Lombardo Makes the Case for School Choice

(Better Nevada PAC) – Gov. Joe Lombardo’s historic education legislation, AB 400, was heard by the Nevada State Assembly this week. Here are some highlights of the hearing and news coverage around it:

Peter Guzman of the Latin Chamber praised AB 400, claiming that “Governor Lombardo has among the most aggressive school agendas we’ve seen anywhere in the country and this bill proves just that”:

The Review-Journal writes that…

The proposed legislation, if passed, would make good on promises made by Lombardo on the campaign trail to expand school choice, a policy that allows parents to choose where their children go to school regardless of their residence through a variety of avenues.

The bill would create the Office of School Choice within the Department of Education, which would “serve as a clearinghouse of available options and information for families,” Kieckhefer said.

The legislation would also boost funding for Opportunity Scholarships, which help cover tuition for private schools, and would expand which families can access those scholarships. Local and tribal governments would be able to sponsor charter schools under the bill.

Lombardo Chief of Staff Ben Kieckhefer responded to critical questions from Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, stating: “School choice exists. It just shouldn’t only exist for people who can afford it”:

CBS Las Vegas noted that Governor Lombardo’s proposals would provide $2 billion in funding for schools across the state:

A new bill making its way through the Nevada Legislature could make some big changes in the state education system.

Assembly Bill 400, which is backed by Governor Joe Lombardo, would bring $2 billion to Nevada schools and could shake things up at the Clark County School District.

“I beg you to please support our families,” Valera Gurr of Senior American Federation for Children said. “And support AB 400.”

AB 400, which is also known as The Education, Achievement, Opportunity, and Accountability Act, is what many view as a push for education funding.

Gurr also made clear that opportunity scholarships will not defund public education in Nevada, but instead expand opportunity.