, and political groups that are dedicated to ensuring equal and improved access to an excellent public school education for all children. The kiosks accept cash, debit card (no fee), credit card (2.49% service fee), personal/business checks, and . Individuals Paying Child Support - Nebraska Education - Open Sky Policy Institute If you have questions about a tax intercept, please contact the Nebraska Child Support Customer Call Center at 877-631-9973, Option 2. The people of Nebraska are going to do what the legislators of this building should have done, which is say no, said the leader of the effort, Tim Royers, at the petitions kickoff rally at the Capitol on Tuesday. Several local school board members also spoke in support of the petition, including Milford school board member Dave Welsch, who criticized LB 753 for incentivizing a specific type of charitable donation while neglecting others. "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=1689350415&cust_params=category=Capitol%20News%2CEducation%20News%2CNebraska%20News%2CNews%2CTop%20Stories&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klkntv.com%2Fnebraska-group-petitioning-to-repeal-opportunity-scholarships-act%2F&post=2583574" OMAHA, Neb. Earlier this year, the Department distributed two-thirds of the ARP ESSER funds, totaling $81 billion, to 50 states and the District of Columbia. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The first-year cost is $25 million, growing to $100 million annually. Attorney General Hilgers Joins Coalition in Brief Asking U.S. Supreme Court to Restore Accountability for the CFPB. Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said those involved with the petition are engaged in all-out political warfare against children.. Opponents of Nebraska school choice bill gather signatures at Fourth of Support Our Schools Nebraska has been gathering signatures to repeal the law, which commits $25 million a year in tax credits for those who donate to private school scholarship funds. Support Our Schools Nebraska gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Lincoln. Voucher tax schemes like LB753 funnel money away from our already-underfunded public schools and children and give tax dollars to private schools, including those that discriminate against children and their families. Linehan said she isnt against bringing the issue to the voters, but she is concerned that opponents will be dishonest. TRUE public schools maintain separation of church and state and abide by federal and state non-discrimination guidelines. An Omaha police officer carries a suspicious package that was found near gate 2 at Charles Schwab Field on Thursday, June 15, 2023. LB 583 lifts state aid for most western Nebraska schools; rest should gain ground by fall The 22 Panhandle districts will receive a combined $61.8 million in regular school aid 11.2% higher . Linehan says she is deeply disappointed, along with 32 other senators who supported the bill, that Nebraskas public education establishment has pursued the ballot initiative that would, if successful, in her view, deny opportunities to vulnerable and at-risk children. This bill is not about providing school choice to students in our state, Welsch said. Wednesday, June 28, 2023. In Nebraska, 9 in 10 students attend our public schools. SOS supports our public school teachers, school employees, and elected school officials by listening to and responding to their needs while engaging in respectful, truthful, and constructive dialogue. NSEA alleged that the school choice . Support Our Schools Petition Fixes Small Clerical Error, Signatures (WOWT) - A coalition of organizations, including public schools groups, began a petition drive Tuesday to ask Nebraskans whether a new law should stay or go. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. O.NE Finest dancers perform during a hometown send-off for Terence Bud Crawford ahead of his fight with fellow welterweight world champion Errol Spence on July 29. I am excited to announce approval of Nebraskas plan, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The Omaha fire department investigate the scene after a forklift struck a propane tank and caused an explosion at 4301 N 30th St. a on Monday. Nebraska group petitioning to repeal school choice bill. John Lajba spray washes his Road to Omaha Sculpture at Charles Schwab Field on Wednesday. Educators, nonprofits and several other local groups banded together under the organization Support our Schools Nebraska for the petition drive against Legislative Bill 753, which just passed the. An Omaha police officer keeps people away from where a suspicious package that prompted a law enforcement response near gate 2 at Charles Schwab Field on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Our mission is to organize, educate, and empower parents and community members to defend public schools in the United States while being mindful of how our differences can unite us. The Support Our Schools petition drive is persevering despite small clerical hiccup.