‘It’s tough’: Supporters of childcare bill rally outside of Nebraska legislative session

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Sen. Wendy DeBoer introduced LB304 on Thursday, a bill that makes the current income eligibility levels permanent for childcare assistance.

“If we fail to pass LB304, we will fail working families,” Sen. DeBoer said.

In 2021, state lawmakers passed a bill that temporarily expanded access to childcare subsidies for families.

But, on October 1, it expires, and the new income requirements will make it harder for families to get help.

And while childcare costs continue to climb, many families are becoming worried.

“After my husband passed, I kind of had to look at my budget and see ‘Well, okay, this is how much childcare is per week, but this is how much I make every two weeks.'” said Hayley Overman, a mother of three. “And well, it didn’t add up; there wasn’t much money in the bank after that.”

Overman is like thousands of Nebraska parents, working their jobs while feeling stretched.

“It’s tough, I mean, I’m getting teary just thinking about it,” she said.

Supporters said keeping childcare assistance stable helps keep families afloat and businesses staffed.

“I’ve heard stories from lots of families who tell me that having childcare subsidies made them have the peace of mind that they can work.”  Sen. DeBoer said.

And it was not just parents who spoke out.

A current Husker football player said he’s seen firsthand the impact childcare has on hardworking families across the state.

“It’s a startling feeling, just from my personal experience, I know how big and how important childcare is,” said Derek Branch, a senior for the Huskers. “How I was able to develop as a person and into who everyone sees me as now, but that was because of my basis in early childhood.”

Those who rallied on Thursday said they would do their best to get the bill passed and not give up.

“To those parents who are out there struggling, we see you. We are doing everything we can to continue to fight for you down here in Lincoln.” Sen. DeBoer said.