Policy & Advocacy
In our first year of policy and advocacy at RISE, we tackled a wide range of issues—many of them centered on improving reentry programs and advancing prison reform across Nebraska.
From the introduction of bills designed to decrease the incarcerated population, improve living conditions, and provide equitable economic and social progress for people impacted by the system, to advocating on behalf of incarcerated individuals when COVID‑19 emerged, RISE was there to ensure that the experiences and concerns of our Builders were not left out of the conversation.
Although it may seem like nothing was achieved in this legislative session, the work and collaboration that occurred laid a solid foundation for continuous advocacy in the years to come.
Here is a snapshot of our policy and advocacy efforts this year:
Testified on seven (7) Legislative Bills (LB) and one (1) Legislative Resolution (LR) that advanced prisoner advocacy and recidivism reduction.
Served as one (1) of twelve (12) national organizers for #cut50’s virtual Day of Empathy, drawing over 100 Nebraska attendees and an organic social‑media reach of 3,684 people.
Provided advocacy training to four (4) previously incarcerated individuals, equipping them to become future prisoner advocacy groups.
Advocated for COVID‑19 testing for all incarcerated individuals, a pause on rental fees at community correction centers, and for employers to hold jobs for those who were quarantined—supporting job reentry programs. [2]
Signed on to three (3) eviction moratorium letters, safeguarding housing stability for released offenders.
Signed on to one (1) advocacy letter addressing the safety of youth in correctional settings during COVID‑19.
Worked closely with Sen. Lathrop’s office on LB1004 to expand parole eligibility—an essential step toward broader reentry.
Participated in the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table’s Digital Day of Action, encouraging early vote‑by‑mail to bolster civic participation among formerly incarcerated citizens.
Launched a Get‑Out‑the‑Vote social‑media campaign for voting rights, reaching over 7,000 people.
Established partnerships and groundwork for Cash Bail Reform and the nebraska reentry program.
Looking ahead to 2021, we will tackle many of the same pressing issues—while adding new initiatives such as housing reentry programs, second chance programs, and the nebraska work release program. RISE remains committed to being a major partner in progressing policy and advocacy in Nebraska that directly impacts individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system.[3]
