Education is one of the clearest pathways out of poverty. Nebraska Appleseed has been repeating this statement nearly since our inception, and our work has paid off: Nebraska welfare recipients are able to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree full time, and recently, our state expanded the time frame that recipients can pursue an Associate’s Degree from […]
Time to Take the Nebraska Education & Welfare Model Nationwide Read More »
I was recently asked by my law school alma mater (University of Nebraska College of Law) to reflect on my choice to pursue public interest law in Nebraska and how law school had prepared me for that task. As I wrote out my answers, I realized how lucky I was to stumble upon Nebraska Appleseed
The Reward of Working in Public Interest Read More »
Nebraska Appleseed has been a long time advocate for working families. In particular, we are supportive of programs that are responsive to family needs in difficult economic times. Unemployment Insurance is one such program, and last week Nebraska’s State Senators gave first round approval to a bill (LB 1020) that would make it even stronger.
The Right Choice for Nebraska Workers Read More »
Nebraska workers and Nebraska Appleseed have cause to celebrate as the legislature has passed a bill, LB 961, that works for working people in our state. LB 961, introduced by Senator Council, will make it easier for job training programs in rural and high poverty areas to access economic development funds through the Job Training
Legislation that Works for Nebraska Workers Read More »
Increasingly, the economic downturn is leading Americans, and Nebraskans, to access public benefits programs such as Child Care Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In fact, the New York Times ran a recent story about “the new poor†entitled “Millions of Unemployed Face Years without Jobsâ€. The story chronicles the experiences of folks
Last week, we launched our Economic Opportunity Campaign, which is a values based policy agenda to build opportunity in the state.  The Campaign puts forth a vision where programs and policies change the odds for working Nebraskans. The vision includes job training, adult education, child care assistance, and access to health care. In that spirit,
Think for a minute: Who do you know that lost a job in 2009?  Chances are that you can think of someone. I can think of many: The wife of an old friend, a caller to Nebraska Appleseed’s Intake line, a parent I know at a local school…Job loss has been difficult for many families
This Thursday, December 3, the Obama Administration will hold a Summit on Jobs and Economic growth. The summit will bring together business leaders and financial experts to talk about ideas for expanding the economy and creating jobs. This is an important step in moving forward the national conversation about jobs. Across the nation, this is
National Summit on Jobs and Economic Growth: An Ongoing National Conversation Read More »
I love Thanksgiving. My Dad (my favorite farmer) cooks for us, and this year, I have not one but two beautiful nieces to giggle with at the table.  This is what valuing family means to me. I am grateful for a good meal, for family, and even for the baby drool and stuffing that will
Last week, I was lucky enough to sit in on an adult education class in a small Nebraska community. The first assignment was to write a simple letter to a friend. Many of the students were attending the class in order to learn English. In an attempt to see what the class might be like
Learning (Aprendizaje) Read More »