Nebraska lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, made it clear today: Gov. Pete Ricketts’ controversial child welfare contract—a deal that was eventually cancelled—should not be repeated.

By a vote of 46-0, with three lawmakers not voting, the Legislature okayed an overhaul of the system.

Nebraska Appleseed, which has fought for the changes, says the new bill, “officially ends Nebraska’s long, failed experiment” with the privatization of child welfare cases.

As we reported earlier, the deal with a Kansas company was roundly criticized at the latest debate by three of the four key GOP candidates hoping to succeed Ricketts.

The 2019 contract found the out-of-state firm getting 40 percent less than the previous company providing care for Omaha’s at-risk youngsters.

Theresa Thibodeau: “Child welfare has been an issue that we have been facing for many, many years and unfortunately that contract did not serve us well. And as a governor you cannot always look at the best, least expensive.”

Charles Herbster: “Well, in the business world we would say that was a bad deal, it was a bad contract. That’s what we would say. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have an excellent contract, we can’t do it differently.”

State Sen. Brent Lindstrom: “I understand that when you look at the numbers it makes sense on the page and the balance sheet. But if you’re not able to meet the needs of the kids by doing a 40 percent discount, that deal should have never been made.”

The fourth major candidate in the governor’s race, NU Regent Jim Pillen, did not attend the debate and has said he will not participate in any debates.

Pillen has been endorsed by Ricketts, the ultimate target of those criticizing the child welfare contract.

Today Appleseed added that the end of, “Privatization is a monumental and correct move. …experimenting with our most vulnerable can no longer continue.”