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
Tell state senators how breakdowns in background checks hurt child care
Alert: Submit an online comment to the Nebraska Legislature by noon Central Time on October 10, 2023 The Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing October 11 on interim study LR191, introduced by State Senator Teresa Ibach to...
Thriving Children conference draws early childhood, community leaders from across the state
Last week, First Five Nebraska joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Departments of Education and Economic Development, Nebraska Economic Developers Association and a wide array of early childhood organizations and community groups in...
New online dashboard shows public transit access to child care in Omaha, Lincoln
First Five Nebraska has launched the Child Care and Public Transit Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind interactive resource that maps the proximity of child care programs to public transit routes and stops in Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy counties. The dashboard was...
Take action for Nebraska’s young children and families
On July 13, the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced a new proposed rule to amend the current Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations. The changes outlined in this new proposed rule will...
2023 Legislative Overview: Progress made on early childhood issues
2023 Legislative Overview: Key themes focused on improving maternal health outcomes, alleviating financial pressures on parents and child care providers and strengthening availability and access to child care.
Historic Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit package signed into law
Governor Jim Pillen signed LB754 into law this week, an important piece of legislation that will help offset financial pressures on parents and child care providers and encourage private sector involvement in growing child care infrastructure. The bill includes...

Elizabeth Lopez Everett
Deputy Director, Public Policy Manager
The Latest on the Blog
Tell state senators how breakdowns in background checks hurt child care
Alert: Submit an online comment to the Nebraska Legislature by noon Central Time on October 10, 2023 The Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing October 11 on interim study LR191, introduced by State Senator Teresa Ibach to...
Thriving Children conference draws early childhood, community leaders from across the state
Last week, First Five Nebraska joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Departments of Education and Economic Development, Nebraska Economic Developers Association and a wide array of early childhood organizations and community groups in...