Nebraska Lawmakers Keep $3.5M for Private School Funding 'Bridge' Program

The funding will help students continue attending private schools until a new federal tax credit program launches.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Nebraska lawmakers voted to keep $3.5 million in the state budget to help K-12 students using state funding to attend private schools continue attending until a new federal tax credit program becomes available. The program will be limited to families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level, with priority given to students who previously received state support. However, some lawmakers and education advocates opposed the funding, citing the state's budget deficit and voters' previous rejection of a similar program.

Why it matters

The decision to maintain the 'bridge' funding for private school students highlights the ongoing debate over school choice and the use of public funds for private education in Nebraska. While supporters argue it provides educational options for low-income families, opponents view it as a misuse of taxpayer dollars and a violation of voters' wishes.

The details

The Appropriations Committee limited the new program to families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level, which is $40,034 for a family of two or $61,050 for a family of four in 2026. The Nebraska Department of Labor will oversee the state program, giving priority to 'gap' students who previously received state support to attend private schools. Leftover funds could go to public, private or home school students via a competitive process.

  • The amendment to remove the bridge funding and $150,000 in administrative costs failed 23-17 on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • First-round debate on the budget continues on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • LB 1071 faces up to two more rounds of debate.

The players

Tom Brandt

State Senator from Plymouth who proposed the amendment to remove the bridge funding.

Christy Armendariz

State Senator from Omaha and vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, who suggested setting the lower-income cap for the bridge program.

Jana Hughes

Republican State Senator from Seward who supported Nebraska's 2023 and 2024 school choice laws but could not support the new bridge program.

Terrell McKinney

State Senator from North Omaha, whose legislative district was one of four in which a majority of voters supported the 2024 voucher program.

Kathleen Kauth

State Senator from Omaha who said some kids 'just don't fit' in public schools and that the state has a constitutional duty to educate all students.

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What they’re saying

“This is not about taking a kid's rights away. I was confident donors could seek to privately finance the $3.5 million, 'if that gap needs to be filled.'”

— Tom Brandt, State Senator (Nebraska Examiner)

“Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the popular thing to do. We must broaden access to all types of education, even to those families that lack the money to have a choice. I want to tell you: I hear you, and today, I will be your voice. That is where I came from.”

— Christy Armendariz, State Senator (Nebraska Examiner)

“I will listen to Nebraskans, and I will now not support this. I just smell hypocrisy at its highest form today.”

— Jana Hughes, State Senator (Nebraska Examiner)

“Our most vulnerable families just breathed a sigh of relief as the Legislature voted to protect gap scholarship funding in the state budget. These funds will ensure that families most in need will spend less time worrying about next year's tuition payments.”

— Lauren Gage, Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska (Nebraska Examiner)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.