Nebraskans deserve the best from their elected officials. They expect us to listen, to deliberate with respect, to work together. Sometimes we fall short, but more than once this session, we got it right.
On January 8, I stood united with many of my colleagues in the Nebraska Legislature: 8 Republicans, 11 Democrats. One statewide issue: child care.
Agreed on Importance of Child Care Assistance
There is no denying our legislative districts look different. We are urban and rural. We have varying ranges of wealth and poverty. Our constituents are seniors and those not yet old enough to vote. Yet, in every district across the state, families, businesses and local community leaders agreed on the importance of child care assistance and urged us to maintain the economic infrastructure it provides.
LB304 made permanent the current income eligibility requirements for child care assistance. I consider it my legacy bill. With its implementation, we ensure working families can afford quality child care, stay in the workforce and strengthen Nebraska’s economy.
When the bill was up for Final Reading, we were united again: 27 Republicans and 16 Democrats voted in support, sending the bill to Governor Pillen who signed it into law.
Success Built Intentionally Over Time
Our success on the child care front this year did not come solely from the 109th Legislature. It was built intentionally from the efforts of previous Legislatures. When I first joined the Body, we deliberated and overwhelmingly passed LB460 (2019), which made child care assistance more accessible for families transitioning off 
of public assistance and into greater self-sufficiency. I introduced LB485 (2021) which temporarily changed our child care program to assist more working families across the state. In 2023, portions of my LB35 were amended into LB227, which extended those temporary changes. Meanwhile, the impact of LB485 was measured and results published in 2024, informing the introduction of LB304 in 2025. Its passage this year is a culmination of eight years of work.
On behalf of children and families all across the state—and with true appreciation for providers who serve them every day—it was an honor to carry this bill and see it across the finish line. Thank you for standing with me on this important bipartisan issue.
State Senator Wendy DeBoer
Nebraska Legislative District 10
Read more about passage of LB304 and this year’s legislative session
