LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The chairwoman of a committee that investigated problems with Nebraska's public benefits service says the system has improved, but lawmakers should continue their oversight.
Sen. Sara Howard of Omaha said Monday that ACCESS Nebraska has made "notable gains" in the last year, following numerous complaints about long call-waiting times. Howard urged the Legislature's Executive Board to advance her proposal to create an oversight committee in place of the investigative committee, saying the reforms still need to be monitored.
ACCESS Nebraska was unveiled in 2008 as a more efficient way to help low-income residents apply for and renew public benefits. The initial system reduced the number of case workers who met with residents in person and relied more on a state website and call centers.
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The measure is LR418
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