GRAND ISLAND GEARS UP FOR AUG. 13 SPECIAL ELECTION, PUBLIC INCENTIVES RELATED TO GOOD LIFE DISTRICT

LINCOLN- While Grand Island is the most recent town to join Nebraska's Good Life Districts, it looks to be the first to start implementing the intended changes. The City Council has called a special election on August 13th to determine whether the city will create an economic development program to guide growing tourism and incorporate new public incentives outlined by the Good Life Law. Leaders in the city are working with developer Woodsonia Real Estate to build up the underdeveloped portion of the area.

Development plans from Woodsonia estimate 2,000 new apartments, 220 single-family homes, a business sector, and a large sports complex to attract tourists. Grand Island is now waiting for voter approval to repurpose eliminated state revenue towards district development. Their special election is happening ahead of similar communities that have yet to schedule or comment on their process.

There is a public campaign and a newly formed political committee that have been pushing further efforts to develop a district. The campaign has emphasized the importance of educating the public on what the new district would look like and the importance of a special election. If the vote is affirmative, the city will move on to creating the economic development program and mechanisms to allocate the necessary funds.

For the full article click HERE

STATE FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST WINDSTREAM AFTER INVESTIGATING NEBRASKA 911 OUTAGES

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Public Service Commission has been led to file a complaint against the telecommunications company that was responsible for the 911 outages that affected eastern Nebraska in late 2023 and early this year. The company, Windstream, has been the subject of an extensive investigation that found they may have violated state regulations. “The complaint provides the commission the ability to hold the carrier accountable through punitive actions,” Chairman Dan Watermeier said.

Since these outages, the commission and lawmakers have been proposing changes, such as legislation aimed at speeding up the process of hearings for 911 outages. The trouble with Windstream began last August when a third-party contractor struck one of the city's sprinkler lines causing a leak and fire explosion in the company's Lincoln facility. What the commission's complaint mainly pertains to is what happened only 13 hours later, when the company's backup generator failed, stranding 911 callers in most of the 20 emergency call centers in southeast Nebraska.

Problems with network stability arose last winter resulting in two separate Lincoln outages, the first of which went unreported within the regulatory requirement. The Nebraska Public Service Commission found that there were not enough precautions taken, including proper testing of backup power systems, network switching, and redundancy. Windstream representatives have voiced that they are committed to making amends, fixing all issues, and continuing to provide 911 services for Nebraskans.

For the full article click HERE

MAJOR CLEANUP EFFORTS UNDERWAY AT BELLEVUE PROPERTIES IMPACTED BY FLOOD

BELLEVUE- American Heroes Park was among the few areas that had been closed since Bellevue was hit by flooding in late June. Now, the Bellevue park is slowly being reopened to the public, as efforts to clear the water and debris have progressed. "We went through the sidewalks and made sure there was no debris, but came pretty well unscathed and we’re happy to have that open to the public," said Phil Davidson, City of Bellevue Communications Director.

Amenities such as the fishing pond have been reopened, and the city is continually working on reopening the fountains. Similar places like Haworth Park and Winsor Cove are still closed due to the flooding. Those involved have noted that there is still a lot of work to do in some areas because of the excess of mud and some potential safety hazards.

The damage has unfortunately forced the parks to cancel thousands of reservations. Haworth Park's parking lot is still covered in dirt and debris near the boat docks, and the ramps won't be replaced until cleaning is finished. While park services are working hard to reopen their services, Bellevue has learned from previous flooding incidents with worse damage.

For the full article click HERE

NINE APPLY TO BECOME NEXT DIRECTOR OF HISTORY NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- Several qualified individuals have submitted applications to be the next director of History Nebraska. Among the applicants are a supervisor of historical Nebraska parks, the head of an Indiana agency that manages historic documents, the manager of an agricultural exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair, a former Lincoln City Council member, a state legislative fiscal analyst, and the former History Nebraska librarian who complained about the former director's policies. Former director Trevor Jones left his position in 2022 after six years on the job due to the release of an audit that accused him of misappropriating funds.

Jones was charged with theft by deception and is waiting for a Lancaster County District Court trial. The head of History Nebraska's historic preservation office, Jill Dolberg, has been serving as interim director. Dolberg did not apply for the permanent position, and there was a lack of applicants which surprised some.

Previously, History Nebraska's 14-member board of trustees would pick the new director, but under a new law, Governor Jim Pillen will be the one to make the choice. Before the law change, some candidates had emerged as potential replacements, although the board stopped searching when they learned the decision would be Pillen's. When Jones was hired, most candidates were from other states, but now, all but one are Nebraska natives.

For the full article click HERE

DR. JAMES LINDER TO REPLACE DR. GOLD ON NEBRASKA MEDICINE BOARD

OMAHA- Nebraska Medicine's board of directors recently chose their chief executive officer, Dr. James Linder, to replace Dr. Jeffery Gold as chair. Gold is unable to fulfill his duties due to his new position as the University of Nebraska's President. Linder has been the CEO since 2018 and helped teach at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for four decades.

Linder is one of the university's lead fundraising chairs and is known for his research on cervical cancer screening and work with blood disorders. Gold left his position to serve as the university's president after about a decade. “Dr. Gold provided outstanding leadership since Nebraska Medicine was organized,” Linder said.

Nebraska Medicine is the University of Nebraska Medical Center's nonprofit partner, operating hospitals and medical offices. Nebraska Medicine is governed by a group of people from different sectors of the community who seek involvement with the system. Linder's peers have praised his promotion and see him as very qualified.

For the full article click HERE

GOV. JIM PILLEN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING FOR 3 MAJOR OMAHA PROJECT

LINCOLN- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen recently announced that the state is increasing its contribution to three major Omaha projects by over $2 million. The three projects, Omaha Performing Arts Center, Joslyn Art Museum, and the Elkhorn Athletic Association, first received $3.85 million through the state's Shovel-Ready Capital project program. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers the Shovel-Ready program.

The increased funds came from reallocated money from other projects that went unfinished. In 2022, $115 million in grants were set aside for nonprofits that were delayed by COVID-19. Lawmakers approved using $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars and $15 million from the state's general fund, and nonprofits were also required to at least match their grants with privately raised dollars.

Due to a high volume of applications, the three projects did not initially receive the funds they requested. Because of their underfunded status, they were chosen to be given the repurposed money. After the increase, the total for each of the three projects is $6.31 million.

For the full article click HERE

K-12 FUNDING SHIFT FROM PROPERTY TAXES WOULD BE MULTIYEAR EFFORT, NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS SAY

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers working with Governor Jim Pillen on his property tax reform plan for the special legislative session this summer have said that if the state does take on the majority of K-12 school funding, the process would occur over multiple years. While a group of 17 lawmakers have been continually meeting with Pillen, it's been said some details still need to be fleshed out. Pillen has made the possibility of having the state absorb K-12 school funding a large part of his property tax reform plan, which has been the main focus of his gubernatorial term so far.

While some lawmakers have expressed concerns over Pillen's lack of a substantial plan, others are satisfied with going off of his public statements and their discussions with him. “We’ll have the plan in black and white before the special session comes,” Pillen said. Lawmakers are also worried about the tax burden simply shifting elsewhere rather than being relieved. Regardless, the group working with Pillen is prepared to present bold ideas during the special session.

Opponents of Pillen's ideas are distressed by the possibility of local control over schools being taken away but have been assured that power would remain with school boards. Spending and growth are two key issues that have been pointed out within this context due to possible tax exemptions being revoked. Pillen has remained confident that he will get the votes needed to get his reform plan passed despite criticism.

For the full article click HERE

ACLU FILES SUIT TO COMPEL FEDS TO ANSWER 2021 REQUEST FOR RECORDS ON FREMONT, SCRIBNER RENTAL LAWS

LINCOLN- The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska recently filed a lawsuit to get federal authorities to comply with a public records request from 2021 seeking information about immigrant-related housing ordinances. They claim that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have broken federal law by not responding to the old request. The ACLU requested records on housing ordinances targeting immigrants in Fremont and Scribner, banning unauthorized immigrants from renting, requiring prospective renters to answer a question regarding citizenship status, and forcing law enforcement to investigate.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg acknowledged recently that these ordinances are unenforceable, noting that the community should embrace its immigrant population. Despite this sentiment, the ordinances are still in place in both towns. While the ACLU doesn't have evidence of negative impact because of these ordinances, concern is rising due to Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump's remarks stating that there would be mass deportations of undocumented immigrants upon his election.

The ACLU's legal fellow, Dylan Severino, stated the group hasn't received any communication regarding their records request since December 2021. “Federal law includes clear guidelines on processing public records requests and there is no excuse for years of inaction on any request — let alone one that involves something as important as fair access to housing,” said Severino. The ACLU of Nebraska has had multiple legal battles with local governments in the past decade and a half, and this lawsuit is their most recent feud.

For the full article click HERE

DIRECTOR OF THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LEAVING AUG. 2

LINCOLN- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen recently announced that the state's Department of Natural Resources director, Tom Riley, will soon leave the position. Senator Pete Ricketts appointed Riley during his gubernatorial term in 2020. “I appreciate Director Riley’s public service to the state, and I wish him the best in all future endeavors,” Pillen stated in an announcement.

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for surface water, groundwater, floodplain management, dam safety, and the storage of natural resources, among other things. In the past few years, leaders have focused on securing water rights from Colorado and creating a manmade lake for recreation between Omaha and Lincoln. A news release noted that interim leadership and a pending appointment are soon to come.

The special legislative committee, the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability, was created to study opportunities in the state and identify potential projects that would be economically beneficial to the state. Riley previously helped these lawmakers understand the necessity of the water rights they want to obtain from Colorado, but Colorado officials are concerned it is unnecessary. Both lake and water rights projects are in the early stages, but external threats may derail the committee's plans.

For the full article click HERE

AGRICULTURAL, EDUCATION SENATORS PUSH BACK ON SOME OF GOV. JIM PILLEN'S PROPERTY TAX REFORMS

LINCOLN- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is facing disapproval from some of his closest allies in the Legislature due to his suggestion to remove the current sales tax exemptions for agricultural and manufacturing inputs. Pillen says that doing so will save producers money if the state follows through on his plan to take on a majority of K-12 funding, which would reduce some property tax bills by up to 60%. Some lawmakers that Pillen could need to get his tax reform passed have also questioned the substantiality of his plan.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau and State Senator Theresa Ibach both have similar concerns about taxing inputs, stating that it could harm families and raise prices for consumers and producers. “I think the one thing we all agree on is that property taxes are a burden, and the challenge is going to be finding 33 of us who can agree on a path forward,” Ibach said. The concern pertains to young farmers and ranchers who begin working on rented property and the possible detriment they may face because of tax reform.

Another concern stems from the possibility that farmers may look to out-of-state options to purchase cheaper supplies. Agricultural and manufacturing inputs make up a majority of the taxes that go uncollected due to exemptions in Nebraska. While most are opposed to the removal of a tax exemption on inputs like seeds, chemicals, and fertilizers, some find it appropriate to consider physical property such as machinery and equipment differently.

For the full article click HERE

NE AUDIT OF DHHS CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM EXPOSES AS MUCH AS $12.8M IN IMPROPER PAYMENTS

LINCOLN- A detailed audit recently released looking at a sample of $93 million in federal and state funds spent by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services exposing what State Auditor Mike Foley characterized as rampant abuses. This led to as much as $12.8 million in improper payments to childcare providers. Foley said his office found that some providers took advantage of the state's loosely enforced oversight.

The DHHS subsidizes childcare providers on a sliding scale basis to care for children from low-income families. “Some of the spurious billings were so wildly excessive that one wonders whether anyone at DHHS took even the most cursory glance at them before authorizing their payment,” Foley said. At times, the DHHS was being billed by a childcare center for the same period multiple times or more days than possible in a particular month.

Investigations are being launched into care centers that previously abused the lack of oversight and employees are to be properly retrained on billing procedures. There were various other discrepancies pointed out by the audit, including improper cost rates and a lack of attendance logs. Foley expressed that the DHHS needs to be more diligent in its review of billing reports to prevent a future issue.

For the full article click HERE

CONSULTANT SEES $531M IN TRIMS TO NE STATE GOVERNMENT

LINCOLN- A highly-paid consultant from the Utah-based service Epiphany Associates projects that Nebraska could save over half a billion dollars in spending if it honed in on system-wide outcomes that benefit the state and delved into more federal and state reserve funds. Their extensive report identified four areas where changes could save money: the child welfare and Medicaid divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Lincoln Regional Center, and the inmate rehabilitation and reentry program within the Department of Corrections.

Half of the projected savings would come from removing financial buffers in state budgets, while the other half would come from reduced indirect costs. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has already begun urging state agencies to get rid of unfilled positions and apply for more federal funding to displace state financing. Pillen's spokeswoman Laura Strimple expressed their office's satisfaction with Epiphany Associates' work.

Some state senators have come out and made statements opposing the company's recommendation, noting that their report takes an outdated approach and leaves a few unanswered questions. Epiphany Associates was hired for $10 million over four years to reduce spending and improve spending in the state. These new suggestions to lower state spending are part of Governor Pillen's efforts to reach his goal of reducing local property taxes by 40%.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKANS GET NEW OPTION TO REPORT CHILD AND ADULT ABUSE CONCERNS ONLINE

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new online method for reporting suspected abuse and neglect. The new mechanism is described as complementary to the current hotline as it provides another avenue for reporting concerns according to the DHHS Division of Children and Family Services. "Having such an important tool available to the public is a vital part of making sure we can take action on reports of abuse and neglect in our state," said CFS Director Alyssa Bish.

The new reporting mechanism is easily accessible anytime, any day, enabling people to report abuse on their own time. Not only does the new method simplify the reporting process, but it also makes reports easier to catalog for CFS. It will allow for separate reporting of abuse and neglect towards children and adults.

While making a report, individuals will be asked to provide personal information so they may be contacted, but the option to remain anonymous will also be available. During a report, the individual will be asked to provide as much information as possible about the victim and alleged perpetrator. The existing hotline remains available, and the DHHS website has a plethora of information on the issue.

For the full article click HERE

LT. GOV. JOE KELLY TO LEAD INDONESIA TRADE TRIP, AS PILLEN FOCUSES ON SPECIAL SESSION

LINCOLN- With the special legislative session soon approaching, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has asked his Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly to replace him in leading a trade mission to Indonesia this month. Pillen vowed to call a special session on property tax reform beginning when the Indonesia trip ends. Some lawmakers have criticized the decision due to Pillen and Indonesia's heavy involvement in the pork trade market, and have pressured the governor for a tax plan in writing.

Indonesia has a vast economy and population, and they are one of the top export markets for Nebraska. At the same time, its GDP and population are both quickly expanding. The group taking the trip is composed of representatives from different agricultural and environmental agencies. They will be touring different facilities and meeting with various trade partners.

The group will focus on Nebraska beef, pork, and soybeans, and other food products. "We are excited to explore this vibrant market and build new partnerships that will directly affect Nebraska’s economy," Kelly said. The delegation is to meet with a variety of different business and government entities to promote Nebraska's importance to Indonesia.

For the full article click HERE

SCHOOL VOUCHERS FIGHT IS NEBRASKA'S LAST PETITION DRIVE OF 2024

OMAHA- After last week's deadline for groups to submit signatures, one ballot initiative is still seeking signatures. Support Our Schools received two extra weeks to turn in signatures because the school choice law that the group sought to repeal was altered. They have until July 17th to collect 61,000 signatures from about 5% of registered voters to get repealing the most recent iteration of the law on the ballot in November, which they are confident will be achieved.

Supporters of the current law such as State Senators Justin Wayne and Lou Ann Linehan have emphasized the importance of providing more schooling options for parents and kids. “People aren’t putting themselves in a position of parents who have a child who is not succeeding that is miserable and they have an option here that might work,” Linehan said. The new law, LB 1402, will repeal its predecessor, LB 753, and set aside $10 million annually to create and fund the state's first voucher program for private school attendees.

The Support Our Schools ballot initiative is heavily funded and backed by influential parties. Support Our Schools is concerned that the voucher program won't reach those truly in need, but supporters of the bill refute that the change has the public interest in mind.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA ABORTION FIGHT FUELS RECORD FILINGS TO REMOVE SIGNATURES FROM PETITIONS

LINCOLN- The final signature push for competing petition initiatives on abortion led to over 300 people filing affidavits claiming they mistakenly signed a petition and pulling their signatures. This number is the most filed against a single ballot initiative with the Secretary of State's Office. State Senator Megan Hunt of District 8 criticized the efforts of the anti-abortion petition group Protect Women and Children, claiming signees were purposefully coerced and misinformed.

Organizers for Protect Women and Children claim that combative efforts from groups trying to get signatures removed prove that they're concerned about their initiative failing. “The activists organizing their followers to ‘remove their names’ is a mere media spectacle,” Brenna Grasz said. The group stated that it had over 1,200 volunteers and other paid circulators who gathered 205,000 signatures.

Under the current law, Nebraska restricts abortion to 12 weeks gestational age, or about 10 weeks after fertilization. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has stated that their goal is to ban abortion outright. The pro-choice initiative Protect Our Rights would cement the right to abortion in the state's constitution until the point of fetal viability, typically at 22 to 24 weeks gestation.

For the full article click HERE

NATIONAL REPUBLICANS MATCH NEBRASKA'S 2ND DISTRICT AD PUSH BY DEMOCRATS

OMAHA- The National Republican Campaign Committee recently announced that it would be outdoing its Democratic counterparts in Nebraska's Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District by committing $1.24 million to digital and television advertisement reservations. This continues an ongoing competition between Republican U.S. Representative Don Bacon and the Democratic candidate challenging him in November, Tony Vargas. The funds are a part of the NRCC's $45.7 million set aside for advertisement reservations across the country.

Observers have stated that they expect more major investments in the 2nd District election due to the state's rare practice of awarding an Electoral College vote to the presidential candidate that wins each district. Nebraska and Maine are the only two states that divide their electoral votes. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has threatened to change the format to winner-take-all during the special legislative session, which would favor the Republican candidate Donald Trump, but liberal Maine lawmakers have said they would reciprocate the change to take away any possible advantage.

Much of the NRCC's money is targeting seats in the House of Representatives that are either held by Democrats in districts that Donald Trump won in 2020 or held by Republicans in districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Supporters are rallying behind Rep. Bacon while opponents criticize his platform. Nebraska's Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District is going to foster a highly contested and competitive election at the state and federal levels.

For the full article click HERE

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVOCATES TURN IN SIGNATURES SEEKING NEBRASKA BALLOT ACCESS

LINCOLN- Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana turned in a total of over 114,000 signatures for each of its two petitions last Wednesday. This campaign marks the group's third attempt to get on the ballot. “You can never have enough, never have enough, but it was amazing to collect until the very last moment to allow every Nebraskan out there that could get to us and wanted to sign, to sign,” said statewide campaign manager Crista Eggers.

The campaign hosted two final events in Lincoln and Omaha to collect and count signatures until the last moment. Typically 15% to 30% of signatures are invalidated during the verification process, which is why ballot initiative groups try to gather as many signatures as possible. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has reached the county requirement to be placed on a ballot, so their recent efforts were focused on getting signatures as a precaution.

It has been a long and turbulent journey for the initiative group to get on the ballot, but polling indicates that Nebraskans support the legalization of marijuana regardless of age, geography, and political identity. In 2020, the Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed the ballot language, arguing that it combined two issues, and in 2022, the campaign missed the signature requirement. The group now awaits certification and is hopeful for a ballot placement in November.

For the full article click HERE

PETITION SIGNATURES TURNED IN FOR NEBRASKA PAID SICK LEAVE BALLOT MEASURE

LINCOLN- Nebraskans who work at least 30 hours a week but don't have paid sick leave will likely have the chance to change that at the ballots. According to an announcement made by Organizers of Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, 138,000 signatures were turned in to set a minimum level of sick leave by law. Supporters are confident that their efforts will land the issue on the general election ballot.

The initiative would make changes to Nebraska employment practices, such as a set minimum number of annual paid sick days and a rewards system. “It’s a process of earning that time and then being able to use it when you need it,” Jo Giles of initiative supporter Women's Fund of Omaha said. Supporters say that the change will positively impact workers in every industry.

Many businesses are happy to support the effort to relieve the financial burden of unfortunate circumstances out of their control. Lawmakers who oppose this change will have the option of changing a voter-approved law, but there is hope that the will of the voters will be respected. The initiative has raised a substantial amount of funds while no group has raised any money in opposition.

For the full article click HERE

PEOPLE PULLING NAMES OFF NEBRASKA PETITIONS IN FINAL DAYS FOR SIGNATURES

LINCOLN- In the final days for petitioners to gather signatures for their ballot initiative, Nebraskans are not taking the deceptive tactics of some groups lightly. There have been at least 14 complaints filed against petition circulators, driven mostly by competing abortion-related groups. Protect Our Rights is a petition group seeking to put abortion rights in the constitution while other groups like Protect Women and Children and Now Choose Life want to restrict, limit, or ban abortion access in the state.

Observers have noticed more social media posts alleging bad behavior from petition circulators. This includes some individuals being berated in public by pushy petitioners as well as refusing to read the petition language aloud before getting a signature, which is against the law. “It’s not unusual to get a few complaints about circulators,” Secretary of State spokeswoman Jackie Ourada said.

There are over 200 individuals who have filed to have their signatures removed from a petition, most coming from the Protect Women and Children petition. It was stated that voters have faced a lot of misguidance and misinformation regarding this issue, and they're being urged to consider whether they support the ballot they signed. This is an urgent time for circulators as petitions are due by 5 p.m. on July 3rd.

For the full article click HERE