I usually use this column to provide you “news” updates on what’s going on in politics, with a focus on the Nebraska Legislature, and some of the big issues that matter to us as Catholics. But today, I’m really going to urge you to not just read but also take action immediately after reading my rant.
School Choice Scholarship Funding
Thousands of Nebraska K-12 students are set to lose out on education scholarships that will help them continue attending a school that is best for them. These scholarships are helping students achieve better academic outcomes and become the person God has called them to be.
How Did We Reach This Point? In 2023 and 2024, the Nebraska Catholic Conference successfully advocated for LB753 and LB1402, state-supported programs to create more funding for K-12 private school scholarships. Through these two programs, nearly 8,000 students are currently thriving in the school of their choice. For many, these scholarships are life-changing and even lifesaving.
Tragically, special interest political groups spent millions of dollars in 2024 to take education freedom away from these families.
Thankfully, Governor Pillen has provided $7 million in “gap assistance” school choice funding in his proposed budget to make sure these families have continued access to scholarships for the 2026-27 school year. This “gap assistance” will help families for the upcoming school year until the federal scholarship tax credit program provides scholarship assistance for the 2027-28 school year and beyond.
Now, it’s our turn to take action for these students and make sure the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee retains these critical scholarship funds in the state’s budget.
Why Is Advocating for These Families Important? There are several reasons why school choice is critically important to families, but here are four brief reasons.
First, parents know what is best for their children’s education, and school choice scholarship funds ensure parents—especially in lower-income families—are empowered as the primary educators of their children.
Second, when students get into educational settings that are best for them, the data is clear: student education outcomes improve, and they can achieve their God-given dreams.
Third, the data is clear: school choice programs save taxpayers money. Private schools already save taxpayers in Nebraska over half a billion dollars. School choice programs further add to that savings.
Finally, when parents are empowered and students succeed, the whole state—all of us—wins!
Who Should You Contact and What Can You Say? I’m humbly asking that you will advocate for these students by reaching out to these key members of the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee: Senator Robert Clements (Chairman of the Appropriations Committee) (e-mail: rclements@leg.ne.gov; phone: 402-471-2613); Senator Christy Armendariz (Vice-Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee) (carmendariz@leg.ne.gov; phone: 402-471-2618); Senator Robert Dover (e-mail: rdover@leg.ne.gov; 402-471-2929); Senator Loren Lippincott (llippincott@leg.ne.gov; 402-471-2630); and Senator Paul Strommen (e-mail: pstrommen@leg.ne.gov; 402-471-2616).
There are a few different things you can talk about in your e-mail or phone call.
First, share your school choice story—it matters. Each of us has a story about how we or our children, family, or friends got to a school that was best (or not best) for us.
Second, talk about the importance of continuing to help 8,000 students and their families who rely on scholarships for better educational outcomes, overcoming poverty, and fulfilling their dreams. We can’t let these students lose scholarship access for 2026-27.
Third, these scholarship funds are an important “bridge” for students until the federal scholarship program starts.
Fourth, school choice saves taxpayers money, fosters healthy competition among all schools, and improves civic engagement.
Finally, don’t forget to tell these senators “thank you” for their service to Nebraska!
Thanks so much for advocating for Nebraska’s students and families in need of education freedom!
P.S. Our annual legislative advocacy day—Catholics at the Capitol—is happening soon, Wednesday, March 4. You won’t want to miss out. We have a jam-packed day of presentations from Governor Pillen, Attorney General Hilgers, Auditor Foley, several State Senators, the Bishops, and NCC staff. We’ll prep you to take action with your State Senator and bear the light of Christ in the public square. Register now while seats are still available, at www.NEcatholic.org.
