GOV. PILLEN ANNOUNCES PLAN TO SLASH NEARLY 1,000 VACANT STATE POSITIONS

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced that he was setting his sights on the elimination of any state government positions that have remained vacant for more than 90 days, estimating that this move will rake in millions of dollars in savings. Pillen outlined the plan in an executive order, slating the elimination of nearly 1,000 jobs that have remained vacant for months, if not years.

Certain "critical" positions, according to the order, will be maintained, even if they have remained vacant for some time. Pillen's Office estimated that the change could save the state around $39.4 million. "I promised to run state government like a business and this order delivers on that promise," wrote Pillen in a statement.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents around 8,000 state employees, argued Tuesday that the change would hurt those working in government. "It is clear that the governor expects public employees to work short staffed permanently," they wrote. However, Laura Strimple, spokeswoman for Gov. Pillen, said the "vast majority" of vacant positions are no longer necessary for operating state government.

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NEWEST SCHOOL CHOICE LAW MIGHT FACE BALLOT INITIATIVE, AS ITS PREDECESSOR DID

LINCOLN- The Nebraska State Education Association and Support Our Schools Nebraska, two organizations that successfully placed an initiative on the 2024 ballot to repeal last year's Opportunity Scholarships Act, announced Tuesday that a new petition drive was initiated to repeal LB1402, which would allow public funding to go towards private or parochial educational institutions.

"LB1402 was passed to silence voters, and their voices need to be heard and respected," said Jenni Benson, president of the NSEA, "We were successful last summer, and with everyone's help we can again gather enough signatures to put this latest voucher scheme on the ballot so Nebraskans are not denied their right to vote."

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who introduced both school choice proposals, said she wasn't surprised. "The teachers union always puts the union first, not the kids," she said, "The teachers union should be doing more to keep young teachers in the progression, fighting to make sure teachers get paid more." She and other proponents of LB1402 have argued that public school advocates are ignoring low-income families, who want more educational options.

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NEBRASKA GROUNDWATER LEVELS CONTINUE DECLINE AFTER PROLONGED DROUGHT

LINCOLN- Groundwater levels in much of Nebraska continue to decline after several years of prolonged drought, according to the most recent statewide groundwater level report from the Conservation and Survey Division in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources. Of the 4,822 wells measured statewide, 85% exhibited declines from spring 2022 to spring 2023.

Groundwater level changes in Nebraska are impacted by withdrawals, primarily for irrigation, and the amount of recharge from precipitation. The hotter and drier a growing season is, the less water is available for aquifer recharge and the more water is required for supplemental irrigation, thus, groundwater levels decline. In addition, the 2022-23 precipitation year was well below the 30-year normal.

Below-average precipitation and an increased need for irrigation led to groundwater level declines of more than 20 feet at some locations. Moreover, because drought conditions have persisted across much of the state since mid-2020, groundwater levels have declined significantly in the last three years. On average, water depth in wells has declined by 3.15 feet since spring 2020.

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ADVOCATES SUPPLY VOTER INFO TO COUNTY JAILS TO HELP ENSURE ELIGIBLE VOTERS CAN CAST BALLOTS

LINCOLN- Nebraskans incarcerated in county jails will have access to voting rights information under a partnership between the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, Civic Nebraska and RISE. Educational pamphlets produced by the advocates are arriving by mail at county jails. Those in custody still may be eligible to vote, depending on their circumstances.

The information is designed to address common questions and misconceptions and to clarify whether a person is eligible to vote in the May primary election. It offers steps to follow, including how to comply with the state’s new voter identification mandates. “Without a doubt, there are eligible voters in jail right now who do not know that they can vote,” said Jason Witmer, ACLU of Nebraska policy fellow.

He said the goal is to make it easier for those incarcerated as well as for jail administrators. The information to be distributed in the jails also previews a quickly approaching legal change that impacts those with felony convictions. Come July, Nebraskans who have been convicted of a felony no longer will have to wait two years to vote after completing the terms of their sentence, including any parole or probation.

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LEADERS CELEBRATE NEBRASKA'S ONGOING INTERSTATE 80 EXPANSION AS ECONOMIC BOON

LINCOLN- Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and other state leaders celebrated the ongoing Interstate 80 expansion between Lincoln and Pleasant Dale as an economic boon. Vicki Kramer, director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, said the three-year I-80 project, which began earlier this month, includes expanding from two lanes in each direction to three.

The project has been in the works for decades and is designed to increase mobility. It is the largest planned transportation project for the 2024 construction season. “If anybody’s coming in from Grand Island, they know how difficult it gets the closer you get to Lincoln — the congestion, the truck traffic — it gets dangerous,” Kramer said.

In addition to lane expansion, the project will include other Interstate and rest area improvements at the US-6 and 192nd Street interchange and the West Dodge Road interchange in Omaha as well as a new roundabout at Highway 77 near Wahoo. Kramer was joined by Gov. Pillen, State Sen. Beau Ballard, and the CEO of Hawkins Construction, Chris Hawkins.

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'THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT': REGENTS CONFIRM DR. JEFFREY GOLD TO LEAD UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- Last Friday, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents formally selected Dr. Jeffrey Gold to lead as the university's ninth system president. Regents voted 7-1 to appoint Gold, who currently serves as the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, to take over the presidency effective July 1st.

Gold will continue to be a surgery professor at UNMC. "The future is bright for this university and, as a result, I believe the future is extremely bright for the state of Nebraska," said Gold after the vote was taken. Gold told reporters present at the meeting that he will likely never finish his to-do list at UNMC, but will continue to work on many of those priorities and strategies across all campuses.

With Gold's elevation, interim NU President Chris Kabourek will return to his role as chief financial officer. Gold also announced that a search for his permanent successor at UNMc will likely be done through a national search. Regent Bob Schafer, board chair, said Regents set out to find a leader who could build on NU's current momentum and "take us to even greater heights."

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MAINE DRAWS LINE: WILL MATCH NEBRASKA ON WINNER-TAKE-ALL

OMAHA- According to Maine House Majority Leader Maureen Terry, if Nebraska holds a special session this summer and decides to award its five Electoral College votes to the statewide winner of the presidential race, then blue-led Maine will match it, canceling any advantage that former President Donald Trump might gain from Nebraska.

"If Nebraska's Republican governor and Republican-controlled Legislature were to change their electoral system this late in the cycle in order to unfairly award Donald Trump an additional electoral vote, I think the Maine Legislature would be compelled to act," Terry said in a statement last Friday. Nebraska and Maine, as of right now, are the only states that split their electoral votes.

Gov. Jim Pillen has already confirmed that he will call a special session if state lawmakers are able to find the 33 votes necessary to overcome the filibuster and pass the changes. Sen. Loren Lippincott, who introduced this year's winner-take-all proposal, said he does not have "anywhere close to 33 votes."

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PILLEN CONFIRMS NO LOSS OF LIFE FROM FRIDAY STORMS, PLEDGES EMERGENCY FUNDING

OMAHA- Gov. Jim Pillen joined leaders from the Omaha, Bennington, Elkhorn, and Waterloo areas at a press conference Saturday, thanking them for listening to Friday's weather forecasts and directing their respective constituents. "It is an extraordinary miracle that we've had this kind of cell come through," said Pillen of the destructive storms, "and no categories of serious injuries, and no loss of life."

Pillen said during the press conference that he had missed a call from President Joe Biden on Friday night, who left a message offering whatever assistance Nebraska needed from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. State and local emergency management officials are still surveying the damage, which largely occurred in Douglas, Lancaster, Saunders, and Washington Counties.

On Sunday, just a day later, Gov. Pillen issued a post-tornado emergency declaration, which allows the use of an emergency fund established under the Nebraska Emergency Management Act, to respond to the storm damage. The Governor directed the Nebraska Adjutant General, who also serves as the State Disaster Coordinator, to activate the appropriate state emergency plans and take the steps necessary until the threat to life and property has been alleviated.

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THREE CANDIDATES COMPETE FOR SOUTH OMAHA LEGISLATIVE SEAT

OMAHA- Three people, including two Democrats and one Republican, are set to vie for the south Omaha legislative seat that has been held for eight years now by the term-limited Sen. Mike McDonnell. Margo Juarez and Flint Harkness, both Democrats, and Gilbert Ayala will all be on the ballot during the May 14 Primary Election.

The district encompasses a large portion of south Omaha, and roughly 37% of the voting-age population is Hispanic. All three candidates have previously run for public office, but only Margo Juarez, who serves on the Omaha Public Schools Board, has been elected. Ayala, a 54-year-old Republican, unsuccessfully challenged McDonnell in 2016 and 2020, receiving 30% and 37% of the vote respectively each year.

Of the candidates in the race, Ayala has taken the most conservative positions. He describes himself as "100% pro-life" and pro-law enforcement, supports the Second Amendment, and backs Donald Trump in 2024 presidential election. Juarez was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, and Women Who Run Omaha. Harkness, a special education teacher, said his priority is improving funding for public schools.

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PILLEN WON'T CALL SPECIAL SESSION ON NEBRASKA PROPERTY TAXES WITHOUT PLAN THAT CAN PASS

LINCOLN- Gov. Jim Pillen said he has no immediate plans for calling a special legislative session to reduce property taxes. Although he ended the regular session by vowing to call "as many sessions as it takes to finish the long-overdue work of solving the property tax crisis," he said he would not bring lawmakers back to Lincoln until he has a plan that can get 33 votes.

A solution eluded Pillen and the Legislature during the session that wrapped up April 18. The session ended without any major property tax legislation after a scaled-back version of the governor's plan lacked enough votes to overcome a filibuster on the last day. Pillen expressed determination to get something passed before the end of the year. He started 2024 by calling for a 40% reduction in property tax payments.

In addition to the difficulties of finding a solution that can garner 33 votes to end a potential filibuster, the timing of a special session could be problematic. Several senators have travel plans, while others are busy campaigning for reelection. Fifteen senators are on their way out, either because of term limits or because they are not seeking reelection.

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LEGISLATIVE LEADERS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEBRASKA'S FISCAL HEALTH AFTER CAREFUL SPENDING

LINCOLN- Top state senators say they feel comfortable with the level of state reserves they left behind in 2024 and beyond after carefully considering spending requests during this year’s legislative session. Lawmakers are statutorily required to have a balanced budget and are projected to end the next fiscal year, on June 30, 2025, with more than $500 million in the state’s cash reserves, or 4.5%, above the desired minimum amount.

The state is projected in the following biennium to end about $50 million under that minimum reserve. These figures could change when actual revenues come in. They also don’t account for any special sessions, such as one anticipated in late July on property taxes. State Sen. Robert Clements, who chairs the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said the $50 million shortfall by June 30, 2027, is an “acceptable number” and remains in an adequate range.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, said economic forecasts are too conservative, so the state could be in a better position than estimates show. She said she also doesn’t see state revenues declining or remaining flat. Linehan and Clements said that there is no recession and that Nebraska’s fiscal health is secure.

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NU BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVE DR. JEFF GOLD AS NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- This afternoon, the Nebraska University Board of Regents officially approved Dr. Jeff Gold as the President of the University of Nebraska systems. The Board approved Gold on a 7-1 vote with Regent Kathy Wilmot opposed. Wilmot did not offer a reason for her opposition. Gold's contract will pay a $1M base salary plus perks that come to about $1.3M in total compensation.

Gold, 71, who has been chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center since 2014, was announced as the priority candidate on March 20 following a nationwide search. A five-year contract was approved and pays about 10% more than Ted Carter was earning when he left NU to become president at Ohio State University.

The contract makes Gold amongst the best-compensated public university leaders in the U.S. when compared to data compiled by The Chronicle of Higher Education in 2022. Gold has spent last month meeting with faculty and students across the three Nebraska campuses. He has continuously asserted that he is eager to get to work.

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NURSING HOME OFFICIALS SAY FEDERAL MANDATE DOESN'T FIT NEBRASKA

KEARNEY- The White House announced their final ruling, mandating nursing homes to have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That was a hot topic as local healthcare leaders gathered at the Nebraska Health Care Association Spring Conference in Kearney. President and CEO, Jalene Carpenter said these new rules will impact rural areas the most.

Some counties in Nebraska don’t have an RN that lives there. Additionally, the mandate is not funded by the federal government. “I would say it is going to limit access to care if this rule goes into place as it’s projected to do; we do not have the RNs in the state to be able to even meet this need,” said Carpenter. “So it’s not something that’s even rational to think that can happen.”

Other rules are 35 minutes of daily RN care per resident and over two hours of care from nurse aid. Carpenter said U.S. Senator Deb Fischer is working on a provision to minimize the staffing rule. Carpenter feels the federal mandate is unobtainable, making U.S. Senator Fischer’s provision right for Nebraska. Urban providers will have two years to meet federal mandates, while rural providers will have five years.

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CRITICS RALLY AGAINST NEW LAW FUNDING PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS, PILLEN APPROVES PROPOSAL

LINCOLN- Just two days after the Nebraska Legislature narrowly passed an "end run" to appropriate $10 million per year for private school scholarships, hundreds of protestors promised to challenge the new law. Many of those who gathered on Saturday on the steps of the State Capitol had backed a ballot initiative that aimed to repeal a similar law.

Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said passing the bill was a "shameful and cowardly act" that went against the will of the voters, as the new law is designed to thwart the ballot initiative to repeal last year's Opportunity Scholarships Act, an almost identical proposal.

LB1402, the new law, would appropriate funds for private and faith-based school scholarships over the next three years. Public school educators and other critics have argued that state funding for private school scholarships, whether direct or indirect, risks depleting funding for public education. Benson said opponents of the new law have two options: a new petition drive to place the issue on the ballot, or a lawsuit to challenge its constitutionality.

On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen, sitting beside Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, signed LB1402 into law. "I'm very excited for a bunch of low-income kids who couldn't access an education that best fits their needs, and now they'll be able to," said Linehan after the signing ceremony. This is the first time in state history that a legislative act has repealed the subject of an active ballot referendum.

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POPULIST NEBRASKA GOP WAVE CRASHES OVER 2ND DISTRICT WALL, SEVERAL ENDORSEMENTS RESCINDED

OMAHA- For several years now, the populist wing of the Nebraska GOP ran into a wall of resistance in the Omaha area, where the local GOP fought to preserve a place for the more moderate Republicans who have historically won races in the politically mixed city and its suburbs. This month, however, this populist wing has seemingly broken through, winning a majority of seats on the party's governing board.

This change came during an April 6th party convention, during which the populist wing was able to recruit hundreds of party members to vote their way in elections for the Douglas County GOP central committee. The Douglas County GOP is the only county party in the 2nd District that endorsed the top GOP federal incumbents, including U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Pete Ricketts, who are being targeted by some of the Nebraska GOP's most vocal supporters.

Now that the party has switched hands, there have been calls to rescind those endorsements and instead back other opponents. The elections this month for the central committee also swept away a handful of high-profile local Republicans, including Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, Omaha City Council members Don Rowe and Aimee Melton, and Omaha Police Union president Anthony Conner. Former Mayor and U.S. Rep. Ha Daub, a longtime member of the local GOP, said he found it unusual to see Republicans reject longtime volunteers and donors.

On Tuesday, the newly-elected leaders of the Douglas County Republican Party voted to withdraw their endorsements of Bacon and Ricketts and place them instead on their opponents in the 2024 primary, Dan Frei and John Glen Weaver. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, however, kept her endorsement. The group also voted to censure Bacon in a rare move last utilized to rebuke then-U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse in 2021.

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ADVOCATES PLAN 'BOOTS ON THE GROUND' EFFORTS TO REACH NEBRASKANS AFFECTED BY NEW FELON VOTING LAW

LINCOLN- Roughly 7,000 Nebraskans directly benefit from a newly passed state law that eliminates the two-year waiting period and immediately restores voting rights to felons upon the completion of their sentence, according to advocates. "This is major," said Jasmine Harris of RISE, a coalition that has fought for years for the change.

RISE, according to Harris, is now planning to launch radio ads, a door-knocking campaign, and other efforts to make sure those eligible voters are aware of the change. "Especially in an election year," said Harris, "We're just really excited people can have their voices heard at the polls." The Voting Rights Restoration Coalition, a group of around 30 statewide organizations, held a news conference on Friday at the Nebraska State Capitol celebrating the change.

LB20, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne, is set to take effect in mid-July, in time for the November General Election. Gov. Jim Pillen, upon receiving the bill, declined to sign it but allowed the provisions to become law. This was due to the fact that both Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Secretary of State Bob Evnen had identified "significant potential constitutional infirmities regarding the bill."

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FIRST FULLY COMPLETED CASINO IN NEBRASKA SET TO OPEN IN COLUMBUS ON MAY 13TH

COLUMBUS- Harrah's Nebraska, a new casino, sportsbook, and racetrack in Columbus, was approved to open next month by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. "This is a big deal," said Racing and Gaming Commission Chairman Dennis Lee of the vote to approve the new casino, which is set to officially open at 10:00 A.M. on May 13th.

It took roughly 14 months for Caesars Entertainment to build the 28,000-square-foot casino which, when opened, will feature more than 500 slot machines and 14 table games, along with a sportsbook that seats 78 people. The only technicality in approving the opening date for the casino was making sure it coincided with the opening of the race track.

Commissioner Jeff Galyen pointed out that a Nebraska city "can't have a casino without having a horse track." The Columbus casino will host a 15-day race beginning August 16th. Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, also announced at the meeting that WarHorse Casino Omaha could open as early as August 1st. Meanwhile, phase 2 of WarHorse Casino Lincoln is moving toward its October completion date.

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GOV. PILLEN SELECTS NEBRASKA'S NEW CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

LINCOLN- An information technology expert with Nebraska ties and experience as Florida’s chief data officer is taking the reins as the state’s new chief information officer. Gov. Jim Pillen announced his pick of Matthew J. McCarville, the previous chief information officer and assistant vice chancellor of IT services and operations at the University of Colorado, Denver.

“I look forward to working with Dr. McCarville to eliminate state reliance on obsolete IT systems and delivering transformative cost savings to taxpayers,” Pillen said, praising McCarville’s “extensive” national and international IT experience and expertise. In Florida, McCarville oversaw IT needs for all 32 state agencies, 67 counties, 28 colleges and 12 universities.

McCarville was raised in and attended school in Nebraska. He earned all his degrees from Creighton University, including a doctorate in business administration. Ed Toner retired from the chief information officer role Feb. 16 after eight years. at an annual salary of about $214,000. He consolidated and modernized state IT systems during his tenure. McCarville’s salary has not yet been identified.

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UNION OMAHA'S $60 MILLION DOWNTOWN STADIUM CLEARS MAJOR HURDLE

OMAHA- Ground has yet to be broken on the new Union Omaha soccer stadium going up in downtown Omaha, but a major piece of the project is now in place. On the final day of the Nebraska Legislature, lawmakers authorized $25 million over 20 years in support of the project. Union Omaha still has to raise the remaining funds. However, the approval of state money was essential for the stadium.

The stadium now has full momentum, heading for a groundbreaking later this year and an opening near downtown Omaha in 2026. The Sports Arena Financing Facility Act was amended to support the Union Stadium. The stadium is the centerpiece of a $300 million development called the “Good Life District,” including hotels, retail, and entertainment spots.

This was done in the name of urban growth. It’s designed as a way to attract 20- and 30-year-old’s to Omaha — and keep them here. The stadium is also one of the final pieces of the remodeling of downtown Omaha. The city recently opened the new riverwalk, the revamped Gene Leahy Mall, and will soon complete a brand new skyscraper in the Mutual of Omaha building.

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AG HILGERS TARGETS MORE THC RETAILERS IN NEW LAWSUIT AFTER BID TO BAN DRUG FAILED

LINCOLN- After legislation backed by Nebraska's attorney general seeking to ban THC products stalled in the Legislature this year, Mike Hilgers' office targeted nine more THC storefronts in another consumer protection lawsuit filed this week. In the 39-page complaint filed in Lancaster County District Court, Hilgers' office accused those operating Midwest Smoke Shop stores across the state of engaging in deceptive and harmful trade practices and seeking to "ensnare Nebraska’s most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children."

The state's attorneys broadly alleged that Midwest Smoke — the front-facing brand name of at least nine individually owned THC shops in Lincoln, Omaha and Gretna — sold THC vapes and edibles to Nebraska children and "has caused serious harm and hospitalization." The office did not provide any evidence linking them to sales to children or any hospital-related incidents.

A spokeswoman for Hilgers' office declined to provide further details on the alleged harm Midwest Smoke is purported to have caused Nebraska children, noting the lawsuit is "now in active litigation." Altogether, the lawsuits are just one prong of Hilgers' multifaceted attempt to crack down on THC products that have been available at various dispensary-type shops in Nebraska for nearly three years.

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