At the State Capitol on Tuesday morning a statewide petition drive to repeal LB 753 got underway. Support Our Schools is a group of public school supporters who don’t want public tax dollars to be used for private schools.
LB753, the Opportunities Scholarship Act ,was passed by lawmakers this session and signed by Governor Pillen at the end of May. Supporters of the petition drive believe the legislation would give millions in taxpayer money to fund unaccountable, private schools that can intentionally discriminate against kids based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability.
Nebraska State Education Association President Jenni Benson says LB 753 will cost $600 million in taxpayer funds over the next 10 years. “Our goal is to collect 90,000 signatures in 90 days and put this issue on the ballot and let the voters decide.”
Benson says Nebraskans have rejected public funding for private schools three times previously. “We need to tell the governor and state lawmakers that no means no.”
There will be chances for Lincoln residents to sign petitions. The first will be Tuesday night from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz in June event. Petitions will be available outside the downtown Starbucks. On Saturday petitions can be signed from 9–11 a.m. at the Lincoln Education Association office at 4920 Normal Blvd.
You can click here for more information and to find where to sign a petition.
