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...
Category: Blog
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...
State senators begin work on bills impacting children and families
The 109th legislative session is in full swing! State senators have introduced nearly 730 bills and constitutional amendments. Although the Governor has the authority to introduce legislation at any point during a session, with the hundreds of pieces of legislation...
First Five Nebraska statement on announced federal funding freeze
Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s federal funding freeze First Five Nebraska, a statewide public policy organization committed to the early care, education and healthy development of young children, is encouraged by the temporary block on the broad-based...
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...
Supporting Nebraska’s workforce: How employers can help parents access the Child Care Tax Credit
Nebraska's workforce is among the most reliable and industrious in the nation. It's not just the engine that drives our economy, it represents the core values we pass to the next generation of Nebraskans: show up, work hard, provide for your family and grow your...
Gaps in Nebraska health data a major challenge to improving maternal and infant outcomes
Dr. Bob Rauner testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee this fall on LR433, an interim study introduced by State Senator Jen Day (District 49) to examine the availability and access to data regarding maternal health and infant...
Breaking down advocacy, activism, lobbying and educating: Distinct roles in driving change
We often hear terms like advocacy, activism, lobbying and educating. While they are interconnected, each plays a unique role in the larger movement for change. Let’s explore what sets them apart and how they contribute to progress.
Join us for a Tax Credit Campaign update on December 10
Campaign Update Tuesday, December 10 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. CST Traducción al español disponible debajo de la versión en inglés. Join us on for a special Zoom update on the public awareness campaigns to promote Nebraska's Child Care Tax Credit and School Readiness Tax...
Everyday advocacy: How small moments can yield big results for kids and families in your community
Earlier this month, Cohort 6 of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) held the second meeting of its 2024-25 program in North Platte. This day-long workshop focused on strategies to build political momentum at the local level for early childhood...
Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil: Obtenga ayuda gratuita para encontrar la cobertura de salud que necesita
El sistema de cuidado infantil en Nebraska, aunque crucial, enfrenta desafíos significativos para atraer y retener una fuerza laboral calificada. Una de las principales barreras es la falta de una cobertura de salud adecuada. Esto no solo afecta a los profesionales...
Child care providers: Get free help in finding the health care coverage you need
Nebraska’s child care system, though crucial, faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. One of the principal barriers is the lack of adequate health care coverage. This not only affects professionals in the field, but the families...