Green Lights
In the Capitol’s legislative chamber, there is a large sign listing each Senator’s name. When a Senator votes in favor of a bill, a light next to their name turns bright green. “Green Lights” highlights the passage of bills that advance justice and opportunity in Nebraska.
Services and Support to 21 advances to Select File
Friday, April 5, was a tremendous day for supporters of young Nebraskans when LB 216 was advanced to Select File by a 28-1 vote in the Legislature. Appleseed has been a proud supporter of LB 216, which would create a system of crucial, voluntary services and supports to age 21 for youth who age out of Nebraska’s foster care system.
All week, young Nebraskans who have been in the foster care system made their voices heard on the issue. Members of Project Everlast even came to the Legislature last week to ask senators for their support on LB 216.
You can see videos from the LB 216 debate and browse our Facebook photo album to follow the story of the bill.
Thank you to Senator Amanda McGill for introducing this bill and being an advocate for young Nebraskans in foster care, and thank you to all of the senators who supported LB 216 in the General File debate.
New Medicaid program bill scheduled for April 16 debate
LB 577 would implement the Affordable Care Act’s new Medicaid program in Nebraska. It would provide health care access to at least 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans, bring more than $2 billion in tax dollars back to our state, grow the economy, and save lives. Read Appleseed’s fact sheet on LB 577 and watch this video on how Medicaid works in Nebraska.
LB 577 is scheduled for debate on Tuesday, April 16. So, now is the time to take action to support LB 577. Call or write your state senator and tell them this bill is a win-win for the health of Nebraska’s economy and our people.
More than 40 Nebraska groups call for common-sense immigration laws with clear process for citizenship
On Thursday, April 4, Appleseed joined with more than 40 Nebraska organizations outside the Nebraska State Capitol to urge common-sense immigration laws that create a clear and inclusive path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. The organizations represented a wide range of Nebraska perspectives, including faith, business, labor, immigrant, civic, civil rights, children and families.
An immigration reform bill is expected to be introduced soon now that Congress has returned from its recess.
See media coverage of the event:
Omaha World-Herald: Reps from 40 groups rally on Capitol steps for immigration system overhaul
Lincoln Journal Star: Capitol crowd urges support for immigration reform
Associated Press: Neb. organizations urge Congress to pass immigration reform and create path to citizenship
Nebraska Radio Network: Organizations rally outside Capitol for immigration reform
Channel 10/11: Nebraska Groups Rally for Immigration Reform
Appleseed will send a delegation of Nebraskans to Washington D.C. for the April 10 Rally for Citizenship, where thousands of people from across the country will call on Congress to pass immigration laws that uphold our values of strong families and communities and bolster our economy.
We encourage you to call Nebraska’s U.S. Senators and your Congressman and tell them now is the time for a modern immigration system that includes a clear and inclusive path to citizenship.
- Sen. Mike Johanns (202) 224-4224 or (402) 476-1400
- Sen. Deb Fischer (202) 224-6551 or (402) 441-4600
- Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (202) 225-4806 or (402) 438-1598
- Rep. Lee Terry (202) 225-4155 or (402) 397-9944
- Rep. Adrian Smith (308) 384-3900 or (202) 225-6435
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 in floor debate and we’ll let you know how you can take action to get involved and make your voice heard!