Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Highlighting School Choice Week
This week, we celebrate National School Choice Week. As Senator, common-sense education policy is a top priority. My mother was a proud Nebraska educator. I know how much Nebraska teachers do for students and families. We saw this especially during the pandemic. As a father of three, I know that classrooms thrive when they’re tailored to the students. And not every child learns the same way. Children should be given a choice in their education. The quality of a child’s education should not depend on their zip code. I support initiatives that will prioritize students’ needs.
Every Nebraska family has the right to decide how their child is educated. Parents know what their kids need to succeed. That’s why I fight for school choice. These policies put Nebraska families first. They pair localized curriculum with parental decision-making. They provide access to education that helps every Nebraskan achieve their dreams.
When I was Governor, I was committed to expanding educational opportunities for Nebraska students. I declared my first School Choice Week in Nebraska in 2015. We created scholarships for Nebraskans to attend the school of their choice. This was so parents could choose schools that best meet their child’s needs. My administration also started the Developing Youth Talent Initiative. This program gave middle schoolers hands-on experience in fields such as the trades, healthcare, and technology. We supported programs like the Nebraska Youth Registered Apprenticeship Program. We increased participation in registered apprenticeship programs. With programs like The Career Academy in Lincoln, we gave Nebraska youth the foundation to choose the educational pathway that best fits them. These programs give students hands-on skills that connect education with future opportunities.
In the Senate, I am a co-sponsor of the 2026 National School Choice Week Resolution. This legislation highlights diverse schooling options for young Nebraskans. It encourages parents to explore educational opportunities. It thanks parents and educators for inspiring the next generation of Nebraskans.
With the Working Families Tax Cuts, we’re supporting parents and educators. The law delivers for Nebraska students. The Working Families Tax Cuts offers $1,700 in tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. This encourages Nebraskans to invest in educating the next generation. It also saves hard-working Nebraskans money that they can spend or invest in their kids’ future. It saves the average Nebraska family $2,400. It expands the child tax credit, helping families every year with an extra $2,200 for each child. It provides an increased child and dependent tax credit of 50%, plus a tax deduction of up to $7,500 for dependent care. These childcare benefits help families. The enhanced and now-permanent Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit means parents can spend more time with their kids.
This week, I’m fighting on the Senate floor to invest in Nebraska education. The appropriations bills up for a vote would provide nearly $20 billion for Title I grants that help states and school districts support low-income students. That includes $1.5 billion to support careers and technical education. That also includes $225 million to support rural schools. This would support the education of all Nebraskans. It’s an investment in the next generation of Nebraskans.
Not every kid learns the same way. We must make sure our kids’ education works for them. They deserve access to educational opportunities that help them succeed, regardless of economic background. I believe in localized education with parental control at the forefront. School choice policies defend these Nebraska values. School choice means choosing a better future for young Nebraskans.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website at http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.