Nebraska supports LB 588 to enhance ADC benefits for families in poverty

The Health and Human Services Committee of the Nebraska Legislature convened on March 14, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting families living in poverty. The primary focus of the meeting was on Legislative Bill 588 (LB 588), which aims to reform the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program.

The meeting highlighted the significant impact that financial assistance can have on families struggling to make ends meet. Advocates emphasized that every additional dollar can greatly enhance a family's financial stability, allowing parents to pursue education and secure jobs that pay a living wage. Programs like ADC provide essential support for necessities such as housing, food, healthcare, clothing, childcare, and transportation, which are vital for both parents and children.

Voices for Children, a prominent advocacy group, expressed strong support for LB 588, noting that the bill represents a crucial step toward improving the welfare of Nebraska families, particularly children. The ADC program, established to assist families facing financial hardship, has not seen an adjustment in its benefit calculation formula since February 2015. This stagnation has left many families without adequate support.

LB 588 proposes to update the ADC benefit calculations to better reflect the current financial needs of families. Advocates argue that these changes will prevent families from being left behind due to outdated statutory figures. The bill is seen as a proactive strategy for child welfare, with research indicating that increased spending on public benefit programs correlates with reductions in child maltreatment and foster care placements.

Statistics presented during the meeting revealed that 85% of families investigated by child welfare agencies earn below 200% of the federal poverty line. Furthermore, studies suggest that cash assistance can significantly reduce child protective services (CPS) investigations and involvement, particularly among children of color.

The committee was urged to support LB 588 as a necessary policy change that prioritizes the well-being of Nebraska's children. By making ADC benefits more responsive to economic realities, the bill aims to ensure that families receive the support they need to create stable environments for their children.

The meeting concluded with a call for the committee's support for LB 588, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of Nebraska's children.