We are currently in the part of the biennium (two-year session) where senators must pass the budget by Day 80, which is next Thursday, May 15. You may have also heard that they are currently facing a $190 million deficit, so it will be the main focus of the Nebraska Legislature for the next week and a half.
While debate on key bills will mostly pause for the budget, we’ll be paying attention to this debate to ensure that necessary resources—like public assistance and domestic violence services—are adequately funded to support Nebraska families. As in last year’s Special Session, the Nebraska Legislature should avoid raising the cost of living on everyday Nebraskans and protect the critical programs needed to achieve economic security.
KEY BILLS WE’RE STILL TRACKING
To ensure your senator knows how you feel about these bills, contact your senator now to support the bills with a ✅ and oppose the ones with ❌. If you need more information or have questions, please email our Policy Director Erin Feichtinger.
✅ LB 78 advanced to Final Reading. This bill would provide approximately $1 million in necessary funding to create a Domestic Violence and Trafficking Victim Housing Assistance Fund.
✅ LB 192 also advanced to Final Reading. This bill eliminates a sunset date and makes permanent our expanded eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure Nebraska families are fed.
✅ LB 267, as amended to LB 80, advanced to Final Reading, too. This bill increases protections for domestic violence survivors in housing by providing for the removal of an occupant who commits domestic violence and requires landlord to change locks for safety.
❌ LB 89 passed first round debate with just enough votes to overcome the filibuster. This is an unnecessary and discriminatory bill that does nothing to expand protections for women or make any improvement in our lives. There are still two more rounds of debate and we have an opportunity to stop this bill. Join the chorus of others advocating for inclusive policies by contacting senators now to oppose LB 89.
❌ LB 258 passed the second round of debate and is one step closer to overturning the will of the voters to raise Nebraska’s minimum wage. Keep contacting senators as we need one more person to vote no on Final Reading.
❌ LB 415 will possibly come up for second round debate after the budget is passed. To ensure all workers are able to earn and use paid sick leave as supported overwhelming by Nebraska voters, contact your senator to oppose LB 415. Bonus action: sign the petition to demand the legislature honor the will of voters.
❌ LB 632 advanced to Select File. This bill, championed by anti-abortion lawmakers, intrudes on personal medical decisions and opens the door to surveillance and criminalization of pregnancy outcomes.
IN THE NEWS
Commentary: Paid sick leave and better health care would help Nebraska women – Nebraska Examiner
Bill that would cap annual increase on Nebraska minimum wage advances to final reading – KETV Channel 7
Nebraska abortion remains bill advances amid controversary – Nebraska TV
Nebraskans visit Capitol to connect with senators for ‘The Peoples’ Day’ – Omaha World-Herald
Voters resoundingly backed paid sick leave. Now lawmakers in three states want to roll back the benefits – ABC News
VOTE LOCALLY
Next Tuesday is Election Day in Omaha!
When you vote in local elections, you’re selecting elected officials who will make decisions for our communities on issues impacting local libraries, parks, courts, fire stations, safety, housing and roads.
This is a “yes and…” moment. We must act. We vote and we show up for our community—by volunteering, by getting engaged, by donating to mutual aid requests and finding hyperlocal ways to make a difference.
Be part of shaping your local community. Vote on or before May 13. More info at OmahaVotes.com.