Health and Human Services Committee
February 6, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Committee Chair Hardin | Bills Heard: 5 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB304: Eliminate sunset on expanded childcare subsidy eligibility
Introduced by: Sen. DeBoer | Testimony: 6 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. DeBoer seeks to make permanent Nebraska's expanded childcare subsidy eligibility, eliminating a 2026 sunset that would slash access for thousands of working families.
Why it matters: Without action, Nebraska would rank second-worst nationally in childcare assistance eligibility. The expansion—raising the threshold from 130% to 185% of federal poverty level—has proven effective: an independent study found 2,500 families benefited, generating $5.8-$8.93 million in economic impact. Childcare providers say permanent eligibility is essential to their participation in the subsidy program, which currently sits at 60% participation.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "98% of newly eligible families cited employment reasons for needing childcare," DeBoer said. Bryan Slone, representing 20+ chambers of commerce, called childcare "essential to attract and retain young families" amid Nebraska's workforce crisis. First Five Nebraska's study showed the expansion increased employment transitions and economic activity. - Fiscal dispute: DHHS CFO John Meals testified the state already spends $125 million annually on subsidies against $90 million in available federal/TANF funds, meaning expansion requires General Fund dollars. DeBoer disputed this, noting the law mandates federal funding only. The fiscal note discrepancy remains unresolved.
By the numbers: 2,500 families served; $5.8-$8.93 million economic impact; 98% employment-related need; Nebraska would rank 50th nationally without action.
What's next: No vote taken. DeBoer requested time to clarify fiscal note discrepancy with DHHS before committee action. Online comments: 91 proponents, 3 opponents, 1 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Hansen, Sen. Quick Skeptical: Sen. Riepe Unclear: Sen. Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB339: Require DHHS to provide annual childcare subsidy summary reports to providers
Introduced by: Sen. Hallstrom | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Hallstrom's LB339 would require DHHS to provide childcare providers with annual summary reports of subsidy claims—data the department already collects but currently forces providers to manually extract.
Why it matters: Childcare providers spend hours combing through hundreds of pages of explanation of payment (EOP) reports to complete School Readiness Tax Credit applications. The current portal lacks running totals, times out frequently, and provides no error alerts. An auditor's report flagged inadequate controls at DHHS to prevent billing errors. This bill addresses both provider burden and accountability.
What they're saying: - Proponents: April Bender, who operates a Step Five quality-rated center, said she's already spent six hours on the process with no guarantee of accuracy. "The data needed for the tax credit form would easily be accessible by DHHS," she testified. First Five Nebraska noted the current system requires both providers and the Department of Revenue to hand-count data, creating inefficiency and error risk.
By the numbers: Providers manually extract data from potentially hundreds of pages; current SNAP agent margin: 1-2%; portal lacks any automated totaling.
What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Hallstrom requested brief delay to coordinate with DHHS on technical amendments addressing potential federal reporting changes. Online comments: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Fredrickson, Sen. Hansen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB46: Establish Restaurant Meals Program for SNAP recipients
Introduced by: Sen. McKinney | Testimony: 5 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. McKinney's LB46 would allow elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals at restaurants—a federal program already operating in nine states.
Why it matters: Food insecurity is at historic levels in Nebraska. Nearly 260,000 Nebraskans are food insecure; one in five are children. For elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals, preparing food is often impossible: they lack kitchens, can't open cans, stand for long periods, or safely use knives. Current SNAP rules exclude hot prepared foods. This program fills that gap while supporting local restaurants, especially in rural areas lacking grocery stores.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Gladys Harrison, owner of Big Mama's Kitchen, described customer Dee, a disabled woman in a mobile wheelchair who wishes to pay with SNAP instead of receiving free meals. "If we had the ability to prepare meals Dee could purchase, Dee could eat a healthy meal and not feel shame," she testified. AARP noted food insecurity increased 25% for adults 80+ between 2021-2022. Voices for Children highlighted 3,500+ homeless families with children in Nebraska. - Opposition: Ansley Fellers, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, argued restaurant meals cost more ($11 estimated) than daily SNAP average ($6), stretching dollars less efficiently. Grocers operate on 1-2% margins and must stock staple products restaurants wouldn't.
By the numbers: 260,000 Nebraskans food insecure; 9 states operating program; $42,000 annual state cost; federal funds cover 50% match.
What's next: No vote taken. Online comments: 56 proponents, 9 opponents, 0 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Meyer Unclear: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Quick
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB102: Update Aid to Dependent Children eligibility and benefits with annual cost-of-living adjustments
Introduced by: Sen. Spivey | Testimony: 5 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Spivey's LB102 would update Nebraska's Aid to Dependent Children program with annual cost-of-living adjustments and increased benefit levels, funded entirely through existing TANF reserves.
Why it matters: ADC eligibility formula hasn't been updated since 2015. Current maximum benefit of $376 for an individual would be $744 if adjusted for inflation since 1996. Nebraska has $115 million sitting in TANF reserves while 24,000 children live in extreme poverty. Research shows each $1,000 spent annually on public benefits per person in poverty reduces child maltreatment reports 4.3% and CPS investigations 11-20%.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Sierra Edmisten, a single mother who relied on ADC during bed rest, testified: "It's mind-blowing that Nebraska has $115 million in a rainy day fund when thousands of families are struggling." Katie Nungesser, who received ADC in rural Scotts Bluff County, explained how cash assistance provided flexibility other programs couldn't: "WIC doesn't cover formula for the whole month. I needed gas to get to services." Madeline Walker, representing domestic violence coalitions, emphasized adequate cash assistance is lifeline for survivors leaving abusers. - Fiscal reality: DHHS CFO John Meals testified LB102 costs roughly $20 million annually. Current TANF spending is only 26% of the $56 million annual grant; LB102 would increase to 68%. TANF balance will deplete by fiscal year 2028 based on current spending.
By the numbers: 60,000 Nebraska children in poverty; 25,000 in extreme poverty; $115 million TANF reserve; benefit increase: $376→$623 (individual), $160→$393 (additional family members); annual cost: ~$20 million.
What's next: No vote taken. Online comments: 104 proponents, 1 opponent (misclicked), 0 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Fredrickson, Sen. Quick Unclear: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Meyer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB192: Maintain SNAP gross income eligibility at 165% federal poverty level
Introduced by: Sen. Quick | Testimony: 8 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Quick's LB192 would prevent 10,000 Nebraskans from losing SNAP benefits when current eligibility expires in October 2025, maintaining the 165% federal poverty level threshold.
Why it matters: Food insecurity in Nebraska jumped from 10% to 14% in one year. Without LB192, the SNAP cliff effect worsens: a worker earning a $1/hour raise could lose entire SNAP benefit if it pushes income over the threshold. This discourages work and advancement. SNAP is 100% federally funded with zero state cost. The USDA estimates every $1 in SNAP generates $1.54 in economic activity; Nebraska's $332 million in annual benefits generates estimated $511 million in economic stimulus.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Rebecca Jacobsen, a Gothenburg school administrator earning $18/hour, testified: "Food insecurity amongst school-aged children is real and heartbreaking. I see students picking up extra fruit before leaving the lunchroom to ensure they have something at suppertime." Tim Williams, Food Bank for the Heartland, reported food banks served 2.6 million Nebraskans in FY24 and submitted 5,772 SNAP applications. Sierra Edmisten, a single mother, described turning down a $0.50 raise because the resulting $200 SNAP cut exceeded her new income. Ansley Fellers, representing grocers and restaurants, noted employers report employees declining promotions to maintain SNAP eligibility.
By the numbers: 10,000 Nebraskans would lose benefits; 260,000 food insecure; 72,000 SNAP households; $332 million annual benefits; $511 million estimated economic impact; $1.54 return per $1 spent.
What's next: No vote taken. Online comments: 123 proponents, 6 opponents, 0 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Fredrickson Unclear: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Hardin opened hearing with procedural instructions regarding testifier sheets, three-minute light system, and written position comment deadlines. Committee members introduced themselves: Sen. Riepe (District 12), Sen. Hansen (District 16), Sen. Fredrickson (District 20), Sen. Meyer (District 17), Sen. Quick (District 35), Sen. Ballard (District 21). Legal counsel John Duggar and clerk Barb Dorn assisted. Pages were Sydney Cochran and Tate Smith. Hearing concluded with LB192; no votes were taken on any bills during this session.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.