Public assistance research exemption approved

A bill aimed at promoting research on the impact of poverty on children was given final approval March 24.

LB1081, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, will allow low-income Nebraskans to be part of a nationwide study on the impact of public assistance on early childhood development.

The bill excludes the following types of public assistance from a participant’s income when determining eligibility:
• the child care subsidy program;
• the low-income home energy assistance program;
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The exclusion is limited to $4,000 per year for four years and will be discontinued at the end of 2022.

The bill also includes provisions of LB701, introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, which extends provisions under the state’s public assistance statutes relating to education work requirements.

The bill passed 47-0.