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The following is a list of Voices for Children’s priority legislation for the 107th Legislature, 1st Session. To contact your state senator, click here. Child Welfare LB 89: Allow persons eighteen years of age to make health care decisions and persons under nineteen years of age in correctional facilities to consent to medical and mental health care Introducer: Senator Morfeld Status: Referral to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 89 LB 97: Change provisions relating to adoptions Introducer: Senator DeBoer Status: Placed on General File Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 97 LB 202: Change eligibility requirements under the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Act Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Notice of hearing for February 11, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 202 LB 262: Provide for participation in the bridge to independence program by young adults not lawfully present in the United States Introducer: Senator Vargas Status: Notice of hearing for February 11, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 262 LB 357: Create the Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights Introducer: Senator Hunt Status: Notice of hearing for January 28, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 357 LB 491: Change and eliminate provisions relating to lead agencies, pilot projects, and service areas for certain social services Introducer: Senator M. Cavanaugh Status: Notice of hearing for February 18, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 491 LR 29: Replace Arbor Day with Juneteenth as a state holiday Introducer: Senator Wayne Status: Notice of hearing for March 03, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LR 29 Juvenile Justice LB 34: Change sentencing provisions for crimes committed by a person under twenty-one years of age Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Notice of hearing for February 17, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 34 LB 198: Change provisions relating to the Student Discipline Act Introducer: Senator Vargas Status: Notice of hearing for February 09, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 198 LB 201: Change provisions relating to jurisdiction over juveniles Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Notice of hearing for January 28, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 201 LB 203: Prescribe requirements for public colleges and universities regarding criminal history and juvenile court record information Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Placed on General File Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 203 LB 307: Change provisions relating to appointment of counsel for juveniles Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Notice of hearing for January 28, 2021 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read […]

View a PDF version of this report Every Nebraskan deserves financial stability and security for their family. The ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency has affected all Nebraskans but has been especially devastating for families that were already struggling to make ends meet before the start of the crisis. Nebraska can and should act quickly to stabilize families and ensure that children have basic access to shelter, food, and other necessities. The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help lower income families with children achieve self-sufficiency and should be activated immediately to respond to growing economic insecurity in Nebraska. The state has saved nearly $79.8 million in federal TANF funds for a rainy day—but has yet to use it in the COVID-19 crisis to help Nebraska children living in poverty. Nebraska should use these funds immediately to help families with children affected by the public health emergency, and to protect children from the harmful effects of poverty in the long-term. Nebraska’s TANF program provides basic assistance to children in low-income families States receive annual block grants and have broad flexibility in using TANF funds for assistance and programs. Nebraska uses TANF funds to provide direct cash assistance to children living in poverty through the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program. Nearly 80% of ADC recipients in Nebraska are children, and only families with very low incomes can receive assistance—a family of 3 can earn no more than $12,228 annually to be eligible for assistance. [i] Work requirements apply to most adults receiving ADC, with some exemptions for those unable to work and for relative caregivers. During economic downturns, ADC fails to keep up with child poverty Very few Nebraska families who fall on hard times and need short-term assistance are eligible for ADC due to low income eligibility requirements. The results of flawed policy in public assistance programs are laid bare during economic downturns, and children and families in crisis pay the price. During the Great Recession, ADC enrollment in Nebraska increased by 6% in 2010. The rise in poverty among Nebraska kids, however, was four times greater, increasing by 24%. By contrast, enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has higher income eligibility standards, increased by 18%.[iii] While it is still too early to estimate the impact that COVID-19 will have on child poverty, the number of families enrolled in ADC has already increased by 19% from February to May of 2020.[iv] In addition to using TANF flexibly to address the current crisis, Nebraska leaders should consider permanent changes to the ADC program to ensure that state systems are better positioned to help families during hard times. Nebraska leaves $79.8 million in federal funds for lower income children unspent Nationally, TANF spending on direct assistance to families has declined over the years. In Nebraska, direct assistance to families only accounted for 25% of all TANF spending in 2018, compared to 66% in 1997.[v] In 2014, then-State Auditor Mike Foley noted a “significant deficiency” in the use of the TANF Cash Reserve Fund in its regular audit of the Department of Health and Human [...]

When it comes to addressing with a large-scale public health crisis like the coronavirus, we are only as safe as our Nebraska neighbors who are most at risk. Now, more than ever, we must work together to demand the policies that we know will protect Nebraska children and families. The outbreak shows just how important it is to ensure that every family has access to affordable medical care, paid sick leave, and robust emergency savings. We know that the coronavirus and our community's response to the outbreak will fall the hardest on the children and families that we have advocated for over the last three decades. That's why we're committed to working on policy changes that will bring about the systemic changes that we need to support Nebraska kids. The crisis is a fast-changing situation, and we'll do our best to update this page with new resources and ways to get involved. Last updated: June 22, 2020 Federal Updates Congress has already worked quickly to advance three federal relief packages and continues to work on the next step. Two of the three packages have a significant impact on children and families. Families First Coronavirus Response Act The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on March 18 to address the growing emergency. The package provides emergency funding and creates new benefits intended to protect public health, including: Additional appropriations for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); Flexibility to states in administering their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including an option to provide emergency SNAP benefits to households who are missing out on free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures; Emergency paid sick time for workers under quarantine, workers experiencing symptoms, workers caring for a child in place of a school or child care closure, and workers caring for a family member under quarantine; An expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to include public health emergency leave with limited paid provisions after 10 days of leave; and Emergency Unemployment Insurance funding and limited expansion of eligibility. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Just a week later, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), was signed into the law. The package provides a significant funding boost for states, individuals, and small businesses, including: Emergency funding to states to boost child nutrition and child care programs; A one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child phasing out for those with household incomes of $75,000 (or $150,000 for married couples); Three new federally-funded unemployment insurance programs for workers affected by the pandemic; Limited protections on evictions and foreclosures for properties that are funded in part by federal funds; and Loan programs for businesses and nonprofits. We applaud the quick response out of Congress in recent weeks, but there is still plenty of work to do. Together, the packages still leave many workers behind in accessing paid family and sick leave, while also excluding immigrants from a number of the individual benefits provided in the CARES Act. If one thing is clear from this emergency, it's that the [...]

The following is a list of Voices for Children’s priority legislation for the 106th Legislature. To contact your state senator, click here. Child Welfare LB 199: Appropriate funds to the Supreme Court for court-appointed special advocate state aid Introducer: Senator Wishart Status: Referred to Appropriations Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT LB 219: Change requirements for foster care transition proposals and provide immunity from liability for caregivers Introducer: Senator Wishart Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 219 LB 326: Appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Human Services Introducer: Senator Quick Status: Referred to Appropriations Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 326 Fact Sheet Attached to LB 326 Testimony LB 328: Adopt the Nebraska Family First Act, provide for non-court involved response to reports of child abuse or neglect, and provide for a family finding project Introducer: Senator Bolz Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 328 LB 332: Change eligibility requirements and other provisions of the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Act Introducer: Senator Bolz Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 332 LB 388: Change provisions relating to termination of parental rights, placement of children, and guardianship Introducer: Senator Howard Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 388 LB 389: Change provisions relating to termination of parental rights Introducer: Senator Howard Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 389 LB 426: Provide for adoption by two adults Introducer: Senator DeBoer Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 426 LB 436: Create the Complete Count Commission and provide duties regarding the census Introducer: Senator M. Hansen Status: Referred to Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 436 LB 458: Change provisions relating to child abuse or neglect Introducer: Senator Lathrop Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 458 LB 478: Prohibit use of consent by a minor as a defense or mitigation of damages or liability in certain civil actions arising from sexual assaults. Introducer: Senator Vargas Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 478 LB 516: Change provisions relating to child abuse, the Child Protection and Family Safety Act, human trafficking, and child welfare services Introducer: Pansing Brooks Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 516 Juvenile Justice LB 132: Change penalties for certain felonies committed by persons under nineteen years of age Introducer: Senator Pansing […]

Children bring us together. Regardless of political affiliation, we all have high aspirations for future generations. Every one of us hopes that our children will grow into productive adults equipped to lead the nation. Whether we live in a liberal or conservative leaning district, we all want the best for our children. Children's issues often receive little discussion within campaigns and elections– by voters, candidates, or the media. This is not because candidates and the public do not care about the issues. They do. But campaigns often highlight issues that are more high profile than the needs of our kids. The result is that the pressing needs of Nebraska’s children are not often the subject of the type of political discourse required to reach consensus and make meaningful changes. The Vote Kids Nebraska project was developed to elevate the conversation on children's issues and help candidates and voters think about the impact that their choices will have on our youngest citizens. Here you will find survey results from our Nebraska legislative and gubernatorial candidates. These surveys aim to allow voters to learn more about politicians, their priorities, and the policy decisions they might make on behalf our kids. The published responses contained in this guide are the complete, unedited responses received from all gubernatorial and legislative candidates. All candidates received an electronic and printed questionnaire. Candidates that did not respond are listed below as “Declined to Participate.” Voices for Children in Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization. We do not endorse or oppose candidates. We understand that candidates should be judged on a variety of qualifications beyond the questions in this guide but use this questionnaire to educate the public about candidates’ positions regarding children’s issues. Download a PDF version of Vote Kids Nebraska 2018 Sections 1. Gubernatorial Candidate Responses 2. Find Your State Legislative District 3. Legislative Candidate Responses 4. YES on Ballot Initiative 427 5. Join Us and #VoteKidsNE Governor Gubernatorial Candidates Bob Krist What are your top three priorities for your career as Governor (not limited to children’s issues)?1. As Governor, I intend to make property tax reform a top priority, and the best way to provide real property tax reform is to properly fund public education at the state level. 2. I want to make sure health care is a priority. I support Initiative 427 for Medicaid Expansion and will work to implement it as Governor. I will restore funding for developmental disabilities from the cuts implemented by this Governor. And I will not join in any lawsuit that seeks to remove protections for preexisting conditions. 3. Our corrections system is in crisis. It is dangerously overcrowded, and corrections employees are overworked, underpaid, and facing record turnover. There have been more incidents of violence, deaths, and riotous activities in the past four years than in the last thirty years. I will declare an emergency and work swiftly to address this problem. Quality and affordable child care keeps children safe so parents can work. The child care subsidy program helps low-income working families afford the high cost of child care, which was $9,157 per year for center-based care for [...]

Our state senators make a lot of choices over the course of the legislative session, and the 105th Legislative Session (2017-2018) was no exception. During the two year session, 15 of Voices for Children’s priority bills made it to a final vote before the full body. We present our third Pro-Kid Legislative Scorecard‒ a complete accounting of how senators voted when it came to pro-kid policies during the 105th Nebraska Legislature. Scorecard Methodology The votes included in the Scorecard are the final votes on each bill. All votes consistent with Voices for Children’s position on the bill earn one point. We equate “Present – Not Voting” (PNV) votes with a “No” vote. For example, both a “No” and “PNV” vote on a bill we opposed, such as creating a new felony offense of firearm possession for juveniles, earns one point, while a “Yes” vote earns zero points. Similarly, a “Yes” vote on a bill we supported, such as lowering the gross income limit for food stamps, earns one point, while a “No” and “PNV” vote earns zero points. We do not count votes that were “Excused – Not Voting” (ENV), so senators have different possible totals based on which votes they were present for. Senators Joni Craighead and Theresa Thibodeau each only served one year of the biennium and thus have the fewest possible votes; Senator Thibodeau was appointed to represent District 6 when Senator Craighead resigned in 2017. Results No senator’s tenure is the sum of just a few votes, but we believe it is important to show the public where our elected officials stand on a broad range of issues that matter for kids and families. To that end, the bills we selected multiple issue areas that Voices for Children works in: child welfare, economic stability, health, and juvenile justice. Pro-Kid Votes LB 8 (Krist): The bill changes provisions relating to juvenile probation to allow for probation officers to respond to a violation of the terms and conditions of a juvenile’s probation with graduated response sanctions and incentives. The bill also emphasizes that youth should not be incarcerated for technical violations of probation. Voices for Children supported LB 8. Bill passed, 45-0-0 (March 23, 2017). LB 158 (Pansing Brooks): The bill would have required that all juveniles charged in juvenile court are appointed counsel and informed of their right to continued counsel by expanding existing statute that are currently applicable to counties with 150,000 or more inhabitants. The bill would allow juveniles to rescind any waiver of counsel at any time, and require that the Nebraska Supreme Court periodically review and maintain guidelines for2018ProKidScorecard attorneys representing juveniles or serving as guardians ad litem. Voices for Children supported LB 158. A motion to invoke cloture on a motion to reconsider a motion to bracket the bill until April 18, 2018, failed, 31-8-4 (March 14, 2018). LB 194 (Vargas): As introduced, the bill would have reformed payday lending in the state to ensure that the loans are more affordable and fair to consumers by capping charges, interest, and fees, and spreading the costs more evenly over a longer period of […]

The following is a list of Voices for Children’s priority legislation for the 105th legislature. To view the 2018 Sine Die Legislative Update, click here. To contact your state senator, click here. Child Welfare LB 714: Provide a procedure for judicial emancipation of a minor Introducer: Senator Howard Status: Bill passed, 45-1-2 (April 11, 2018) Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 714 LB 863: Add grounds for termination of parental rights Introducer: Senator Howard Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: NEUTRAL Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 863 LB 1041: Require specific training for foster care licensees on sexual abuse Introducer: Senator Wishart Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s letter of support for LB 1041 LB 1046: Provide for a caseload ratio emergency declaration relating to health and human services Introducer: Senator Bolz Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 1046 LB 1078: Require reporting of sexual abuse allegations as prescribed Introducer: Senator Crawford Status: Bill passed, 49-0-0 (March 29, 2018) Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 1078 LR 288: Create the Child Welfare Death and Abuse Special Oversight Committee of the Legislature Introducer: Senator Bolz Status: Referred to Executive Board Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LR 288 Juvenile Justice LB 673: Change procedures for certain hearings for juveniles Introducer: Senator Krist Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT LB 689: Exclude juveniles from the Sex Offender Registration Act Introducer: Senator Blood Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 689 LB 774: Change peace officers’ duties regarding encounters with certain juveniles Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 774 LB 781: Change penalties for certain felonies committed by persons under nineteen years of age Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 781 LB 869: Change provisions relating to the sealing of juvenile records Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 869 LB 870: Provide for room confinement for juveniles as prescribed Introducer: Senator Pansing Brooks Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 870 LB 875: Change sentencing provisions for the crimes committed by persons under the age of eighteen Introducer: Senator Bolz Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 875 LB 927: Change provisions relating to juveniles’ out-of-home placement, care, and custody Introducer: Senator Howard Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: NEUTRAL Click here for Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 927 LB 930: Prohibit use […]

As we gather to give thanks for the blessings in our lives and the food on our tables, let us all take the time to appreciate the programs that help feed and strengthen our communities for struggling families. Here in our nation’s breadbasket, 1 in 7 Nebraska families struggles to put food on their tables. With the help of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 176,000 Nebraskans, including 87,000 children, were able to keep food on their table last year. Recognized as one of the most effective anti-hunger programs in the country, SNAP lifts 16,000 Nebraska children out of poverty annually. Not only does SNAP fight against hunger and help to reduce poverty for Nebraska families, the program also benefits Nebraska’s economy. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates an additional $1.73 for local businesses and communities. While SNAP has had a great history of helping our community flourish, there are opportunities to strengthen the program’s ability to improve the quality of life for all of Nebraska’s vulnerable children and hardworking families. In Nebraska, it is not uncommon for a slight increase in income to sacrifice a family’s eligibility for SNAP. This past year, LB 358 was introduced by Senator McCollister to address the “cliff effect,” which traps too many Nebraska families into having to choose between feeding their children or accepting a small promotion or raise. If passed, LB 358 would have offered a common-sense solution strengthen Nebraska’s workforce by easing the cliff effect. At the federal level, the latest tax reform efforts compromise the future of the SNAP program and its critical role in the health of families and communities. The proposal is estimated to increase the national deficit by $1.5 trillion, which is certain to force unprecedented cuts to SNAP. This Thanksgiving, we’re proud to stand with 11 other Nebraska organizations to urge our elected officials to strengthen food security programs and to not support legislation that allows for drastic cuts to food assistance. Will you join us by calling your elected officials to take a stand against child hunger today? Sen. Fischer: (202) 224-6551 Sen. Sasse: (202) 224-4224 Rep. Fortenberry (District 1): (202) 225-4806 Rep. Bacon (District 2): (202) 225-4155 Rep. Smith (District 3): (202) 225-6435 Find your state senator.

The following is a list of Voices for Children's priority legislation for the 105th legislature. To view the 2017 Sine Die Legislative Update click here. To contact your state senator click here. Child Welfare LB 107: Prohibit sexual assault of a patient, client, or student as prescribed Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: Referred to Judiciary Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 107 Letter of Support. LB 108: Require guidelines to ensure safety of minor or dependent whose parent or guardian is arrested Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 108 Testimony. LB 180: Provide for bridge orders transferring juvenile court jurisdiction of a juvenile to a district court Introducer: Senator Kate Bolz Status: Signed by Governor on April 27, 2017 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 180 Letter of Support. LB 189: Appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for recruitment and retention of caseworkers Introducer: Senator Sara Howard Status: Referred to Appropriations Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 189 Testimony. LB 225: Change provisions relating to alternative response to a report of child abuse or neglect and provide duties for the Department of Health and Human Services Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: Signed by Governor on April 27, 2017 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 225 Testimony. LB 226: Provide for purchase of motor vehicles and insurance by certain juveniles, change foster care transition proposal provisions, and provide immunity from liability for caregivers Introducer: Senator Anna Wishart Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's Letter of Support. LB 334: Change Department of Health and Human Services provisions relating to families Introducer: Senator Merv Riepe Status: Indefinitely Postponed Voices for Children Position: OPPOSE Click here for Voices for Children's LB 334 Testimony. LB 411: Change provisions relating to placement of siblings Introducer: Senator Kate Bolz Status: General File Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here to read our LB 411 Letter of Support. LB 417: Change and eliminate provisions relating to public health and welfare Introducer: Senator Merv Riepe Status: Signed by Governor on April 27, 2017 Voices for Children Position: OPPOSE Click here for Voices for Children's LB 417 Testimony. LB 428: Require schools and the State Department of Education to Adopt policies relating to pregnant and parenting students Introducer: Senator Tony Vargas Status: Provisions of LB 428 were amended into LB 427 and Signed by Governor on May 8, 2017 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 428 Testimony. LB 456: Provide for supportive services for disabled parents in family and dependency matters Introducer: Senator Tom Briese Status: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 456 Letter of Support. LB 589: Provide for depositions of a child victim or child witness Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: General File Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children's LB 589 Letter of Support. Agency 25, DHHS Division of Children and Family Services Appropriations for FY 2017-19 Click here for Voices for Children's Testimony. Child Welfare [...]

The following is a list of Voices for Children priority legislation for the 104th Legislature. To view the 2015 Sine Die Legislative Update, click here. To contact your state senator, click here Child Welfare LB 15: Provide additional powers and duties for guardians ad litem Introducer: Senator Bob Krist Status: Signed by Governor Ricketts, April 29, 2015 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click Here for Voices for Children’s LB 15 Testimony LB 148: Provide for medical assistance program coverage for certain youth formerly in foster care Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: Hearing, January 30 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT LB 219: Change and eliminate child custody provisions and adopt the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act Introducer: Senator Sue Crawford Status: Signed by Governor, February 26 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click Here for Voices for Children Testimony on LB 219 LB 229: Appropriate funds to CASA Introducer: Senator Dave Watermeier Status: Hearing, March 10 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT LB 243: Create a pilot project relating to family finding services Introducer: Senator Kate Bolz Status: Passed on Final Reading, Bolz Priority bill Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Testimony on LB 243 LB 296: Require the Department of Health and Human Services to provide notification after removal of a child Introducer: Senator  Mark Kolterman Status: Presented to Governor Ricketts, May 20, 2015 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Testimony on LB 296 LB302: Create the offense of rehoming a child Introducer: Senator Kathy Campbell Status: Hearing, February 27 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Letter of Support for LB 302 LB 441: Change provisions relating to the Bridge to Independence program Introducer: Senator Kate Bolz Status: General File Voices for Children Position:  SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Testimony on LB 441 LB 485: State intent relating to appropriations for child advocacy center satellite offices Introducer: Senator John Stinner Status: Hearing, March 17 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices or Children’s Written Testimony on LB 485 LB 623: Provide for issuance of motor vehicle operators’ licenses and state ID cards to persons with lawful status Introducer: Senator Jeremy Norquist Status: Governor Ricketts’ veto overridden 34-10-5 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Testimony on LB623 LB 647: Prohibit discrimination relating to child placement Introducer: Senator Jeremy Nordquist Status: Hearing, February 4 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Written Testimony on LB 647 LB 648: Provide for adoption by two adult persons Introducer: Senator Sara Howard Status: Hearing, February 4 Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Written Testimony on LB 648 Economic Stability LB 81: Change provisions relating to eligibility for child care assistance Introducer: Senator Tanya Cook Status: Passed on Final Reading 47-0-2, Senator Cook Priority Bill Voices for Children Position: SUPPORT Click here for Voices for Children’s Testimony on LB 81 LB 89: Change provisions relating to Aid to Dependent Children Introducer: Vetoed by Governor Ricketts, April 29, 2015 Status: Select File, Senator Campbell [...]