NCC Responds to Sen. Linehan's Defense of School Choice Program

Lincoln, Nebraska - On Tuesday, Senator Lou Ann Linehan filed a legal opinion with Secretary of State, Bob Evnen, asserting that LB753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, should not be subject to a ballot referendum because of the Nebraska Legislature’s exclusive constitutional powers to legislate on matters of taxation. Tom Venzor, Executive Director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, stated the following in response to this action:

"Senator Linehan’s tireless advocacy on behalf of countless Nebraska families in need of education freedom is noble. When it comes to advancing the common good, the rule of law matters tremendously. Parents and children in need of school choice deserve to have their fundamental right to a good education defended at every opportunity. We anxiously await Secretary Evnen’s response on this matter. We pray constantly for Nebraska to be a state that fully advances the rights of parents to choose an education that is best for their children.

The Catholic Church in Nebraska remains committed to educational excellence for the 27,000 children we serve across the state. We are also excited to welcome even more students who now have greater freedom in education through the ongoing implementation of the Opportunity Scholarships Act."