Federal Policy
Government Shutdown Ends
On November 12, the longest federal shutdown in history came to an end with Congress approving a spending package to keep the government operational through January 30, 2026. This disruption clearly showed how vulnerable programs essential to the well-being of children and families are to lapses in federal funding. In the weeks ahead, it will be crucial to continue encouraging lawmakers to work together in prioritizing sustained investments in early care and education and nutritional supports to minimize risks to families and service providers as we move forward.
Support Head Start
The federal government shutdown took a heavy toll on families—putting tens of thousands of children at risk of losing access to Head Start and the care that helps them learn, grow and thrive. That also left parents facing the prospect of losing the supports they they depend on to be able to work and provide for their families. Political gridlock should never make it impossible for Head Start to serve our youngest learners and their working parents.
Support SNAP & WIC
The longest government shutdown in history put food assistance programs under unacceptable pressure with the potential to affect more than 150,000 Nebraskans who rely upon SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children). While SNAP benefits are expected to resume shortly, it is the ongoing responsibility of federal lawmakers to ensure that food security programs remain unaffected by political stalemate in the future.
Elizabeth Lopez Everett
Deputy Director, Public Policy Manager