Policymakers

“Some of the biggest public policy challenges we face in the Legislature are rooted in the years before children reach kindergarten. It’s in our own best interest to give children as strong a start as possible so we can reduce what we need to spend to address social, educational and economic problems later on when they’re a heavier burden on Nebraskans.”

— 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.

Benefits of quality early learning

Studies show high-quality early childhood programs prevent or reduce costly societal problems that increase stress on overburdened public systems. Benefits of quality early learning for young children include:

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

Policy Leadership Academy graduates are movement builders

by Jodi-Renee Giron, Grassroots & Outreach Advisor | Mar 22 2023

Last week, we at First Five Nebraska were proud to recognize the fourth class of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy as they finished the program and graduated into the statewide network of PLA alumni. This class was exceptional in a handful of ways: They...

LB319 will help families, strengthen child care in Nebraska

by Elizabeth Everett, Deputy Director | Mar 16 2023

Despite the critical need for child care, there are very few supports that make owning and operating a child care program a viable career for educators and entrepreneurs. High employee turnover, low profit margins and burdensome operating costs represent a serious...

WAGE$ Nebraska helps retain child care workers, boost quality of care

by First Five Nebraska | Mar 14 2023

The quality of early care and education a child receives is directly linked to teacher quality and compensation. In Nebraska, many early educators earn less than $15/hour and would like the opportunity to build skills to improve the quality of their care. The Child...

LB75 data collection needed to address maternal health disparities in Nebraska

by Nyomi Thompson, I Be Black Girl | Mar 8 2023

Nyomi Thompson is the Policy and Advocacy Manager at I Be Black Girl and focuses on uplifting birth justice and positive Black maternal health outcomes. She’s a Nebraska transplant, but has grown to love the state, and strives to improve the lives of the Black...

LB318 helps preserve Nebraska’s workforce advantage

by Diane Temme Stinton, CEO, TMCO | Feb 16 2023

Diane Temme Stinton is owner and CEO of TMCO based in Lincoln. She testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee in support of LB318 on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the...

LB318 eases financial burden for parents, child care providers

by Elizabeth Everett, Deputy Director | Feb 14 2023

Now more than ever, we know how heavily our state relies upon high-quality, affordable and accessible child care. Working parents depend upon it for the financial stability of their families. Employers depend upon it so workers can be fully engaged and productive at...