LB 388, a measure to expand broadband access in Nebraska, and LB 108, which would increase access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are on the Legislature’s agenda today.
LB 388 with AM 530 — which is on the first round debate — would create the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act, a broadband grant program targeted to unserved and underserved areas of the state. This grant is to be funded at $40 million over two years and will be administered by the Nebraska Public Service Commission. Broadband Now ranks Nebraska as the third worst for broadband service and access. In an increasingly remote world, LB 388 can help Nebraska attract young families and entrepreneurs to our state by increasing access.
LB 108, as amended by AM 975, is on second-round debate and could help Nebraskans continue to put food on the table as they advance in the workplace.
The bill would expand access to SNAP to those with incomes up to 165% of the federal poverty level.[1] This benefit expansion would not only help more families become eligible for the program but also help the nearly 170,000 Nebraskan families currently enrolled in the program.[2] It would help lessen the cliff effect that occurs when a small increase in earnings results in a steep loss of SNAP benefits, thus increasing the gap between low-income, working families and self-sufficiency.
You can read more about how LB 108 would help Nebraskans in this new analysis.
NET Nebraska will stream debate on LB 388 and LB 108 live.