2023 Public Policy Agenda

The Public Policy Agenda for the 2023 108th Legislature, First Session provides a list of current legislative bills supported by the Movement. Each legislative session we work deliberately with state legislators to craft and introduce legislation which improves equity and opportunity for Nebraska’s children and families. We also carefully review the slate of legislative bills to determine which will receive our priority, attention, and efforts.

Bill

Senator

Description

Movement Position

294

Conrad

Provide families with a refundable child tax credit in an amount of up to $1,000 per child, depending on income

Support

85

Day

Implement Express Lane Eligibility (ELE) to automatically enroll eligible children who are receiving SNAP benefits in Medicaid or CHIP health coverage

Support

LR5

Blood

Update the Nebraska state law to be concurrent with federal law in banning child labor

Support

523

Walz

Require Nebraska DHHS to submit a state plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to include school psychologists as eligible providers under the Medical Assistance Act

Support

84

Day

Eliminate the sunset on Nebraska’s expansion of SNAP to 165% of the Federal Poverty Level. At the moment, Nebraska’s SNAP eligibility is set to go down to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level on October 1, 2023

Support

365

Hunt

Allow County Election Commissioners to offer vote-by-mail as an option to its residents

Support

715

Cavanaugh, J.

Require the Governor to apply for emergency rental assistance under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Support

358

Walz

Increase reimbursement rates by 25% for dental health services under the Medical Assistance Act

Support

35

DeBoer

Extend the child care subsidy eligibility increase until October 1, 2026

Support

14

Dungan

Expand eligibility in the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Program to include juvenile-adjudicated youth, which supports former state wards in transitioning to adulthood, becoming self-sufficient, and creating permanent community relationships

Support

326

Raybould

Change continuous eligibility for children and youth under 18 years of age in the Medicaid system from the current six months to 12 months, ensuring no disruption in health care services

Support

753

Linehan

Create an Opportunity Scholarships Act

Oppose

15

Briese

Create a subminimum wage for workers under the age of 20 and a training wage

Oppose

535

Slama

Require voters to show valid photo identification at polling sites

Oppose