Nebraskans view funding of public education justifiably as a long-term investment in the state’s future. A strong K-12 education system not only expands economic opportunities for all, it helps strengthen the overall economy. Many of the policy choices made by our state’s lawmakers have major ramifications for our state’s vital investments in public education.
It’s been an incredibly busy year at OpenSky, navigating the regular legislative session, saying goodbye to legislators who will not be returning in January, navigating the heat (both literal and figurative!) in [...]
75% Nebraska voters sent a clear message in last month’s election on paid sick leave, approving ballot measure 436 by a staggering 50-point margin, with nearly 75% of Nebraskans voting to pass [...]
$7.69 billion Economists estimate that Nebraska’s 2024 farm income will reach $7.69 billion, which would reflect a 17% year-over-year decrease, but rank as the third highest on record, according to the Center [...]
$100,000 Indiana is the latest to join the list of states with outrageously expensive school voucher programs that attract primarily affluent students already enrolled in private schools. The average recipient of a [...]
$122 Billion School districts across the country are facing budget crunches as ESSR, a $122 billion federal cash infusion targeted to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, sunsets next month. This, [...]
The Nebraska Legislature convened in special session last week and began bill introduction, which will continue through Monday. Also beginning Monday will be hearings in the Revenue committee to gather public input [...]
During the upcoming special session, Governor Jim Pillen has shared that he plans to introduce the concept of “hard caps” as a means to provide property tax relief for Nebraskans. Whether the [...]
The Legislature wrapped up its 60-day session last week, but Senators are likely to be back in Lincoln for a special session later this year focused on property taxes paid to fund [...]
An amendment to LB 388 (AM 3419) is scheduled to be debated on select file on Wednesday, Day 58 of the 60-day session. Here’s a few things to know about the evolving [...]
With voters set to weigh in during this November’s election on last year’s legislation providing state tax credits for donations to private school scholarships, the Nebraska Legislature is expected to debate another [...]