Nebraska Appleseed’s Weekly Update
Each week we are getting new updates about resources available to Nebraskans during the pandemic. We have been keeping tabs on a number of topics and will continue sharing information with you as we learn more about what is out there to help Nebraskans and their families across our state.
P-EBT now available to Nebraska children and families
 On Thursday, June 18, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was approved to implement Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), a temporary federal option that allows states to provide resources to families whose kids are on the free and reduced-price lunch program while schools are closed. P-EBT will provide eligible families with two additional disbursements of benefits to help purchase food for their children. This will result in tens of millions of dollars going directly to help Nebraska families meet basic needs during these challenging economic times.
Families already participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will automatically have the funds added to their EBT card and do not need to apply. Families participating in the free and reduced-price lunch program, but are not on SNAP must apply for the P-EBT program at this Nebraska-specific website or by calling the AccessNebraska hotline at 1-800-383-4278 between June 22 and July 19. A P-EBT card will be issued to eligible families. For questions on P-EBT, please contact Eric Savaiano at esavaiano@neappleseed.org or (402) 438-8853 ext. 126.
Nebraska’s Coronavirus Relief Funds need legislative appropriation
The coronavirus pandemic has caused major hardship in Nebraska, with unemployment soaring and people facing difficulty making ends meet. Recognizing the damage to be wrought by the pandemic, Congress passed the CARES Act in March, which included providing Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) for states. CRF are designed to help states respond to the pandemic and weather the first months of the crisis. The State of Nebraska received $1.25 billion in CRF, with $166 million automatically going to Douglas County.
The Nebraska Legislature has not convened since the passage of the CARES Act and the creation of the CRF. This means the Legislature has not specifically appropriated the state’s CRF. Nevertheless, on May 28, Governor Ricketts announced his intention to unilaterally utilize and spend Nebraska’s CRF, including $330 million for small businesses, $180 million for state and local governments, and holding $427 million in reserve.
Appleseed has concerns that the lack of appropriate legislative action creates a constitutional separation of powers issues as to how Nebraska’s CRF is being handled by the Governor. Read our analysis on our blog.
We hope to see the Unicameral take action in July when the session reconvenes to ensure this money is appropriated lawfully, that the public has an opportunity to properly weigh in on the process, and that Nebraska’s constitutional separation of powers is protected.
At the Core: Enrollment for Medicaid expansion begins this summer
 After years of waiting, 90,000 of our uninsured family members, friends, and neighbors will finally be able to enroll in expanded Medicaid coverage starting this August, with coverage beginning October 1, 2020.
Check out our recent At the Core episode where our Health Care Access team gives a recap of where Nebraska is with Medicaid expansion and how you can get involved. View our video on Facebook, Instagram, or Vimeo.
Share your story: We want to know why Medicaid expansion is important to you. How will it make a difference for you or your loved ones? Share your story using our easy and secure form or connect with our Community Organizer, Nora Brown at nbrown@neappleseed.org or (402) 438-8853 ext. 134.
No one should have to fear discrimination when seeking out health care
The Trump administration has released an extremely harmful final rule eliminating anti-discrimination protections in health care. This rule rolls back many protections but is especially harmful to people who are transgender or nonbinary, people who have terminated a pregnancy in the past or are seeking to do so, and people who speak a language other than English. The rule is especially cruel when considering its release on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, during a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting Black, Latinx, and Native communities, and during nationwide protests against systemic racism, including the murders of Black trans women.
No one should have to fear discrimination when seeking out health care, and the rule change opens up the doors to discrimination against people for whom accessing care is often already challenging.
Read our blog to learn more about this rule and its impacts.
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
You can keep up on the latest updates about when the Legislature will reconvene by following Appleseed online. Like our Facebook page and follow issues in real-time on Appleseed’s Twitter feed. Stop by our blog for opinion pieces, informative updates, and news stories.
We’ll let you know how you can take action to get involved and make your voice heard!
Thank you for your continued advocacy during this time of uncertainty.
Katie Pitts
State Policy Director
Nebraska Appleseed
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