Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony Monday on multiple education-related bills, including a renewed effort to establish a school voucher program.
State Sen. Robert Dover of Norfolk is pushing a proposal that would set aside $10 million annually for K-12 scholarships, allowing parents to send their children to private schools.
“We are told that if public schools just had more time and more money they would solve these problems,” Dover said. “Isn’t half a century and who-knows-how-many more dollars enough to show that this will not solve the problem for our children?”
The proposal comes months after Nebraska voters overturned a similar school voucher law in November, with more than 55% voting against it.
Opponents of Dover’s bill raised concerns about accountability and equity.
“LB624 lacks adequate reporting standards that would allow us to track the program’s efficacy and provide transparency on how it is functioning,” said former Nebraska State Education Association President John Heineman. “Without these safeguards, you risk endorsing a program that could operate without accountability.”
Ten Commandments in Schools?
The Education Committee also considered a bill that would require public and certain private schools to display the Ten Commandments in school buildings.
Supporters argue the commandments are foundational to U.S. law.
“If our republic—our government of laws—is based on the Ten Commandments, then it follows that every American should know what they are,” said Hastings Christian School teacher Stephanie Shade.
Opponents, however, say it is unconstitutional and should be left to religious institutions.
“I am concerned, as a person who does care about teaching the Ten Commandments,” said the Rev. Debra McKnight. “I believe that belongs in the hands of clergy and clerics and religious institutions and with families.”
Tyler Lemberg pointed out that a similar law in Louisiana was blocked by a federal judge last year.
“If passed, this bill will almost certainly meet the same fate,” he said.
However, Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the bill’s sponsor, cited a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision that he believes could allow for such displays.
“The majority opinion reads that the Ten Commandments have historical significance in our legal system, and that their display may have multiple purposes and represent a common cultural heritage,” Murman said. “Under that context, perhaps it would be good for our courts to re-examine the topic.”
Displaying State and National Mottos
Another proposal, introduced by Sen. Glen Meyer of Pender, would require schools to display Nebraska’s state motto, “Equality before the law,” and the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in classrooms or other school areas.
All these bills must pass out of committee before they can be debated on the legislative floor.
