Perceptions of the Farm Bill Among Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, released December 6, 2023
The federal legislation known as the farm bill encompasses all things related to agriculture and food. This includes not only farm income safety net and conservation programs that typically come to mind when thinking about the farm bill, but also domestic food assistance programs (like SNAP), rural development (providing funding for items like broadband service, utilities, and housing programs) as well as programs that are focused on specific producers and crops. Given the variety of programs it entails, how familiar are rural Nebraskans with the farm bill and federal agricultural policy? Do rural Nebraskans support federal spending on the various broad categories of farm bill programs? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.
Perceptions of Childcare in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, released November 9, 2023
Lack of childcare is an issue in many rural Nebraska communities. According to a report from Voices for Children, most counties in the state (91%) do not have enough available licensed childcare slots to meet the current demand there. Furthermore, 11 counties in the state have no licensed childcare facilities. Many communities are exploring options of how to address these shortages to maintain their current residents or to be able to attract new residents. Given these challenges, what types of childcare are rural Nebraskans currently using? How far do they drive to get to their childcare? And how do rural Nebraskans feel about the childcare issues in their community? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.
Community Well-Being and Civil Discourse in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, released October 16, 2023
The past year continued to be challenging for rural Nebraskans. Inflation continues to impact household budgets. Low unemployment has caused many businesses to struggle to fill openings. Given these challenges and opportunities, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided by their community? Have these views changed over the past 28 years? Political discussions have grown more bitter and polarized in the past decade. How serious a problem do rural Nebraskans feel a lack of civil discourse is? How do they feel about civil discourse in their community? How closely do they follow various news and media sources? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.
Perceptions of Well-Being and the Economy in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, released September 18, 2023
The past year continued to be challenging for rural Nebraskans. Inflation continues to impact household budgets. Low unemployment, in part due to labor shortages, helped raise wages for workers but businesses struggle to fill openings. Lower agricultural commodity prices and continuing drought concerns have pointed to a projected decline in farm income. Given these challenges and opportunities, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Have these views changed over the past 28 years? What do rural Nebraskans expect will happen in the economy in the next 12 months? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.