LINCOLN- The Nebraska Dept. of Revenue publicized a list of the first organizations certified to provide scholarships for K-12 students to attend private schools beginning Jan. 1. The list of certified scholarship granting organizations includes Assistance for Individuals and Families without Borders in La Vista; Metro Area Christian Schools SGO in Omaha and Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska in Lincoln.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who tried for years to enact school choice legislation, introduced LB753 this year and ushered it to Gov. Jim Pillen for his approval in May. Linehan said she was “thrilled” the organizations are off the ground. “I am very glad that there’s a group of people that know how important this is and they’ve been willing to go after it and help kids who need different choices than they currently have," said Linehan.

LB 753 will allow a total of $25 million in tax credits in its first three years and could grow to a total of $100 million annually, based on demand. The Revenue Department will accept SGO applications all year. The nonprofits can accept contributions no earlier than Jan. 1 and must be certified. This will be on the ballot in 2024 as some opponents argue taxpayer dollars should not be used to private schools.

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