Nebraska Appleseed seeks policies and practices that support low-income Nebraskans in becoming truly self-sufficient.

Everyday across Nebraska, tens of thousands of low-income children and families are struggling to become self-sufficient (able to meet their families' basic needs without public assistance). They're faced with the hard realities of low-wage work, child care problems, insufficient access to health care, food insecurity, homelessness, disabilities, domestic violence, and few opportunities for job training and education leading to living wage work. These families can't make ends meet, and are preyed upon by high-cost lenders and check cashers. Nevertheless, every day, we see families make heroic strides forward, and some days slide back. The path to self-sufficiency is not easy or short, but is one that is and can be traveled with the right kind of support and assistance. At Nebraska Appleseed, our job is to work to see that we have a system of laws, policies, and practices that make sure all families can meet their basic needs, find opportunity, and become active and treasured members of society.

Building "The Good Life" in Nebraska:

A Town-Hall Discussion about Creating Opportunity for Nebraska Families and Workers

Join Nebraska Appleseed, your Elected Officials, and your Fellow Citizens for a conversation about what Nebraska can do to strengthen our workforce, our economy, and our families! We will use an individualized electronic feedback system to track your input on important issues, including access to:

• Education and training for working people
• Quality jobs
• Work supports, such as health care

This event is a part of Nebraska Appleseed's "Economic Opportunity Campaign." The "Economic Opportunity Campaign" promotes policy options that build opportunities for low-income Nebraskans.

FREE & OPEN to the PUBLIC - Be our guest for ice cream following the discussion!

RSVP requested, but not required. Go to www.neappleseed.org/rsvp!

For Additional Information Contact Kate Bolz, Community Educator, Nebraska Appleseed (402) 438-8853 x 101 or kbolz@neappleseed.org

Where & When

SCOTTSBLUFF: June 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Harms Technology Center

KEARNEY: June 25, 6:30-8:30 pm
University of Nebraska Kearney, Copeland Hall, Room 140

OMAHA: July 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
UNO Collaborating Commons (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)

LINCOLN: July 9, 6:30-8:30 pm
UNL Student Union Auditorium

"Building The Good Life" Report Lists Nebraska's Challenges & Offers Solutions

Nebraskans are committed to building “The Good Life.” We strive to create strong families and successful communities—and we share an appreciation for those who work hard to make our state great. Despite our dedication to building “The Good Life,” Nebraska faces several challenges, including a slowing economy, outmigration trends, increasing global competition, and a lack of quality jobs.

The message is clear: now is the time to invest in education and skills development, the creation of quality jobs, and supports for working families in order to build “The Good Life” for the future.

Read the Report | Read the Executive Summary

Download the Powerpoint Presention from the 01/29 Press Conference | Press Release

Report: State should shore up strong workforce, ensure good life for all - Lincoln Journal-Star

Helping poor helps state, report says - Omaha World-Herald

A How-to Guide to the Self-Sufficiency Standard

Jobs that pay family-supporting wages can be hard to find. The Self-Sufficiency Standard can help Nebraska families make good choices about employment options. Click here to access the presentation “A How-To Guide to the Self-Sufficiency Standard” which outlines how the standard is calculated, ideas for using the standard, and models from other states.

To receive an electronic copy of the standard updated for inflation, contact Kate Bolz at kbolz@neappleseed.org

New Education Opportunities for Nebraska

Nebraska Legislature passes and the governor signs LB 458 – a bill that will make it possible for Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) participants to pursue an Associates Degree beyond 12 months.

Learn More | Hear Appleseed’s “Choosing Education” radio advertisement

Economic Recovery for Low-Income Families

Nebraska Appleseed, as a long-time advocate for low-income families, is actively encouraging Nebraska decision makers to implement the recently passed economic recovery legislation in a principled manner that will maximize opportunity for low-income families and communities. Nebraska Appleseed, along with 20 national organizations endorses the principles for state implementation of these funds developed by our national partner, the Working Poor Families Project. Read the principles

Nebraska Appleseed’s Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Program will continue to advocate for principled action and monitor economic recovery implementation.

Projects

Economic Opportunity Agenda We know all Nebraskans want everyone to have a fair chance to achieve one’s full potential and that it is possible to expand opportunity to meet these goals through Nebraska’s law and policy.

Federal Budget We work to have a system of laws, policies, and practices that make sure all families can meet their basic needs, find opportunity, and become active and treasured members of society.

Food & Nutrition We ensure Nebraska's children, seniors, disabled, and working families are able to meet their food and nutrition needs.

Living Wages We promote policy research and community outreach designed to help welfare recipients and low-wage workers find and keep living wage jobs and build economic self-sufficiency.

Predatory Lending We ensure Nebraska has policies in place that protect children, seniors, the disabled, and working families from predatory lenders.

Utilities We ensure Nebraska has policies in place that protect children, seniors, the disabled, and working families from utility disconnections.

Welfare Due Process Project We work with various agencies to develop an effective outreach and referral process that identifies problems, educates clients and providers, and advocates for the legal rights of welfare recipients.

Work Supports We partner with small businesses to connect employees with programs that help them make ends meet and help business owners retain trained employees, build profits, and provide better wages and benefits.