Appleseed testified on a number of bills in committee last week
Foster Care Reimbursement Rates
LB 530 – A bill that increases reimbursements for foster families to better meet the needs of children in foster care, establishes a pilot project for a new method of determining rates, and extends the Children’s Commission and its subcommittees until 2016. Appleseed testified in support of this bill on February 13 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Increased Access to Child Care
LB 359 – A bill that increases access to child care subsidies by incrementally increasing the amount of income disregards. Appleseed also testified in support of this bill before the HHS Committee on Feb. 13 because access to affordable, licensed child care to working Nebraska families is important in the development of their children.
Fairness and Accountability in Elections
LB 235 – A bill that better enforces transparency, accountability, and accessibility in administering Nebraska elections. Appleseed testified in support of this bill before the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee on Feb. 14 because it is essential to protect the basic democratic right to vote for all Nebraskans.
See video and read full transcripts of Appleseed’s testimony in front of the Legislature.
Upcoming Hearings
Appleseed will monitor and may testify at several committee hearings this week.
LB 568 – A bill that would a require restrictive licensing process for navigators who will guide consumers through the new health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. While Appleseed does not support this bill in its current form, we are helping with an effort to reorient this bill into one that focuses on creating a strong navigator program. Hearing: Banking and Insurance Committee, Feb. 19
LB 613 – A bill that would create a commission to study Nebraska’s tax code. Appleseed supports this bill because a thoughtful and deliberate examination of our tax structure is appropriate if we are to protect the investments we all have made in the state and ensure a logical and balanced system. Hearing: Executive Committee, Feb 19.
LB 508 – A bill that would incrementally increase the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) maximum payment rate in Nebraska to a more adequate level. Appleseed supports this bill because it will help prevent poverty and the unnecessary entry of children into the child welfare system by providing support for the basic needs of very low-income families with children. Hearing: HHS Committee, Feb. 21
LB 368 – This bill would create a subsidized employment pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services, which would allow employers to grow their businesses and allow low-income workers to gain meaningful job experience. Appleseed supports this bill because it would be a win-win for employers and employees. Hearing: HHS Committee, Feb. 21
LB 220 – A bill that would ensure children are eligible for medical assistance for 12 continuous months. This also streamlines and simplifies the verification requirements for the program. Appleseed supports this bill because it will increase access to health care for Nebraska children and will make the service delivery system more efficient. Hearing: HHS Committee, Feb. 20.
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
You can keep up with all the exciting happenings at the Legislature by following Appleseed online. Like our Facebook page and follow issues and legislative hearings in real-time on Appleseed’s Twitter feed.
Plus, stop by our Appleseed Blog for opinion pieces, informative updates, and news stories, and visit our Vimeo page for videos of what we’re working on throughout 2013.
We will keep you updated on the latest bill introductions, hearings, and floor debate. And, we’ll let you know how you can get involved and make your voice heard!