New bill would make it easier for some families to choose what school their child attends

Nebraska’s legislative chamber was packed full Thursday – by children. They were there for National School Choice Week, a national event designed to bring attention to the topic.

Generally, the issue of school choice centers on letting families, particularly working class families, choose a school that best suits their child’s educational need.

“We’re here to let it be known that options, educational options, whether it be private or parochial make the difference in some children’s lives,” Clarice Jackson, president of Voice Advocacy Center, said.

Senator Lou Ann Linehan introduced the Opportunity Scholarships Act.

It would establish scholarship granting organizations for schools and apply tax credits to individuals or businesses who donate to an organization. That money could then be provided to eligible working class students so they can go to a school of their choice.

“Parents of children who don’t have the educational means, or don’t live in the right zip code, they don’t have that choice,” Jackson said.

Currently, only families who have the income can afford to send their children to non-public options. Proponents say that this isn’t an attack on public schools. Rather, it opens opportunities for children to succeed.

“Traditional public schools are great. Traditional public schools work for some students, but they don’t work for all students. It’s a human right for a parent to be able to choose the best educational option for their children,” Jackson said.

Governor Ricketts has expressed support for school choice. The bill has only been introduced and will likely be modified over the coming weeks.

If you’d like to learn more about the bill and preview it, you can read it here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB670.pdf