For the second year in a row public school advocates are conducting a petition drive to give voters the chance to repeal a law enacted by the Nebraska Legislature.
Last year the Legislature approved the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provided tax breaks to those who donated to organizations that provide scholarships for private school students. Support Our Schools successfully collected more than 117,000 signatures to place the potential repeal of that law on the ballot this November.
However, earlier this year lawmakers passed LB1402, which replaces the old law with a new measure that provides direct state funding for private schools. The bill’s sponsor, Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, called her measure an “end run” around the referendum.
A new petition drive was started soon after. Nebraska State Education Association President Jenni Benson was recently in Broken Bow collecting signatures and said organizers are even more motivated this year.
Benson said one of the major concerns is a lack of transparency and accountability in how private schools spend the funds.
The group has until July 17 to collect the signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot in November. Signing a petition does not obligate the signer in any way to vote for the repeal.
Those interested in more information on the petition drive and how to sign can visit supportourschoolsnebraska.org. According to the site, petitioners will be collecting signatures in Mullen on Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. and at Centennial Park in North Platte Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
