Voters in 3 States Reject Ballot Initiatives on School Choice and Private School Funding

Voters in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kentucky have rejected ballot initiatives that would have protected some forms of school choice, increased state funding for private schools, or both.
The measure was placed on the statewide ballot to modify the Kentucky Constitution via an amendment that would eliminate roadblocks to allowing a more lenient allocation of funds.
The proposal, which needed a simple majority to pass, was defeated at the polls following a push by leading Democrats who kept to a fundamental script, saying that tax dollars designated for education should be allocated exclusively to public institutions.
The proposed constitutional amendment would not have established policies regarding the potential diversion of public funds, but advocates projected that it would facilitate the development of policies that would assist students who attend private institutions.
Tax credit scholarships, education savings accounts, and vouchers were among the alternatives discussed.
Voters in Nebraska made a similar choice, voting down a piece of 2023 legislation that would have established a voucher or scholarship program using public dollars.
Advocates of using state tax dollars to cover the expenses of private K–12 education contend that families dissatisfied with their public schools require additional alternatives.
However, the Nebraska State Education Association, private foundations, and rural and urban supporters of public schools won and the legislation was overturned.
In a race that officials did not call until Nov. 7, Colorado voters rejected a ballot measure that sought to safeguard parents’ right to school choice in the state constitution, which included the right to private schools.
The measure was met with harsh criticism from a range of public school supporters who expressed concern that it could pave the way for a voucher program, which would redirect public funds to private schools, including those with religious affiliations.
On Nov. 7, with 78 percent of the votes counted, The Associated Press called the race, reporting that 51.9 percent of the ballots were cast against Amendment 80, while 48.1 percent were in favor of it.
Of the 33 states offering private school choice programs, 12 have passed legislation that makes it possible for all students, regardless of their family’s financial situation, to apply for government subsidies to pay for private, religious, or even homeschooling programs.
Several red states, including Oklahoma and Florida, have passed significant legislation expanding the availability of school choice.
Additionally, $1,000 is awarded as a tax credit to parents who choose to educate their children at home.
A few days after Republican election victories, news that school choice might have a future began to swirl.
This was an issue of contention in the past term, with attempts to pass school choice failing in the state House.
Passing legislation through the state Legislature would take 76 votes.