It may be hard to believe, but today is Day 70 of the 2023 legislative session. Tomorrow, senators will begin debate on the mainline budget, with debate over appropriations issues lasting most of the week.
Last week was a very busy week with a few of our 2023 priority bills moving forward and one very important defeat. Catch up on what happened below:
SNAP Bill Added to LB227 Health and Human Services Package, Advanced
No Nebraskan deserves to go hungry. Last week, LB227 (Senator Ben Hansen), which contains a package of health and human service-related needs, was expanded to include LB84 (Senator Jen Day), the SNAP cliff effect bill, before advancing from the second round of debate last Tuesday.
LB84 extends the sunset to 2025 on an increased SNAP eligibility limit. The bill also continues to shrink the SNAP cliff effect, which happens when SNAP participants lose more resources in SNAP benefits than they gain in income after taking a raise, getting more hours, or something else.
LB227 also includes LB35 (Senator Wendy DeBoer), which helps parents afford the child care they need by extending the sunset date on Nebraska’s current child care subsidy eligibility increase.
TAKE ACTION: Call or email your senator and tell them to SUPPORT LB227 on final reading.
LB14: Bridge to Independence Expansion Bill Advanced
Youth aging out of the juvenile justice system should not face homelessness – especially at age 19. Last week, LB14 (Senator George Dungan), which would include youth with juvenile probation experience in the Bridge to Independence (B2I) program, advanced out of the Judiciary Committee!
We are excited that this bill has moved forward. Stay tuned for details on how you can support this bill, which ensures that youth with juvenile justice experience have the financial and other support to maintain stable housing and self care needs.
LB626: Abortion Ban Blocked
Everyone deserves to access the health care they need, in their own communities, when they need it. Last week LB626 (Senator Joni Albrect), the near-total abortion ban, was blocked in the Legislature.
Abortion access remains in Nebraska – thanks to each and every one of you who called, emailed, showed up, wore green, came to the Capitol, and lined up to testify!
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