Well friends, here we are again. Another election behind us and a new legislative session looming ahead. There will be 17 new state senators and a reset of who will serve as speaker (person who sets the floor agenda), committee chairs and members (who determines hearing schedules and then hears each bill introduced) and possibly even more debate on rules. And because this is the first session of the biennium, lawmakers will need to set a budget for the state—no easy feat since the state has far less money to spend this year than in the past (an estimated $400 million less to put it more specifically).
The first day of session is Wednesday, January 8. It will be a long 90 days of which the writing on the wall means we will be playing defense. I’ve never been more ready in my life. Our work to protect and advance gender equity is critical, and it will take all of us making our voices heard and demanding better. Are you ready?
Here’s a preview of where we’ll be focused in 2025:
Economic Security.
We’re supporting critical efforts to extend the income eligibility expansion of SNAP and childcare subsidies so that families are supported in our state. With eligibility limits set to expire in 2026, we know that families will struggle to meet their basic needs without these supports. And because evictions disproportionately impact women, we will continue our housing justice advocacy efforts to strengthen housing stability.
Freedom from Gender-Based Violence.
Once again, we will be advocating for the Sexual Assault Emergency Care Act, which previously stalled in committee in 2023. This would require hospitals to provide accurate information about, and access to, emergency contraception for sexual assault victims when they seek emergency care. We’re also working to increase survivor representation in programs that assist survivors like the Crime Victims Reparations program. Additionally, we’re planning to address housing-related needs of survivors to ensure that they and their families can stay safely in their homes.
Gender Equity.
Our efforts to advance and protect gender equity are for the benefit of all Nebraskans. We will not allow lawmakers to use the guise of “protecting women” or narrowly defining who we are to discriminate against others. This includes opposing anti-trans bills that would restrict young people’s ability to thrive and participate in school activities. No one benefits when the law is used to discriminate against people. Work with us to decidedly put an end to this attempt to co-opt women’s rights to oppress others. We’re also following local and national conversations about repealing no-fault divorce, which would impact women in Nebraska.
Reproductive Rights.
With the passage of Ballot Measure 434 and the current abortion restrictions now in the state constitution, the door is left open for further, more extreme restrictions to be introduced. We know anti-abortion advocates will not stop in their efforts to completely restrict bodily autonomy, so we remain prepared to advocate for barrier-free access to sexual and reproductive health care, including birth control.
While it may seem like a lot of bad news and damaging legislation, because it is, remember that we’ve stopped harmful bills before, and we can and will stop them again. The way forward is together. You don’t have to advocate for everything but you must advocate for something. Don’t let the messiness of policy stop you. I am here to help you navigate the process and would love nothing more than to have you at the Capitol with me using your voice to advocate for your rights.
I have one final request. Before the end of the year, please make a financial donation to support this critical work at the Women’s Fund. Your investment funds our travel to the Capitol, helps us secure Comfort Buddies to provide support to those testifying at public hearings and fuels our work to advocate for truly effective public policy. Support this work today!
Thank you!
P.S. If you missed our recent Public Policy Power Hours, you can view them online now! You can also register for a night of learning and power building focused on LGBTQ+ rights advocacy co-hosted by us, ACLU of Nebraska and OutNebraska on December 11 (zoom) or December 12 (Lincoln) from 6-8 pm. Sign up online!