Nebraska forum spotlights sharply divided views on referendum 4-35 over LB1402 scholarships

Lincoln — At a public forum held at the Nebraska State Capitol, proponents and opponents of referendum 4-35 clashed over section 1 of LB1402, a state law that would create a $10 million education scholarship program aimed at low-income students to attend qualified nonpublic schools.

The forum, convened by Wayne Bennett, Deputy Secretary of State for Elections, opened with rules for testimony and a short presentation of official pamphlets about the ballot measures. Supporters, including Rita Bennett of Support Our Schools Nebraska and representatives of Opportunity Scholarships in Nebraska, argued the measure expands access for low-income families and does not reduce funding for public schools. Opponents, including members of the Nebraska State Education Association and the ACLU of Nebraska, said the measure diverts taxpayer funds to mostly religious private schools, lacks adequate accountability and nondiscrimination protections, and risks long-term budget growth seen in other states with voucher programs.

Why it matters: The question on the ballot asks voters whether to repeal section 1 of LB1402 (referendum 4-35). Supporters say the $10 million appropriation would give families, especially lower-income households and students with special needs or those denied option enrollment, a meaningful option to attend nonpublic schools. Opponents say the appropriation risks reducing transparency and could channel public dollars to schools that can exclude students for religious or other…