Because we have a unicameral, the only one in the country, everyday Nebraskans are the second house. Our job is to weigh in on these important issues and let lawmakers know how these policies will impact our families, people we serve and our communities.
The Voting Rights Restoration Coalition is composed of over 30 statewide and local organizations. Our mission is to remove barriers to civic participation for those impacted by the criminal justice system. We want everyone to be able to access their right to vote, serve on a jury, and run for office.
Use and share this guide before heading out to the polls on election day!
Know your voting rights if you or a loved one is detained in jail in Nebraska.
Know the voting rights for the formerly incarcerated of Nebraska.
RISE founder and CEO, Jeremy Bouman, was invited to the unComfotable Conversations about Culture & Christianity podcast created by Christ Community Church.
Jeremy talks with hosts Eric and Alex about RISE's reentry organization, stigmas, social determinants, reentry, reincarceration, prison overcrowding, sentencing reform, and more.
Last week was fraught with ups and downs within the legislature for criminal justice reform advocates. From vetoes to the stalling of key legislation, senators found themselves at the center of determining the future of Nebraska’s criminal justice landscape.
From the stories of perseverance from amazing individuals to senators sharing their priorities and what they will continue to fight for, this day laid the foundation for future events to grow and become more impactful.
Nebraska needs criminal justice reform now. Our prison system is in an overcrowding crisis and we have the opportunity to do something about it. We need your help to make LB920 a reality!
Nebraska LB 920: Focuses on reducing recidivism and reducing the number of individuals that are incarcerated in prison, while maintaining public safety. Read more about the population of Nebraska prisons and what's at stake here.
“When we try to get our lives back together and try to do right, we can’t get assistance.” - Lateeka from Lincoln
This year, the Nebraska Legislature has the chance to end Nebraska’s lifetime Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ban for individuals convicted of certain drug felonies. Senator Megan Hunt’s LB121 would do just that while making sure food benefits are available to people supporting children and families, reducing recidivism, and strengthening racial equity in our criminal justice system. This bill impacts over 1000 Nebraska families.
Contact your senator and ask them to vote yes on LB121.
On February 16, 2022, Jasmine L. Harris, RISE’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, graduated from Dream Corps JUSTICE’s first-ever Empathy Network Leadership Cohort.
“There are so many people who are coming out of incarceration who just need that opportunity, that chance, so something like this tax credit will get employees to say ‘well, okay, I’ll take this chance,’ and it gives the people coming out of incarceration that opportunity to say ‘I can prove to you that I’m a good worker."
- Jasmine Harris, RISE Director of Policy & Advocacy
Greater Omaha Chamber's The Conference on Opportunity, Diversity and Equity
Breakout Session 4B
Nearly one in three Americans of working age have a criminal history. This long-avoided conversation is becoming imperative to hiring practices, inclusion in the workplace and navigating diverse experiences of employees.
From tax credits, to statistically proven high retention rates, both business owners and employees win when hiring people with criminal histories. Because incarceration is often viewed as taboo, employers and employees alike are often nervous to ask questions, leading to misinformation.
During this session, attendees will:
• Gain an increased understanding on why hiring individuals with criminal histories is good for business.
• Enter a brave space while uncommon questions are answered directly from individuals with criminal histories.
• Learn about background check friendly hiring and recruiting practices.
Our panel consists of:
Erica Raetz RISE, Director of Reentry
Eduardo Gardea RISE, Employment Specialist
Demetrius Gatson RISE, Reentry Specialist
Jasmine Harris RISE, Director of Policy & Advocacy
The cash bail system continues to perpetuate cycles of poverty and incarceration. The ability of a person to afford the amount set to be released does not predict whether a person will appear for their court date or if they are a risk to public safety. It results in people who do not have disposable income spending days to months in jail that further impacts their livelihood.
As America is dealing with COVID-19, civil unrest and a great political division, we would be remiss to not mention that 2020 is an historical election year. Elections are important especially because the elected officials’ duties will include enacting policies that affect people who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
In Nebraska, people who were arrested, awaiting trial, convicted of or on probation for a misdemeanor can vote!
When a person completes their 2 year waiting period after finishing their sentence requirements, they DO NOT need documentation to prove their legal right to vote! This means just REGISTER and VOTE!
In Nebraska, people waiting in jail for release or trial are still eligible to vote.
People with felony convictions in Nebraska can vote 2 years after they complete all requirements of their sentence! This means people can vote 2 years after they are released or complete parole/probation.
Nebraska’s 106th Legislature, 2nd Session adjourned sine die on August 13th. With the legislative session being suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reconvening in July, creating meaningful change in Nebraska’s justice system was not easy.
Help RISE in Nebraska identify and address gaps and opportunities related to the pretrial justice system.
With the suspension of the Nebraska Legislature due to COVID-19 and the whole world coming to almost a complete stop, this quarter gave us all the time to reflect on how we see the world.
The Nebraska General Election (Federal) takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
If you are not yet registered to vote in the state of Nebraska, you can do that here: Register to Vote in Nebraska Online. The deadline to register online is Friday, October 16, 2020 5PM CST.
There are more than 17,500 Nebraskans who cannot exercise their right to vote. People with felony convictions must wait 2 years after completing their sentences to vote, however laws may vary depending on state.
Here's how you can apply to get your early voting ballot!
A virtual event featuring leaders from a variety of Nebraska organizations will put focus on people who are impacted by incarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The roundtable, part of #cut50’s National Day of Empathy, is set for 12 – 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 25. Registration is open via Zoom. Supporting organizations will also offer a livestream of the discussion on their social media accounts.
As a community we're navigating unchartered waters. RISE is no exception.
While the days ahead are ever-changing and can only promise to be different from here out out, we're making moves to adapt and pivot. We need your help and support to do so!
Here are 7 simple things YOU can do to help RISE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This fall, the Nebraska Legislature’s Interim Session presented many opportunities for RISE to become more involved in policy groundwork being laid for the upcoming 2020 Legislative Session.
Join us for #cut50's Empathy Tour, hosted by RISE, the Community Justice Center, and National Organizer Louis L. Reed!
Jasmine Harris is transitioning to RISE's new Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. In this role, Jasmine's focus is to influence advocacy initiatives and advance large-scale reform.
