Policymakers
— Former State Senator John Stinner, Nebraska Legislative District 48
Making the best use of our public resources
Every year, Nebraska’s policymakers are asked to address the most urgent issues facing our state with limited resources. That includes the needs of corrections and law enforcement, public education, health care, social services and other systems that promote the safety and quality of life Nebraska offers its citizens. Investing in young children is a proven way to make the most efficient and accountable use of public dollars by preparing them to succeed in school and become healthy, productive members of society.
Policymakers lead the way
Nebraska’s elected and appointed officials have been crucial in making our state a national model for far-sighted, fiscally responsible public policies in support of early childhood care and education. But there is more work to be done at the legislative, administrative and local levels of government. Your leadership in these conversations is key to helping us align public systems, coordinate resources and strengthen the accountability of publicly supported programs and initiatives serving young children and their families.
- Improved school readiness and academic achievement—offsetting the costs of special education and school dropout
- Positive social behaviors and emotional self-regulation—reducing public expenses associated with crime and incarceration later in life
- Stronger social-economic mobility—breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and increasing the self-sufficiency of our citizens
Featured Publications
Nebraska’s refundable child care tax credit reaches $15 million cap within seven weeks
The full $15 million reserved by the State of Nebraska for the refundable Child Care Tax Credit has been reserved within just seven weeks of the application period opening in January. Parents and legal guardians of young children have requested more than $19.3 million...
Policy Leadership Academy Class 6 advocates for maternal health and child care at the Nebraska Capitol
Members of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) Class 6 spent the day at the Nebraska Capitol February 5th engaging with their State Senators. Their focus? Advocating for key bills and policies that impact maternal health and child care—two...
Spotlight on national trends: Impact of Income Eligibility Expansion of the Child Care Subsidy Program in Nebraska
This is the third blogpost in our series highlighting key findings from the Child Care Subsidy Expansion Impact Study. First Five Nebraska led this study in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other researchers and child...
Spotlight on program enrollment: Impact of Income Eligibility Expansion of the Child Care Subsidy Program in Nebraska
This is the second blogpost in our series highlighting key findings from the Child Care Subsidy Expansion Impact Study. First Five Nebraska led this study in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other researchers and...
State Senators convene their 2025 legislative session
Today marks the first day of the 109th Nebraska Legislature, First Session. This session will be 90 days and the Second Session next year will be 60 days. This morning new state senators were sworn in, committee chairs and the Speaker were elected by secret ballot and...
Impacto de la Expansión de Subsidios para Guarderías en Nebraska
La investigación es clave para los legisladores para entender los problemas complejos que enfrentan los niños y las familias de Nebraska. Un tema complejo en las políticas públicas para el cuidado infantil es el programa de Subsidio para Guarderías. En First Five...
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Elizabeth Lopez Everett
Deputy Director, Public Policy Manager
The Latest on the Blog
Nebraska’s refundable child care tax credit reaches $15 million cap within seven weeks
The full $15 million reserved by the State of Nebraska for the refundable Child Care Tax Credit has been reserved within just seven weeks of the application period opening in January. Parents and legal guardians of young children have requested more than $19.3...
Policy Leadership Academy Class 6 advocates for maternal health and child care at the Nebraska Capitol
Members of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) Class 6 spent the day at the Nebraska Capitol February 5th engaging with their State Senators. Their focus? Advocating for key bills and policies that impact maternal health and child care—two...