Sign the petition to put LB753 on the ballot

Dear Editor,

Public school teachers including those who are members of the Nebraska State Education Association do put kids first – ALL kids.

Many teachers use their own money to supplement classroom budgets to ensure that all students have the necessary supplies and equipment to succeed.

Since 1994 teachers and other public school advocates have given thousands of dollars ($24,054 for school year 2021-22) to the NSEA Children’s Fund without the benefit of dollar-for-dollar tax credits. With NSEA picking up the administrative expenses, 100% of the contributions have helped provide eyeglasses, warm clothing, medical and dental care for children and home fire recovery, laundry appliances, or transportation assistance for families as well as various other needs.

Objections to LB753 are not centered on the idea of scholarships. Instead, the focus is on the dollar-for-dollar tax incentives to be provided ONLY for donations to private school scholarships. Donations to the Children’s Fund and many other charitable organizations are tax deductible but not at 100% up to one-half of state tax liability. Those who oppose this legislation are concerned about where budget cuts will be made when those tax dollars are no longer being received.

LB753 does not guarantee that all who donate will be able to take advantage of the tax break. It does not guarantee that even one more needy student will receive a private school scholarship. The only thing that is guaranteed is corporations and major donors will receive an unprecedented tax break which will reduce tax receipts for Nebraska.

Please sign a petition to put the repeal of LB753 on the ballot. Then continue to vote NO on using state funds to benefit private schools.

Sharon Bohling,

McCook, Neb.