Legislative bill aimed at making private schools more affordable for some comes under scrutiny

LINCOLN — A legislative bill that would make private schools more affordable for some low- and middle-income families came under scrutiny by lawmakers at a hearing Thursday.

Critics at the Revenue Committee hearing charged that it would drain millions of dollars from the Nebraska state budget and give wealthy people a lucrative tax break.

Supporters, which include the Archdiocese of Omaha, said the bill creating scholarship tax credits would give families more options on where to send their kids and would save money because public schools would have fewer students to educate.

Under LB 295, individuals and businesses could reduce their state taxes by donating to a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for children to attend private schools.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/news/legislature/legislative-bill-aimed-at-making-private-schools-more-affordable-for/article_5958f5a2-0d20-5e24-b541-643723c40f60.html