These investments in economic growth would be combined with two new education initiatives.

First, my budget recommendations support the Department of Education, the University of Nebraska and Nebraska’s P-16 Initiative in their joint efforts to develop a virtual high school. A rigorous online high school curriculum offers important opportunities to rural Nebraska and urban areas alike. The $8.5 million initiative will be funded from lottery funds.

A virtual high school would allow Nebraska high school students to take courses ranging from basic Spanish classes to advanced placement courses. In rural Nebraska, it can be difficult to hire foreign language, math and science teachers. A virtual high school would allow rural schools and rural communities the opportunity to survive. Online courses allow students to complete course work on their timetable in the evenings or on weekends. A virtual high school is a way to expand learning beyond the traditional school day and school year.

My second education proposal is a one-time $25 million investment in the University of Nebraska’s Innovation Campus. This proposal would jump start and accelerate the development of Innovation Campus.

The University of Nebraska is a critical component to our state’s economic future. With its pending move to the Big Ten, the University of Nebraska has an outstanding opportunity to significantly increase student enrollment, expand its rapidly growing research base and develop public-private partnerships at Innovation Campus that will increase job opportunities for Nebraskans. This bold investment is needed now, not five years from now.

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