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Posted: 10:59 PM Jan 6, 2010
Nebraska Schools Could See Spending on Lobbyists Cut
Lincoln Nebraska schools that spend thousands of dollars on lobbyists have caught the attention of state lawmakers.
Reporter: Associated PressEmail Address: desk@1011now.com |
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Nebraska schools that spend thousands of dollars on lobbyists have caught the attention of state lawmakers.
On Wednesday, state Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln introduced a bill (LB741) that would prohibit schools from spending state tax dollars on lobbyists.
A decade ago, just four school districts hired lobbyists. By 2008, the number had grown to 13.
During 2008, the most recent year for which data are available, public schools in Nebraska spent more than $576,000 on lobbyists.
It is unclear how much of that money was state aid to schools as opposed to local tax dollars.
Lobbyists and school officials have said more red tape and state influence on local schools have made lobbyists necessary.
Latest Comments
Posted by: Deb
Location: Lincoln
on Jan 7, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Here's a challenge to anyone who thinks teachers are overpaid. Spend a week in a classroom. Walk your talk and then we'll talk. I taught for two years and left the profession NOT because of the students but because of the ill-informed critics, low pay, lack of parental support and endless opinions of people who thought they could do the job better than I could. Oddly, none of them signed on when they were in college and many of them thought their experience as a student made them an expert on today's schools. We have a choice...well equipped schools and teachers working in concert with supportive and informed parents or more prisons. I'll put my money on the school system anytime.
Posted by: carol
Location: lincoln
on Jan 7, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Everytime I hear someone say that schools get too much money I wonder if they have ever examined where schools spend their money? What are they to cut: books, supplies, desks, heating, janitors, phone serive, building maintinance or heaven forbid athletics & state tournaments? I agree that there are some, but not all, administrators across the state receiving excessive salaries but teachers are not. The base salary in most districts is under $30000 for a position that REQUIRES a 4 yr degree. Ever check out how much a 4 yr degree costs these days? Nebraska is fortunate to maintain the high level teaching force we have. Lots of kids grow up here & stay here to teach. If our schools had to compete with other states for teachers we wouldn't make the cut. Our salaries a just too low! State aid should not be paid for lobbyist & neither should local taxes. Then again maybe the senators should look for a better funding formula so that schools don't feel the need to lobby.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jan 7, 2010 at 08:54 AM
Schools across the state are getting to much money.IT is about time law makers look into their spending.I didnt get any raise at my job, spending on teachers is getting way out of hand. I guarantee you that you will still get good teachers. The superintendents are way overpaid. Get with it we naad to control costs period....
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