Nebraska newspapers recently reported that our state has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 4.4%. Certainly, this is a positive sign for Nebraska’s economy – and it’s good that we are not seeing the record breaking unemployment rates of over 10% in Nevada, Oregon, Michigan, and California. However, in our role as an […]
Hidden Heartache in Nebraska’s Unemployment Numbers Read More »
It has been five years since I was sworn into my first bar in the state of Wisconsin. In fact, just the other day, I received information in the mail from my law school about our upcoming class reunion. The ABA’s Young Lawyers Division defines a “young lawyer” as a lawyer under the age of
Lessons from a Young Lawyer Read More »
What does a good public assistance program look like? From the Appleseed point of view, basic principles would apply: Folks would have all the information they need to make good decisions, clients would have opportunities for choice and self-determination, and all people would be treated with dignity and respect. Our legal and public policy reform efforts continually
As the Fourth of July weekend recedes into the distance, I am happily left with thoughts of picnics, Nebraska summer days, and what makes us great as a country. A couple of weeks ago we reported on Nebraska Is Home events that were scheduled to take place in three different Nebraska towns. In the days
Celebrating Shared Values Read More »
A not so famous, but entirely important psychologist, Alfred Adler once said, “Trust movement. Life happens at the level of events, not words. Trust movement.” I was reminded of these words as I stood on top of Upper Senate Park last week and looked over the thousands of people standing in the blistering sun rallying
Trust Movement: Health Care Reform in Action Read More »
On Friday, the Nebraska Supreme Court issued precedent-setting decisions in two cases in which Appleseed was involved. In the first case, In re Interest of Angelica L. and Daniel L., the Nebraska Supreme Court determined that the state acted improperly by terminating the rights of a Guatemalan mother to her two children on the basis
Appleseed Helps Secure Two Child Welfare Victories at the Nebraska Supreme Court Read More »
A few days ago, we saw a major step forward for immigration reform this year. On June 25, President Obama held a bipartisan meeting with Congressional leaders to talk about moving immigration reform as a top priority. This meeting demonstrated the momentum that has been building around the issue, including thousands of calls to the
White House Meeting a Major Step for Immigration Reform Read More »
Visionary. Strategic. Innovative. These are a few of the words I would use to describe the folks that attended our Town Hall meeting in Scottsbluff, Nebraska http://www.wehavejobs.net/ last week. Scottsbluff may be considered a small community by some, but the leaders I spoke with had big ideas for their community and for the state. The
I Left My Heart in Scottsbluff County Read More »
I’m writing this blog entry while watching President Obama’s interview on health care with ABC news and a room full of advocates, providers, economists, businesses, and everyday Americans. It is remarkable to me, and very encouraging, that so many people are engaged and that we are having this kind of public dialogue on this critical
Giving Nebraskans a Choice Read More »
Statistics on the long-term outcomes for former foster children are, unfortunately, bleak. While some youth “beat the odds”, far more struggle compared to their peers on measures related to educational attainment, employment, poverty, homelessness, health care, early pregnancy, and involvement in the criminal justice system. However, recently enacted federal legislation, the Fostering Connections to Success
“Aging Out” of Foster Care Read More »