The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) is typically busiest during the Nebraska legislative session. Many hours are worked to advance transformative legislation and defend against problematic legislation. Once the legislative session is over, life returns to normal as we work on a variety of “off-season” matters, such as our pro-life banquet and conference (which, by the way, will be Nov. 22-23).
But in the last two years, the NCC has remained particularly busy outside of the legislative session with ballot referendum and ballot initiative efforts.
Last year, immediately after passing life-changing school choice legislation, the Nebraska teachers union went on the attack. A ballot referendum was filed to repeal LB753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act.
This year, the teachers union mounted another attack, on the latest school choice law (LB1402), which we supported. This legislation provides $10 million to the state treasurer for distribution of education scholarships to children in need of more school choice. The union filed another ballot referendum.
Additionally, we have two abortion-related ballot initiatives.
This post-legislative session ballot activity makes the saying “no rest for the weary” come to life, and reminds us of the critical need to stay vigilant in order to defend human dignity and advance the common good.
So where do things stand on all these ballot efforts?
Opportunity Scholarships Act Ballot Referendum. As I noted above, last year the teachers union gathered enough voter signatures to place LB753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, on this November’s ballot. However, this last legislative session, the union’s power move against kids was thwarted. The Nebraska Legislature “sunset” LB753, so that the program will terminate at the end of October. By doing so, the Secretary of State will no longer place LB753 on the ballot.
Meanwhile, kids are due to receive scholarships under LB753. Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska is working hard to raise state income tax credit contributions from taxpayers across the state. These funds will provide scholarships to the more than 2,000 students who have applied for financial assistance. Please visit the OSN website, at www.NebraskaOpportunity.org, and contribute today to help kids.
LB1402 Education Scholarships Ballot Referendum. When LB753 was sunset through the passage of LB1402, a new school choice program was developed. As noted above, this new program provides $10 million in state funding to the state treasurer, to distribute scholarships to students in need of school choice.
On July 17, the teachers union submitted 87,000 signatures to the Secretary of State in an effort to repeal LB1402 through a ballot referendum. The Secretary of State will spend the next 40 days reviewing those signatures to determine their validity and whether there are enough signatures to place LB1402 on the ballot.
Meanwhile, LB1402 went into legal effect July 19. This means the Nebraska state treasurer can legally operate LB1402 and begin helping students in need. This is exciting news.
As LB753 and LB1402 legally operate and serve thousands of students, Nebraska will get a chance to see the faces of students whose lives are impacted by life-transforming school choice laws. We have a joy-filled obligation to tell these stories as we continue to persuade our fellow Nebraskans why we need school choice in our state.
Despite these obstacles by the teachers union against students, school choice is winning in Nebraska and across the country, and that’s something to celebrate!
Abortion Ballot Initiatives. As you likely know by now, there are two ballot initiatives set for this November’s ballot. One is a pro-abortion ballot initiative that has been introduced by the abortion industry and its allies, such as Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Nebraska Appleseed, and others. The other is a pro-life ballot initiative introduced by medical professionals.
Both ballot efforts collected well over the amount they need to qualify for the ballot, and confirmation to that end should come from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office no later than mid-August.
Meanwhile, we must do the everyday work of talking to Nebraskans about why the pro-abortion proposal is dangerous, deceptive, and demeaning, and too extreme for Nebraska. We also need to educate Catholics and other Nebraskans that they can support the pro-life effort. Visit our website, www.NEcatholic.org, to learn more about each effort.
We are going to need an army of volunteers to help defeat the pro-abortion proposal. Please contact our office (402.477.7517) if you are willing to join us in this critical effort.
Know of my prayers as you bear the light of Jesus Christ in the public square!
