Friends, I’m going to be honest—this legislative session might be one of the most challenging on record. Attacks on gender equity, basic human rights and our ability to care for our families are at an all-time high. This is the cruel point and the speed at which bad bills have been introduced and scheduled for committee hearings are an attempt to defeat, deflate and distract us from making progress on gaining equity for all Nebraskans.
We cannot back down and we will not let more restrictions pass that keep us from reaching our full potential. It’s time to act. Are you with us?
If you do anything this session, make sure it is something. We need all voices at the Capitol, in Senator’s inboxes and at the kitchen table sharing updates on critical policies that will impact our daily lives. Keep following along and we’ll let you know when action is required and how you can engage in the important work of protecting and advancing gender and racial equity for all Nebraskans.
Here are the key bills we’re focusing on this session that have upcoming hearings:
(Important note: online comments must be submitted by noon the workday before a committee hearing to be included on the record. Learn more about how to submit online comments to support or oppose the following bills.)
- Support LB 315 (Sen. John Fredrickson) to protect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse from debt collectors for seeking medical services. No one should have debt because they sought medical care after an assault.
- Oppose LB 77 (Sen. Tom Brewer) would allow for carrying concealed handguns without a permit. We oppose this bill knowing that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
- Committee Hearing: January 26 at 1:30 pm in Judiciary
- Support LB 58 (Sen. John Cavanaugh) to exempt diapers from sales and use tax and provide families with some economic relief.
- Committee Hearing: January 26 at 1:30 pm in Revenue
- Support LB 54 (Sen. Terrell McKinney) to require racial impact statements for legislative bills.
- Committee Hearing: January 27 at 12:00 pm in Executive Board
- Support LB 56 (Sen. McKinney) would make diaper changing accommodations available to all caregivers, in all restrooms which will help new parents better care for their children.
- Committee Hearing: January 30 at 9:00 am in Business and Labor
- Support LB 57 (Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh) to create an insurance program for businesses to provide paid family and medical leave to working Nebraskans.
- Oppose LB 15 (Sen. Tom Briese) that would reduce the minimum wage for youth.
- Committee Hearing: January 30 at 9:00 am in Business and Labor
- Oppose LB 374 (Sen. Dave Murman) and oppose LB 71 (Sen. Rita Sanders) that are further attempts rooted in censorship and aligned with nationwide attacks on sex education, book banning and any materials deemed to be critical race theory or supportive of LGBTQ+ young people.
- For more information about how effective health education supports all students’ well-being, see our fact sheet.
- Committee Hearing: January 31 at 1:30 pm in Education
- Oppose LB 626 (Sen. Joni Albrecht) that would ban abortions at six weeks, before most people know they are pregnant.
- Get more information about abortion advocacy.
- Committee Hearing: February 1 at 1:30 pm in Health and Human Services
View the additional key bills we’re watching online.
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED NOW
To reach gender and racial equity in our communities, we need your voice on these issues. In addition to testifying in-person during a committee hearing, there are three easy ways to engage on bills:
Contact Your Senator »
Submit An Online Comment »
Amplify Your Advocacy Online »
We are working toward the liberation and freedom of all people—freedom from gender-based violence, freedom to access the information we need, the freedom to vote without barriers and the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies. These freedoms will allow us all to have the opportunities to reach our full potential. Together, we can make a big impact for our community through public policies that support gender and racial justice. Let’s go!
Need more information? Email me any time at EFeichtinger@OmahaWomensFund.org.