Nebraska Launches Child Care Can Campaign to Fix Affordability

A new coalition of business organizations, parents, and providers launched the Child Care Can campaign in Lincoln on August 24, 2026. The initiative seeks to secure increased state subsidies and recurring public investment to address a child care affordability crisis that costs Nebraska an estimated $1.6 billion in lost labor costs.

Elizabeth Everett, the campaign manager, described the effort as a multi-year strategy extending through 2027. The campaign aims to identify a dedicated state funding source and implement tax credits for both families and providers. Everett characterized child care as essential infrastructure and argued that investing in the sector is part of the budget solution, despite a projected state budget gap of $200 million this fiscal year and $800 million over the next two years.

The campaign builds on the passage of LB 304, which removed the sunset date for the federal Child Care Subsidy program. Supporters, including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nebraska Appleseed, argue the current economic model is unsustainable because providers cannot afford to earn less while families cannot afford to pay more. Organizers warn that the lack of affordable care hinders the state's ability to attract and retain a young workforce, impacting overall economic growth.