Benson optimistic about repeal of school voucher law

Jenni Benson

McCOOK, Neb. — Jenni Benson, who recently retired as president of the Nebraska State Education Association, is spearheading efforts to repeal LB1402, Nebraska's controversial school voucher scheme. With the repeal now on the November ballot, Benson and her supporters are energized, optimistic about their chances of success after a long-fought battle to get it in front of voters.

"After all the work to get it actually on the ballot, I think we're looking pretty good. We have a darn good chance of winning," said Benson, expressing confidence in their grassroots campaign.

LB1402 has been a contentious issue since its passage, with opponents like Benson emphasizing its negative impact on public education funding and the potential lack of accountability in the use of vouchers. Public dollars, she argues, would be redirected to private and parochial schools, leaving public schools underfunded.

One of Benson's key points in her campaign is the accountability gap. "My kids went to Catholic school for three years, and I taught special ed for 37 years. I understand both sides. But with LB1402, there's no accountability. If you can’t provide the services or if a student doesn’t fit in, private schools can send them back to the public system—after already receiving the money," Benson noted.

Benson’s argument extends beyond personal experience. She pointed to other states like Arizona and Florida, where voucher programs have grown significantly, often without proper oversight. "Arizona started with $10 million, and now they're at $942 million. People are using vouchers for things like trips to Disney World, and there’s no requirement to prove how the money is spent."

In Nebraska, she said, the public school system remains a cornerstone of education, especially in rural areas. "Out of 93 counties, over half don’t even have a private or parochial school to receive vouchers. Yet, taxpayer money would be funneling primarily to Omaha’s Catholic schools. We know that’s where most of the money is going."

Benson’s fight is rooted in the legacy of Nebraska's progressive politics. Drawing inspiration from the state’s unicameral legislature and its emphasis on voter-driven decisions, she invoked the words of legendary Nebraskan Senator George Norris: "We have a unicameral for one house, and the voters are the second house." Benson lamented how efforts to prevent a vote on LB1402 echoed a broader issue of undermining direct democracy. "They always say, if you don’t like it, take it to the ballot. So we did, and then they got upset."

After the Supreme Court ruled to keep the referendum on the ballot, Benson reflected on the significance of the decision. "It was enlightening to see the Supreme Court ask, ‘Why are you here?’ when they tried to remove it. The court made it clear—this deserves a vote."

As the election approaches, Benson and her team are preparing for a closely contested race. "Everything in this election cycle will be close. But I think we have a good chance, and we’re going to keep working hard to get the word out."