These are Nebraska Appleseed’s guiding principles, and have been since our non-profit, non-partisan law project started “sowing the seeds of justice” in 1996. Nebraska Appleseed focuses on advancing policies and practices that promote self-sufficiency for Nebraska’s working poor families, promote the integration and participation of immigrant populations in communities across Nebraska, provide safe and adequate child welfare services to children who need protection, increase low-income people’s access to the legal system and support democracy by removing barriers to low-income people’s participation in the electoral and public policy decision-making processes.

Take Action to support Nebraska Students

A bill (LB1001) introduced by Sen. Janssen during the 2010 Nebraska Legislative session would repeal a 2006 law allowing undocumented immigrant students who have lived in Nebraska and graduated from a Nebraska high school to pay the same in-state tuition rates as their peers. The proposed law would make it harder for these immigrants to afford to attend college in Nebraska. Read the Full Talking Points

Please use one our sample letters to ask the Education Committee to vote “NO” on LB1001. You only need to type your name and email address, then click 'Submit' and your message will automatically be sent to all members of the Education Committee of the Nebraska Legislature.

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Unemployment Insurance Modernization: Good for Nebraska

Nebraska lawmakers have a unique opportunity to improve a system designed to protect and support our workforce, the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides new funding for states to implement modernization efforts, particularly by extending benefits to workers who have been excluded in the past due to outdated eligibility rules.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would draw $43.61 million dollars of federal funding into the state during this difficult economic time. It would also decrease assessments on businesses by $17-18 million in 2011.

This is particularly important because Nebraska has some of the most dedicated workers in the nation. The “Midwestern Work Ethic” is alive and well here. In fact, our state ranks second in the nation for participation in the labor force and second in the nation for the most people holding more than one job.3 Nebraska workers pay into the unemployment system. Our state should modernize the program so that our workers can benefit during this difficult time, particularly those working part time jobs to make ends meet.

Read the Report | Read the Press Release

	We work to have a system of laws, policies, and practices that make sure all families can meet their basic needs, find opportunity, and become active and treasured members of society.
	We seek policies and practices that promote the integration and participation of new immigrant populations in Nebraska and Great Plains communities.
	We enforce constitutional, federal, and state statutory requirements for providing adequate child welfare protection services in the State of Nebraska.
	Seeking laws and policies that ensure all Nebraskans have access to quality affordable health care.
	We protect and promote this fundamental right with the use of technology and grassroots efforts.
	We break down barriers to voting, and encourage low-income, minority, new immigrant, and struggling communities throughout Nebraska to register, vote, and participate in the political process.