Nebraska Governor Pillen Pushes for School Choice Despite Setbacks

Pillen joined by U.S. Education Secretary McMahon as he continues to advocate for school choice initiatives in the state

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic school supply item repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the changing education landscape in Nebraska.As Nebraska's governor continues his push for more school choice, the state's education landscape evolves with new flexibility and options for families.Lincoln Today

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, joined by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, said he will continue pushing for school choice in the state despite recent legislative setbacks. Pillen criticized the state's current education system, arguing that it is too difficult to pass bills and that the will of voters was undermined by teachers union campaigning. While lawmakers rejected some of Pillen's key education proposals, the state did advance a bill to expand the use of Nebraska's 529 education savings accounts.

Why it matters

Nebraska is one of only two states without a formal school choice program, and Pillen's push for more education options and flexibility has faced significant resistance from the state's legislature and teachers unions. This ongoing debate highlights the broader national discussion around the role of school choice and the balance between state and federal control of education policy.

The details

Pillen praised efforts to shift more education decisions from the federal government to the states, saying the goal is to 'get bureaucracy out of the way at the federal level so that we in the state of Nebraska can make the decisions that are best for our kids, for our parents, and for our teachers.' However, the legislature failed to advance several of Pillen's education bills, including one that would have required some third graders to be held back if they did not meet reading standards. Pillen also called for changes to legislative rules, arguing the current system makes it too difficult to pass bills.

  • In 2023, Nebraska lawmakers approved Opportunity Scholarships.
  • In 2024, voters rejected a replacement scholarship program with 57% voting against it.
  • In 2025, 72% of Nebraska's fourth graders were not proficient in reading.
  • On January 1, 2027, a federal scholarship tax credit program backed by former President Trump will begin.

The players

Jim Pillen

The Governor of Nebraska who is pushing for more school choice initiatives in the state.

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Education Secretary who joined Pillen in Nebraska to advocate for shifting more education decisions to the states.

Tim Royers

The President of the Nebraska State Education Association who said the union is ready to work with Pillen's administration on solutions that put Nebraska students first.

Joey Spellerberg

The Nebraska State Treasurer who said the passage of LB 748 will strengthen the skilled trades and give families more flexibility and options for education savings.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is to make sure that we can get bureaucracy out of the way at the federal level so that we in the state of Nebraska can make the decisions that are best for our kids, for our parents, and for our teachers.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska

“Clearly, President Trump does not believe that any child should be trapped in a failing school.”

— Linda McMahon, U.S. Education Secretary

“That offer still stands. We have not yet received a response, but we are ready to work together on solutions that put Nebraska students first.”

— Tim Royers, President, Nebraska State Education Association

“America's education landscape is evolving quickly. With the passage of LB 748, families will have even more flexibility and options. This bill strengthens the skilled trades, helping Nebraska fill open positions that do not require a four-year degree.”

— Joey Spellerberg, Nebraska State Treasurer

What’s next

The federal scholarship tax credit program backed by former President Trump will begin on January 1, 2027, which could provide additional options for school choice in Nebraska.

The takeaway

Pillen's continued push for school choice in Nebraska highlights the ongoing national debate around the role of state and federal control in education policy. While the state has faced setbacks, the expansion of 529 education savings accounts shows some progress in providing families with more flexibility and options for their children's education.