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Three states—Nebraska, Kentucky, and Colorado—are preparing for crucial votes on school choice initiatives in the upcoming elections on November 5. Voters will decide whether to maintain or implement programs that could impact educational funding and options.
In Nebraska, voters face a decision on Referendum 435, which concerns the continuation of Bill 1402. This bill allocates $10 million in public funds to assist low-income students or those with special needs in attending non-public schools. The Nebraska Catholic Conference has criticized the referendum as an attempt by the teachers union to remove school choice from low-income children. According to a Survey USA poll conducted in August, 35% of registered voters support repealing the bill, while 26% are in favor of it, leaving 39% undecided.
Kentucky's Amendment 2 proposes amending the state constitution to allow public funds for educational costs outside public schools. Currently, Kentucky's constitution limits taxpayer money to "common schools," interpreted as public schools. Jason Hall, executive director of the Kentucky Catholic Conference, supports policies expanding parental choices in education and believes Amendment 2 could provide more options like Catholic education for families who cannot afford it. He stated that "parents are the primary educators of their children" and emphasized that any school choice program should not necessarily draw from public education funding.
Colorado's Amendment 80 seeks to establish a "right to school choice" within its state constitution. While proponents argue this amendment will provide various educational options for all children, opponents such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado claim it could divert resources from already underfunded public schools to private institutions. Shawn Peterson, president of Catholic Education Partners, argued that supporting Amendment 80 aligns with fundamental Catholic teachings about parental choice and common good.
These ballot measures reflect broader national debates over school choice policies. A Morning Consult poll indicates increased support among Republican or Republican-leaning voters for such initiatives but also highlights skepticism among low-income and rural populations.
Kate Scanlon reports nationally for OSV News from Washington and can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) @kgscanlon.
