Last week of hearings for the 2022 session

We are in the last week of committee hearings for the 2022 session! Starting next week, the Legislature will begin all-day floor debate until they adjourn in April, with late night sessions starting in mid-March. Priority bills will be at the center of debate through the end of session – you can find that list here.

As we have noted, we are excited to see some of Appleseed’s priorities make that final list, including:

• LB1073 introduced by Senator Justin Wayne, which will require Nebraska to accept federal funding for emergency rental assistance. Thanks to Senator Matt Hansen for prioritizing this important issue.
• LB121, introduced and prioritized by Senator Megan Hunt. This bill eliminates the lifetime ban on SNAP for Nebraskans reentering our communities.

Stay tuned for updates on how you can show your support for Appleseed’s priorities as they hit the floor for debate.

This week’s hearings

We have a busy last week of hearings. Today, we’re submitting a comment in support of LB1079, which was introduced by Senator Ben Hansen. This bill would send half of the remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds directly into the hands of Nebraskans through a prepaid debit card.

On Wednesday, we will submit a comment in support of LB1201. Introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer, this legislation appropriates much needed federal funding for food banks, and establishes grants for food security innovation. LB1201 would continue to help Nebraska families address the food insecurity issues they are still facing. We’ll also submit comments in support of Senator Mike McDonnell’s bill, LB1002, which would appropriate federal funds towards low-income energy assistance and in support of LB1052, which was introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh. LB1052 appropriates federal funds for the Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program.

Finally, on Thursday, we will testify in support of LB1000, introduced by Senator Ben Hansen. This legislation updates Nebraska’s broad definition of neglect in our child welfare system. We believe reasonable childhood independence activities should not be considered neglect.

Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues

You can keep up with all the happenings at the Legislature by following Appleseed online. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t miss out on our live updates on legislative hearings on Twitter. 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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