Last November, school choice—which is all about making sure parents are empowered with the ability to choose an education that is best for their child—took a loss at the ballot box. After spending more than $7 million, the state and national teachers unions were able to wipe off the law books a program that helped low- and middle-income families with financial assistance to afford tuition at a non-public school of their choice. It was a tough loss for us at the Nebraska Catholic Conference, but it was a devastating loss for the 4,500 students who were being served by these education scholarships.
But that loss was not, is not, and should not be defining for those of us who favor parental rights in education.
Instead, we should look at that loss this way: like losing one game in a seven-game world series. You take the loss in stride, and keep playing for the championship.
We won the first two games, by passing the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753) in 2023 and the education scholarships program (LB1402) in 2024—and the $12 million in scholarships that went to families in need. Then, game three went to school choice opponents and their $7.5 million in special interest money.
Now? Time for game four.
This legislative session, numerous school choice bills have been introduced by several different senators. The number of advocacy groups in favor of school choice at the Capitol is greater than it ever has been. And thousands of families are prepared to fight for their right to school choice. This is a clear sign that, notwithstanding the November ballot loss, the momentum for school choice is on the rise.
It makes me think of the words I often quote from Father Richard John Neuhaus about the pro-life movement: “We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every child is protected in law and welcomed in life.”
Likewise, with school choice: We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every child has access to the school that is best for them.
So far, five school choice bills have been introduced. What are they?
Senator Bob Andersen (Gretna) introduced an Iowa-style education savings account program, which would provide every student a base amount of funds that would follow them, which they could use on their educational needs.
Senator Beau Ballard (Lincoln) introduced legislation that would create a micro-program specifically tailored for foster care children. It would allow those children to have the funds they need to have educational stability at the school of their choice.
Senator Rob Dover (Norfolk) introduced a bill to appropriate—through the state’s budget process—$10 million to low-income and other at-risk students in need of more educational opportunities.
Senator Ben Hansen (Blair) introduced legislation that would allow any student who is denied “option enrollment” by a public school to receive those same funds and use them to attend a non-public school of their choice. If the student has special education needs, he or she would receive additional funding to help support the unique educational needs.
Senator Tony Sorrentino (Elkhorn) introduced scholarship tax credit legislation that was previously championed by his district’s predecessor and long-time school choice champion, Senator Lou Ann Linehan. Senator Sorrentino’s legislation would provide scholarships to low-income students by allowing those with state income tax liability to direct a portion of those funds for scholarships.
Senator Sorrentino also introduced legislation to allow 529 college savings accounts to be used for K-12 educational expenses. In 2017, Congress passed major tax reform which allowed 529 accounts to be used for elementary and secondary school expenses. However, the Nebraska Legislature has failed to adopt changes to its state program, to allow for this use. Senator Sorrentino’s legislation would finally allow families to save money through their 529 accounts for their K-12 expenses.
None of these bills stands a chance of passing, unless you and I stand up and speak up as zealous advocates for families in need of school choice. This legislative session, we again have a chance for our voice and values to be heard on empowering parents and giving kids hope. Don’t sit in the dugout and despair. To quote our courageous Husker female athletes: “Get in the game!”
Visit www.NEcatholic.org to sign up for our advocacy network—it could be all the difference to thousands of students in need. God bless!
