We are nearing the end of the 2022 session, with three legislative days set for this week. The last day, Day 60, is scheduled for Wednesday April 20th. There are still a number of priority bills slated for final votes in the coming days, including a few of Appleseed’s priorities, so there is still work to be done!
Ending the lifetime SNAP ban for Nebraskans and their families
On Monday, the legislature unfortunately failed to advance LB121, deciding to adjourn without a vote. This effectively killed the bill for the session. This legislation would have lifted the lifetime ban on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Nebraskans who were convicted of certain drug felonies and are reentering our communities. Current law specifically limits access to food for people reentering our communities after serving their debt to society – essentially double punishing people for the same crime.
We would like to thank Senator Megan Hunt for introducing and prioritizing this legislation, and for the work of the advocacy community in contacting their senators and expressing their strong support. This fight is not over and we will continue to fight for all Nebraskans to have access to the food they need.
You can read our statement here.
Remaining priorities for the 2022 legislative session
There are still a few Appleseed priorities up for debate as we near the end of session:
- LB921: Senator John Cavanaugh’s bill, LB952, improves Medicaid reentry practices by requiring Medicaid enrollment assistance and timely processing of applications so that those reentering have Medicaid coverage effective the day of their release or as soon as practicable. It was recently amended into LB921, and we were encouraged to see it move to final reading yesterday!
- LB1173: this bill is an important child welfare package, which includes an official end of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ ability to privatize Nebraska’s child welfare case management services in the Eastern Service Area.
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!Want to support our work? Consider giving a donation today.