As a part of Rebuild Nebraska, we are dedicated to working to ensure that the tax reform discussion currently underway results in a modern tax system with adequate revenue for things like education and healthcare without increasing taxes on families who can least afford to pay. One of our…...
Child poverty down, but racial disparities persist
Last week data-nerds all over the country (including those here at Voices for Children), had a field day as the U.S. Census Bureau released their 2012 (1-year) estimates of poverty from the American Community Survey (ACS). Overall, the child poverty rate in Nebraska decreased slightly — from 18.1% in 2011 down…...
Child maltreatment doesn’t start at removal, so we shouldn’t stop at reunification
The goal of the child welfare system is to keep kids safe in permanent, loving homes. After reading Martha Stoddard’s article in the Omaha World-Herald last weekend and reviewing the Foster Care Review Office’s quarterly report (mentioned in the article), the current state of Nebraska’s child welfare system looked pretty…...
New poverty data shows child poverty down slightly in Nebraska
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released new statistics from the American Community Survey that provide state and local data on Poverty and Health Insurance. Earlier this week, the Census Bureau released national data showing that the poverty rate nationally remained essentially unchanged while there was a decline in the number…...
Five Things to Think About Before Voting on SNAP
This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider a bill that would make significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps. Here’s 5 things we hope that our Representatives will remember as they consider the future of SNAP: 1.) About 1…...
Maintaining our Child Welfare Commitment
At the core of our child welfare system are two key objectives: strengthening families to prevent abuse and neglect; and responding thoughtfully and swiftly to ensure all Nebraska’s kids have the best possible chance to grow up in safe, stable, and loving homes. This is no easy feat. It requires…...