Nebraska voters will decide fate of school choice bill in 2024 election
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraskans will have the chance to repeal a controversial school choice bill in the 2024 election.
Support Our Schools Nebraska is looking to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which commits millions in tax credits for those who donate to private school scholarship funds.
The nonprofit submitted over 117,000 signatures to Secretary of State Bob Evnen in August.
On Tuesday, the Secretary of State’s Office said 91,816 of those signatures were verified as valid, exceeding the requirement of 61,308.
Voters in Nebraska will get to decide in the November 2024 election whether the law stays in place.
Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the petition’s success sends a “clear message” to Gov. Jim Pillen and state lawmakers.
“This was a decisive victory and the first step to ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not private schools,” she said in a release. “Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems. Now we redouble our efforts to inform Nebraskans of the harm LB 753 will cause if it is not repealed.”
SEE ALSO: Poll: More than half of Nebraskans want repeal of Opportunity Scholarships Act
“I have confidence in education, both public and private,” he said. “I will continue to make sure each student in Nebraska has the educational freedom to choose where they want to attend school.”
