We are on Day 59, which means we’re now two-thirds of the way through the 2023 session. The Legislature will continue all-day floor debate until they adjourn in early June. Learn more about the floor debate process in my short explainer.
Last week’s highlights
Last week, senators debated school financing, property taxes, retirement systems, and hydrogen hubs, among other things. Senator Suzanne Geist resigned from the Legislature to run full-time for Lincoln mayor, and Senator Carolyn Curry Bosn was appointed by the Governor to serve in her place.
During debate on LB138, an annual update of state transportation laws, we were excited to see Senator Tom Brewer offer an amendment to incorporate provisions of LB199 into the bill. This amendment, which helps Ukrainian refugees and other humanitarian parolees get access to driver’s licenses, was incorporated into LB138 and is now on to final reading.
LB583, which would direct additional funding to the state’s K-12 schools, was also debated. Senator Machaela Cavanaugh introduced an amendment to add LB99 to the bill, which would have provided free school meals to all students across the state, regardless of income. We were disappointed to see this amendment fail but are looking forward to the Legislature continuing the conversation on this issue as LB583 moves to the next round of debate.
This week’s debate
LB626, which would ban abortions before many even know they are pregnant, will be debated by the full legislature on Wednesday.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and join us at the Capitol tomorrow at noon to show senators that this is not what Nebraskans want them to be prioritizing right now.
LB626 is a bill that
- Ignores medical professionals
- Goes against polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans oppose more restrictions on abortion access
- Dismisses that a 6-week ban is an extreme and near-total ban on abortion care
- Means senators are not listening to Nebraskans
Everyone deserves to access the health care they need. Banning any form of health care and ignoring medical professionals does not serve Nebraskans.
Can’t join us at the Capitol? Contact your senator and tell them to oppose this near total abortion ban.
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 Twitter. Check out our take action page for opportunities to make your voice heard.
Want to support our work? Consider making a donation today.