Appropriations Committee

February 27, 2025

Committee Chair: Sen. Rob Clements | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)

LB173: Dual Enrollment Funding

Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 13 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)

Nebraska lawmakers hear case for $10 million dual enrollment funding boost. Sen. Jason Prokop's LB173 would replace expiring federal ARPA funds and expand state support for community college dual credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits tuition-free or at reduced cost.

Why it matters: Nebraska faces a critical workforce shortage, and dual enrollment has emerged as one of the state's most effective workforce development tools. Data shows participants graduate high school at 99.1% rates versus 83.1% for non-participants, and enroll in college at 87.6% versus 60.9%. Nearly 21,000 students earned over 207,000 credit hours last year through community colleges.

What they're saying: - Proponents: "There likely is no better ROI for state funds, especially those targeting workforce development, than dual enrollment," Prokop said. Testifiers highlighted massive cost savings—Beatrice families saved $15,000 per student; DC West saved $477,090 for 197 students. Metro Community College serves 9,000 high school students annually with 41 career academies and 300+ business partnerships. A manufacturing HR manager noted that even small administrative barriers ($54 fees) prevent participation. - Opponents: None testified in opposition. - Skeptics: Sen. Armendariz acknowledged passion for the program but pressed on whether it could operate on a sliding scale given the state's $270 million budget deficit. She questioned whether dual enrollment courses replace K-12 offerings or supplement them.

By the numbers: 218 school districts with 238 high schools participate statewide. Community colleges serve 85% of all dual enrollment students. Current funding: $3 million state general funds plus $5 million in expiring ARPA funds annually. Bill requests: $10 million FY2025-26, $11 million FY2026-27.

What's next: No vote was taken. The committee heard 13 proponents, zero opponents, and zero neutral testifiers. Prokop closed by emphasizing the program's statewide reach and proven outcomes, noting that full program costs exceed $20 million but the state request focuses on tuition buy-down.

Committee sentiment:   Supportive: Sen. Lippincott, Sen. Cavanaugh   Skeptical: Sen. Armendariz   Unclear: Sen. Spivey, Sen. Dorn

Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.

Session Notes

The committee began with Agency 13 (Department of Education budget) hearing before moving to LB173. Committee Chair Clements outlined standard hearing procedures including 5-minute testimony limits with green, yellow, and red light signals. The hearing was well-attended with standing room only for portions of the testimony. No amendments were voted on during the hearing. The committee received 70 written position comments in support of LB173 and zero in opposition or neutral positions.

Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.