NE IMMIGRANT ADVOCATES PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE WORKPLACE RAIDS, ACTIVE SHOOTERS, MASS DEPORTATION

LINCOLN- Immigrant advocates in Nebraska are gearing up for the possibility of a mass deportation operation, flash workplace raids or other events that would cause upheaval in the state’s immigrant communities. The statewide Las Voces Nebraska organization plans a virtual summit with speaker panels of legal, educational, religious, mental health, and other community representatives for September 7.

Las Voces leaders say the Nebraska action plan is a response to events that have occurred locally and could happen again in the Cornhusker state. They added that immigration-related crackdowns have occurred under Democratic and Republican administrations alike.

Rebecca Gonzales, co-founder of Las Voces, said that while advocates and others in those earlier years developed community response plans, those plans need updating.

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1ST DISTRICT CANDIDATES FLOOD AND BLOOD AGREE TO DEBATE ON NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA

LINCOLN- Voters in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District will see their U.S. House candidates debate live on Nebraska Public Media TV. Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood of Norfolk and Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue have agreed to join an hourlong debate at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Flood is a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature who served a second stint in the statehouse before running in a 2022 special election and regular election to replace former Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who resigned from office. Flood was known in the Legislature for leading the effort that set the state’s abortion ban at 20 weeks and in Congress as a critic of illegal immigration.

Blood is a former Bellevue City Council member and candidate for governor who is term-limited after eight years in the Legislature. She has spent much of her career trying to get state senators to weigh the ramifications of state mandates on cities and counties and their local taxpayers.

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COMMENTARY: LEADERSHIP IN NEBRASKA NEEDS TO RISE TO THE OCCASION

OPINION (By Chris Chappelear- Nebraska Examiner)-  "People should not be afraid to call out elected officials from their own political parties, especially when they are out of their depth. So, no matter what you think of any of the property tax plans considered by the Nebraska Legislature, it is clear that Gov. Jim Pillen mismanaged this entire special session from the start.

His original plan shifted the tax burden and increased taxes on ordinary Nebraskans so wealthy landowners like Bill Gates, Ted Turner, and even himself could get out of paying as much tax as possible. Instead of the 40% reduction in property taxes promised by Gov. Pillen back in February, “guaranteed,” the estimate of the current plan is only a 3% cut in property taxes. Even then, it is a sleight-of-hand trick designed to make it look like property tax relief is happening when it’s really just making property tax credits that people are already entitled to apply automatically.

It’s not as if the Legislature lacked any alternative plans – the Revenue Committee (led by an ally of the governor) refused to consider anything other than the governor’s ideas...."

FULL ARTICLE HERE

FEDS APPROVE PILLEN DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 17 COUNTIES

LINCOLN — Nebraska governments and public utilities will get federal disaster aid to offset the cost of damage from severe storms that struck between May 20 and June 3.

President Joe Biden granted most of Gov. Jim Pillen’s major disaster request from storms that spurred tornadoes, flooding and strong winds. Pillen’s push had support from Nebraska’s congressional delegates, who argued in letters that the state needed help to rebuild its public infrastructure. The storms damaged $11.6 million in utility lines, power poles, roadways, parks and public buildings, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said Thursday.

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GRAND ISLAND CASINO EARNINGS WILL REDUCE COUNTY TAX LEVY

GRAND ISLAND - The proposed Hall County budget for 2024-25 uses casino earnings to help reduce the tax burden for county property owners.

Under actions taken Wednesday, homeowners will pay $407.34 per $100,000 worth of valuation. To reach that amount, commissioners approved using $819,000 in proceeds the county has received from the temporary Grand Island Casino Resort. Earlier in the meeting, taxpayers were looking at paying $418.28 per $100,000 valuation. So if the preliminary budget is approved, casino earnings will save county taxpayers $10.94 per $100,000 valuation.

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REPORT PROVIDES INSIGHT TO HELP ADDRESS WORKFORCE WOES, BRAIN DRAIN PUZZLE IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN — Nebraska college graduates who grew up in the state are about twice as likely to stay and work here compared to their out-of-state peers, according to new research on what keeps talent in Cornhusker territory.

Key findings also show that having social and economic ties to the state, as well as previous work experience in Nebraska, go hand in hand with higher retention rates.

Such highlights are included in the new report from the Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System, which focuses on factors influencing talent retention, or staying and working in Nebraska after graduation from college. The analysis tapped data from local sources including public high schools, public postsecondary institutions and the Nebraska Labor Department generally from 2013 to 2023.

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MAYORS EXPRESS FRUSTRATION OVER NEBRASKA'S NEW TAX PLAN

BELLEVUE - Another Omaha metro mayor has serious concerns about the recently-passed property tax reduction plan.

Bellevue has plans to build a 100,000-square-foot water park that will attract hundreds of thousands of people. The city also wants a race track and casino, and Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike says these projects will help create jobs, grow the population and broaden the tax base.

According to Hike, there is infrastructure that needs to be repaired and replaced in neighborhoods across the city and he says the zero-percent, one-size-fits-all system does not work. Bellevue in particular has to deal with some unique issues. Hike claims state’s unfunded mandates have burdened cities for years. 

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert also has concerns about the zero-percent cap on cities and she worries about future property tax reduction debates in the state legislature.

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CHIEF JUSTICE HEAVICAN TO RETIRE FROM NEB. SUPREME COURT

LINCOLN — Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican will retire from his post effective Oct. 31, and Gov. Jim Pillen will eventually appoint his successor.

Heavican, in a Wednesday letter to employees of the Judicial Branch, said he was retiring after 18 years. He said that the accomplishments of his colleagues made him proud to serve as chief justice and that he’ll be forever grateful for their hard work and dedication.

Former Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Heavican to the high court in October 2006. Heavican previously served five years as Nebraska’s U.S. attorney, a pick by former President George W. Bush. Heavican, 77, also served as an assistant U.S. attorney and Lancaster County attorney from 1981 to 1990.

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PILLEN SAYS NEXT PROPERTY TAX PUSH CAN WAIT UNTIL JANUARY, AVOIDING SECOND SPECIAL SESSION

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says he has no plans to call the Legislature back into special session this year to consider additional property tax relief after final passage Tuesday of a pared-down proposal.

Rather than rush lawmakers back to Lincoln for more changes yet this year, as the governor discussed during bill negotiations, he said he would wait until the next regular session begins in January. Pillen pushed back on criticism by some senators who said he shouldn’t have called them into special session July 25 if he didn’t have the votes for his proposals. He said he understands his plans need more support.

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LEGISLATURE PASSES SLIMMED-DOWN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PACKAGE, ENDS SPECIAL SESSION

LINCOLN — Nebraska taxpayers are likely to see a small bump in property tax relief on their tax statements for next year, but much less relief than Gov. Jim Pillen requested.

Legislative Bill 34, which passed 40-3 on the final day of the Legislature’s special session Tuesday, provides $185 million in new tax relief, or about 3.5% over the $5.3 billion in local property taxes collected in 2023. Some Nebraskans might see their first relief as LB 34 repurposes the existing income tax credit for property tax paid to appear on property tax statements, rather than requiring property owners to request a refund later.

Lawmakers have described that package as the “absolute minimum” and a “skinnied-down” proposal from one that sought to reduce K-12 school tax rates through increased sales taxes.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS ADVANCE 'ABSOLUTE MINIMUM' PROPERTY TAX PACKAGE AFTER MONTHS OF BUILDUP

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers advanced a scaled-back version of a property tax relief package, Legislative Bill 34, after months of debate and extensive proposals from Governor Jim Pillen and the Revenue Committee. The final bill focuses on three key provisions: front-loading income tax credits for property taxes, expanding school tax credits, and capping property tax-asking authority by local governments, though many legislators expressed disappointment with the limited scope of the bill. “This is an absolute minimum that I feel that we should do,” State Senator Brad von Gillern said.

The original, more ambitious 122-page tax relief plan was trimmed down after it became clear there was insufficient support, leading to a pivot towards a simpler, consensus-based approach. While some lawmakers viewed the package as a positive, albeit minimal, step toward addressing Nebraska's high property taxes, others criticized it for being inadequate and leaving vulnerable communities underserved.

The bill's passage was met with mixed reactions, with some lawmakers praising it as a necessary compromise, while others criticized it for not going far enough. The debate highlighted ongoing tensions between the need for tax relief and the concerns of local governments and citizens about the potential impact on public services and infrastructure. The Legislature will next consider funding mechanisms for the bill, including budget cuts and fee increases.

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TERM-LIMITED NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS MOUNT WHAT COULD BE LAST PUSH FOR MORE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers, led by State Sen. Justin Wayne, are pushing for more substantial property tax relief before their term ends. Wayne proposed three options to expand Legislative Bill 34, which initially offered modest tax relief. The options include targeted tax credits for different property types, new tax credits for natural resources districts, and significant property tax reductions funded by increased sales taxes and other measures.

Many term-limited senators, including Wayne, are pushing for these expanded options to leave a more significant impact on property tax relief before they exit the Legislature. Some lawmakers, like State Sen. Steve Erdman, advocate for more drastic measures, such as eliminating property, income, and sales taxes altogether, while others urge caution to avoid harming local services. The frustration among lawmakers stems from the narrowing of LB 34 from an original 30% tax cut proposal to just 3%, prompting demands for more comprehensive solutions.

Wayne's proposals aim to provide up to 40% total property tax relief by combining various tax credits, new taxes on goods and services, and adjustments to current tax policies. These proposals seek to balance immediate tax relief with long-term revenue generation, ensuring that Nebraska's property tax system is more equitable and sustainable. The final outcome of these debates will determine whether the Legislature can achieve meaningful property tax reform before the session concludes.

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CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REVIVED ON OWNER-OCCUPIED PROPERTY VALUATIONS

LINCOLN — It’s too soon to tell whether Nebraska voters can weigh in this fall on a constitutional amendment that would let future Legislatures set the valuations of owner-occupied residential properties differently from commercial.

But Gov. Jim Pillen’s office expressed openness to the idea, in response to a reporter’s question, and legislative leaders who had been searching for more pathways to property tax relief embraced the approach as giving the Legislature a future “tool” in its property-tax cutting toolbox.

If eventually approved by voters, the measure, proposed by State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, would eliminate a section of the state constitution that requires uniformity in how the state values residential and commercial properties.

Lawmakers cast aside colleagues’ questions about whether it was too late in an election year and wrong under their rules to revive the proposed amendment on residential valuations. Legislative Resolution 2CA advanced 32-14. Senators met on Saturday to consider the measure on Select File, eventually bracketing the measure until Monday, August 19th. LR2CA would be available for further consideration by the body on Tuesday, though the time remaining in the special session is quickly running out.

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BUDGET BILLS ADVANCE AFTER FILIBUSTER

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature advanced a second budget bill, Legislative Bill 3, to help cover the costs of the property tax relief plan outlined in Legislative Bill 34, despite considerable debate and frustration among state senators. The bill reallocates $22 million in fees and interest from state agencies to the general fund, with the state’s cash reserves covering an additional $46 million, following the earlier passage of another bill that implemented $117 million in spending cuts. Although some senators, like State Senator Danielle Conrad, opposed the need for such funding during a special session, the Appropriations Committee, led by State Senator Rob Clements, defended their decisions, ultimately passing the bill with a 35-11 vote after eight hours of debate.

Throughout the day, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the limited scope of property tax relief provided by LB 34 and sought ways to enhance the package. Despite efforts to filibuster the budget cuts, the Appropriations Committee maintained that their funding decisions were necessary to support the relief plan without harming individual state agencies. Amendments were considered, including one from State Senator Terrell McKinney to restore $250,000 in corrections funding which he got passed after much debate.

State Senators Conrad and Machaela Cavanaugh continued to argue against the urgency of the funding efforts, but the majority of senators pushed forward, aiming to finalize the budget adjustments necessary to implement the property tax relief measures. The debate highlighted the ongoing tension between providing immediate tax relief and ensuring long-term financial stability for the state, as lawmakers grappled with the limitations of the special session process.

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ONLINE SPORTS BETTING AUTHORITY FOR NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE ADVANCED FROM COMMITTEE; UNLIKELY TO MOVE FURTHER DURING SPECIAL SESSION

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature’s General Affairs Committee advanced a measure allowing voters to decide if the Legislature should have the authority to regulate online sports betting, but it did not approve a companion bill that would have put this decision on the November ballot. This means any public vote on the matter is likely delayed until at least 2025. The amended proposal, supported by both Democratic and Republican senators, is seen as a way to enable the Legislature to more carefully craft regulations rather than leaving the rules to a potential petition initiative.

Supporters of the measure, including State Senators John Cavanaugh and Jana Hughes, argue that letting lawmakers address the issue would allow for more deliberate debate and regulation of online sports betting. They believe this approach is preferable to a well-funded initiative from casino interests that could overwhelm discourse. In contrast, opponents like State Senator John Lowe argue that expanding gambling could negatively impact financially distressed individuals and families and is not aligned with the current focus of the special session.

The fate of the proposal remains uncertain, as Speaker John Arch indicated that he does not plan to schedule the bill during the special session. Some legislators argued for the bill's potential to provide revenue for property tax relief in the state. If the Legislature adjourns without taking further action, the proposal could be considered during the regular session starting in January.

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE SIDESTEPS FILIBUSTER: APPROVES CUTS TO HHS, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

LINCOLN- A small group of senators attempted a filibuster to prevent more than $28 million in budget cuts from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Legislative Council. LB 2 trims about $117 million from state agencies, including $25 million from HHS and $3.5 million from the Legislative Council. Senators Conrad and Machaela Cavanaugh led the charge arguing the importance of protecting legislative autonomy along with Senator Dungan who was concerned with what services would be disrupted at HHS due to the cuts.

The filibuster was met with opposition from Senator Clements, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and Senator Linehan, Chair of the Revenue Committee, both echoing that the cuts proposed would not hinder services. They argued that the funding cuts are coming from inefficiencies within the agencies and are needed to support the property tax relief in LB 34.

However, Senator Vargas, a member of the Appropriations Committee, did not believe that the cuts to HHS were transparent and requested more information to see the impacts of cutting the funds. Senator Conrad saw the cuts as unnecessary and performative, saying that the legislature could consider cuts in the regular session in January. Ultimately, LB 2 advanced on a 33-11 vote.

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COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSAL TO VALUE NE OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING DIFFERENTLY, SIMILAR TO AG LAND

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee advanced Legislative Resolution 2CA, a proposal that would allow voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing should be valued differently than other residential property, similar to agricultural land. If passed and approved by voters in the 2024 election, this constitutional amendment would enable the Legislature to define "owner-occupied housing" and set its valuation rate, potentially offering more tax relief and parity with agricultural land valuations. The resolution, introduced by State Senator Tom Brandt, has garnered support from several lawmakers, but it would require at least 30 votes in the Legislature to advance and may face delays if not approved in time for the 2024 ballot, potentially pushing it to 2026. "This is written simply to give the Legislature another tool," Brandt said.

State Senator Justin Wayne, a proponent of LR 2CA, believes the amendment could significantly impact future tax relief efforts, allowing lawmakers to engage with their communities on property tax issues ahead of the 2024 election. While Speaker John Arch has prioritized this resolution for debate, it faces competition from other constitutional amendments and requires additional companion legislation to meet the deadlines for the November 2024 ballot. If the amendment doesn't pass this session, Brandt has committed to reintroducing it in 2025 to ensure it eventually reaches voters.

The proposal has received mixed reactions, with concerns raised about its potential impact on renters, but proponents argue it is a crucial step toward achieving more equitable tax relief. The outcome of this legislative effort will depend on garnering sufficient support in the Nebraska Legislature, as well as navigating the procedural hurdles required to bring the amendment to voters in the next election cycle.

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SASSE’S SPENDING SPREE: FORMER UF PRESIDENT CHANNELED MILLIONS TO GOP ALLIES, SECRETIVE CONTRACTS

GAINESVILLE, FL- Former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse is coming under fire after his spending during his short tenure as President of the University of Florida was more than triple what his predecessor spent. As President, spending rose from $5.6 million to $17.3 million which included hiring his former staff for remote positions and bringing in consulting firms. During his 17 months, Sasse hired six former staffers and two former GOP officials for remote jobs.

Sasse’s former chief of staff was appointed to a brand new position as UF’s vice president for innovation and partnerships, his starting salary was $396,000 more than double that of what he made in D.C. Sasse also demoted UF’s vice president of communications who had over 30 years of experience to be the deputy to James Wegmann, Sasse’s former Senate communications director. Wegmann’s starting salary was more than $150,000 his predecessor’s salary.

In addition to questionable hiring decisions, Sasse’s travel expenses and consulting contracts are under examination. In his first fiscal year, Sasse’s travel expenses exceeded $633,000, 20 times more than his predecessor’s annual average of $28,000. UF signed a contract with McKinsey for $7.2 million, 40 times what his predecessor spent in his eight-year tenure on consultants. Most of the invoices and work products are redacted from the public view, leaving many questions still unanswered about what UF was paying for.

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COVID CASES TICKING BACK UP IN NEBRASKA, WASTEWATER DATA SHOWS

LINCOLN- COVID-19 cases in Nebraska are rising again, with increased virus concentrations in wastewater and a 20% jump in reported cases in Douglas County. While the surge is less severe than previous winter spikes, hospitalizations have ticked up, and health officials are closely monitoring the situation. New COVID vaccines tailored to current variants are expected this fall, and health experts recommend that everyone, including younger and healthier individuals, get vaccinated and seek treatment if they test positive, as long-term health risks remain a concern.

The rise in cases is part of a broader trend across the U.S., particularly in the West and South, with new variants contributing to the increase. Although the current case numbers and hospitalizations are far lower than past peaks, the positivity rate and symptoms severity suggest the virus is still a significant threat. Health officials stress the importance of staying vigilant, getting tested, and following updated CDC guidelines, which now recommend isolation until symptoms improve and taking extra precautions for five days afterward.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has noted the sharpest increase in virus concentrations at Omaha’s Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant, reflecting the broader statewide trend. Despite the rise in cases, health experts like Dr. James Lawler remain hopeful that the upcoming vaccines will help reduce complications from the virus. In the meantime, individuals are urged to consider their personal risk factors, consult with their doctors about current vaccines, and take prompt action if they test positive to minimize the potential for long-term health effects.

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STORM LOSSES GIVE NEBRASKA 2ND-HIGHEST HOME INSURANCE RATE SPIKE, ANALYSIS SAYS

LINCOLN- Nebraska experienced a 61% increase in homeowners' insurance rates over the past year, making it the second-highest spike in the nation. The state, already prone to severe weather like hail and tornadoes, now has the highest home insurance rates in the country, with an average annual premium of $5,655 for a $300,000 home, significantly above the national average. Recent weather events have exasperated this trend in the state.

Insurance companies, facing substantial storm-related losses, have raised rates and, in some cases, stopped taking on new policies in Nebraska. Independent insurance agents like Pat Lemmers noted that companies could no longer absorb the losses and have also started excluding cosmetic damage from coverage.

In response to this crisis, Rep. Mike Flood announced plans to form a state working group this fall, including insurance industry leaders, home builders, and other stakeholders. “We need to tackle this problem and do so quickly,” Flood said. The group's goal is to find ways to support Nebraska homeowners who are struggling with the rising costs of insurance and property taxes, which are making it increasingly difficult for them to afford their homes.

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