Nebraska
Poverty elimination is goal of proposal aired at NE Legislature | Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — A proposal calling for Nebraska cities to create a five-year anti-poverty plan was met mostly with support Tuesday at a legislative hearing, though a few opponents worried it would be an expensive undertaking for smaller towns.
The Poverty Elimination Action Plan Act was introduced by State Sen. Terrell McKinney to promote upward mobility.
The North Omaha lawmaker, in testimony to the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee, said he grew up poor. “It wasn’t easy,” he told committee members. He said he hoped a mandate to establish a more concerted, purposeful strategy would spare another kid from a similar economic journey.
Tina Rockenbach, executive director of Community Action of Nebraska, was among a handful of others voicing support for Legislative Bill 840, which has no funding allocation.
Rockenbach said she recognized the process — which would include community input, goal-setting, data analysis and laying out plans to use public incentives for anti-poverty efforts — was a “heavy lift.”
“The good news,” she said, is that agencies such as hers have done some of the footwork already and could offer that expertise.
Under the act, cities with populations of 50,000 or more would review their reports every two years and update them every five. The bill seeks to develop a statewide and comprehensive poverty elimination action plan that addresses unique challenges of various areas.
Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said her objection to the bill was not a sign that poverty elimination was not important. She said, however, that to pay more than just “lip service,” such studies likely would require a consultant and staffing, which could be a financial struggle, especially for smaller cities.
She suggested providing a funding mechanism and a prototype that would guide cities.
The committee did not take action on the proposal.
Also Tuesday, the Urban Affairs Committee heard support for proposed changes to the “Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act.”
Legislative Bill 843 would reduce the match contribution required of eligible applicants from 50% to 25%. It also would increase the maximum grants that the Department of Economic Development could award to nonprofits from $5 million to $10 million in a two-year period.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) -On Saturday, North Platte High School hosted the inaugural Nebraska State Video Championships.
Students from across the state had the chance to show off their filmmaking skills. There were screenings and breakout sessions with media professionals.
Students say that this day wouldn’t be possible without the people around them.
“I think it’s awesome. I give all my credit to Mr. Willey, and just like everything that he has done for me and a couple of my friends and stuff, it’s been so inspiring. And he definitely helps us, like, really bring this to a real-life perspective,” Will Cox, North Platte Student, said.
The Nebraska State Video Championships are a pivotal moment for students dreaming of a career in media.
Click here to subscribe to our KNOP News 2 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KNOP. All rights reserved.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – The Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation honored outgoing President and Executive Director Eric Seacrest in a retirement ceremony at Venue 304 on Friday, celebrating his decades of leadership and commitment to the region.
Throughout his tenure, Seacrest played a key role in supporting and advancing numerous community projects across Lincoln County, helping shape growth and opportunity in North Platte and surrounding areas.
During the ceremony, he was recognized with an award highlighting his years of hard work and dedication, as well as the lasting impact he leaves behind.
In a special moment, North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher presented Seacrest with the key to the city, thanking him for his service and contributions to making the community a better place.
“In my hardest touch I’m very grateful to see so many people here that I care about, that I care about deeply. They care about this communities in this region and these are people that I love to have in my life,” Seacrest said.
Seacrest acknowledged his colleagues, community partners, and the residents of North Platte for their support throughout his career.
Click here to subscribe to our KNOP News 2 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KNOP. All rights reserved.
-
Oklahoma6 minutes agoTornado Watch issued for parts of northeastern Oklahoma
-
Oregon12 minutes agoCoast Guard rescues injured man stranded on cliff near Depoe Bay on Oregon coast Saturday
-
Pennsylvania18 minutes agoCool night ahead but nice and seasonable for Monday
-
Rhode Island24 minutes agoDominican national sentenced for role in California to Rhode Island drug trafficking conspiracy after 8 kilos of cocaine, 2.2 kilos of fentanyl seized
-
South-Carolina30 minutes agoSouth Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for April 26, 2026
-
South Dakota36 minutes ago
SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for April 26, 2026
-
Tennessee42 minutes agoTennessee man dies after falling from raft into Ocoee River
-
Texas48 minutes agoTexas study suggests nasal spray could reverse brain aging