Nebraska’s Legislative Bill 509 was heard by the Revenue Committee in the Nebraska State Capitol on Feb. 6.
If passed, this piece of legislature, introduced by Sen. Tony Sorrentino of Elkhorn, would allow individuals and entities to get a state income tax credit when donating to scholarship funds for students to attend private schools.
According to the Unicameral Update, the credit for individuals and smaller entities would cap out at $100,000, but larger entities would get a credit up to $1 million.
Stellan Wessling, a freshman social sciences education major, keeps a close eye on Nebraska politics. Wessling went to Aquinas Catholic School, which is a private school in the rural town of David City. Being from a farming community that has the option of a private school, Wessling sees the benefit of the bill.
“This bill sets aside money for children who want to go to private school,” Wessling said. “I am very much in favor of it.”
Wessling enjoyed his time at his private school, but he knows that the tuition cost was a barrier for others to have the same opportunity.
Even though public schools provide free education, some students require support that is not offered in these public establishments. Raeana Spech, a senior education major, recognizes the positives of supporting private schools.
“I think that we should be able to have opportunities for different types of education,” Spech said. “I went to a public school, but if I had the opportunity, and if someone was helping me pay my way to a private school, I would’ve gone for that.”
Some Nebraskans are concerned because they don’t want to take funds away from the public school system, but this bill does not do that. Rather, it allows taxpayers to control what their tax dollars are being used for.
“People are making donations specifically to see that their money is going to something good,” Spech said. “They’re able to put their money in what they believe in.”
Another concern is that Legislative Bill 509 is very similar to two previously failed bills. Whether or not voters support this bill, trying to pass the tax credit so many times has caused backlash as people wonder if Nebraska’s politicians are listening to their voices. Spech is one of these voters.
“You kind of have to follow what the people want, so if the people don’t want it then you kind of have to follow that,” Spech said.
The hearing on Feb. 6 was divided, as many Nebraskans are in support of helping low-income families choose the education that is best for them, but many are also concerned about the possible ramifications.
According to the Unicameral Update, Nebraska is currently facing a $430 million budget shortfall, so being worried about reducing the general fund revenue even further is a valid concern.
“There’s nothing wrong with believing very strongly about something, but you have to be willing to be open to the other side,” Wessling said. “You can’t be completely closed off.”
The Revenue Committee decided to take no immediate action on this bill, so it will not be moving forward in the lawmaking process yet. This means that all that voters can do right now is stay informed.
“You have to stay informed,” Wessling said. “As a voter, no matter how much it sucks, you have to stay informed.”