Nebraska senators approve one‑time $450,000 to restore domestic violence shelter funding

The Nebraska Legislature on the floor adopted AM28‑20, a one‑time $450,000 general‑fund amendment intended to restore funding for domestic violence shelters after the Appropriations Committee reduced an earlier $3 million allocation by $850,000.

Senator Megan DeBoer, who offered the amendment sequence, said the change was meant to prevent service disruptions at providers such as Friendship House and other shelters around the state. "This program was getting $3,000,000 a year for domestic violence shelters...we just have to get them through this year," DeBoer said, urging colleagues to approve a negotiated $450,000 compromise.

Appropriations Chair Senator Clements said he supported the $450,000, calling it a reasonable, one‑time allocation from the general fund to avoid hurting services while longer‑term tax‑credit proposals are finalized. "I wouldn't be able to support $850,000 but $450,000 if it's going to keep from hurting a program," Clements said on the floor.

Senator John Kavanaugh and other senators spoke in favor of the amendment, noting the immediate need at shelters that are already operating with wait lists and reduced staffing. Senator Bostar, who had previously worked on a companion tax‑credit plan, told DeBoer he expected tax credits to address longer‑term funding needs but agreed the gap year required general‑fund help.

The clerk recorded the adoption of AM28‑20 with a roll call of 39 ayes and no nays. The amendment provides the single‑year sum from the general fund; supporters described it as a stopgap while longer‑term financing measures advance. The body then moved on to other select‑file budget amendments and votes.

The amendment text and vote are recorded in the select‑file proceedings. The change is limited to one fiscal year and does not alter the broader budget’s multi‑year figures.