Nebraska lawmakers push school choice bills despite voter rejection

In Nebraska, lawmakers are moving to revive school choice legislation following a recent voter repeal of a program that allocated $10 million annually for scholarships to private and faith-based schools. Advocates, including State Sen. Tony Sorrentino, are proposing new bills, such as LB 509, which would offer tax credits to donors funding scholarships for K-12 students, despite significant opposition from public education advocates. Opponents argue that these initiatives disregard the voters' clear rejection of such programs, with Sen. Danielle Conrad emphasizing the need to respect public opinion. Additionally, a mother and her daughters have publicly called for the revival of school choice legislation, highlighting personal experiences regarding educational opportunities. The debate reflects a broader national conversation about the balance between public and private education funding. As lawmakers prepare for the legislative session, both supporters and opponents are gearing up for a renewed fight over school choice in Nebraska.