Yesterday morning, the Legislature passed the finalized budget and it’s now with the Governor awaiting his signature. It’s unprecedented for senators to pass a budget this early, but it will allow senators to continue to focus on their priority bills for the remainder of the session. There have been a few Appleseed priorities that have had time on the floor… Read more →
As the trial of Derek Chauvin has captured the attention of many people across the country and around the world, we are feeling a deep sense of grief. One single trial or one verdict cannot erase the rightful grief, fear, and anger experienced by Black men, women, and children across the country, as our communities are ripped apart. The fact… Read more →
Inclusion. Belonging. Equity. Welcoming Interactive 2021 is going virtual! That means we’re inviting you to join us to take a deep dive into immigrant inclusion best practices, hear from peers across the country, and be inspired by keynote speakers john a. powell (lowercase intentional) and Dr. Gail Christopher on belonging and equity. The Welcoming Interactive is open to all those… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Friday April 16, 2021 Contact: James Goddard Programs Senior Director, Nebraska Appleseed C: (402) 570-9462 jgoddard@neappleseed.org Biden administration leaves refugee admissions goal at historic low Historic-low admissions for those seeking safety are against American values Lincoln, NE — Today, the Biden Administration announced that it will keep the historic-low refugee admissions goal of 15,000 set under the… Read more →
Immigrant Nebraskans are lights in our families and communities! It’s time for Congress to pass laws that ensure full inclusion of family members and neighbors. Our immigration laws have not been meaningfully updated in 40 years, causing unnecessary harm to longtime community members and whole communities. This year includes important opportunities for Congress to pass positive immigration laws–like the Dream… Read more →
The budget was the primary focus of floor debate last week. Legislators will continue to move the budget through the process this week, along with priority bills. While we are two-thirds of the way through this session, there are still several Appleseed legislative priorities that are pending before the body. SNAP cliff effect bill up for debate today The Legislature… Read more →
As I shared last week, LB108, the bill that would eliminate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cliff Effect in Nebraska, will be debated by the full legislature as soon as tomorrow! This bill would help SNAP participants avoid the cliff effect, where taking a raise at work causes a much bigger loss of the food benefits they rely on.… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Friday, April 9, 2021 Contact, James Goddard Programs Senior Director, Nebraska Appleseed Mobile: (402) 570-9462 Email: jgoddard@neappleseed.org “We Are Home” Event Shares Stories, Support for Positive Immigration Laws The Nebraska leg of the “Relay Across America” brings together statewide community members to share their stories and call for positive immigration laws Nebraska — On Friday, April 9,… Read more →
Features from this month’s Nebraska Appleseed newsletter: Celebrating House passage of the Dream & Promise Act 25 Days of Action to celebrate Appleseed’s 25th Anniversary How the American Rescue Plan makes Health Care more Affordable Take Action: Together We Stand with Meatpacking Workers Your Story Matters: Share your experiences with SNAP Cliff Effect Join us for Volunteer Appreciation Week! COVID-19… Read more →
Today marks the second day of our 25 days of action, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Nebraska Appleseed. This week, there are two priority bills that you can support by reaching out to your state senator. Your voice can make a difference! SNAP cliff effect bill up for debate The Legislature could debate LB108, Senator John McCollister’s priority bill, as… Read more →
This week, Nebraska Appleseed kicks-off 25 Days of Action! To celebrate our anniversary year, we want to inspire our supporters and partners to join us in taking action to build a just, vibrant, and inclusive Nebraska where everyone can thrive. From today through April 30 we’ll have a daily action that you can take. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or… Read more →
The importance of having steady access to quality, affordable health care coverage is clearer now more than ever. The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on Nebraskans, especially on our essential workers, communities of color, and those without health insurance coverage. Evidence shows that gaps in health insurance coverage can have deadly consequences, causing many to delay care and preventing… Read more →
The Legislature continues to discuss and advance legislation as all-day floor debate is underway for the rest of session. As a reminder, priority bills from senators and committees will be the focus of debate and you can view those finalized priorities here. A number of important issues have been designated as priorities by senators and we will keep you updated… Read more →
The Meatpacking Employees COVID-19 Protection Act (LB 241) passed out of committee and is on the way to floor debate. This is a big step in the legislative process thanks to the actions of workers, families, and communities across the state! But family members and neighbors who work in meatpacking still need your action. Nebraskans working in meat and poultry… Read more →
Last year you signed our petition encouraging Nebraska to adopt Pandemic-EBT (PEBT), a program that offers benefits to students participating in Free or Reduced Price meals who missed out on meals because of school closures. Today, we wanted to share some exciting news about the program. Last week, DHHS released a press statement announcing PEBT adjustments for the months of… Read more →
All-day floor debate is underway and, for the rest of session, debate will take place in both the mornings and afternoons. As a reminder, priority bills from senators and committees will be the focus of debate and you can view those finalized priorities here. We are excited to see a number of important issues designated as priorities by senators and… Read more →
Welcome! In case you’re new here, Tea Time is a quarterly newsletter where we share stories, resources, and events for Welcoming and Inclusive communities across Nebraska. So pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and let’s exchange good news! ☕️ Stronger Together Even Through The Distance One year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic first started, we began… Read more →
Nebraskans Celebrate House Passage of Dream & Promise Act Long overdue legislation would provide stability for Nebraska families and communities Lincoln, NE — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act, which creates a process to apply for residency and citizenship for longtime Dreamer and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) residents. The original Dream Act was… Read more →
I am very excited to share that Sen. McCollister has prioritized the SNAP Cliff Effect bill (LB108)! This bill would address the SNAP cliff effect, where families of SNAP are put in the tough position of passing up raises or better jobs because they would lose more in food benefits than they would gain in pay. LB108 fixes this problem… Read more →
The Legislature is officially done with hearings for the session! Senators began floor debate this week and debate will take place in both the mornings and afternoons moving forward. They will focus primarily on senators’ and committees’ designated priority bills for the year. Priority bills from senators and committees were due at the end of last week and you can… Read more →
Today, Nebraska Appleseed celebrates its 25th anniversary of fighting for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. “Over the past 25 years, Nebraska Appleseed has worked tirelessly on some of the toughest issues facing Nebraskans and their families,” said Nebraska Appleseed Executive Director Becky Gould. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with a grassroots network of big-hearted and forward-thinking Nebraskans… Read more →
As economic uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, food insecurity remains unacceptably high. Hardship is particularly sharp among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people, and families with children are especially impacted. New federal legislation signed into law by President Biden brings much needed relief to millions including in Nebraska. These are the provisions in the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act… Read more →
Our family members & neighbors who are part of the fabric of Nebraska communities have been left in limbo for too long! The Dream & Promise Act has been reintroduced and is expected to come up for a vote in the House of Representatives next week! For more than a decade, we have seen the outpouring of Nebraska support for… Read more →
Our communities are strongest when everyone feels valued, safe, and respected. The Asian-American and Pacific Islander population in Nebraska is growing, and contributes greatly to our local communities as faith and business leaders, artists, students, teachers, and in many other roles. Unfortunately, our Asian-American friends and neighbors are also experiencing increased discrimination based on misplaced anxiety and fear related to… Read more →
Today, the House took a significant step by passing the American Rescue Plan and providing urgent relief to millions of U.S. households. This legislation will now go to the President for his signature. The bill not only extends crucial support such as increased food assistance and unemployment benefits, but also temporarily expands other programs and benefits, having the potential to… Read more →
