Appropriations Committee
February 24, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rob Clements | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB451: Capitol Restoration Cash Fund - Unclaimed Property Transfer
Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Capitol gets dedicated restoration fund as Legislature seeks to prevent costly emergency repairs. LB451 would transfer $1 million annually for 10 years from the Unclaimed Property Cash Fund to create a Capitol Restoration Cash Fund, ending a 14-year gap in dedicated preservation funding for Nebraska's National Historic Landmark.
Why it matters: The Capitol has no current funding mechanism for major maintenance projects. Proponents argue preventive care now prevents expensive crises later—a 20-year delay in masonry inspection led to a $57.5 million emergency repair project. The state's most visible building requires ongoing attention to preserve its 1932 structure.
What they're saying: - Proponents: The Unclaimed Property Fund generates $10-15 million in annual surplus that exceeds claims; $1 million transfer is sustainable. The Capitol Commission has a detailed Master Plan guiding project selection. "You can pay me a little now, or a lot more later," former director Bob Ripley testified. - Questions raised: Sen. Spivey asked whether older unclaimed funds should be prioritized and whether implementation safeguards exist.
By the numbers: Unclaimed property claims have never exceeded $1 million annually in recent history. The 2001 Capitol Master Plan identified projects including masonry inspections (recommended every 5 years but unfunded), sidewalk repairs, and water tank stabilization.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill advanced without opposition testimony.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Rob Clements Skeptical: Sen. Ashlei Spivey
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB624: Education Scholarships for Low-Income and At-Risk Students
Introduced by: Sen. Robert Dover | Testimony: 18 proponents, 8 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
School choice returns to Nebraska Legislature despite voter rejection just four months ago. LB624 would appropriate $10 million annually to fund education scholarships for low-income and at-risk students to attend private schools—essentially reviving the voter-repealed LB1402 program.
Why it matters: Nearly 4,000 students lost scholarship access when voters repealed LB1402 in November 2024 with 57% voting no. The bill reignites a divisive debate over whether public dollars should support private education, with profound implications for school funding during a $432 million state budget shortfall.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Scholarships transform lives—recipients show higher graduation rates and civic engagement. Private schools already save state $500 million annually. Competition improves public schools. Program is constitutional (direct benefit to students, not schools). "The right education can break generational curses," testified Jayleesha Cooper, now a University of Chicago senior on her way to law school. - Opponents: Voters have rejected school choice four times. Voucher programs in Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio show negative academic outcomes. No anti-discrimination protections; private schools can exclude students with disabilities or LGBTQ families. Iowa data shows two-thirds of voucher recipients already attended private schools. NSEA pledged to collect signatures for another referendum if bill passes.
By the numbers: LB1402 served 3,972 students at 132 schools; 84% were at or below 213% poverty level; average scholarship $2,325. Proponent research: 12 of 18 gold-standard studies show positive achievement effects. Opponent research: Arizona faced $1.4 billion shortfall; Ohio cut $100 million from public schools while increasing voucher spending $500 million.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Dover committed to providing additional data on Iowa comparisons, oversight mechanisms, and GLSEN research on LGBTQ student experiences in private vs. public schools.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Paul Strommen Skeptical: Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh Opposed: Sen. Ashlei Spivey Unclear: Sen. Rob Clements
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee also heard Agency 12 (State Treasurer) budget presentation. Treasurer Tom Briese discussed unclaimed property fund sustainability, noting minimum annual surplus of $6.5 million over 15 years, supporting LB451's proposed $1 million annual transfer. Briese requested restoration of personal service limit in Unclaimed Property Division to avoid forced position elimination. No testimony was offered on the Treasurer's budget request. Committee used 5-minute timer for first two bills and 3-minute timer for LB624. Written position comments submitted: LB451 (1 neutral, 0 proponents, 0 opponents); LB624 (69 proponents, 196 opponents, 0 neutral).
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.