This week, senators and committees will continue to designate their legislative priorities, which are due by March 14.
We were pleased to see one of Appleseed’s priority bills prioritized: ✅ LB319 (Sen. Victor Rountree) would end the SNAP ban for Nebraskans with certain drug-related convictions, helping more folks have food on the table for themselves and their families!
Unfortunately, we also saw a harmful bill prioritized: ❌ LB258 (Sen. Jane Raybould) would hurt workers by carving out a subminimum wage for youth workers AND restricting the cost of living increases that Nebraskans voted for in 2022.
Last Week’s Highlights
We testified or submitted comments on the following bills last week:
✅ LB319, introduced by Senator Victor Rountree, helps Nebraskans get the food they need by eliminating the lifetime ban on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for people with certain drug felony convictions.
❌ LB541, introduced by Senator Rick Holdcroft, would make it harder for many Nebraskans with set work schedules and busy family responsibilities to be able to vote.
✅ LB586, introduced by Senator Ashlei Spivey, would improve voting access for eligible Nebraska voters, which is the foundation of a strong democracy.
THIS Week’s HEARINGS
There are more hearings this week that you can attend in person, stream online, or submit a comment:
✅ LB275 (Senator Megan Hunt) – Require the Department of Health and Human Services to engage state wards receiving social security benefits
- Wednesday, March 12 in the afternoon in Room 1510 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee
- This bill provides more transparency, opportunities for engagement, and access to benefits for young people in foster care receiving social security benefits.
- TAKE ACTION: Appleseed SUPPORTS this bill – submit a comment here by Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 AM CT
✅ LB283 (Senator Ashlei Spivey) – Require the Department of Health and Human Services to implement express lane eligibility
- Thursday, March 13 in the afternoon in Room 1510 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee
- This bill saves Nebraska families time and resources by streamlining the enrollment and renewal process for Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
- TAKE ACTION: Appleseed SUPPORTS this bill – submit a comment here by Thursday, March 13 at 8:00 AM CT
✅ LB318 (Senator Victor Rountree) – Require the Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment under the Medical Assistance Act for incarcerated youth
- Thursday, March 13 in the afternoon in Room 1510 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee
- This bill ensures that young people in juvenile justice facilities have access to the health care they need by enrolling them in Medicaid when possible.
- TAKE ACTION: Appleseed SUPPORTS this bill – submit a comment here by Thursday, March 13 at 8:00 AM CT
✅ LB153 (Senator Dunixi Guereca) – Require the Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment for postpartum coverage
- Friday, March 14 in the afternoon in Room 1510 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee
- This bill ensures that postpartum health care is available to all women and people who need it, which is critical for keeping babies, families, and our communities healthy.
- TAKE ACTION: Appleseed SUPPORTS this bill – submit a comment here by Friday, March 14 at 8:00 AM CT
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Thank you for your continued advocacy and support!