In 2025, the Levin Center conducted a study of all 50 states to examine how legislatures ensure government programs work effectively for citizens. Factors such as legislative oversight committees, routine engagement with executive agencies, collection of casework data, digital transparency tools, and user-centered policy evaluation were of particular importance. The full report can be found here.
State Summary #
The key distinguishing feature in Nebraska’s oversight ecosystem is the Office of the Public Counsel, which “investigates citizen complaints about state government and works toward resolution of issues.” The office, also known as the Ombudsman’s Office, is part of the legislative branch and is a valuable tool for gathering information on agency performance and citizen experience in a variety of areas, particularly those in which the State cares for vulnerable populations.
