State of Nebraska Archives: on Education
Jim Pillen:
Committed to K-12 education, I support options for parents
I am fully committed to K-12 education in Nebraska. Our schools must prepare our kids to compete in a global workforce. I support options for parents and making sure our students have a pathway to a great job in Nebraska's workforce upon graduation.
That could mean learning a trade or getting a degree at NU or one of our great state or private colleges. Nebraska schools should continue to reflect commonsense Nebraska values.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
Ban the teaching of sex education in public schools
Gross, inappropriate sex education standards, whether they go by "health standards" or another name, have no place in Nebraska. Parents, not the government, should be teaching
children these sensitive topics. We need a bill to ban the teaching of sex education in public schools to keep liberal activists from grooming our children and hijacking their impressionable minds.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
Teach children America is the greatest country in the world
Our children should learn that America is the greatest country in the world. They should learn that the sources of our greatness are the conservative and Christian values our country was built on. They should learn about the Declaration of
Independence and the U.S. Constitution and how these documents helped form and ground our country. We should teach our children to love our nation and its heroes, from George Washington to Ronald Reagan.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
We should be teaching the next generation to love God
Put God Back Into Schools. The erosion of Christian faith is hurting America. Secular humanism has taken over our schools because we allowed radical ideologues to silence our nation's Christian convictions. God is the cornerstone of what makes
Nebraska great. We should be teaching the next generation to love God. We need to put prayer back into our K-12 schools. There is no greater lesson we can be teaching our children than to be thankful for the gifts He has given us.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Theresa Thibodeau:
Time for administrators & teachers to know they work for us
Politics has no business in our schools, and yet absurd school decisions have been made recently that defy science, push racist agendas and think it's a great idea to teach little kids about all of the bizarre issues that
constitute sex in our world today. It's high time that school administrators and teachers understand they work for us.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial website TheresaForGovernor.com
Feb 27, 2022
Theresa Thibodeau:
Schools have indoctrinated and sexualized our children
Thibodeau, who was [gubernatorial candidate Charles] Herbster's running mate before dropping her bid for lieutenant governor, said the controversial educational topics were one of the main reasons she entered the race this past week. "Our children
are being indoctrinated," she said. "They're learning divisiveness. They're being sexualized in our schools. And it has to stop."
Source: Omaha World-Herald on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Nov 13, 2021
Chuck Herbster:
There's zero place for CRT in the schools of Nebraska
He condemned Critical Race Theory. He said CRT arrived at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014. An effort to ban CRT at UNL by one of Herbster's Republican opponents failed, he said, but he commended
NU Regent Jim Pillen for attempting to ban CRT. "It (CRT) teaches us to be divided rather than united. It works on erasing the history of the country," he said. "There's zero place for CRT in the schools of Nebraska."
Source: Kearney Hub on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2021
Carol Blood:
More state financing to reduce reliance on property tax
I support an education finance system that continues to foster quality, fairness, and equity, with the state playing a larger role in K-12 finance to reduce property tax reliance and give all stakeholders a voice.
Let's continue to grow Nebraska's post-high school options, knowing that a 4-year degree is not always the right path for students, and address student loan debt.
Source: 2021 Nebraska Governor campaign website ElectCarolBlood.com
Oct 19, 2021
Carol Blood:
New approach to student debt should start at beginning
Part of Blood's "encourage education" issue includes addressing student loan debt. "I believe we need a new approach to student loan debt relief and look forward to working with young adults to find ways we can start helping those who are drowning
in school debt," she said. "I believe much of this starts at the beginning when the debt begins, before it becomes overburdening."
Source: The Gateway (UNO) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Peter Ricketts:
Fully fund aid to K-12 education, invest in next generation
I want to note that we can continue to support strong public schools. As I have done every year as Governor, my budget proposes to fully fund state aid to the K-12 education formula with an additional $42.7 million over the biennium.
We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans so they can access educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Nebraska legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Peter Ricketts:
$16 million in scholarships to connect students with careers
Connecting the next generation of Nebraskans to great opportunities in our state is key to helping our kids make Nebraska their home. I am proposing that we invest $16 million in scholarships for students at our community colleges,
state colleges, and University system to help connect the next generation of Nebraskans with great careers in fields ranging from math and engineering to healthcare and IT.
Source: 2020 Nebraska State of the State address
Jan 15, 2020
Ben Sasse:
Fought against tougher environmental regulations
Sasse gained national attention earlier in his term as a leading Trump opponent within his party. His remarks didn't go over well with some Nebraska Republican activists. Sasse has pushed back against the criticism, with a spokesman noting that he's
regarded as one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate, has supported Trump's nominees to the court and has fought against tougher federal environmental regulations that were opposed by Nebraska farmers.
Source: Associated Press on 2020 Nebraska Senate campaign
Aug 5, 2019
Jane Raybould:
State's public schools should be invested in
With an exemplary public education system, it's not surprising that Nebraskans are fiercely proud of the state's public schools. And those schools should be invested in. Taxpayers' wallets are already stretched too thin, and
Nebraskans should not have to fork out more of their hard-earned money to fund a second education system. A voucher system will not work for Nebraska kids.
And nationally, there's a growing education gap that can't be solved with such band-aid fixes. Jane will fight for a robust public education system that prepares
all of America's children for 21st century jobs and an education system that continues to offer opportunities and be the great equalizer in our society.
Source: 2018 Nebraska Senatorial campaign site JaneRaybould.com
Mar 31, 2018
Bob Krist:
Wants voters to weigh in on education decisions
Krist addressed the largest portion of property tax funding--about 60% going to education. Currently, the formula funds the education system 2 years out. "If your assessment is going up, and your taxes are going up and you're getting more revenue, why
are you keeping your levy at this level? Basically, you're taking money as windfall rather than allowing your taxpayers and your voters to weigh in on making decisions for their community and their educational institutions."
Source: Kearney Hub on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race
Oct 20, 2017
Don Bacon:
Reduce micromanagement & oppose Common Core
I believe in local control of our schools, and reducing the micromanagement from Washington, D.C. I oppose Common Core and think our school boards, local governments and states should have the lead in our education policies.
I want to give parents more school choice for their sons and daughters.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Peter Ricketts:
Oppose the implementation of Common Core
Pete understands that we must challenge our schools to improve and set a high bar for excellence in the classroom.
Pete will oppose the implementation of Common Core and believes Nebraskans are best equipped to determine the academic standards we use in Nebraska's schools.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Governor campaign website, PeteRicketts.com
Nov 4, 2014
Dave Domina:
Treat public education as a basic right of citizenship
It is time for Americans to recognize the right to an education as a basic, civil right of citizenship. Without education for all Americans, stability, upward mobility, and progress are not attainable. Education must be measured by, and rooted in, strong
public schools. Care must be taken to permit alternatives to public education, but the public schools mandatory curriculum must be met or satisfied through proficiency testing.The US needs a comprehensive educational policy for the 21st Century-
Education as a basic civil right for all Americans.
- More and better resources for classroom teachers
- Rigorous evaluation of schools of education and alternative pathways to the teaching profession.
- Improved and invigorated teacher education in
enhanced schools of education.
- Strengthened professional standards for teaching
- Pre-K educational investment through federal formula based funding
- Vocational education at high school and post-high school levels.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Senate campaign website, DaveDomina.com
Sep 1, 2014
Ben Sasse:
Opposes Common Core State Standards
On education, Sasse said he opposes Common Core State Standards--which were developed by groups such as the National Governors' Association but have come under fire by wary conservatives. Sasse said they were supposed to be voluntary and state-based,
but are "no longer either." Sasse said raising kids is the responsibility of parents and local government and shouldn't be "centrally done in Washington."
Domina said the federal government has a "pretty dynamic interest" in making sure all students have common levels of understanding, noting that he may differ on education from Sasse,
who attended private colleges and homeschools his children "which I applaud him for." The problem is, both George W. Bush and Obama didn't trust teachers to decide who should pass, Domina said.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Domina:
Common Core: feds have an interest in common understanding
On education, Sasse said he opposes Common Core State Standards--which were developed by groups such as the National Governors' Association but have come under fire by wary conservatives. Sasse said they were supposed to be voluntary and state-based,
but are "no longer either." Sasse said raising kids is the responsibility of parents and local government and shouldn't be "centrally done in Washington."
Domina said the federal government has a "pretty dynamic interest" in making sure all students have common levels of understanding, noting that he may differ on education from Sasse,
who attended private colleges and homeschools his children "which I applaud him for." The problem is, both George W. Bush and Obama didn't trust teachers to decide who should pass, Domina said.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Ben Sasse:
At Midland U., fixed broken system of higher ed
When Sasse was appointed president of Midland University three years ago, Midland was in dire straits and contemplating bankruptcy. Sasse turned out to be a prodigious crisis manager. In the last three years, Midland's enrollment has gone from
590 students to 1,100. Oddly enough, his vision for reforming higher ed grew out of his experience trying to fix America's dysfunctional health care system."The only sector that even compares with higher ed for being broken is health care.
Think about how similar they are. They're both dominated by third-party payment, and that third party is mostly public funders that don't know how to hold anybody accountable for outcomes. The institutions exist primarily for the good of their own
workers, not their own customers--students or patients. Quality is hard to measure, but to the degree you can measure, you have to measure things that are team outcomes, not solo, virtuoso outcomes," he says.
Source: The Weekly Standard on 2014 Nebraska Senate race
Jun 17, 2013
Dave Heineman:
Increasing state aid to education from $852M to $939M
We are on the right path and that path starts with a quality education. Education is the great equalizer and education is one of our state's top priorities. We invest in education because we know how important it is. Our P-16 Initiative strengthens
academic achievement for all students in Nebraska.In 2008, I signed into law LB 1157 that provides for statewide assessments in reading, writing, math and science. Thanks to that legislation, more than ever before the focus of our school districts is
now on academic achievement. We can be very proud that Nebraska's high school graduation rate is 86%--the 4th best in America. We have good schools, and they want to be even better in the future.
My proposed budget continues to make K-12 education a
priority by increasing state aid to education from $852 million to $895 million in fiscal year 2014 and to $939 million in fiscal year 2015. Additionally, I am proposing a 5 percent increase in special education funding in each of the next two years.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
Dave Heineman:
Two-year tuition freeze for State colleges via more funding
Our students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is critical to our future that they have affordable access to a quality higher education. Last week, I announced that the University of Nebraska and Nebraska's State Colleges are prepared to
implement a two-year tuition freeze for Nebraska students if you adopt my proposed budget. My recommendation provides the necessary state funding to achieve this two-year tuition freeze for UNL, UNK, UNO, UNMC, Chadron State, Wayne State and Peru State.
This is very good news for Nebraska families who are working very hard to ensure that their sons and daughters can afford to go to college. Community colleges are an important component of our education system, as well.
I am proposing a similar increase in community college funding for each of the next two years so that each of our six community colleges can also consider adopting a two year tuition freeze.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
Dave Heineman:
Virtual school is good for Nebraska
The Virtual School will provide Nebraska students a rigorous online high school curriculum with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, commonly referred to as STEM courses, and
Advanced Placement courses in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, the Virtual School establishes a single, centralized website informing students, parents, teachers and schools of virtual learning opportunities in Nebraska.
Source: 2011 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release
Aug 10, 2011
Dave Heineman:
$1.5M Nebraska Internship Program for college students
I am pleased to announce today the Talent and Innovation Initiative, a four-part plan designed to enhance our economic momentum.- I am proposing a Nebraska Internship Program to increase the number of college and university students interning with
Nebraska businesses. This $1.5 million training program will be funded by redirecting resources from the Nebraska Job Training Cash Fund and matched by funds from the private sector.
- I am proposing the creation of a $7 million program, the Business
Innovation Act to leverage entrepreneurship, to increase private sector research and innovation, and to expand small business outreach efforts.
- I am proposing the creation of a new $3 million Site and Building Development
Fund to increase the number of sites and buildings available for business development projects.
- I am proposing a $5 million Angel Investment Tax Credit Program to foster high-tech startups in Nebraska.
Source: 2011 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 13, 2011
Scott Kleeb:
Accountability should enhance and support, not to punish
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation was a milestone in education policy. However, Scott believes it’s time to deliver the promise of this important measure.- End unfunded mandates. Washington must stop passing the buck onto the states.
-
Allow state flexibility. While national standards are an important indicator of how well our kids are being educated, states must be permitted some flexibility in how they implement and execute programs.
- Improve accountability standards.
Scott believes that teachers and school administrators should be held accountable for their students’ growth and success. However, accountability standards must be designed to enhance and support, not to punish. Scott is committed to fighting for our
teachers and our students by implementing accountability standards that work.
- Restructure AYP (the Annual Yearly Progress approach). Scott is a proponent of comprehensive education practices designed to help a student grow over time.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska’s Brand of Change, p.30
Aug 19, 2008
Scott Kleeb:
More college via Pell Grants, & G.I. Bill
Scott Kleeb understands that getting a college degree is not a luxury; it is crucial to getting ahead. Yet, the cost of higher education remains out of reach for too many Nebraskans. Scott is committed to making a college degree and other
post-educational programs more accessible and more affordable to all Nebraskans by:- Proposing a National Defense Education Act. Fifty years ago, the launch of Sputnik sent shockwaves around the world. America responded; now we must invest in a
National Defense Education Act for the 21st Century.
- Providing a tax credit for families paying for college.
- Expand funding for Pell Grants.
- Increase loan forgiveness opportunities. Provide scholarship incentives for young people to enter
service-oriented fields that assist underserved communities, including joining the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
- Incentives for mid-career education. Provide grants and scholarships to help middle-class professionals get ahead.
Source: Campaign booklet, Nebraska’s Brand of Change, p.32
Aug 19, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Federally funded universal pre-K programs
Larrick supports the following principles regarding education: - Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs.
- Eliminate all federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child
Left Behind).
- Ban university financial aid officers from owning stock in or accepting gifts from student loan lenders.
- Require universities to disclose financial relationships with lenders.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Federal funding for charter schools
Larrick supports the following principles regarding education: - Allow teachers and professionals to receive federal funding to establish charter or magnet schools.
- Increase funding for the Pell Grant program.
-
Decrease interest rates of Stafford Loans.
- Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
- Larrick adds, “We need to make education more affordable for all qualified students through the college level.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Mike Johanns:
Opposes “No Child Left Behind”--leave it to states
While we need to ensure our children are receiving the highest quality education, I did not support “No Child Left Behind” when I was Governor and I do not support it now.
I support standards, but not the federal government dictating the standards for our state. I will push back on any attempts to implement more mandates on the states.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Mike Johanns:
$27M for state colleges’ recruitment & diversity
The investment I propose for the University and the State Colleges is aggressive. My budget provides an increase of over $26.6 million additional dollars in the first year of the budget with another $29.4 million added in the second year of the
budget. At the same time, I challenge higher education in Nebraska, including the University, State Colleges, and Community Colleges, in three key areas: - to encourage and actively recruit every Nebraska high school graduate to stay in Nebraska for
his or her college education;
- to promote diversity among students and staff in higher education by actively recruiting students not only from across the United States but from around the world; and
-
to promote collaboration, cooperation, and innovative partnerships which will ensure unparalleled educational opportunities for our students.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Mike Johanns:
More teacher bonuses and incentives, locally decided
I [support] the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program [which] will provide loans to teacher education students who agree to teach in Nebraska public or private schools. [And I support] The Master Teacher Program will provide an annual financial
incentive for public and private school teachers who achieve rigorous national certification. However, the one-size fits all across-the-board bonus plan suggested by the Teacher Salary Task Force is not a workable solution. I suggest these guiding
parameters for discussion: - One size fits all is not the solution
- Any solution must respect local decision-making
- Cooperation must exist between local and state government
- Equalization between districts is an important goal that should not be
abandoned
- The solution must fit within our current resources - I will not support a tax increase
- Where possible, within constitutional parameters, private school teachers should be able to participate in any state level programs.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Jon Bruning:
Vouchers for public, private, & religious schools
Bruning supports the following principles concerning education: - Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
- Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school
(public, private, religious).
- Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
- Support national standards and testing of public school students.
Source: Nebraska State 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Page last updated: May 30, 2022