Last Thursday, April 18, the Legislature adjourned sine die, meaning the body has concluded its work for the session. In 2024, our Unicameral passed 370 bills. Bills that did not pass, no matter how far they made it through the legislative process, must be reintroduced in future legislative sessions and start through the process again.  We are so proud of how hard community members, partners, and our team worked to advance justice and opportunity for Nebraska families and communities, including on some key Appleseed priorities.  Wrapping up Appleseed’s 2024 Legislative Priorities We ..read more

The 2024 Nebraska Legislative session ended April 18 with 370 bills passed and hundreds of others that did not. Food access-related legislation was received positively with at least one big win (Summer EBT)! Bills that did not pass, no matter how far they made it through the legislative process, must be reintroduced in future legislative sessions and start through the process again. See below for a short food bill recap: Child Nutrition Bills:  NOT NEEDED (BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR CHANGED HIS MIND)! (Support) Summer EBT Bill (LB952) This bill would have required the state of Nebraska to part ..read more

We know that Nebraskans and our communities are healthier when everyone has equitable access to quality, affordable health care. This legislative session, a number of important bills passed to improve access to health care through Nebraska’s Medicaid program. Learn more about some of the positive changes below. Language Access is Critical for Health Care Access  LB62, introduced by Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, removes language barriers between patients and providers by requiring that translation and interpretation services are reimbursed under Medicaid. By ensuring language services are a ..read more

Welcome to the final week of the 2024 Nebraska legislative session, which is scheduled to end this week on Thursday, April 18. Here’s a recap of what happened last week, and what to expect as we wrap up the Legislature’s work.  Last Week: Several Appleseed Priority Bills Passed! Several of Appleseed’s 2024 Legislative Priorities were passed last week, including: LB20 (Wayne) restores Nebraskans’ voting rights after completing a prison sentence – ending the arbitrary 2-year waiting period. Voting is fundamental for people reentering society & a strong democracy. LB62 (M. Cavanaugh) add ..read more

After a hectic and busy week at the Legislature, we only have three days left of the 2024 session after today. Senators will continue all-day debate through this Thursday, April 11. Then, they’ll return next Thursday for the final day of session on April 18.  Last Week: LB575 Failed to Advance! Last Friday, the legislature blocked LB575 (Kauth) from advancing in the legislature. This harmful legislation would have prevented transgender and gender diverse students from accessing school activities and facilities consistent with their gender identity. Thank you to each of you who called, ema ..read more

Do you believe that child support funds collected by the state should actually be used to support children in Nebraska’s lowest income families? On Wednesday, April 3rd, we were happy to see 38 members of the Legislature answer that question with a resounding “yes,” by voting to advance LB233 – a bill that would make sure that. Will you join us in thanking those Senators, and asking for their continued support? In Nebraska, the direct cash assistance program funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant is known as Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). In order to receive ..read more

Today, LB575 (Kathleen Kauth) – which harmfully prohibits transgender and gender diverse students from accessing school activities and facilities consistent with their gender identity – was blocked from advancing in the Legislature.  Trans and gender diverse young people in Nebraska will continue to have meaningful access to school activities, opportunities, and spaces, authentic to their identity – thanks to each and every one of you who called, emailed, and showed up! We know that Nebraskans care about other Nebraskans and don’t want to be divided or forced into false barriers.  Th ..read more

All young Nebraskans deserve to be who they are, and to thrive in school and social environments.  Today, LB575 (Senator Kathleen Kauth) was voted out of the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee. This bill harmfully prohibits schools from allowing trans and gender diverse young people to access restrooms, locker rooms, or activities consistent with their gender identity.  TAKE ACTION: Tell your senator to OPPOSE LB575 and let trans youth thrive. Trans and gender diverse young people deserve safe and meaningful access to school activities, opportunities, and spaces, authentic to ..read more

Today is Day 54 of the Nebraska Legislature’s 2024 session! Senators will continue all-day debate until we hit Day 60 on Thursday, April 18. Debate typically takes place from 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-5pm, including evening debate which will continue through the end of this week.  Last Week: Priority Bills Passed! We were thrilled to see several Appleseed priority bills pass last week, including: LB1215 (Hansen), a package of health and human services-related bills, was passed on final reading and has been signed into law by the governor. Two of Appleseed’s priority bills, LB1106 and LB1107 (Da ..read more

With only 10 legislative days left, senators will continue all-day debate over the next couple of weeks until we hit Day 60. Debate typically takes place from 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-5pm, and last week started the session’s late night schedule which will continue through the end of next week.  Long-time Voting Rights Priority Advances We were excited to see LB20 (Senator Justin Wayne) move forward to select file, with 34 senators supporting the bill. LB20 would restore the right to vote for Nebraskans who have a felony conviction by eliminating the arbitrary and unnecessary two year waiting p ..read more