A bill taking all day to debate, ultimately did not pass

LB 364 was a tax credit for those who donate to private schools, and would give scholarships to students in need

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Senators debated all day on LB364.  The Opportunity Scholarship Act and tax credits would give those who donate to private schools a dollar-for-dollar tax credit and turn the donation into scholarships for students on free and reduced lunch.

“Why are we going to offer this tax credit, dollar for dollar, to support other schools through scholarship granting organizations that are legally allowed to discriminate,” said Senator Megan Hunt.

“I can’t think of a good reason why we would deny a community the option of raising their children the way they see fit. It doesn’t matter if we agree with them or not, that’s their option in this country. If it’s a religious school that they believe is best for their kids, great, if it’s not, great,” said Senator Suzanne Geist.

Those in favor feel like this will give low-income communities a better chance to succeed.

“It is empowering families and I support that. Particularly for students who Senator Wayne has so eloquently explained, particularly for students who don’t have that empowerment because of limited resources. I do support this, in no way do I see this as a vote against public schools but rather a vote for children,” said Senator John Arch.

Senator Terrell McKinney believes a better education is key to keeping some kids out of jail and could prevent them from being killed.

“How do you sit and say, I can justify maybe voting for another prison or another questionable bill, but possibly providing an opportunity to avoid that kid from being on the news for a violent crime or being killed is, that’s what doesn’t sit right with me,” said Senator Terrell McKinney.

The Nebraska Education Association released a statement saying they were against this bill, in fear that it would lead to harmful cuts in funding for public schools.  Senator Hunt was very vocal about the bill and said if State funding is going to go to private schools, she wanted there to be no discrimination in the schools, as many religious private schools have discriminatory policies towards those who recognize as LGBTQIA+ in their codes of conduct.

“Homosexual acts, promoting such practices, or otherwise the inability to support the moral principals of the school. What is promoting homosexual acts? If a kid has a rainbow button pin on their backpacks, are they promoting homosexual acts? Forget about having a gay parent, those kids would not be allowed in these schools,” said Senator Hunt.

Senator Hunt feels that children have a right to a good education, but allowing discrimination in some private schools strips LGBTQIA+ students of their civil rights.

“What we are debating is not the merits of private school or public school, you can think whatever you want of any school. It’s about taxpayer funding of a tax credit to wealthy donors,” said Senator Hunt.

Senator Lou Ann Linehan said in her debate that there is nothing in the bill to take money away from public schools.

The bill was ultimately not successful.