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LYONS – Last week, the Nebraska legislature, on a 33-11 vote, approved Bill 108, which would temporarily expand gross income eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to better support working families. Another bill, Bill 306, passed 38-6, would increase the income threshold for the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program and provide funds for aging homes.
On May 24, Governor Pete Ricketts vetoed both bills and now state senators will have the opportunity to override the veto. A vote could take place on May 26.
LB108 deals with the SNAP “cliff edge”, which causes people to lose their aid before they earn enough money to replace those benefits with their own income. This can discourage people from advancing in their careers, accepting a raise, or finding a new job.
The legislation, introduced by Senator John McCollister, District 20, would raise the eligibility threshold from 130% to 165% of the federal poverty line and allow people to reduce their benefits until they earn enough to replace them. .
The strong support this bill received from rural senators in last week’s vote is a key indicator of how the problem has developed to affect Nebraskans across the state. This is not a partisan issue or an urban-rural issue. Jobs need to be filled and every time an employee is dissuaded from advancing in the workplace is a barrier that needs to be removed. LB108 encourages stable employment. When a family earns more, it’s good for the whole economy.
Governor Ricketts also vetoed LB306, a bill introduced by Senator Tom Brandt that addresses a similar problem in the low-income housing energy assistance program, and ensures that 10% of the funds of this program go to domestic bloat. This bill has received strong rural support and is needed in rural counties where people can live in older, low-energy homes. This would help ensure families can get through Nebraska’s cold winters and lower their energy costs.
Senators need to hear directly from their constituents on these important issues. Please contact your Senator today and ask them to override the Governor’s vetoes and allow beneficiaries to accept promotions and salary increases through their employer without fear of losing any help before they earn enough. money to replace the service.
