Nebraska Senators must override Gov Pillen’s food assistance veto
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Senators must override Gov Pillen’s food assistance veto
LB319, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Victor Rountree, would end the SNAP ban in Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska - Yesterday, Governor Pillen vetoed LB319, Senator Victor Rountree’s priority bill to end Nebraska’s lifetime Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) ban for people with certain drug felony convictions.
This bill, which does not add any additional financial burden to the state, would restore SNAP access to over 1,000 Nebraskans including seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Notably, LB319 received broad bipartisan support during debate and includes a compromise amendment worked out by members of both parties.
Nebraska Appleseed Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Access, Eric Savaiano, issued the following statement in response:
“Doesn’t everybody deserve to have their basic needs met – even people who have made mistakes in their past? As it becomes harder and harder to afford everyday things, including food, healthcare, diapers or formula, it’s more important than ever that Nebraskans can meet their basic needs. We know where Governor Pillen stands. Now, Nebraska state senators must stand up for what they believe and stand by their vote to pass this measure into law.”
RISE Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Jasmine Harris, issued the following statement in response:
“Senator Carolyn Bosn said it best during LB319’s select file debate (video, 2:29:50), ‘I draw the line at withholding food from someone as a form of consequence.’ A lifetime ban on SNAP benefits for people with felony drug convictions is a failed, archaic policy from the nonsensical war on drugs from the late 80s and 90s. We have learned that public health approaches are what work to ensure we address substance use disorders in a humane way, not from a punitive manner that continues to perpetuate the cycle of addiction.”
Derrick Martinez, a Nebraska advocate and community member who was previously banned from SNAP shared this statement:
“Today I sit back with less hope knowing that our governor has vetoed this SNAP bill. The disappointment comes after years of struggle with access to food, access to housing, and just access to a better life for people under the SNAP ban, like me. For myself and others, this ban has been detrimental to our transition into society. We’ve served our time, we’ve given back to our community in positive ways, and this is one more punishment that we’re going through. Join me in advocating for our state Senators to override the veto on this bill and end the SNAP ban in Nebraska.”
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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