Nebraskans Vote to Repeal LB1402
Lincoln, NE -- It took two years, two successful petition drives, and more than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans to ensure voters could decide at the ballot box whether they support giving public funds to private schools.
The answer – for the fourth time in the state’s electoral history – is no.*
A coalition of Nebraska non-profit organizations led the fight to repeal the voucher schemes passed by the Legislature. The first successful petition drive gathered 117,000 signatures and would have put LB753, passed by lawmakers in 2023, on the ballot. To prevent a vote of the people, the bill’s sponsor passed a new voucher scheme, LB1402 in 2024. The coalition then launched a second successful petition drive to ensure voters could decide the issue at the ballot box.
“The vote to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme is a clear directive to the Legislature and the Governor: Nebraskans do not support using public funds to pay for private schools. Elected officials need to respect the wishes of voters and stop trying to impose costly voucher schemes on taxpayers. Public funds should be used to support our public schools, which are open and available to all students, and which are accountable to Nebraska taxpayers. Thousands of volunteers helped with this effort and their work is very much appreciated. Also, this vote is a morale booster for our dedicated and caring public school teachers. On behalf of our NSEA members, I want to sincerely thank Nebraskans for their support of our public schools,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association.
“LB1402 was passed as an attempt to silence voters – but Nebraskans want their voices heard and respected. Nebraskans do not support diverting tax funds to pay for private schools. They want strong public schools to have the resources necessary to help children learn and succeed. They know that taking public funds that should be spent to ensure strong public schools and diverting those dollars to pay for private schools threatens Nebraska’s constitutional guarantee of a free, quality public education that is accessible to and able to serve all children. I want to thank all those who helped with this herculean effort to protect the right of referendum and public education,” said Jenni Benson, president of Support Our Schools Nebraska.
"Nebraskans demand fiscal accountability, and they made their voices heard at the ballot box by repealing a private school voucher program that lacks transparency or accountability for how our hard-earned tax dollars are spent. The will of the people of Nebraska will always supersede national efforts to meddle in our fiscal policies and the investments we make as a state. We are grateful to the people of Nebraska today and share their commitment to serving all students. OpenSky Policy Institute will continue to provide research and analysis on programs that drive educational achievement and success in our outstanding public schools and for the children of Nebraska," said Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director at OpenSky Policy Institute.
"Today, Nebraska voters stood up for the future of our children and the strength of our public schools. By repealing LB 1402, we have protected essential funding for our public schools and reaffirmed our shared commitment to providing every child in Nebraska with access to a high-quality, equitable education. This victory was made possible by the hard work and dedication of countless parents, teachers, students, and community members who believe in the power and promise of public education. Our public schools are the backbone of our communities, and we will continue working to ensure they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we will keep advocating for a stronger, fairer education system that serves all Nebraska students," said Dr. Ferial Pearson, Chair of Stand For Schools.
"This referendum has been a testament to the power of the people in Nebraska. Direct democracy helps voters have a direct say in the issues that impact us every day and, despite multiple attempts by big money special interests to subvert the will of the people, Nebraskans stood firm to ensure the state would be accountable to its citizens. The Nebraska Table and the Second House Collaborative are proud to stand with the countless community members who have worked so tirelessly to fight for our public schools in every corner of the state," said Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table and Second House Collaborative.