Blog
Becky Veak retires from FFN
Editor’s Note: Becky Veak retired at the end of August after a career advancing public policy that ranged from the Nebraska Legislature to Capitol Hill and state government to becoming the founding director of First Five Nebraska. We offer her our heartfelt thank you...
Welcome to FFN Jodi-Renee Giron
We'd like to introduce Jodi-Renee Giron who has joined our staff as Grassroots and Outreach Advisor. Jodi-Renee’s primary task will be leading the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy beginning with Class 3, which kicks off mid-September. Jodi-Renee...
FFN, Children’s Funding Project report highlights EC financing
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the fragility of Nebraska’s early childhood system. Generating adequate funding to support programs is challenging but essential to keeping Nebraskans working and businesses thriving. While federal emergency funds have...
Expanded child tax credit aimed at cutting child poverty
The child tax credit was enacted more than 20 years ago to help parents with the everyday expenses of raising children. The 2021 American Rescue Plan expands the credit amount for one year, from $2,000 per child to $3,600 for younger children and $3,000 for older...
Early Childhood and Coronavirus State & Local Recovery Funds
Nebraska will receive about $1 billion in State and Local Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Here’s where early childhood can fit into the picture.
FFN to work with state senators on 5 interim studies
FFN is partnering with several state senators on legislative interim studies focused on early childhood, including the School Readiness Tax Credit, maternal depression and maternal and infant health, home-visiting programs and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
School Readiness Tax Credit application window reopens for 2021 tax year
Note: The School Readiness Tax Credit program ended with the 2021 tax year. First Five Nebraska is exploring legislation to reinstate the tax credits to provide these important financial supports for child care providers. Our Step-by-Step Guides can help you plan your...
Child care professionals: We need your input on the School Readiness Tax Credit
Note: The School Readiness Tax Credit program ended with the 2021 tax year. First Five Nebraska is exploring legislation to reinstate the tax credits to provide these important financial supports for child care providers. Last year, First Five Nebraska worked in close...
2021 Nebraska Legislature: Early childhood policy highlights
The first session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die May 27. During the scheduled 90-day session, state senators debated and passed critical pieces of legislation, including a biennium budget, a Social Security tax cut and a bill to temporarily...
How involved fathers improve kids’ well-being
An abundance of research shows the many ways children benefit from involved fathers, especially during their earliest developmental years. Kids who grow up with engaged dads have stronger cognitive, motor and verbal skills, increased confidence and attachment, enter...
LB485 signed into law; expands eligibility for child care subsidy
More Nebraska families with young children will benefit from the state’s Child Care Subsidy program as a result of LB485, which Governor Pete Ricketts signed into law yesterday. Introduced by State Senator Wendy DeBoer, LB485 loosens the state’s household income...
Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy Class 3 to launch in September
First Five Nebraska is pleased to announce the launch of Class 3 of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) this September. The PLA is a non-partisan initiative designed to help citizen-leaders develop their skills to advocate for public policies that...