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Economic Stability

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Nebraska

Ensuring that all children in Nebraska grow up to be happy and healthy adults requires a framework that extends beyond the traditional. When thinking about the course of a child’s life, it is important to consider the long-term impacts of different experiences on outcomes in adulthood. New data released last…...

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What Paul Ryan Got Wrong — and Right — on Poverty

Last week, U.S. Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin revealed a new plan to address the growing numbers of Americans living in poverty.  In 2012, 15 percent of Americans, or about 46.5 million people, were living poverty and the percentage of children was even higher at about 20 percent.  In Nebraska, there are…...

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The 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Book

We all know that Nebraska is a great place to be a kid. Today’s release of the 25th annual National KIDS COUNT Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, reaffirms that. The report, using 16 indicators of child well-being, ranked Nebraska the 10th best state in the country to be…...

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Checking in on the American Dream

As we approach the long holiday weekend to celebrate the 4th of July, we thought it might be a good time to reflect on  what is often called the “American Dream.”  There are different definitions for the American Dream, but a key component of any definition has to do with…...

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Policies Need to be Updated to Support Working Families

Today, the majority of children in Nebraska and nationwide live in families where both parents work. Several generations ago, this was not the case.  It used to be that most families had one parent in the workforce while the other stayed home to raise the kids.  Times have changed and…...

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Raising Future Generations and the Minimum Wage

In two weeks, the Better Wages Nebraska campaign will reach the signature deadline to put a minimum wage increase on the ballot in November, so that voters can have a voice in ensuring that all working families have a chance at the “good life.” The issue has been widely debated…...

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Saving the Middle Class

A thriving middle class is a key component of a strong economy and there are growing indications that America’s middle class is shrinking.  A recent look at how the median wealth of American families compares with that of other countries shows that we rank 19th on that measure when compared…...

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Dads Value Paternity Leave

As Father’s Day approaches, a new report provides some insight into how fathers view paternity leave.   A survey found that a significant majority —  89%  — of fathers believe that it is important for employers to provide paternity leave.  The survey also found that the majority of  fathers —…...

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A New Tool to Address Child Hunger

Children do best in school when they arrive for the day ready to learn and one of the most important things a kid can do in the morning to prepare for school is to start the day off with breakfast.   It used to be that most kids had a…...

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Efforts to Raise the Minimum Wage Continue

Nebraska is a state that values hard work and the majority of Nebraskans recognize that we all benefit from a strong economy with good jobs.  Last year, a bill to increase the state minimum wage to $9.00 per hour failed to pass the Legislature, but polling shows that policymakers are not in step with…...

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