This is the last week of the 2020 legislative session. After business concludes tomorrow, the Legislature will adjourn sine die for the remainder of the year. You can find today’s legislative agenda here and you can read more about our 2020 legislative priorities on our blog.
Meatpacking workers and community members demand action
Last week, AM3238, an amendment to LB667 introduced by Senator Tony Vargas, had a hearing on Thursday afternoon in front of the Business and Labor Committee. Nebraska workers and their family members bravely shared their experiences of working in the meat and poultry processing plants in a time of a public health crisis.
We want to thank Senator Tony Vargas and the Business and Labor Committee for bringing this important issue to light. Please take a moment to thank Senator Vargas and the Business and Labor Committee members who supported AM3238, specifically Senator Matt Hansen, Senator Sue Crawford, Senator Ernie Chambers, and Senator Steve Lathrop. Please continue to share your support for our essential workers by contacting your own state senator too.
Last night, Senator Vargas spoke on the floor of the Legislature about the hearing, the needs that workers still face, and that he will continue to fight to ensure that meatpacking workers and their families are protected. You can see his floor speech here.
Several Appleseed priority bills advanced yesterday
LB632, which contains LB933 introduced by Senator Sue Crawford, advanced to final reading. This bill would provide additional consumer protections for those who experience utility shut-offs. Learn more about the bill in our fact sheet.
LB219, introduced by Senator Anna Wishart, advanced to final reading. This bill would give youth aging out of foster care the resources and tools they need to successfully transition into adulthood by supporting them through the processing of obtaining a driver’s license.
LB848, introduced by Senator Patty Pansing Brooks, passed final reading and now awaits the Governor’s signature. This bill includes provisions that would provide more opportunities for native youth aging out of the foster care system to participate in Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence (B2I) program.
We thank all the senators who introduced and supported these pieces of legislation this session!
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
You can keep up with all the happenings at the Legislature by following Appleseed online. Like our Facebook page and follow legislative hearings 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 throughout the session!
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