LB304 - Nebraska Childcare Subsidy

We know that child care is one of the biggest expenses families can face. For many, the cost of care can make it nearly impossible to stay in the workforce without some help. That’s why Nebraska’s child care subsidy program is so important: it helps working parents afford quality care so they can continue providing for their families while knowing their children are safe, learning, and growing in a caring environment. This coming legislative session, Nebraska lawmakers will  consider LB304, a bill that would keep child care within reach for thousands of hard-working Nebraska families. LB304 would make permanent the current income eligibility levels for child care subsidy, so more families can continue to  qualify for help. 

Here’s what that means in real life:

• Right now, a family of four earning up to about $59,000 qualifies for child care assistance.

• If LB304 does not pass, that threshold would drop to around $42,000 in 2026, putting Nebraska near the bottom nationally for child care subsidy eligbility.

• Thousands of working families, many of whom are already paying taxes and doing everything right, would lose support. Even if your family doesn’t currently qualify, this issue affects all of us. When families lose access to child care,  parents may be forced to leave their jobs, creating instability for children, challenges for employers, and a strain on Nebraska’s economy. Stable, high-quality care is essential for children’s growth and development. Interruptions in care can set children back and create challenges for parents and employers alike.

Here’s how you can help protect Nebraska’s families and child care system:

• Learn more about LB304 and why it matters at firstfivenebraska.org/PassLB304. 

• Contact your state senator and members of the Health and Human Services Committee to tell them you support LB304.

• Share your support for passing LB304 and spread the word on social media using #PassLB304. 

• Tell a friend, neighbor, or family member about the importance of passing LB304 

By standing together, we can ensure that Nebraska families continue to have access to affordable, stable, quality child care and that our children, parents, and communities can thrive. Thank you for supporting working families and the future of Nebraska’s children.

Blessings,

Annette Kracke 

Director of Childcare - Sumner Campus