Several bills have been filed to enhance what Nebraska public schools offer.

Stand for Schools Executive Director Ann Hunter-Pirtal says the percentage of school children qualifying for reduced and free lunches has doubled in many Nebraska districts and the state has only fully funded public schools three out of the last 16 years. . .

Bills filed this session would expand mental health care for children, expand meals offered to children to include breakfast, reimburse schools which provide pre-Kindergarten classes, and offer career training for students.

A state senator wants to expand the mental health care available to school children.

Senator Lynne Walz of Omaha proposes the creation of a Children’s Connection in Nebraska’s 19 Education Service Units, providing a social worker to connect students with local mental health services. . .

Walz proposes a public-private partnership to fund her proposal.