Funding Released for Domestic Violence Services in Nebraska Amid Sustainability Concerns
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced the release of $3 million to support domestic violence services, highlighting the urgent need for a more sustainable funding model. This move comes after months of financial uncertainty for the organizations relying on these funds.
As previously reported by Nebraska Public Media, funds appropriated by the Legislature in 2025 had not been disbursed to grantee organizations, despite being allocated for earlier release. Christon MacTaggert, executive director of the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, mentioned in December that they had been advised not to expect these funds.
Legislative Bill 261, passed last year, aimed to inject $6 million into domestic violence services over two fiscal years. This funding stems from the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund, which is financed by profits exceeding contractual limits from Managed Care Organizations. Initially, DHHS anticipated no available funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. However, recent communications revealed that some funds would be available, facilitating the release of the $3 million already allocated.
In a press release, DHHS highlighted the importance of supporting domestic violence prevention and survivor services, aligning with Governor Pillen’s priorities. DHHS CEO Steve Corsi emphasized, “When it became clear that funding would be available, supporting domestic violence prevention and survivor services was an obvious and immediate priority as stated in Governor Pillen’s playbook.”
DHHS leaders, including Corsi and Drew Gonshorowski, director of DHHS’s Medicaid and Long Term Care Division, have urged lawmakers to establish a stable funding source for these critical services. They pointed out that the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund is not a dependable long-term funding solution due to its annual fluctuations.
“While we are grateful for the opportunity to support these services this year, we respectfully encourage legislators to identify stable funding sources to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical programs,” Gonshorowski stated.
The continuation of the $3 million allocation for the next fiscal year remains uncertain, prompting expectations that lawmakers will propose alternative funding avenues during the legislative session.
Reacting to the news, MacTaggert expressed delight over DHHS’s identification of available funds. She stated, “We appreciate their commitment to supporting survivors, and we look forward to working with them on the distribution of the funds to domestic violence service providers across Nebraska. We will continue our work with the Nebraska Legislature to ensure sustainable funding moving forward.”
