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
DOL final Overtime Rule could affect child care providers
Editor’s note: Several child care providers and programs have reached out to First Five Nebraska about the upcoming changes to the U.S. Department of Labor’s wage and hour regulations. Because many employees in the child care industry work long hours to meet the needs...
Mejorar el acceso, asequibilidad y estabilidad del cuidado infantil del Fondo de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CCDF)
Recursos Resumen tematico de FFN: Mejorar el acceso, la asequibilidad y las estabilidad del cuidado infantil en el Fondo de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CCDF) [PDF descarga] Diapositivas de la llamada Zoom de FFN sobre el borrador del plan estatal del CCDF [PDF...
Improving Child Care Access, Affordability and Stability in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
Resources FFN Issue Brief: Improving Child Care Access, Affordability and Stability in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) [PDF Download] Presentation Slides: FFN Webinar on the Proposed CCDF State Plan [PDF Download] FFN Webinar Video: 2024 Child Care and...
New cost estimation tool examines cost of providing quality child care
The Nebraska Child Care Cost Model, a new tool developed in collaboration with First Five Nebraska and Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies (P5FS), examines how the expense of delivering high-quality child care services relates to the actual revenue earned by providers....
State senators set to begin work on early childhood interim studies
First Five Nebraska is looking forward to working on interim studies with state senators over the next several months. Senators and legislative committees may introduce resolutions to take a closer look at topics of interest after the Legislature adjourns for the...
Nebraska Legislature adjourns with significant gains for early childhood
The Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, April 18, ending this year’s 60-day session. First Five Nebraska was fortunate to work with state senators and Governor Pillen to introduce and pass several pieces of early childhood legislation that will...
![Elizabeth Lopez Everett](https://firstfivenebraska.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FFN-Everett-2.jpg)
Elizabeth Lopez Everett
Deputy Director, Public Policy Manager
The Latest on the Blog
DOL final Overtime Rule could affect child care providers
Editor’s note: Several child care providers and programs have reached out to First Five Nebraska about the upcoming changes to the U.S. Department of Labor’s wage and hour regulations. Because many employees in the child care industry work long hours to meet the...
Mejorar el acceso, asequibilidad y estabilidad del cuidado infantil del Fondo de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CCDF)
Recursos Resumen tematico de FFN: Mejorar el acceso, la asequibilidad y las estabilidad del cuidado infantil en el Fondo de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CCDF) [PDF descarga] Diapositivas de la llamada Zoom de FFN sobre el borrador del plan estatal del CCDF [PDF...