LINCOLN, Neb. -- Stand For Schools today responded to reports that Governor Jim Pillen, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congressman Mike Flood will be announcing Nebraska’s decision to opt in to the federal school voucher program.

The program, contained inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was signed into law this summer.

Nebraskans are familiar with this federal program, which is similar to LB 753 from 2023, a state tax credit known as the Opportunity Scholarships Act. This program was repealed by the Legislature and replaced with LB 1402, which was repealed by voters during the 2024 election. Nebraskans have been consistent in their stance that public dollars should remain for public education.

“Last year, Nebraskans made their voices heard loud and clear by rejecting private school vouchers at the ballot box,” said Dunixi Guereca, Executive Director of Stand For Schools. “This decision ignores the will of Nebraska voters and the decades of research showing how to actually move the needle to improve outcomes in schools.”

Research consistently shows that private school voucher programs: ? Do not improve academic outcomes for students. ? Primarily benefits students already enrolled in private schools. ? Allow discrimination, as private schools can refuse admission to students based on disability, religion, sexual orientation, or family background.

“Public dollars should support public schools - schools that welcome and serve all children,” said Guereca. “Nebraskans value their public schools, and our coalition will continue fighting to ensure they remain strong, equitable, and accessible to every student.”

Nebraska’s public schools are the backbone of our communities, serving more than 325,000 students across the state. Instead of diverting public funds to private institutions, state and federal leaders should invest in policies that address real challenges families face, including affordable and accessible before and after-school care, transportation, student health resources, and free school meals.

Stand For Schools will continue to work alongside parents, educators, and community members to defend Nebraska’s public schools and oppose policies that undermine them. ### Stand For Schools is a Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska.

Through advocacy, community engagement, and policy education, we work to strengthen and maintain Nebraska’s public schools as some of the best in the nation.

Learn more at Standforschools.org.