We testified in support of LB1135, which would adopt the Alternate Teacher Certification Act, to offset shortages of early childhood professionals in Nebraska. We think LB1135 offers appropriate, yet flexible, solutions, and urge sentors to advance the bill.
We support removing the sunset provision in the School Readiness Tax Credit Act in LB1108, as well as increasing the tax credit rates for one main reason: the tax credits are specifically tied to levels of quality that close the achievement gap. The single most important factor in early childhood programs that successfully close that gap is the quality of the staff in those programs—and that’s exactly what the increased rates in the School Readiness Tax Credits Act will purchase.
Senators introduced 470 new bills and eight Constitutional amendments this legislative session. Of these, we've identified bills with potential to affect early childhood across 10 categories, and a more narrow list that we've designated as Legislation to Watch. We update bill status on our Nebraska Legislation website page, and produce a printable report daily during the session.
Today First Five Nebraska offered testimony to the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee in support of two new bills linking early childhood to economic development strategy on the community level.
Senators open the short, 60-day session of the 105th Nebraska Legislature facing a $200 million budget shortfall.
Nebraska senators passed legislation (LB889) in 2016 giving tax credits to child care programs and their early childhood staff members beginning with tax year 2017.
DHHS is required to oversee a child care Market Rate Survey every two years to set child care provider subsidy rates within the context of market conditions. The purpose is to ensure children receiving assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program have access to the pool of providers equal to the access of provider-paying families.
The first session of Nebraska's 105th Legislature adjourned Sine Die on May 23, Senators tackled many important issues and introduced nearly 700 bills, but the session was dominated by efforts to achieve a balanced budget despite significant revenue shortfalls. See our report on bills we identified as high-priority during this legislative session.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) was reauthorized by a strong bipartisan vote in 2014. Staff at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services have worked tirelessly since the reauthorization to implement new policies. Here's an update on changes that have gone into effect and others that are being considered.
Children who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade face a daunting roadblock to their future education and professional success. Deficits in reading skills start much earlier than third grade. By getting ahead of the problem before children even start school, we can greatly mitigate the costs of assessment and intervention later in the K-12 system.