LB1402 petition turn-in press conference

Contact Information:

Cynthia Peterson, President
League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County

Representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska

Remarks for LB1402 petition turn-in press conference,
10:30 AM, July 17, 2024 at NSEA headquarters, Lincoln, Nebraska

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA ¨ JULY 17, 2024 — Good morning, everyone. I’m Cynthia Peterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County. Today, I’m representing the League of Women Voters of Nebraska. Our non-partisan grassroots civic organization is dedicated to promoting informed and active participation in government.

For many years, the League of Women Voters of Nebraska has consistently opposed school vouchers and opportunity scholarships because we strongly support public education and believe in the responsible use of public funds to uphold it.

LB 1402, at its core, diverts at least $10 million annually for grants to eligible students attending private and parochial schools in Nebraska. It’s unconstitutional.

This whole situation feels a bit like déjà vu. I’m even wearing the same t-shirt!

Last summer, the Nebraska League joined the Support Our Schools Nebraska coalition to successfully put the repeal LB 753 on the November 2024 ballot. Unfortunately, the majority of the Nebraska Legislature and the Governor intervened in the referendum process, driving this repeat effort. This time, we’re advocating for LB 1402 to be on the November ballot instead.

The underestimated anger among voters about being denied their earlier chance to vote is palpable. I heard this sentiment frequently, often unsolicited, as voters lined up to sign our petition sheets.

Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to vote on school vouchers—yes or no. Recently, even a nun signed our petition, jokingly acknowledging potential consequences but steadfast in her belief that voters should have the final say.

Every Nebraska voter has a voice in our system of government. This referendum petition all boils down to letting the people, not the politicians, decide.

League members across Nebraska have invested significant time and effort in circulating the referendum petition and collecting signatures to ensure LB 1402 reaches the ballot. In Lincoln and throughout Lancaster County, members of the local League of Women Voters have been instrumental in this endeavor. From countless events to a remarkable number of signatures collected, their dedication has been truly exceptional. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment to advancing the LB 1402 referendum thus far.

Now, let’s ensure LB 1402 reaches the ballot and is placed firmly in the hands of the voters.

Thank you.

/csp