Nebraskans are preparing for one of the state’s costliest elections, with an estimated $38 million raised and over $32 million spent on campaigns supporting six key ballot measures. Five campaigns managed to secure spots on the November 2024 ballot, with the primary focus on competing abortion-related amendments to the Nebraska Constitution. Additional measures include initiatives for medical cannabis, paid sick leave, and the potential repeal of a state law funding private K-12 school attendance. Funds were also gathered for two other initiatives, “Choose Life Now” (abortion) and the “EPIC Option” (tax reform), which did not meet the signature requirement.
As of October 21, these campaigns held approximately $2.21 million in cash reserves, having raised $6.9 million in the prior two weeks. The most heavily funded issues relate to abortion, with competing campaigns “Protect Our Rights” (expanding abortion access) and “Protect Women and Children” (restricting abortions) collectively raising $25.74 million. The abortion-rights initiative has received substantial out-of-state funding from groups like The Fairness Project, while the restriction campaign is mainly funded by Nebraskan donors, including the Ricketts family and other notable Nebraskan philanthropists.
The repeal of a private school funding law has also garnered significant attention, with “Support Our Schools” raising $7.42 million to oppose the state funding policy. The paid sick leave campaign follows closely, with $3.2 million raised to support a proposal mandating paid sick days for Nebraska employees. The medical cannabis initiative raised the least, with contributions totaling $1.55 million.
Governor Jim Pillen has shown support for the abortion restriction initiative while various out-of-state organizations, including those funded by Arabella Advisors and the Open Society Policy Center, are supporting the abortion-rights campaign and paid sick leave measure. The election’s financial landscape highlights intense national and local interests, with final campaign filings due by January 14, post-election.
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