While possible court fights wait for a ruling from a top state official, there’s a new push to channel more money to private schools.

As NCN’s Joe Jordan reports it would cost the state millions.

[View our full video report above]

The battle over school choice is now alive and well on two fronts.

Last year the Nebraska Legislature okayed school choice, the Opportunity Scholarships Act.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Elkhorn (R): “This is a program for kids who for whatever reason it doesn't mean the school's not a good school, but for whatever reason that child is not succeeding in that school and they need other options.”

But then a statewide petition drive—opposing that new law—came up with enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot in November.

Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic Party: “There is no question based on polling, based on door knocks, based on phone calls that we're getting from voters, that the vast majority of Nebraskans want to make sure that public dollars stay with public schools.”

Now we’re still waiting to hear from the Nebraska Secretary of State who is being asked to keep it off the ballot.

At the same time, the race for Congress in Nebraska’s 1st District finds school choice a clear choice for voters.

Rep. Mike Flood, Nebraska 1st (R): “Whether it’s a public school. Private school. Home school. Or a hybrid of these options – parents have a right to direct the upbringing and education of their kids.”

Flood’s Democratic opponent State Sen. Carol Blood telling Nebraska Examiner, “I believe in public dollars for public schools with no exceptions.”

Sen. Hansen  (up full)

Back at the State Capitol, State Sen. Ben Hansen is pushing a bill that would find students at private schools able to get a $1,500 a year state-funded savings account for tuition and books.

According to the state’s numbers crunchers, if 80% of the 33,000 students who are in private schools applied it would cost the state roughly $40 million.

Stand Up/Joe Jordan: As for the Secretary of State, backers of school choice are telling him the petition drive in this case was unconstitutional that in effect only the Legislature can decide how tax dollars are spent.

Again, still waiting for that ruling.

Likely though that the losing side will go to court.