Nebraska Senate Debates Child Care Subsidy Cuts, Bill Advances 39-8

In a heated debate over child care subsidies, Nebraska lawmakers weighed the costs and benefits of continuing higher subsidy rates. The discussion centered around balancing taxpayer expenses with support for working families.

Senator Kathleen Kauth voiced concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, suggesting that the current subsidy levels encourage dependency on state assistance. “This is no different than us saying to the taxpayers ‘Hey listen, we want to take money from you and give it to someone else so they can have their child in child care,’” Kauth remarked.

Contrastingly, Senator DeBoer highlighted the potential impact on Nebraska families if subsidies were reduced, stating that more than 1,000 families might face difficult choices, such as refusing job promotions or quitting their jobs due to child care costs.

DeBoer initially filibustered the bill to prevent amendments but eventually reached a compromise, withdrawing her filibuster. This allowed senators to consider Kauth’s amendment proposing a three-year sunset clause, which would require future review of the subsidies, and reducing eligibility from 185% to 160% of the federal poverty level.

While some, including Senator Ben Hansen, supported the amendment for being more reasonable, others, like Senator Jana Hughes, felt the sunset period should extend beyond three years. Ultimately, the amendment was defeated in a 24-18 vote, and the bill advanced with a 39-8 vote.