For the past nine years, First Five Nebraska has been investing in advocates—people with conviction and a readiness to take the next step in their advocacy journey and move from personal passion to public policy. The magic of policy advocacy and community organizing...
Category: Maternal & Child Health
Governor Signs LB304 into Law; Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The second session of the 109th Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die April 17, wrapping up a busy 60-day, second session in the biennium. State senators introduced 547 bills this year, adding to the 715 from last year's 90-day session, for a combined 1,262 pieces...
Interim Studies Lay Groundwork for Policy Change
As the Nebraska Legislature wraps up its 2026 regular session, our work continues with the crucial role of ongoing advancements in early childhood policies. One of the ways this happens is through interim studies, which allow senators and stakeholders to gather...
Child Care Assistance Legislation Advances to the Floor
Last week brought significant positive developments for LB304. First Five Nebraska thanks members of the Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee for advancing LB304 to the floor, and the Appropriations Committee for providing funding and folding the language into...
Legislature Enters Full-Day Debate as Budget Shortfall Deepens
The Nebraska Legislature has completed day 35 of its 60-day session and has concluded its public hearings on all 545 bills introduced this session. With all priority bills set, we have a clearer picture of what will be occupying time on the legislative floor for the...
Legislature Nears Midpoint as Budget Debate Intensifies
With Day 26 of Nebraska’s legislative session behind us, we are moving closer to the halfway point of this 60-day session. This week will further clarify the remaining floor agenda, with deadlines taking place for selection of senator and committee priority bills and...
Bill Introductions Wrap Up as Lawmakers Shift Focus to Hearings, Budget Talks
Bill introductions have concluded in the Nebraska Legislature with 545 new bills and Constitutional amendments introduced. Legislative hearings are underway, and over the upcoming weeks, every new bill introduced will receive a hearing prior to the beginning...
State Senators Convene the 2026 Nebraska Legislature
State lawmakers opened their 2026 session January 7 for the short, 60-day, final session of the 109th Nebraska Legislature. It also is the final session for 10 term-limited senators and two who have indicated they will not run for re-election. Senator Fred Meyer will...
Welcome Class 7 of Nebraska’s Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy
Where passion meets purpose, and voices become movements It’s the same energy that has always driven change in our great state—the unwavering belief that one voice, joined with another, and another, can reshape the landscape of possibility for Nebraska’s expecting...
Myths and facts about Medicaid cuts
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act poses a significant threat to Medicaid coverage for thousands of Nebraskans. Learn to determine what’s fact and what’s fiction in claims that the bill will clean up fraud and abuse in Medicaid.
Applications open soon: Join the Policy Leadership Academy and become a catalyst for change
Are you passionate about shaping public policy and creating lasting change in your community? The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA), a premier leadership development program, is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-26 cohort will...
Legislative update on early childhood, maternal and child health bills
This blog post is being updated as bills move through the legislative process. We are now more than halfway through the legislative session. Hearings have concluded, and full-day floor debate has begun. Speaker Arch, state senators and committees have identified their...











