Nebraska Legislature: 2020 Highlights |
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The Nebraska Legislature adjourned its 2020 session sine die August 13 after having its work interrupted by the pandemic mid-March. Senators debated several important issues this year, including the impact of COVID-19, racial equity, budget sustainability, property taxes and the business incentive package. Despite the unprecedented nature of the session, senators were able to pass a budget, a property tax/business development tax incentive compromise and several early childhood bills.
Six term-limited senators are departing at the end of this year and all are strong proponents of policies supporting quality early learning environments for young children. We thank Senators Jim Scheer, (District 19, Norfolk), Kate Bolz (District 29, Lincoln), Ernie Chambers (District 11, Omaha), Sue Crawford (District 45, Bellevue), Sara Howard (District 9, Omaha) and Rick Kolowski (District 31, Omaha) for supporting early childhood issues during their eight years of service.
We're pleased to report that LB266, FFN's priority bill, passed and was signed into law by Governor Ricketts. Thank you to Senator Brett Lindstrom (District 18, Omaha) for introducing this bill that allows self-employed child care providers and those classified as S-corporations to access the School Readiness Tax Credit program, which provides tiered financial incentives as part of participating in Step Up to Quality, Nebraska's child care quality improvement and rating system.
Other significant bills affecting early childhood this session dealt with federal background checks for early childhood providers, municipal child care financing, perinatal quality improvement, the Nebraska Workforce and Education Reporting System Act and more.
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Effective immediately, child care providers can bill child care subsidy for the time they assist children with remote learning. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said this change in guidance is aimed at helping parents return to work while their children participate in remote learning when in care. Read more
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First Five Nebraska, in collaboration with Communities for Kids, rolled out its statewide social media campaign to widen the conversation about how improving access to quality child care strengthens our workforce, improves business productivity and creates more vibrant communities. The campaign features insights from more than 30 business and economic leaders, working parents and early childhood professionals representing 11 communities throughout the state. Learn more
#MyNebraskaStory #WhatsYourRole
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The Buffett Early Childhood Institute surveyed 1,000 licensed Nebraska family home and center-based child care providers statewide to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed an urgent need for additional support for early care and education workers, and that economic, health and personal stressors are increasing as providers struggle to keep their businesses open. Read more
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The Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative has launched its Elevate20 Business Summit, a professional development opportunity for child care providers. Through this year's virtual conference, available at no cost online and on-demand, providers will explore ways to strengthen their business operations in human resources, financial management, marketing, leadership and other areas -all particularly relevant with the critical challenges arising from the pandemic. Access Elevate20
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Grant funding is still available for child care providers
Applications for Child Care Provider Stabilization Grants and Incentive Grants for Reopening Child Care Programs are open until September 30. Providers may apply for one of these two grants:
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Stabilization grants of $3,500 for family child care homes and $5,500 for center-based providers are designed to cover operating costs, including rent, salaries and supplies.
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Incentive grants to reopen child care programs are intended for those that closed due to the COVID-19 emergency. Priority will be given to providers who commit to reopen within 30 days, participate in quality improvement initiatives and provide care to children of low-income families or children of essential and emergency workers. Learn more about Stabilization and Reopening grants
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Registration is open for this year's virtual Thriving Children, Families and Communities Conference, Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Community leaders from across the state will come together to focus on how high-quality early childhood education supports community vitality. Register now
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