As early as Friday, the US House of Representatives could vote on the Heroes Act which is designed to close gaps in previous relief measures and support families and communities as they continue to confront the COVID-19 public health crisis and its ripple effects. This bill would provide critical relief to thousands of Nebraskans left out of the CARES Act,… Read more →
The safety and well-being of our communities is top priority. We need compassionate policies that support Nebraska families and children. As the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are identified across our state and the nation, Nebraska Appleseed emphasizes the need for compassionate and comprehensive policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities across our state. We are only… Read more →
What is the Medicaid expansion waiver? Why are work requirements problematic? Last November, Nebraskans passed Initiative 427, expanding Medicaid to adults who make up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $17,000 a year for an individual). Instead of honoring the vote and promptly starting the program, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is intentionally seeking… Read more →
Medicaid turns 54! It’s time for Nebraska to implement Medicaid expansion Today, Medicaid turns 54! Since it began, it’s saved many, many lives, lifting people out of poverty and giving them the chance to pursue their passions and dreams. For decades, Medicaid has provided stable coverage for millions of Americans, including thousands of Nebraskans. Many of Nebraska’s low-income parents,… Read more →
The longest government shutdown in history has caused serious harm to families, communities, and workers across the country. Services for nutrition programs, Native American health care, rental housing, and public health and safety are increasingly threatened. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have felt the financial strain that has made paying rent, feeding their families, or going to the doctor… Read more →
Families seeking safety and asylum at our southern border are currently being separated. While that is horrible enough, the White House is seeking to implement an even-worse plan. The Trump Administration is currently attempting to replace a family-separation policy rejected nationwide with indefinite child and family detention, which would subject children to further trauma and abuse. Take Action! You can… Read more →
First of all, we want to say “thank you so much” for all of your hard work during the signature collection phase of the Insure the Good Life campaign to expand Medicaid in Nebraska! With help from volunteers like you, we were able to collect signatures from all 93 counties across Nebraska. Last week, the Secretary of State certified over 105,000 signatures – well over the… Read more →
So many of you have reached out asking how you can help the community of O’Neill following last week’s devastating ICE raids that shattered hard-working families and left many people in dire financial circumstances. Here are a couple ways you can take action today to make a big difference. Make a Donation Local organizations have set up ways to make a financial… Read more →
Over the past few years, Nebraskans across the state have stood with hard-working, talented young Dreamers, whose roots have been planted in this state since childhood. Dreamers like Joseline and Joel grew up in Nebraska, went to our schools, and are starting their careers here. Now, they and their families are under threat and need our help. At a time… Read more →
Nebraskans agree that strong, united families are the foundation of successful communities. And for generations, our immigration laws reflected those values. But now, cruel and inhumane new policies are threatening families who are seeking safety in the U.S. from danger. The White House has announced a new plan to separate children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border and warehouse kids… Read more →
Will you make a phone call today to protect the ability for tens of thousands of Nebraskans to put food on their table? Now is an important time for your Congressman to hear from you. Last week, the House Agriculture Committee proposed the 2018 Farm Bill, which put forward drastic cuts and harmful new restrictions to our country’s most-important food security program, the Supplemental… Read more →
We’re asking for you to take a minute today to stand with DREAMers, their families, and strong Nebraska communities. Call our members of Congress. Tell them they must pass a clean version of the bipartisan “DREAM Act of 2017” this week and avoid potentially another costly government shutdown. Our communities are stronger with Nebraska Dreamers in the picture! Sen. Deb… Read more →
On September 5, the Trump Administration announced that over the next six months it will end the successful Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has allowed Nebraska to benefit from skills, talents, passions, and energy of over 3,000 hard-working young people. We know Nebraskans stand with DREAMers. We saw it today when nearly 500 of you stood in… Read more →
Note: Part of fighting for positive change in our communities means getting to work with outstanding, like-minded volunteer partners who share our goal of expanding justice and opportunity in Nebraska. Periodically, we will feature individuals and organizations with whom we have been fortunate to work to build a brighter future in our state. This is a guest post by… Read more →
There are hundreds of thousands of Nebraska families that struggle with hunger, and food security programs are some of the most-effective ways to make sure that every Nebraskan – children, seniors, veterans, and other hard-working people – are able to get the food they need. Friday, a group of 10 Nebraska organizations sent a letter to Nebraska’s three House members… Read more →
News and Events from Nebraska Appleseed – July 2017 In this June edition of “Appleseed in Action”: Tell our Senators no health care cuts Speak up to protect DREAMers Successful June with Urban Abbey Meet our 2017 summer interns and law clerks Save the Date: Good Apple Awards – October 19, 2017 Tell our Senators no health care cuts… Read more →
Nebraska is a state that has learned hard lessons about what can happen to children and families when their needs go unmet. Yet, the Governor keeps making choices that cause further harm to our most-vulnerable Nebraskans. Today, Governor Ricketts issued several line-item vetoes to the state budget (LB 327) that will cause long-lasting harm to the safety of children in… Read more →
For generations, immigrants and refugee Nebraskans have made valuable contributions to our state – and are an important part of strong communities, local businesses, and Nebraska families. But recent harmful and divisive policies in Washington, D.C. have created fear and uncertainty in many local communities. We have a chance now to show Nebraskans stand with immigrant and refugee neighbors. Early… Read more →
La versión en español está abajo. It just happened. Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA), a bill that will cause potentially tens of thousands of Nebraskans like Rose and Matt to lose their health coverage. Because the House rushed a vote on this bill before the Congressional Budget Office could analyze… Read more →
Every time there is a shortfall in our state budget, investments in hard-working Nebraskans are often the first to be cut. Nebraska is facing a budget shortfall of more than $1 billion. Despite this challenge, Governor Ricketts and members of the Legislature are proposing a big income tax cut that won’t do anything for our state’s middle-class and low-income families,… Read more →
Late Friday, President Trump added to last week’s anti-immigrant and refugee executive orders with an order that indefinitely bans refugees from Syria, and severely restricts immigration from several other Muslim-majority countries. These executive orders do not reflect America’s strongly held values that insist that we create safe homes for those escaping violence and persecution. And judging potential immigrants based on… Read more →
This week, Congress took another step down a path that will endanger the health insurance of hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans. In the early hours of Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate cast its first vote in the process to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has dramatically improved the quality of health insurance in America. But it’s not too late… Read more →
A new year brings a new chance for Nebraskans to work together to build the state we all want to live in – where dignity, justice, equality, and opportunity are available to everyone. There is an enormous amount of passion and energy right now to be part of a movement that fights for positive change. Next week, there will… Read more →
Because of the Affordable Care Act, tens of thousands of Nebraskans are among the millions of Americans who can now get quality, affordable health insurance. But Congress already is taking steps to end those life-saving protections with no replacement plan in sight. Will you call our Senators today? Tell Sen. Deb Fischer and Sen. Ben Sasse they can’t vote to… Read more →
We know tens of thousands of Nebraskans are among the millions of Americans who can now get quality, affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. For the first time ever, thousands of Nebraskans have good insurance that covers prescription medicines and life-saving preventive care, and they can’t be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. But Congress could vote… Read more →
We know that 2017 is going to be a big year to defend and fight for many of the big issues we all care about. We’re going to need your help to stand up for immigrant Nebraskans who give so much to our communities, for a health care system that lets everyone get the care they need, and for more… Read more →
We are at a pivotal point in American health care. More than 20 million Americans have been able to get quality health insurance under the Affordable Care Act with landmark protections like guaranteed preventive care and being able to get coverage even if you have a pre-existing condition. This has led to the highest percentage of Americans with health coverage… Read more →
People who come to the United States seeking safety from violence should not be treated as criminals. But, many people seeking asylum – including women with their young children – are being held in for-profit, jail-like facilities surrounded by walls that separate them from both safety and human dignity. On September 1, Nebraska faith and community leaders gathered in Omaha… Read more →
Payday lenders are often the last resort for many Nebraskans who have nowhere else to turn to get small loans they need to pay for an unexpected expense. But payday lenders have a long history of making bad loans that trap people in a cycle of debt with outrageously high interest rates and unreasonable repayment terms. Recently, the Consumer Financial… Read more →
Last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced they will be proposing new rules to rein in some of the worst abuses of the payday loan industry. They’ll unveil the draft rules at a public field hearing on Thursday, June 2nd in Kansas City – and we’re taking a group from Nebraska to the event! Would you like to… Read more →
One of the best resources Nebraska has for a bright future is hard-working young people who want to follow their career dreams and practice their chosen professions right here in our state. We’re asking you to take action today to help more of these bright young Nebraskans reach their career goals and be part of the next generation of Nebraska… Read more →
This is a guest blog post from Appleseed child welfare intern A.J. Miller. March is Social Work Month and I am a social worker. When most people hear that, they ask me about direct service. “So are you a therapist?” “Do you work for Child Protective Services?” “My dad’s a social worker at the hospital. Are you a caseworker,… Read more →
All Nebraska families should have access to credit, but Nebraska law currently lets payday lenders charge some of the highest interest rates in the nation, at about 461% APR. These high-interest loans can trap families with low incomes in a cycle of debt. A new bill, LB 1036, has been introduced at the Nebraska Legislature to stop these unfair practices.… Read more →
Oxfam America has recently released an expansive and troubling report on America’s poultry industry entitled “Lives on the Line: The Human Cost of Cheap Chicken”. (you can also read a pdf version of the report here) The report’s immersive website contains many eye-opening and informative web graphics and videos. The excellent report documents many personal stories from workers, unpacks the… Read more →
As people across the United States are volunteering to welcome Syrian refugees in their communities, a number of Governors recently announced that they want to stop their states from resettling Syrian refugees. Some Members of Congress have even introduced legislation that would stop refugee resettlement altogether. It is critical that public officials hear from their constituents NOW as decisions are… Read more →
Today, we’re asking you to take action to fight child hunger in Nebraska and tell our members of Congress to support two key, bipartisan bills that will ensure thousands of Nebraska kids will get the food they need this summer. Call your Congressman and Nebraska’s U.S. Senators and urge them to support the Summer Meals Act of 2015 and the… Read more →
Congratulations! You helped make history! On May 28, the Nebraska Legislature voted to override the Governor’s veto of LB 623! With an overwhelming vote of 34-10, the Legislature stood strong and reaffirmed their commitment to these talented, hard-working young Nebraskans. It’s time to say “thank you” to those who supported DREAMers and recognized their contributions to Nebraska. Please contact these… Read more →
We need you to stand up TONIGHT for young immigrant Nebraskans! Wednesday night, the Governor vetoed LB 623 — the bill that would allow young immigrant Nebraskans known as “DREAMers” to apply for driver’s licenses — despite the bill being passed with overwhelming 34-9 support by the Legislature last week. TAKE ACTION We need you to contact your State Senator… Read more →
You did it! Today, the Nebraska Legislature voted 34-9 on Final Reading to pass LB 623, the bill that will allow young immigrant Nebraskans known as “DREAMers” to apply for driver’s licenses. But, there’s one more step you need to take. Please contact Governor Ricketts and urge him to sign the bill so Nebraska can become the final state to… Read more →
We need you to take action today to stand up for Nebraska’s poorest families with children. This week, Governor Ricketts vetoed LB 89, a bill that would use existing funds to slightly increase Nebraska’s Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) benefit for the first time in nearly 30 years. Take Action! Contact your State Senator today! Urge them to stand up… Read more →
Last fall, Nebraskans overwhelmingly voted to raise our state’s minimum wage to $9 per hour, but a new bill in the Legislature would strip that fair wage from hard-working young Nebraskans. LB 599 would allow employers to pay high school student workers less than other employees, which is in direct contrast to what Nebraskans voted for last November. The bill… Read more →
Today is an important day to take action by asking our U.S. Senators to make children’s health care a priority by extending funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Senate is back from recess today and their first action must be to extend funding for CHIP, a program that provides health coverage for over 55,000 Nebraska children. The… Read more →
Building a stronger, more just society in Nebraska requires long-term commitment. We’re in it for the long haul at Appleseed, dedicated to a vision where we have effective public systems and strong communities that ensure full opportunity for all Nebraskans. If this vision speaks to you, please consider becoming a monthly donor to Nebraska Appleseed and sustain the fight for… Read more →
Nebraska Appleseed’s Legislative Update News and Updates from the Nebraska Unicameral March 30, 2015 Last week marked the first week of full-day debate in the Legislature, and one of Appleseed’s priority bills is on the agenda for this week. Child care “cliff effect” bill set for debate this week LB 81 – This bill introduced by Sen. Tanya… Read more →
Today, ask our U.S. Representatives to make children’s health care a priority by supporting the bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). On Thursday, Congress will vote to extend funding for CHIP, a program that provides health coverage for over 55,000 Nebraska children. We’re asking you to act TODAY. Contact… Read more →
Right now, more than 54,000 working Nebraskans have no way to afford health insurance This coverage gap results in enormous human and financial costs that can no longer be ignored. The Nebraska Legislature can close this coverage gap in 2015 by passing LB 472, and you can make your voice heard! Join us for a lobby day at the Capitol on March 5th… Read more →
Today, a bill was introduced in the Legislature that would close Nebraska’s health coverage gap and fix a problem that currently inflicts high human and financial costs on our state. We hope you’ll act today to show your support. We’re asking you to contact your state senator and urge them to support LB 472, to make health care make sense for… Read more →
Nebraskans have been saying for a long time that Congress must move us forward with up-to-date immigration laws that keep families united, boost our economy, and create a strong foundation for our future. But, harmful new legislation is threatening to drag us backwards into more pitfalls that mean more broken families and more needless deportations. Take action today! Call or… Read more →
Big work lies ahead in 2015 making our state a stronger, more just society for all Nebraskans. We hope you’re ready to join us! Your voice will be essential to remove barriers to opportunity in Nebraska at the state and federal levels. Here’s what is coming up in 2015 Health Care Appleseed will continue our work at the State Capitol to… Read more →
When Lauren Williams first started down a career path, she thought her work would involve a telescope. But after getting a taste of volunteering on health care issues, she realized there is another way to see the big picture and how it affects people in Nebraska. We’re excited to introduce you to Lauren, who joined Appleseed in December as a… Read more →
For those who signed up for health insurance last enrollment period through Health Insurance Marketplace, plans will be automatically renewed for the upcoming year starting tomorrow. While this makes it easier for individuals to stay covered, most could save money by reviewing their plans and considering switching to a different insurer. According to an article in The New York Times,… Read more →
News and Events from Nebraska Appleseed – December 2014 12/3/2014 In this December edition of “Appleseed in Action”: Nebraskans support President’s Administrative Relief Enroll Nebraska launches 500 By the 15th campaign Report shows working Nebraskans fall in coverage gap Nebraska Supreme Court decides important ICWA case Support our fight for justice for families facing hunger President’s Administrative Relief a good… Read more →
You may have heard that today is “Giving Tuesday.” It’s a great way to give back to our communities during the holiday season. It’s a simple idea: We have one day for giving thanks yet two for getting shopping deals. Shouldn’t we have more days focused on giving to our communities? Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving… Read more →
When kids and families experience tough times the last thing they need is uncertainty about where they will find their next meal. Yet approximately 30 percent of all Nebraska households applying for food assistance needlessly wait longer than a month for approval for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Because of the State of Nebraska’s troubled ACCESS Nebraska benefit processing… Read more →
Note: This is a guest blog post from a group of Union College students who worked with Appleseed staff this fall to create a project designed to encourage Nebraska college students to vote in this election. This semester the Practice III class at Union College hosted a service learning project where students had the opportunity to work alongside an organization.… Read more →
Tomorrow is your chance to help make hard work pay in Nebraska by voting FOR Initiative 425 to raise Nebraska’s minimum wage to $9.00 per hour! Voting for Initiative 425 will reaffirm the value and dignity of hard work for thousands of Nebraska families who have fallen behind despite working full-time jobs. Click here to find your polling place Our… Read more →
I attended my first Campus Camp Wellstone training as a sophomore in college at UNL. At this point as an undergrad, I had become involved in various social justice-oriented clubs on campus. I knew just enough to identify the issues I was passionate about but not enough to know what I could do about any of them. I often felt… Read more →
Measure to raise Minimum Wage to be voted on this fall pending signature verification On July 3, the good news didn’t come in small packages, but in stacks and stacks of large boxes, piled high in the rotunda of the State Capitol. The boxes contained petitions signed by nearly 135,000 Nebraskans from every corner of our state in support of… Read more →
Take Action for Common-Sense Immigration Laws! This month marks the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Senate passing a bipartisan immigration bill, yet we’re still waiting for the House of Representatives to act. Today, add your voice to a nationwide call to action! Call your representative and urge him to fix our outdated immigration laws to stop separating families and to create… Read more →
In Nebraska we believe hard work should pay. We know Nebraskans work hard, but for many families in our state hard work isn’t being valued like it used to — a lot of people are being left behind. You can help us affirm the dignity of a hard day’s work, rebuild the middle class, and help families earn enough to… Read more →
On Tuesday, the Nebraska Legislature voted down LB 943, a bill that would have raised Nebraska’s minimum wage to $9 per hour for hourly employees and increased the minimum wage for workers who earn tips to 70 percent of that standard minimum wage. Introduced by Sen. Nordquist, with the tipped minimum wage amendment from Sen. Lathrop, the bill received 20… Read more →
You have the chance today to speak up for thousands of hardworking Nebraskans by asking your state senator to support LB 943 to raise the minimum wage in our state. This bill will be debated by the Legislature either today or tomorrow, so please call or email your state senator’s office now and urge them to support LB 943. LB… Read more →
Working hard and taking care of our families are core Nebraska values. While Nebraskans place a significant value on hard work, the economy has changed in a way that has left too many Nebraska families behind. Our state consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and one of the highest rates of parents in the labor… Read more →
As you may have seen this morning, LB 887, the Wellness in Nebraska Act, that would have provided a path to affordable health insurance for at least 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans, was filibustered this morning. The vote to end debate was 27-21, with 33 votes necessary to end debate. While this is a disappointing outcome, we will continue to work with… Read more →
News and Updates from the Nebraska Unicameral February 25, 2014 This marks the halfway point of the 2014 Legislative session and this is the final week of committee hearings at the Capitol. Several of Appleseed’s priority bills are on the move and now is a pivotal time for you to take action. Wellness In Nebraska bill moves to the floor… Read more →
In the remaining eight weeks of the legislative session, we have a real chance to make sure all Nebraskans have access to health care coverage, and none of our family members, friends or neighbors are left behind. Yesterday, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee moved LB 887 – the Wellness In Nebraska Act – to the floor of the… Read more →
Last week, the House Republican leadership released a set of principles for updating our country’s immigration laws. We were encouraged to see the release of these principles as an indication that this year’s legislative agenda will include immigration reform, which unfortunately stalled in the House after the Senate passed a historic bipartisan bill last year. This inaction – in the… Read more →
Tuesday evening, a crowd of around 100 faith, family, and community leaders joined immigration reform supporters for a candlelight vigil outside the Roman Hruska Federal Courthouse in downtown Omaha to support common-sense U.S. immigration laws being passed before the end of the year. The candlelight vigil, held in conjunction with the 7th night of Hanukkah, was held to lift up… Read more →
The Nebraska Tax Modernization Committee has finished up its series of public hearings and is now meeting to come up with recommendations for the future of our state’s tax system. We have one more way we would like our state senators to hear from you. Please consider signing this online petition started by Rebuild Nebraska telling our senators you believe… Read more →
The four-person dinner table contained settings for only three. The head of the table sat empty, its absence most conspicuous. The symbol was a powerful one. Representing Nebraska families who are missing a loved one because of detention or deportation, this dinner scene was not whole, incomplete. Thursday, Nebraskans in several cities gathered together to urge our state’s House of… Read more →
This year, thousands of Nebraskans have shown their support for Congress to pass updated immigration laws that keep families together, make our economy stronger, and move us forward as a state and country. Join us Thursday, November 7, for a prayer vigil for immigration reform outside Congressman Lee Terry’s Omaha office. A host of Omaha faith leaders will lead supporters… Read more →
This week, you have a great chance to have your say in the discussion about the future of Nebraska’s tax system. The Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee will hold its final public hearings in Omaha and Lincoln this week, and they want to hear from you! Thursday, October 17 – Omaha – Metro Community College, South Omaha Campus, 27th and Q… Read more →
Saturday is a huge day for Nebraskans who think NOW is the time to fix our outdated immigration system! We want you to join hundreds of Nebraskans from across the state in Omaha Saturday afternoon as we march and gather to tell Congress now is the time to pass updated immigration laws that strengthen families, businesses, communities, and the future… Read more →
This was the summer of immigration reform in Nebraska and around the country. While our congressmen were back in Nebraska during the August recess, they heard loud and clear across the state Nebraskans are tired of seeing our families and communities harmed by outdated immigration laws. Community, faith, business, youth, and immigrant leaders attended town halls and held dozens of… Read more →
No Nebraskan should have to go hungry. But, this week the House of Representatives will introduce a bill that would slash $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), which helps nearly 180,000 people in Nebraska – a large proportion of them children – get enough to eat. We are urging you to call your congressman… Read more →
Our state’s tax system affects every Nebraska family, and changes in tax policy can have big implications especially to families that make low incomes. To make sure our tax system is fair for our state’s lowest-earning families, Appleseed is keeping a close eye on the discussion about possible changes to Nebraska’s tax system made by the Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee.… Read more →
According to new data released Wednesday, 1 in 7 Nebraska households struggle against hunger. The statistics, compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, show 13.4 percent of Nebraska households struggled with hunger on average in the years 2010-2012 according to the USDA’s annual report on food insecurity. More than 48.9 million Americans lived in households that… Read more →
In this August edition of “Appleseed in Action” Take Action to support common-sense immigration reform Rebuild Nebraska pushes for sustainable tax structure Protect SNAP for Nebraska families and children Alex Gibilisco joins Immigrants & Communities Meet our Law Clerks and Interns Appleseed at the Maha Music Festival August is a crucial month to ask your congressman to support common-sense immigration… Read more →
Now is the time to make your voice heard on a common-sense immigration system that keeps Nebraska families together, strengthens our economy, and reflects our values! Our members of Congress are back in Nebraska for five weeks of recess starting this week. They are holding a series of town hall meetings throughout August to hear from people like you on… Read more →
The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill to fix our outdated immigration system and create a clear process for citizenship for aspiring Americans. Debate now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to unveil its own bill this summer. We’re closer than ever to creating a workable immigration system. But we need your support. Join Appleseed for an… Read more →
Thanks to those who already tried to call! The original phone number was not connecting with Nebraska senators. Please use the corrected phone number below! Last night, the bipartisan Senate immigration bill passed a first critical test and vote. There will be a final vote on the bill by the Senate as early as Thursday. Both Senator Johanns and Senator… Read more →
On Monday, June 10, the U.S. Senate passed its Farm Bill by a vote of 66-27. The Senate bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation setting many of our nation’s farm and food policies, includes a huge cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the Senate bill cuts $4.1 billion from SNAP over ten years by eliminating “Heat and… Read more →
Nationwide, an estimated 4.5 million children who are U.S. citizens live in families where one or more of their parents are undocumented. As Nebraska children’s, family, and health advocates highlighted in a recent press conference (see below), these children will grow up to be our future family members, neighbors and co-workers – and their health and well-being as children today… Read more →
Nebraska’s U.S. senators and congressmen are back at home this week for the Memorial Day recess. Next week, they’ll return to DC where the bipartisan immigration reform bill (S.744) will be debated and voted on in the Senate, and discussion is also expected to begin in the House. Today is a day you can help spread the word that immigration… Read more →
Nebraska’s current foster care system results in poor outcomes for too many young people who age out of foster care. We miss out on their human potential and a stronger workforce because of the barriers they face in becoming successful adults. But we have a chance to remove those barriers TODAY when the Legislature is scheduled to debate LB 216.… Read more →
There are days when we at Nebraska Appleseed are especially proud of the work we do and the wonderful friends, partners, and supporters who we stand with. Yesterday was one of those days when 300 supporters gathered at the State Capitol to show their support for LB 577, the bill that would extend Medicaid to 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans, bring more… Read more →
Today is the day! Give a gift to Appleseed at this link any time before midnight and your gift will be matched to a $200,000 challenge match pool! This is one of the best opportunities to join us and amplify our efforts fighting for justice and opportunity for all! Give to Lincoln Day, organized by the Lincoln Community Foundation, is… Read more →
Today is the day to make your voice heard and stand with 54,000 uninsured Nebraskans! Join us on the west steps of the Nebraska State Capitol today at 5:30 for a public rally to show state senators you believe LB 577 deserves a vote! A small group of state senators is blocking a vote on a bill in the Legislature… Read more →
The politics of obstruction is not the way we make policy in Nebraska. But, a small group of senators is preventing a vote on a bill in the Legislature that will help our working families get access to health care and boost our state’s economy. Make your voice heard tomorrow! Join us on the west steps of the Nebraska State… Read more →
Join us in Omaha on Friday, May 10 for a free presentation on the Affordable Care Act and the new Medicaid program being debated in the Legislature. This program is hosted by First United Methodist Church – Omaha. Nebraska Appleseed attorney Jerusha Hancock will answer your questions, tell you how the new health care reform law will work for you,… Read more →
With a small group of opponents obstructing a bill in the Legislature that will help our working families get access to health care and boost our state’s economy, it’s time to make your voice heard! Join us on the west steps of the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 for a public rally to show state senators… Read more →
Today, we’re asking all our supporters to take a moment to help bring LB 577 to a vote and help 54,000 uninsured, working Nebraskans to get health care coverage while returning $2.3 billion to our state’s economy. A small group of state senators are preventing this bill from coming up for a vote. That is not how important decisions should… Read more →
A crucial piece of legislation is being obstructed in the Legislature. We need your help! LB 577, the bill that would extend Medicaid coverage, would help 54,000 uninsured, working Nebraskans get access to health care. It would provide security to our rural hospitals, our working families, and our veterans. It is beneficial to our economy, returning $2.3 billion to our… Read more →
Monday, young people with experience in foster care teamed up with legislators and child welfare experts from across the country to head to Washington D.C., and help launch Success Beyond 18, a national campaign of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative to create a better path for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Speakers included Gary Stangler, Executive… Read more →
Our public officials are best able to serve the public when there is a bond of trust between decision-makers and the people affected by those decisions. Limiting the possibility of conflicts of interest is important to protecting that relationship. The Lincoln City Charter Amendment on the ballot May 7 would foster trust and ensure integrity within city government by prohibiting… Read more →
A new policy paper from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities offers an excellent overview of Medicaid, the state-federal partnership program that provides health care coverage to millions of low-income children and adults. The data is clear – Medicaid is a cost-effective program that saves lives and money. Some of the highlights from the report include: Expansions of Medicaid… Read more →
Green Lights In the Capitol’s legislative chamber, there is a large sign listing each Senator’s name. When a Senator votes in favor of a bill, a light next to their name turns bright green. “Green Lights” highlights the passage of bills that advance justice and opportunity in Nebraska. LB 240 – A bill introduced by Sen. John Harms that allows… Read more →
Every Nebraska child should be safe while their parents are working, so affordable, quality child care is vital to allow our state’s families to be strong. You have a chance today to take action to strengthen working Nebraska families. Please call your senator and ask them to support LB 507, “The Step Up to Child Care Act.” Each year about… Read more →
Today is a proud day for Nebraska, the home of Arbor Day and the notion that when we all work together planting and nurturing trees, we can truly create dramatic, positive changes to our landscape. At Nebraska Appleseed, we share that belief. When a group of Nebraskans comes together to plant and nurture the seeds of justice and opportunity, we… Read more →
Take Action to Support Important Bills in Legislature Last week the Legislature did not debate any of Appleseed’s priority bills. But this week a key child welfare bill is on the agenda. So your senators need to hear from you on a number of important bills this week. Vital transition services for youth aging out of foster care scheduled for… Read more →
On January 31, young people from Project Everlast joined Senator Amanda McGill and other advocates to speak out in support of LB 216 – the Young Adult Voluntary Services and Support Act. LB 216, introduced by Senator McGill, would remove barriers facing young people who age out of foster care by extending voluntary services and support to the age of… Read more →
Note: For the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the powerful new report from Southern Poverty Law Center and Alabama Appleseed, Unsafe at These Speeds, that exposes the dangers poultry plants pose to workers and consumers. This post will examine the first section of the report, which focuses on the exceedingly high rate of injuries… Read more →
Join the national call-in days for immigration reform! Make your call today or tomorrow! Call Congress at 877-848-8289 or text “NOW” to 787753. Join supporters across the country, and flex your muscle for common-sense immigration laws with a clear and direct roadmap to citizenship that support Nebraska families, businesses, and communities! As always, your message can be short and simple… Read more →
Voting is an American right – and making voting harder is not a Nebraska value. LB 381 mandates a restrictive and unnecessary voter identification system, puts a greater burden on our already overburdened election workers, and undermines our democracy by creating barriers to voting for many older Nebraskans who no longer drive, young voters and students who move frequently, people… Read more →
As Thanksgiving preparations begin, take just a moment to help stop a proposed new rule that would make food and workers less safe next year. A new rule proposed by the USDA would increase line speed in poultry plants, giving inspectors only 1/3 of a second to inspect each chicken — risking your food and workers’ safety. Help stop the… Read more →
