Educational Freedom Rally

March 22, 2011

LB 50 as Introduced in the Nebraska Legislature

LB 50 The Elementary and Secondary Educational Opportunity Act Explained

LB 50 Questions and Answers

Press release following the rally:

STRONG SUPPORT FOR LB 50 DEMONSTRATED AT STATE CAPITOL

     Lincoln, NE-A large group of school choice advocates appeared at the State Capitol on March 22, 2011 for the first-ever Educational Freedom Rally to show strong support for parental choice in education and Legislative Bill 50, which was introduced by Sens. Bob Krist of Omaha and is co-sponsored Tony Fulton of Lincoln. The rally was organized by the Nebraska Federation of Catholic School Parents.  Security working the event estimated attendance for the rally at 3000-3500 people, including parents, students, and other private-school supporters.

“All children should have an opportunity to the best education available regardless of where their families live or their zip code. Limited financial means limit parents’ ability to choose the school they desire for their children’s education. We need real change in our educational system, which begins by allowing parents the freedom to participate in the selection of their children’s school, including with tools such as tax-credit-supported scholarships.”  Jim Stolze, President of the Nebraska Federation of Catholic School Parents said.

       Referring to his attendance at the rally, Most Rev. George Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, said: “It is a privilege to join so many adults and students from all across Nebraska at our State Capitol. We hope to highlight the God-given right of parents to choose the best educational setting possible for their children. We believe that LB 50 can help Nebraska parents secure that right.”

        “LB 50 is a big first step in what we hope will be many more to promote widespread school choice in Nebraska to give parents more options in selecting the best school for their children’s needs. The tax-credit scholarship program in LB 50 would sow seeds for tomorrow’s future by empowering parents with more options to help children to grow, develop and reach their fullest potential.  It is a modest, limited investment which would yield a high return.” Jeremy Murphy, Associate Director for Education Issues of the Nebraska Catholic Conference stated. 

            A public hearing on LB 50 was conducted by the Legislature’s Revenue Committee in mid-February. The bill is still held by the Committee.