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.
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.
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. Check back later for updates about weekly Legislative Update calls for the next session.
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.
Nebraska Table Legislative Priorities for 2023
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.
LB70 (Sen. Cavanaugh, M) Eliminate the fee for certain state identification cards and certified copies of birth certificates for voting purposes
LR4CA (Sen. Cavanaugh, M) Constitutional amendment to remove felony convictions other than treason from being a disqualification for voting
LB254 (Sen. Brewer) Require the Legislative Council to develop and maintain a publicly accessible digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature and change powers and duties of the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission
LB365 (Sen. Hunt) Permit counties to conduct elections by mail
LB514 (Sen. Brewer) Change provisions related to elections
LB604 (Sen. Raybould) Change provisions relating to voting early under the Election Act
LB675 (Sen. Day) Change provisions relating to elections and identification documents
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
In opposition to:
LB15 (Sen. Briese) Change provisions of the Wage and Hour Act
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
LB228 (Sen. Erdman) Create state holidays for statewide primary and general election days, require in-person voting, photographic identification to vote, counting of ballots on election day, and counting of ballots at the precinct level, and allow voting by mail for registered military personnel and residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities
LB230 (Sen. Erdman) Require qualifying identification for voter registration and voting, require in-person voting, provide penalties, eliminate certain fees for state identification cards and certified copies of birth certificates, and change provisions relating to operators' licenses and state identification cards
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
LB535 (Sen. Slama) Require valid photographic identification and change provisions relating to voting under the Election Act and certain identification documents
LB808 (Sen. Halloran) Provide for counting and recounting ballots under the Election Act by hand count
