At Appleseed, we believe that every Nebraskan deserves a shot to achieve their dreams. Our job is to help clear the way by collaborating with our communities to tear down obstacles and strengthen our shared values.
Last week’s highlights
Our team was at the Capitol throughout the week, providing our expertise – and supporting community members as they shared their lived experiences – as floor debate resumed and committee hearings continued.
We testified in front of the Revenue Committee in opposition to LB327 (Sen. Jane Raybould), which would cause Nebraskans’ wages to fall behind by capping annual minimum wage cost of living increases. We also testified in front of the Education Committee in support of expanding free school breakfast and lunch programs through LB99 (Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh), and in opposition to LB575 (Sen. Kathleen Kauth), which would unfairly attack more of our young people.
Appleseed was also present to testify in front of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee in support of allowing more recently authorized Nebraska residents to access driver’s licenses through LB199 (Sen. Tom Brewer). We submitted a comment to the Health and Human Services Committee in support of LB358 (Sen. Lynne Walz), which would increase access to dental services under Medicaid. Finally, we testified in front of the Judiciary Committee in support of creating a Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights for young people in our foster care system through LB306 (Sen. Megan Hunt).
This week’s hearings
Investing in our communities, not penitentiaries
We need to send fewer people to prison, and we need to bring people home to safe, supportive communities to increase their chances of success. Yesterday, we testified in front of the Appropriations Committee in opposition to a proposal that would appropriate $335 million to construct a new prison. Today, we submitted a comment in support of LB20, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne, which would restore voting rights to system-impacted people upon their completion of a felony sentence or probation for a felony. (Submit an online comment in support.)
Supporting young people navigating the child welfare system
This afternoon, we’ll testify in front of the Judiciary Committee in support of several bills that would ensure that children and caregivers receive support and intervention that strengthens families. LB14, introduced by Sen. George Dungan, would expand Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence (B2I) program to youth with juvenile justice system involvement to support their transition into adulthood. (Submit an online comment in support.)
LB42, introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen, would update and clarify Nebraska’s definition of neglect to be clear that certain reasonable childhood independence activities, like playing outdoors or remaining unattended for a period of time, are not child abuse. (Submit an online comment in support.) Finally, LB271, introduced by Sen. Terrell McKinney, would address racism and disproportionality within our child welfare system by carefully tailoring who is required to report suspected child abuse and neglect and requiring reporters to receive equity and community response training. (Submit an online comment in support.)
Strengthening worker protections
The meat and poultry industries continue to be among the most dangerous in the United States. Today, we’ll testify in front of the Appropriations Committee in support of LB755, introduced by Sen. Tony Vargas, which would benefit workers in Nebraska’s meat and poultry industries by extending our state’s meatpacking coordinator to a full time position. (Submit an online comment in support.)
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.
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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