Unconscionable.

Added: 2026-06-07

[00:00:00]Do you really you honestly believe that a family making $55,000 in Nebraska shouldn't be able to access any TANF benefits? That that's your position?

[00:00:13]>> I proposed that that number.

[00:00:15]And if that that's in the legislation and I think it's a thoughtful approach.

[00:00:19]And in many many many cases that is is very more than sufficient.

[00:00:25]>> If you're a family of three in Kearney, Nebraska making $55,000 a year you are not eligible under your bill for any TANF benefits, right?

[00:00:37]>> Once you exceed the 200% you're no longer >> That is the I've That's what I'm describing. The 200% is $54,640.

[00:00:45]So, a family of three in Nebraska, in your district, that makes $55,000 a year would not be eligible for any of these benefits.

[00:00:55]>> Correct.

[00:00:55]>> Okay. $55,000 a year, right? Family of three in your district paying $24,000 a year, so $2,000 a month to rent a home.

[00:01:07]Okay?

[00:01:08]Paying call it what? $2,400 a year for car insurance.

[00:01:14]They own a car.

[00:01:15]Paying $5,000 a year for their water bill, their electricity bill, right?

[00:01:22]Paying I don't know $1,000 a month for groceries. How many You have How many children do you have?

[00:01:27]>> Two.

[00:01:27]>> Two? I have two as well. I don't know how much money you're spending on groceries on an average basis, but you know, $1,000 a month, $1,500 a month, right? $12,000 a year, $15,000 a year. It adds up pretty quick, Mr. Smith. And I guess what I'm suggesting to you is I I don't think that the American people would quite understand your effort to prevent that family that's making $55,000 a year in Nebraska from being able to access childcare benefits at the same time that the Republican Congress has passed tax breaks for some of the richest Americans in our country. Do you really you honestly believe that a family making $55,000 in Nebraska shouldn't be able to access any TANF benefits? That that's your position?

[00:02:18]>> I proposed that that number.

[00:02:21]And that that's in the legislation and I think it's a thoughtful approach.

[00:02:25]And in many many many cases that is is very more than sufficient.