LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska would become the 10th state in the country to grant tuition breaks to illegal immigrants under a bill advanced Wednesday in the Legislature.
The measure has to clear two more rounds of debate before it heads to Gov. Dave Heineman where it would likely be vetoed. Heineman said Sunday at a gubernatorial debate that he does not support the idea.
It takes 30 votes to override a veto. The bill advanced on a 30-5 vote.
Bill introducer, Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln, said she thought the votes in favor of the measure were “pretty solid.”
The proposal would allow illegal immigrants who graduated from high school in Nebraska and who are pursuing or promise to pursue legal status to pay in-state tuition at the state’s colleges and universities. They would also have to have lived in the state at least three years.
Under current law, children of illegal immigrants must pay out-of-state tuition.
The tuition break would be substantial for a student who choses to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This year, in-state undergraduate tuition is $4,530 compared with $13,440 for out-of-state. The savings equate to about $36,000 over four years.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents supports the measure, with those in favor saying making it easier for the children of illegal immigrants to attend college is in the state’s best interest.
The tuition break provides an incentive to the students to remain in high school, get an education, and eventually contribute to society and the economy of the state, Schimek said. Not educating them costs even more, she said.
“If these sons and daughters of illegal immigrants are going to stay in Nebraska ... then it is to the advantage of all of our citizens they have the opportunity for an education,” she said.
Getting more students to attend college would bolster enrollment and increase revenues to colleges and universities, Schimek said.
How they voted
The Associated Press
Nebraska lawmakers voted 30-5 on Wednesday to give first-round approval to a bill (LB239) that would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Nebraska colleges and universities. The measure needed 25 votes to advance. A “yes” vote was to advance the bill.
* Senators voting yes: 30, including Matt Connealy, Decatur; Ray Janssen, Nickerson; Mike Mines, Blair.
* Senators voting no: 5.
* Present, not voting: 11, including Carol Hudkins, Malcolm.
* Excused: 3, including Chris Langemeier, Schuyler; Dwite Pedersen, Elkhorn.
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