We stayed busy last week, with hearings throughout both the mornings and afternoons. Starting this week floor debate will resume each morning, with hearings throughout the afternoon. Hearings will wrap up by the end of March, and all-day floor debate will follow until session ends in early June.
Appleseed has identified our 2023 legislative priorities that would advance justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans during this session. You can find the full list of bills here.
Last week’s highlights
When families can take care of their basic needs, our communities are stronger. Last Wednesday, we testified in front of the Revenue Committee about LB294 (Sen. Danielle Conrad) which would support families by providing them with a child tax credit of up to $1,000 for each child under age 18 in Nebraska. Later that day, we testified on LB295 (Sen. Danielle Conrad) about how the earned income tax credit is a powerful tool to prevent poverty.
We also believe that everyone should be able to access the health care they need, when they need it. Last week, we testified in front of the Health and Human Services Committee about how LB326 (Sen. Jane Raybould) would promote children’s health while decreasing health care system costs, unnecessary coverage losses, and administrative costs. We also joined our partners to show our opposition to LB574 (Sen. Kathleen Kauth), which would directly restrict Nebraskans’ access to gender-affirming health care services, creating negative impacts on Nebraskans and their health.
This week’s hearings
YESTERDAY:
Last November, Nebraskans voted to gradually raise our state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 2026, and to index future wage increases so that our wage floor keeps up with the cost of living. Yesterday, we testified in opposition to LB327 (Sen. Jane Raybould) in front of the Business and Labor Committee about how this bill would cap those cost of living wage increases, all but ensuring that Nebraskans’ wages once again fall behind.
It was a busy Monday as we were also present to testify in front of the Education Committee about how LB99 (Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh) would make breakfast and lunch free for all students at schools that participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Finally, we joined our partners in opposing LB575 (Sen. Kathleen Kauth), which would not protect anyone, and would only unfairly attack more of our young people.
TODAY:
Going to work, taking kids to school, and other daily tasks require Nebraskans be able to drive a car. This afternoon, we’ll testify in support of LB199 (Sen. Tom Brewer) in front of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee about how this bill would allow more recently authorized Nebraska residents, such as community members residing in Nebraska for humanitarian reasons, to access the driver’s licenses process. Submit an online comment here.
THURSDAY:
All Nebraskans need access to quality, affordable health care, including oral health care. On Thursday, we’ll testify in support of LB358 (Sen. Lynne Walz) in front of the Health and Human Services Committee about how this bill would help increase access to dental services under Medicaid. Submit an online comment here.
The foster care and juvenile justice systems are complex systems, and young people should have knowledge of their rights. On Thursday, we’ll testify in support of LB306 (Sen. Megan Hunt) in front of the Judiciary Committee about how this bill would help young people understand and exercise their rights while navigating the foster care and juvenile justice system by creating the Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights. Submit an online comment here.
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
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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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