December 1, 2011
 
 
Dear Friend of Family First,
 
            I wrote to you this time last year outlining Family First’s “Ignite” plan for 2011 and 2012. The plan was developed to fan the embers of the 2010 elections into a flame that would burn for generations to come and bring about an enduring cultural transformation.
 
            Thanks to your loyal support – and the support of others like you – the Ignite plan is off to a great start. Your support of Ignite this time last year has enabled Family First to:
 
·         Ensure Nebraska can opt-out of abortion funding in Obamacare: Family First advanced LB 22, a bill which ensures that Nebraska will not have to fund abortion in the insurance exchanges created by Obamacare. LB 22 also prohibits insurance companies from offering abortion coverage in Nebraska except in a separate rider which is paid by the person wanting coverage. 
 
·         Pass parental consent for abortion. LB 690 changed Nebraska law to require parental consent, rather than parental notification, for minors seeking abortions.   Parental consent laws are over three times more effective in reducing abortion rates among minors than notification laws. In Nebraska, LB 690 could save the lives of between 80-100 babies per year.
 
·         Stop a radical ordinance creating special class protection for transgender bathrooms in Omaha and the expansion of strip clubs in Lincoln. Family First provided information about the legal basis for stopping an attempt to pass a dangerous Omaha ordinance making sexual orientation a protected class. We also helped stop the expansion of a strip club to downtown Lincoln.
 
In my eleven years working at the Capitol, I’ve learned that things can move quickly. There are amendments to bills, questions about constitutionality, and sometimes, tactics designed to kill good legislation.
By God’s grace, Family First has been able to be there to provide professional research, answer tough questions, and help guarantee important bills get passed and signed by the Governor. It’s what we call using principled persuasion – presenting relevant and accurate information to support our position in a respectful and compassionate manner. But principled persuasion can and often must be tough and direct.
 
So, if you are wondering whether there is anyone fighting for you and the values you hold dear, rest assured, we are!! Here at Family First we are working diligently on your behalf – to uphold the values close to your heart. Family First is an organization dedicated to making a difference in our state by being a vital presence at the Nebraska State Legislature, ultimately to bring your passions and concerns to light.
 
It’s the sole reason Family First exists, and we do not take our responsibility to you and to our state lightly.
 
Every year, several State Representatives count on Family First and our expertise to help make certain bills a priority and move them along the legislative journey. Our organization is instrumental in this process, and our work doesn’t go unnoticed. All of that is thanks to you and your ongoing support…
 
For example, after the 2011 legislative session, we received a note from Senator Beau McCoy of Omaha, who said “Thanks so much for all of your help on LB22. Your excellent legal brief gave me the ammo I needed on the floor.”
 
This is just one example of many of how we at Family First are helping our Nebraska leaders have an edge regarding the issues that matter to you. With your help, we’ve had some great success. To find out more about these successes, please take a second to look at the accomplishment sheet included with this letter. 
 
I want to personally thank you and your family for the part you played in these successes. Whether you made a financial contribution, contacted your elected official about an issue, sent a child to the City on a Hill Youth Leadership Conference, or joined our efforts in prayer—it is the faithfulness of individuals like you that is bringing about change in Nebraska. You can be encouraged that your efforts have made a difference—and we value your partnership with Family First.  
 
As we look to 2012, there are many opportunities to fulfill the goals outlined in our “Ignite” plan. Of particular importance is the Voter’s Guide project for the 2012 elections, where we plan on providing Nebraskans with substantive, reliable information to help them cast informed votes. 
 
 
 
 
But we can’t do it without your help. Like many non-profits, December is when the majority of our annual budget is raised. Would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible year-end contribution to help keep Family First’s work of principled persuasion going strong in 2012?
 
I hope you will.
 
Whatever the amount of your gift, please know that we truly appreciate your support. We could not do what we do without your generosity. 
 
Merry Christmas,
 
Dave Bydalek
Executive Director
 
P.S.  Groups like the ACLU, the Human Rights Campaign and Planned Parenthood have a consistent presence at the Capitol Building.  Your contribution helps ensure that Family First will be there to counter their presence. 
 
At Family First, we believe God’s call and scriptural mandate compel us to action in all spheres - the business world, education, the arts, as well as the civic sphere. Public policies enacted now affect the world tomorrow. They shape the lives of people made in God’s image – our neighbors and our friends. Family First’s call is to speak the Truth in love to the God-ordained institution of government. Thanks for helping us answer that call.