Nebraska Lawmakers Debate Cutting Private School Funding Amid Budget Gap

Debate comes after voters rejected using state money for private education in 2024 referendum

Mar. 9, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Nebraska lawmakers are working to close a $125 million state budget deficit, with one program on the chopping block being a $3.5 million initiative that provides state money for students to attend private schools. The debate comes despite voters rejecting the use of state money for private education in a 2024 referendum. Some lawmakers and the governor want to keep the funding, while others argue the legislature should respect the will of the people.

Why it matters

The debate over private school funding highlights the ongoing tensions between lawmakers and voters over the use of public money for private education. It also reflects the broader challenge of balancing state budgets amid fiscal constraints.

The details

Sen. Robert Clements, who leads the committee working on the budget, said lawmakers have found a way to bring the deficit down by cutting programs and tapping into reserves. The $3.5 million private school funding initiative is one of the programs being considered for cuts. Tim Royers, President of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the program should be cut to respect the will of the voters, while Lauren Gage with Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska argued the program helps lower-income students attend private schools.

  • In November 2024, voters rejected the use of state money for private education in a referendum.
  • The federal government is set to take over school choice funding as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in January 2027.

The players

Sen. Robert Clements

Leads the committee working on the state budget.

Tim Royers

President of the Nebraska State Education Association.

Lauren Gage

Representative of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“We feel the legislature needs to respect the will of the people and the people send a very clear message literally in just the most recent election. You know, it's not like it's a distant memory or anything.”

— Tim Royers, President of the Nebraska State Education Association

“They had some assistance and kids are finally in a place where they're thriving, in an environment where they're happy to go to school. And without that help, it kind of makes families wonder where are we going to get help now.”

— Lauren Gage, Representative of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska

What’s next

The state legislature will need to make a final decision on the private school funding program as part of the overall state budget negotiations.

The takeaway

The debate over private school funding in Nebraska reflects the ongoing tensions between lawmakers and voters over the use of public money for private education. As the state works to balance its budget, this issue will likely continue to be a point of contention.