Nebraska Advocates Push for the Elimination of Tiering
October 20, 2026
Nebraska advocates have shown what is possible when providers, state leaders, and advocates come together around a shared goal. In a major win for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Nebraska Legislature unanimously passed LR296, a resolution urging Congress to eliminate CACFP tiering and provide additional reimbursement for all family child care providers. This achievement sends a powerful message that children deserve access to healthy meals regardless of their ZIP code, and providers deserve a reimbursement system that fairly reflects the cost of serving them.
Nebraska Sends a Strong Message on CACFP Tiering
For decades, the CACFP family child care reimbursement system has relied on a two-tier structure, providing higher reimbursement rates to some providers based largely on geographic or income-based criteria while others receive significantly lower payments for serving the same meals.
Recognizing the challenges this creates for providers and the families they serve, the Nebraska Legislature adopted LR296, formally calling on Congress to eliminate tiering and establish equitable reimbursement for all family child care providers participating in CACFP.
Even more notably, the resolution passed unanimously, demonstrating broad bipartisan support for ensuring all providers have the resources they need to offer nutritious meals to children across Nebraska.
Advocacy in Action
This success did not happen overnight. It was the result of sustained advocacy from providers and champions who shared their experiences and elevated the importance of equitable CACFP reimbursement.
A thank you goes to First Five Nebraska, the organization that started these efforts and persistently advocate to advance the resolution through Nebraska’s legislature. First Five Nebraska continuously advocates to create a stronger early childhood ecosystem in Nebraska.
A special congratulations goes to Carrie Sullivan, NCA Board Member, whose support and commitment were instrumental in helping move this issue forward. Carrie has long been a leading voice for family child care providers and an advocate for policies that strengthen access to healthy meals for young children.
We also want to recognize State Senator Bob Hallstrom, who sponsored LR296 and helped bring the resolution before the Nebraska Legislature. His leadership ensured that lawmakers had the opportunity to take a clear stand in support of family child care providers and the children they serve.
Providers Led the Way
The passage of LR296 is also a testament to the power of provider advocacy.
A congratulations goes to Taylor Furnas of Taylor's Tiny Friends and Erika Felt of Ms. Erika's Preschool, who were leading advocates throughout the effort. By sharing their stories and engaging policymakers, they helped demonstrate why ending tiering matters for providers, families, and communities.
Taylor has been a visible champion for early childhood issues in Nebraska. Earlier this year, she was featured in Nebraska's Provider Appreciation Day proclamation ceremony alongside Governor Jim Pillen, highlighting the critical role family child care providers play in supporting children and working families.
Erika has also been a powerful advocate for reform. Earlier this year, she shared her story in a blog discussing why CACFP should reimburse providers equally, helping educate policymakers and stakeholders about the real-world impact of tiered reimbursement rates.
Momentum for Federal Action
Nebraska's action adds to growing momentum nationwide to address inequities in CACFP reimbursement. By formally urging Congress to eliminate tiering, Nebraska has joined advocates across the country who believe that providers serving the same meals should receive the same reimbursement.
State resolutions do not change federal law on their own, but they send an important signal to lawmakers in Washington. When state legislatures, providers, and advocacy organizations speak with one voice, they help build the case for meaningful federal reform.
A Win Worth Celebrating
The unanimous passage of LR296 is more than a legislative milestone. It is a reminder of what can be achieved when advocates organize, provider voices are elevated, and policymakers listen.
Congratulations to Carrie Sullivan, Senator Bob Hallstrom, Taylor Furnas, Erika Felt, and the many advocates across Nebraska who worked to make this happen. Their efforts have brought us one step closer to a CACFP reimbursement system that is fairer, simpler, and more equitable for all family child care providers.
And while this victory deserves celebration, it also serves as motivation. Together, we will continue working until every provider serving nutritious meals through CACFP receives the same level of support for the same important work.