As we approach 2026, in the midst of many massive challenges, I am heartened by the remarkable number of Nebraskans who have mobilized this year: In less than a week, over 18,000 people from nearly 400 Nebraska communities signed a petition opposing a federal immigration detainment camp in our state. Hundreds have shown up to town halls and legislative hearings to voice concerns with their representatives.
It’s through this kind of collective action, through pooling our strengths, that we can continue to grow support for and build the future we want to see. Community and advocacy matter.
Despite the incredible pressure we’ve faced in 2025, there have been real victories.
In May, Lincoln voters passed a ballot initiative ending source of income discrimination in housing. Lincolnites will no longer be denied a home because of how they pay rent. The city joined 22 states and 128 cities and towns across the US in helping more folks access safe, affordable, and accessible housing.
At the Nebraska Legislature, senators passed permanent extensions of increased SNAP eligibility increase, preserving access to food assistance for 10,000 Nebraska families, and protections for foster youth from having the State of Nebraska take their social security benefits.
We’ve spent much of the year working together with partners across the state:
- Facilitating Know Your Rights and Safety trainings statewide so families and communities know how to respond to harsh immigration enforcement.
- Pushing for systemic policy change in the areas of cash supports, food assistance, and housing.
- Demonstrating strong statewide and multi-sector support for positive and updated federal immigration laws in partnership with over 80 Nebraska associations representing hundreds more organizations and small businesses.
- Organizing town halls demanding Congress protect our health care and opposing harsh cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
We may not have had all of the wins that we hoped for this year.
But people like you continue to stand up and fight for a better Nebraska with so many people across the state. Your support has and will continue to make real change possible.
Let’s keep up the work in the year ahead. I invite you to join us at one of our upcoming events in December:
>> December 9: Cocoa & Conversation: Prepping for Legislative Policy Season
>> December 16: Direct Democracy Volunteer Meeting
>> December 17: Lunch & Learn: Respect Nebraska Voters campaign
Together, we’ll keep the fight going for a just, vibrant, and inclusive future where everyone can thrive.