OpenSky Policy Institute

08/03/2026

Thank you to those of you who have joined us for coffee so far! We have 4 more chances to connect with the OpenSky team and your neighbors to share your priorities for the state:

TONIGHT: York (6-8pm) - York Senior Center
August 4: Kearney (6-8pm) The Archway
August 5: Gering (6-8pm MT) Gering Civic Center
August 6: Lexington (5:30-7:30pm) Lexington Public Library

RSVP for all locations here: https://forms.gle/98bS3uo1Zds2yPVk7

Bring a friend! All are welcome.

08/03/2026

Congratulations to OpenSky Policy Institute's Development Manager, Lauren Falconer, who recently earned her CFRE certification! The CFRE demonstrates mastery of the ethics, skill and responsibility of fundraising, and is internationally recognized as the "gold standard" in the field. We're so proud of you, Lauren!

P.S. want to see her in action? Email [email protected] to schedule a meeting. 😊

07/29/2026

We're grateful to everyone who joined us in North Omaha for a discussion about a wide variety of topics, from education to housing to juvenile justice and more. We'd love to hear from you as the tour across the state continues! Schedule in comments.

07/13/2026

The OpenSky team is hitting the road! 🚗

We'd love to have you join us during our annual Coffee Tour, a casual convening of neighbors discussing their priorities for the state. Light refreshments and hot coffee will be provided at each stop. To ensure we have plenty for everyone, we would appreciate your RSVP here: https://forms.gle/98bS3uo1Zds2yPVk7

Please share and invite friends! All are welcome!

If you need special accommodations or have questions, email [email protected].

07/06/2026

The 4th of July also marked one year since the signing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", supported by Nebraska's federal delegation. Learn how OBBBA has impacted Nebraska families here: https://openskypolicy.org/one-big-beautiful-bill-one-year-later/

07/04/2026

Forever in pursuit of a more perfect union.

Happy 250th, America! Let freedom ring!

06/25/2026

Nebraska's payment error rate has determined that the state will not have to share costs for SNAP with the federal government. One of the most effective anti-hunger programs in history, SNAP still faces many challenges across the country one year after the passage of H.R. 1, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". Read more here:

The majority of U.S. states will soon have to pay 5% to 15% of federal nutrition assistance benefits, according to USDA error rates.

06/19/2026

Did you know that we have a brilliant educator to thank for today's celebration of ? Dr. Opal Lee was instrumental in ensuring federal recognition for the holiday, after a walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. Opal's story perfectly encapsulates the power of resilience, education, and the opportunity for everyone to drive social change. Read more about Dr. Lee and her accomplishment here: https://www.womenshistory.org/women-making-history-awards/dr-opal-lee

06/18/2026

For a rundown on the current budgetary situation in Nebraska, Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca Firestone spoke with Nebraska Public Media. Read more here:

Nebraska had plenty in the bank just a few years ago. Since then, policies have shifted and the state is now facing several years of significant budget deficits.

06/17/2026

If there's one thing the OpenSky Outreach & Engagement team loves, it's connecting with Nebraskans near and far to learn their priorities for the state. Last week, Lillian and Noah ventured to Gering for the Welcoming Communities Conference, presented by Panhandle Partnership.

The team will be out and about throughout the summer, hosting a Coffee Tour to hear more about what you'd like to see in Nebraska's future. Save the date, more details to come soon!

7/27 - Omaha
7/30 - Lincoln
7/31 - Norfolk
8/3 - York
8/4 - Kearney
8/5 - Lexington
8/5 - Gering