Spivey brings new perspective to the Legislature

Above: Sen. Ashlei Spivey in North Carolina during a 2023 group visit to a local economic development organization.

Omaha Sen. Ashlei Spivey’s roots run deep in Omaha. Born and raised in District 13, she has been involved in the North Omaha community throughout her life as a business owner, nonprofit executive director and now as a freshman state senator.

No stranger to the Capitol or public policy, Spivey has advocated for legislation that promotes the advancement of Black women and girls since founding the nonprofit I Be Black Girl in 2017. That work has provided valuable insights into how public policy can positively impact communities, Spivey said, and will benefit her as she transitions into the role of a lawmaker.

In addition to her nonprofit and advocacy experience, Spivey said she brings to the Legislature the perspective of many Nebraskans who cannot engage in the legislative process due to work commitments or are deterred from serving in the Legislature because of the $12,000 annual salary.

As a senator, she hopes to lend a voice to those who feel left out of the process.

“I am impacted like my neighbors are by the policy that is passed here,” Spivey said. “I think I really represent everyday people and so I think that perspective is important to have here and is not always present.”

Spivey is eager to begin work as a member of the Appropriations Committee, where she will consider funding decisions that affect the lives of all Nebraskans. She said she hopes to focus on economic policies that will provide families with greater financial security — especially at a time when many families are still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think people are needing reprieve,” Spivey said. “People are wanting to see a difference in how they’re able to take care of their families, and that’s what I really want to focus on.”

Outside of her professional life, Spivey is a wife and mother of two young children. As she contemplated running for a seat in the Legislature, Spivey said she had to consider the potential impact on her family.

Ultimately, she was persuaded by the confidence of her 10-year-old son, who believed in her ability to serve as a state senator.

“My son believing in me made me feel like I have to try to do this,” Spivey said.