Policy Work

The Nebraska Table works with our network of nonprofits and community advocates to promote legislation in key issue areas that supports underrepresented Nebraskans and to build up the policy infrastructure in our state. Our policy-related programming includes:

Youth Lobby School

This program is intended to expand advocacy and build power, particularly among youth who identify as part of a historically exploited/marginalized community who have had less access to power and civic opportunity. Participants join a cohort where they can make new connections, receive individualized mentorship, and develop their skills in community building. This opportunity is open to 10th-12th grade students in the Lincoln and Omaha Public School Districts. 

Applications are currently closed for Youth Lobby School. Please check later for updates.

Lobby School

Through our Lobby School program, we aim to support participants in taking a 360-approach to movement building by connecting elections and grassroots efforts to policy work. This program is intended to expand the advocacy infrastructure in our state and build power, particularly among Nebraska’s BIPOC and rural communities. Participants receive dedicated training and mentorship to support beginning lobbyists in navigating policy work.

This program is open to Nebraska Table Member and Partner organizations, as well as others whose mission and vision are in alignment with our network. Those not already involved with an organization are invited to apply to the Lobby School program as a Policy Fellow. Policy Fellows are placed with one of our nonprofit members to develop a legislative plan. Policy Fellows integrate grassroots strategies, center impacted voices, and engage stakeholders throughout the program with the goal of advancing policy in our state.

Applications are currently closed for Lobby School. Please check later for updates.

Legislative Update Calls

In partnership with the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, we hold weekly Legislative Update calls to facilitate advocacy and lobbying work during the Nebraska Legislative Session. Through this collaborative space, nonprofits and community advocates are able to efficiently set a shared policy agenda that moves forward change in our state. 

Interim Update Calls are currently ongoing. Please send us a message to learn more about how to join these calls on behalf of your nonprofit. 

Election Accessibility Efforts

Our Election Accessibility Coalition works to advance policy that expands voting rights and makes elections accessible to all Nebraskans. Coalition members build strategy, engage key stakeholders, and coordinate legislative activities.

In the news...

New voting bills introduced in Nebraska Legislature [KLKN]

DMV, polling places would be audited for ADA compliance under Nebraska bill [Nebraska Examiner]

Nebraska state senators hear testimony over three voter ID bills [KETV]

Don't rush voter ID [Lincoln Journal Star]

Coalitions back bills to expand voting rights for Nebraskans convicted of felonies [Omaha World Herald]

Affordable Housing Efforts

Our Affordable Housing Coalition works to promote policy that addresses housing affordability, tenant protections, and homeownership equity. 

In the news...

Nebraska state senator says affordable housing crucial to solving workforce shortage [KETV]

Nebraska nonprofits advocate for affordable housing, tenants' right bills [KOLN]


 

Mental Health Efforts

Our Mental Health Coalition advocates for policy that supports Nebraskans in accessing mental health services and expanding the mental health infrastructure in our state.

In the news...

Pillen crosses political aisle to support mental health bill 

State's mental health providers tout 'transformational' bill aiding development of community clinics

Nebraska Table Legislative Priorities for 2024

IN SUPPORT OF:

LB20 (Sen. Wayne) Provide for restoration of voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation for a felony

LB39 (Sen. Blood) Require disability impact statements for certain legislation

LB54 (Sen. McKinney) Require the office of Legislative Research to prepare racial impact statements for legislative bills.

LR4CA (Sen. Cavanaugh, M) Constitutional amendment to remove felony convictions other than treason from being a disqualification for voting

LB365 (Sen. Hunt) Permit counties to conduct elections by mail

LB604 (Sen. Raybould) Change provisions relating to voting early under the Election Act

LB637 (Sen. Albrecht) Require members of the public to be allowed to speak at each meeting subject to the Open Meetings Act

LB770 (Sen. Cavanaugh, M) Require the Secretary of State to audit the offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the election commissioners, and the county clerks and all polling places for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

LB1042 (Sen. Fredrickson) Change provisions relating to registering to vote

LB1070 (Sen. Bostar) Change closing dates and filing deadlines for campaign statements of ballot question committees

LB1262 (Sen. Day) Change and eliminate provisions relating to the Commission on Indian Affairs and provide for an ongoing study relating to Native American voting issues

IN OPPOSITION TO:

LR31 (Sen. Halloran) Resolution to rescind a prior resolution and apply to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution

LR2CA (Sen. Erdman) Constitutional amendments to change from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral legislature, provide for election of
members of the Legislature on a partisan ballot, require election of
legislative officers and committee chairpersons by a public vote,
and require all meetings of the Legislature to be open to the public

LB327 (Sen. Raybould) Change provisions relating to the minimum wage under the Wage and Hour Act

LB390 (Sen. Clements) Change provisions relating to ballots for early voting under the Election Act

LB457 (Sen. Holdcroft) Require video surveillance of voting and provide requirements for paper ballots, vote scanning devices, and vote tabulating equipment

LB808 (Sen. Halloran) Provide for counting and recounting ballots under the Election Act by hand count

LB1211 (Sen. Hansen) Change provisions of the Election Act relating to early voting

LB1382 (Sen. Hansen) Prohibit paying petition circulators based on the number of signatures and prohibit certain contributions to ballot question committees

LR31 (Sen. Halloran) Resolution to rescind a prior resolution and apply to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution