Joint statement on passage of LB319 - a bill to end the SNAP ban in Nebraska
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint statement on passage of LB319 - a bill to end the SNAP ban in Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska - Today, May 14th, 2025, the Nebraska Legislature voted to pass LB319, by and large ending the lifetime ban on SNAP benefits for people with one set of felony convictions. Since 1996, Nebraskans with drug-related felonies have been denied access to food assistance through SNAP and denied the dignity of second chances. With this vote, NE is set to join the dozens of other states that have ended or created pathways to reduce the harm of this ban.
Jasmine Harris, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy with RISE commented:
“Thanks to Senator Rountree for prioritizing this legislation and his staff for working tirelessly to achieve this success. We also commend the senators who worked in good-faith on this legislation to finally ensure food access to Nebraskan families across the state who are impacted by this ban. RISE is proud to support this legislation as it removes another unnecessary barrier to help people meet their basic needs after incarceration if it is needed.”
Eric Savaiano, Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Access at Nebraska Appleseed shared:
“This is a huge win for Nebraska children, families, and individuals who have been impacted by the failed policies of the War on Drugs in the 90’s. Over 1000 Nebraskans can now better support themselves and their households with critical food assistance, helping them better meet their needs and not fall back into bad habits because of desperation.”
Derrick Martinez, a Nebraska advocate and community member who was previously banned from SNAP shared this statement:
“This is great news! This just shows that years of advocacy can actually pay off. This moves the needle in a positive direction for not just me but for our state as it works to reduce recidivism. This means less of a struggle, less anxiety, less pressure overall for myself and for others who have been banned from SNAP because of past convictions. Thanks to the senators that voted to end the SNAP ban.”
Both RISE and Nebraska Appleseed call upon Governor Pillen to allow this bill to pass in accordance with the goals of the Reentry 2030 initiative that he supports and Nebraska values that he believes in. This vote shows that regardless of our political affiliation or what county we reside in, Nebraskans believe in second chances. We believe in making food available to all of us. We ask that the will of the legislature be respected and the voices of the people be heard.
About RISE:
RISE is Nebraska’s largest nonprofit focused solely on habilitative programming in prisons and comprehensive reentry support. Our mission is to break generational cycles of incarceration through character development, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and family programming. RISE provides a six-month in-prison program, reentry services, employment support, advocacy training, and business development opportunities for those impacted by the criminal justice system. By building strong individuals, families, and communities, RISE creates pathways to personal transformation and successful reintegration. Learn more at www.seeusrise.org.
About Nebraska Appleseed:
Nebraska Appleseed fights the toughest systemic issues facing Nebraskans in the community, the courthouse, and the capitol. We focus this work in four key areas: child welfare, economic inequality, health care, and immigrant communities. This work is central to ensuring that every member of our community has the rights, resources, and opportunity to thrive.
Learn more at www.neappleseed.org.
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