Blog
Our Work Gives Children a Stronger Start — Here’s How You Can Help
Children's earliest years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, health and success—but that foundation is only as strong as the communities, systems and policies built to support it. Earlier this year, First Five Nebraska (FFN) joined with Communities for...
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...
Make Your Voice Heard: Hearing Set on Kindergarten Age, Pre-K Suspension Policies
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) will hold a hearing on draft revisions for Rule 11 on April 27 at 9 a.m. CT. Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 11, known as Rule 11, applies to prekindergarten programs established by public schools for children...
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...
State Senators Advance LB304 to Second Round of Debate
Thank you to state lawmakers for advancing LB304 to the second of three rounds of debate! We also thank State Senator Wendy DeBoer for her leadership and commitment to keeping child care assistance within reach of Nebraska families and we thank our partners and...
Policy Leadership Academy Class Celebrates Graduation, Shared Commitment to Community Change
On Wednesday, March 11, the seventh cohort of the Policy Leadership Academy presented their capstone projects and celebrated their accomplishments with a graduation banquet. This year’s class was a lesson in the power of representation, intentionality and pursuit of a...
Celebrate National CACFP Week With Us!
It's National CACFP Week, a celebration sponsored by the National CACFP Association to raise awareness around the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The program goal is to combat hunger and promote a healthy diet and...
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...
Comment Submitted in Opposition to Proposed Federal CCDF Rule Changes
In early January, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services requested comments on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at amending the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations, the primary...
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...