WITH COLLEGE WORLD SERIES BACK IN ACTION, OMAHA CAN EXPECT A BOOST OF NEARLY $90 MILLION

OMAHA- The College World Series will be back in Omaha this summer, but the exact amount of fans in the stadium remains undetermined. However, the local economy can expect a huge boost. In the latest study, a fully operational CWS is worth $88.3 million. 71.2% of attended come from outside Omaha, with 59% coming from out of state. 

“That would be unbelievable to most citizens of Omaha, because they think of it as just an event that clogs up the highways,” Goss said. “We want those individuals here. That’s where the money comes from.”

Much of the change in demographics coming to the series comes from the park moving to the downtown area with many other forms of entertainment right next to TD Ameritrade.

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LATEST NEBRASKA BUDGET PLAN WOULD BOOST PROPERTY TAX RELIEF TO MORE THAN $1.45 BILLION

LINCOLN- Under the Appropriations Committee‘s most recent budget plan, Nebraska would devote more than $1.45 billion to direct property tax relief over two years. The state's long-standing property tax credit program will be increased by $63 million, enough for the credits to grow by 2% annually from their 2019 peak. Compared to the current year, the new program gives income tax credits to property owners to offset part of their school property taxes will more than double in size. The budget also provides homestead exemptions for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. 

"That's quite a bit of money," said Sen. John Stinner of Gering, the committee chairman. "What it represents is a commitment by the governor and the Legislature. This was one of our top priorities."

The money for property tax relief comes from sales, income and miscellaneous taxes. The latest move by the Appropriations Committee adds $25 million more into the program for the current year and $38 million more for 2022. The total property tax relief amounts to $1.45 billion and will put $50 million in each of the two budget years into the state's 'rainy day' fund. This infusion money will put the reserve at an estimated $763 million by June 2023.

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IN A FIRST, US PIPELINE AGENCY WEIGHS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN NEBRASKA, SOUTH DAKOTA CASE

WASHINGTON- A federal energy board is weighing how a proposed natural gas pipeline would affect greenhouse gas emissions, a move made this week by the Biden Administration in an effort to slow climate change. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3-2 to approve a pipeline operator's request to replace almost 100 miles of natural gas pipelines in South Dakota and Nebraska. Findings showed the project's climate-warming carbon emissions would not be significant. 

FERC is an independent agency that regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil and other tests. Members are appointed by the president and are then confirmed by the Senate.

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SMALL NEBRASKA COMMUNITIES HIT HARD BY HIGH ENERGY COSTS FROM FEBRUARY COLD SNAP

LINCOLN- Residents of Pender were shocked to open monthly bills that ballooned from $200-$250 to nearly $900. Neligh, a town farther west, usually pays about $50,000 for its monthly gas supply, but the latest bill was 30 times that-- $1.5 million. Gas prices paid by communities shot up because of a high demand and a lack of supply during last month's cold snap. Towns are working with residents who are unable to pay a $900 heating bill. 

MUD said that even though natural gas prices rose by 50% during the polar vortex, the district was able to moderate the impact on residential customers by using reserves instead of buying high-cost gas offered on the spot during the emergency. Because of this, residents in the metro will only see a rise of $17.21 for their February gas bill. 

Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha said his Urban Affairs Committee will consider advancing a bill that would provide $10 million in emergency aid to communities that got 'gouged' to pay off their natural gas bills. 

The state PSC has scheduled hearings for April that will hear testimonies about if it is possible for bills to be paid over several months. 

“We may have to change business practices,” said Ryan Hurst, utilities manager in Wahoo. “It’s better than getting burned for a half a million dollars.”

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COUNCILWOMAN BOWERS TO MAKE ANOTHER BID FOR LINCOLN LEGISLATIVE SEAT

LINCOLN- First-term Lincoln City Councilman James Michael Bowers will make another bid for the Nebraska Legislature next year. Bowers is a 32-year-old social worker and will run for District 46. Fixing Nebraska’s child welfare system, planning for the state's growing senior population and expanding access to health care are among Bowers' priorities, he said. 

He defeated Taylor Wyatt to represent District 1 on the City Council in 2019. Prior to that campaign, Bowers lost to Adam Morfeld in the race for the Legislature in 2014. However, Bowers feels hopeful this time around as Morfeld will be term-limited in this upcoming election. Morfeld plans to run for Lancaster County Attorney in 2022 and plans to support Bowers.

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'EVERYONE KNOWS CAMERON'- THE SEARCH IS ON FOR FREQUENT FELINE VISITOR TO NEBRASKA CAPITOL

LINCOLN- The leads are few. A possible sighting on the edge of the Near South neighborhood. A photo posted to social media. The question many people are asking is the same: "Where's the Capitol Cat?"

Cameron, a 5-year-old tabby and frequent visitor to the state Capitol grounds, went missing late last week after heavy rains and strong winds swept through Lincoln. Now, the search is on. A post from the @NECapitolCat Twitter account went viral over the weekend, rallying the community around the cat known for lounging mainly around the south and west doors at the statehouse. The tweet amassed 47,000 views as of Wednesday afternoon.

"Everyone knows Cameron," state Sen. Anna Wishart said Wednesday. "… He's become a Capitol mascot for a lot of people."

The senator from Lincoln said Cameron would often greet her and others who work at the Capitol in the morning and would be there as a companion during outdoor breaks in the day. Wishart hopes Cameron returns soon to his post to greet senators and Capitol staff alike.

"We have a lot of challenging things going on here, and it's just great when you're coming out of the Capitol and he's there," Wishart said. "He has a really great unifying effect for the Capitol."

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LEGISLATURE ADVANCES BILL THAT SEEKS TO BOOST FARM-TO-CUSTOMER MEAT SALES

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday that would make it easier for customers to stock up on T-bones and hamburger fresh from the farm.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said Legislative Bill 324 would make it easier for livestock producers to sell directly to customers and offer a free-market answer to the meat processing bottleneck that developed early in the pandemic.

“This is an opportunity bill, for small producers with a quality product,” he said.

Under the bill, consumers could buy a share of an animal or a herd from a farmer or rancher. That would entitle the consumer to part of the meat once the animal is slaughtered. The measure is modeled after a Wyoming “animal share” law. The ownership interest would allow the animal to be processed at a custom butcher shop, usually a small local business. It would be exempt from federal meat inspections required for meat sold at retail.

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NEBRASKA EXPERTS SAY BIDEN, OTHER LEADERS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO EMPHASIZE COVID PRECAUTIONS

LINCOLN- Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday that President Joe Biden “struck the right tone” in expressing empathy for those lost in the COVID-19 pandemic but that he may not recognize that states including Nebraska have begun allowing small family groups to gather and having kids in classrooms.

“States like Nebraska are doing the things he’s saying already,” the Republican governor said.

Biden, in an address to the nation Thursday night marking the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, set a goal of making shots available to all U.S. adults by May 1, and making July Fourth an “independence day” from the virus, allowing small groups of vaccinated people to gather. The Democrat also called for a summit on reopening schools.

It’s frustrating, Ricketts said, that the White House doesn’t realize that states are at different stages in their fight against the pandemic. Meanwhile, two of the state’s leading pandemic authorities said federal, state and local leaders — including the governor — need to ramp up their messaging to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases and overcome the reluctance of many to get vaccinated.

“There should be PSAs (public service announcements) blanketing the airways,” said Dr. James Lawler of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

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NEBRASKA CRYPTOCURRENCY FIRM SEEKING APPROVAL FOR NOVEL STOCK OFFERING

LINCOLN- JP Richardson discovered Bitcoin in 2011 and realized it was much too hard to use for the average person. Until Richardson met Daniel Castagnoli. In 2015, the pair created Exodus Movement, which would take a few years to takeoff. Exodus is essentially a price of software that allows users to serve digital currencies. By the end of 2017, the company passed $1 million in total revenue. 

With the boom in crypto in the past few months, business has soared for Exodus. The digital wallet saw 140,000 users in January 2020 alone. Business grew from $8 million in 2019 to $21 million in 2020. Now, the company is on track to hit $100 million by the end of 2021. The wallet is free to use but includes add ons that customers can pay for. The company makes 2% on the charges and is the main source of money. 

With the current wave of excitement on cryptocurrencies, Exodus filed a unique Regulation A Tier 2 offering. This means they are offering up to $75 million in stock in the company at a price of $27.42 a share. This mechanism is unique because the only way to buy a share will be through Bitcoin or Ethereal and will have to be purchased through the Exodus Wallet app. The company is ensuring everyone will be able to buy in, not just wealthy investors with early access. The shares also will not be traded on the traditional stock market. 

Note:  Kissel Kohout ES Associates is proud to represent Exodus before the Nebraska Unicameral!

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COVID VACCINATIONS COULD START NEXT WEEK FOR PEOPLE UNDER 65 IN DOUGLAS COUNTY; NEW VARIANT OF VIRUS FOUND IN METRO AREA

OMAHA- With some appointments still open at its clinics, the Douglas County Health Department may be ready to begin vaccinating people younger than 65 next week, its director said Wednesday.

With that in mind, Adi Pour urged county residents 65 and older and those on the state’s list of essential workers who haven’t yet been vaccinated to go to the health department’s website to register or call 402-444-3400 for help getting signed up. “I am thinking next week we may be ready to lower our age range in the community,” Pour told the Douglas County Board of Health.

Pour earlier said she expected to begin vaccinating people in the next age bracket — those 64 to 50, working downward in five-year increments — by April 1. If the department begins vaccinating people ages 60 to 64, she said, it also would begin inoculating some of those with high-risk medical conditions. Health systems are working to prioritize those conditions. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds annouced this week that all Iowa residents will be eligible starting April 5th.

As vaccines continue to rollout the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday night that two people in Douglas County have tested positive for the so-called Brazil P.1 variant. That coronavirus strain is believed to be responsible for a surge in hospitalizations in Brazil even though many people there had already caught COVID-19 and developed antibodies against it.

Dr. James Lawler, a director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Global Center for Health Security, said that while the arrival of the Brazil variant in the metro area was expected, it is concerning. This strain of virus appears to be more transmissible and may make people more severely ill, he said.

“We are concerned that some of the new variants, including P.1, may cause more severe disease among young people,” he said. Additionally, people who have previously had COVID-19 may not have as much protection against it as they have against the original strain.

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PLANNERS GIVE THUMBS UP TO LINCOLN CASINO PLANS

LINCOLN- A proposed casino in southwest Lincoln has taken the first step toward becoming a reality. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended approval of zoning changes to the site near U.S. 77 and West Denton Road.

The existing planned use development for WarHorse Casino calls for 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. That would be reduced to 980,000, which includes the roughly 225,000-square-foot casino. The amended planned use development also would include the potential for 650 hotel rooms and up to 700 dwelling units.

The casino would have more than 1,200 gaming stations, a convention/event space, several restaurants and other amenities such as a spa. A 200-room hotel up to 100 feet tall also is planned, as is a three-story parking garage. WarHorse Gaming, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe's Ho-Chunk Inc., and the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association are partnering on the $200 million project and hope to start construction on it next year.

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NEBRASKA JOINS OTHER STATES IN QUESTIONING STIMULUS BARRING OF TAX CUTS

LINCOLN— Republican attorneys general from 21 states, including Nebraska, are questioning a provision in the $1.9 trillion pandemic rescue plan that bars states from using its funds to offset tax cuts. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday, they said the prohibition is “unclear, but potentially breathtaking” — airing concerns that any tax cut could be construed as taking advantage of the pandemic relief funds.

The attorneys general list over a dozen instances of states currently considering new tax credits or cuts that they believe could be jeopardized simply because of the relief funds.

The Treasury Department did not immediately return an email requesting comment. Signing on to the letter were Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Three Republican members of the U.S. Senate introduced a long-shot bill on Tuesday to eliminate the provision.

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21 STATES SUE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR REVOKING KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE PERMIT

Washington — A coalition of attorneys general from 21 states sued President Biden and members of his administration for rescinding the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, seeking to undo the president's attempt to effectively nix the 1,200 mile-long pipeline. 

Led by the attorneys general of Texas and Montana, the states argued in their complaint that the president exceeded his authority when he issued his executive order January 20 revoking permits for the oil pipeline. The order targeting Keystone was one of several executive actions Mr. Biden has taken since assuming the presidency that focus on the environment and addressing climate change.

"Revocation of the Keystone XL pipeline permit is a regulation of interstate and international commerce, which can only be accomplished as any other statute can: through the process of bicameralism and presentment," the states argued in their complaint. "The president lacks the power to enact his 'ambitious plan' to reshap

Designed by TC Energy Corporation to move approximately 830,000 barrels of oil from Canada and Montana to the Gulf Coast of Texas, the Keystone XL pipeline is part of a larger system of lines and would run through several states. While the Obama administration denied permits for the pipeline, former President Donald Trump approved construction of the line in 2019, and work began last year.

Read the suit in its entirety HERE

SPORTS BETTING, EASED KENO RESTRICTIONS ADVANCE IN LEGISALTURE IN REPONSE TO LEGALIZED GAMING

LINCOLN-  The Legislature gave 37-5 first-round approval Wednesday to a bill implementing the voter-mandated launch of casino gambling in Nebraska while also authorizing electronic on-site keno betting and sports betting at casino sites. The legislation (LB561) heralds the advent of casino gambling in Nebraska at licensed horse tracks, a sea-change societal event that is estimated to generate an eye-popping $455 million of gambling activity by fiscal 2022-23.

Nearly $64 million of the resulting $91 million in revenue that year would be dedicated to property tax relief.  Under terms of the initiative, which was overwhelmingly approved by Nebraska voters last November, 70% of the revenue generated by a 20% tax on casino gambling will be funneled into property tax relief. Casino gambling will be authorized at six existing race tracks

Wednesday's lengthy debate displayed considerable personal senatorial opposition to expanded gambling coupled with recognition of a legislative responsibility to implement the will of the voters.  "I'm not a fan of expanded gambling, but the people spoke in November," Sen. John Lowe of Kearney said, while also proposing that legislators should "wait until next year and get it right" in defining the terms of legislative implementation.   One significant issue that Speaker Hilgers noted was that the rules and regulations to implement the casino gaming would bypass the Nebraska Administrative Procedures Act - something he is very concerned about and wanted to make sure that issue is addressed before Select File consideration of the package.

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NEBRASKA'S EMERGING BUDGET PLAN LEAVES $390 MILLION FOR TAX CUTS, OTHER PRIORITIES

LINCOLN- A $9.7 billion two-year state budget was wrapped up by the Appropriations Committee Wednesday. The plan holds the line on ongoing state spending while also leaving about $390 million for other legislative priorities. The priorities could include tax cut bills advanced by the Revenue Committee or the governor's plan to expand broadband access. The budget provides for state spending growth averaging 1.5% for the two-year period that ends in late June 2023. 

The state was able to keep spending growth lower than normal because of one-time factors such as higher federal match for Medicaid, federal coronavirus relief and lower-than-expected school aid increase. Chairman of the committee, Sen. John Stinner of Gering plans to tie up the loose ends with the governor next week. 

The budget includes major items such as the new program for property owners can get income tax refunds to offset part of their school property taxes, annual increases in payment for health and human services providers and a 2% annual boost in state support of the University of Nebraska system.

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STATE INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ADVANCES

LINCOLN- The Revenue Committee advanced proposals to phase out the state tax on Social Security income and reduce the state's top corporate income tax rate. The income tax will be phased out over a 10 year period, beginning with an estimated reduction of $30 million in state revenue in 2022. 

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chairwoman of the committee, sponsored LB680, which will reduce the top corporate income tax rate of 7.81% to 6.84% and advanced to the floor with a 6-1 vote. A fiscal estimate provided by the Nebraska Department of Revenue reported that the loss in sate revenue could rise to $41.8 million in fiscal 2024-25.

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BILL TO HELP PAY BEATRICE 6 JUDGMENT ADVANCES

BEATRICE- Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams introduced LB103, a bill that would provide Gage County with state funds to pay toward the Beatrice 6 judgment. The bill is seeking $2 million a year to help pay off a federal court judgment won by the Beatrice 6. 

$28.1 million in damages were awarded to six people who spent a combined 75 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a murder in 1985. The county increased its property tax levy to the maximum level and imposed a sales tax to pay off the judgment, by the county still owes nearly $17 million. Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard proposed increasing the $2 million to $5 million per year.

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MEDICAL CANNABIS SUPPORTERS TRY ONCE MORE TO LEGALIZE USE IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- LB474, sponsored by Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, would allow for the cultivation, processing and use of medicinal cannabis as well as create a regulatory and fee structure, oversight board and enforcement department. A very similar bill was debated last year in the Legislature and did not advance. Wishart then moved to get a petition going to get the initiative on the November ballot, but was struck down by the Nebraska Supreme Court for violating the single subject rule for ballot initiatives. 

Governor Ricketts chimed in on the issue saying, "This is a dangerous drug that will impact our kids, if you legalize marijuana, you're going to kill your kids." Former Husker football coach Tom Osborne called medicinal marijuana the first step in full-scale approval of recreational marijuana which would create more mental health and societal issues. 

The committee overseeing this bill did not take any action Wednesday. Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, a longtime supporter of this initiative, says he would like to see doctors come up with a list of what medical conditions could be treated by cannabis before voters have the opportunity to vote. 

"This bill is not going to fail because of a lack of compromise," Wishart said. "If this bill fails to pass, it is because of political pressure from a few who wield their power to stamp out the will of the people. The people will not be silenced."

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RICKETTS CALLS FOR SCRAPPING HEALTH STANDARDS THAT WOULD TEACH KIDS ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY

LINCOLN- The proposed health education standards released by the Nebraska Department of Education is striving to ensure students receive a comprehensive health education through learning about gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and gender stereotypes. This is the first time the department has created health education standards. 

The department says this is a step in the right direction to “promote dignity and respect for people of all genders, gender expression and gender identity, including other students, their family members, and members of the school community.”

Students would begin to learn these topics in first grade. By the time students reach third grade they would be able o define sexual orientation and discuss how people express their gender. In fourth, they would be able to differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity while also knowing differences between sex and gender. In sixth, they will have comprehensive knowledge on gender issues.

The draft also includes a focus on social, emotional and mental health that delves into managing emotions and understanding peer influence as well as how to safely use digital media. Students will also tackle racial biases, stereotypes, discrimination, the 'isms' and sexual development. 

The department is seeking feedback and there will be opportunities for public input. 

Governor Pete Ricketts is calling for the plan to be completely scrapped. “The new standards from the department would not only teach young children age-inappropriate content starting in kindergarten, but also inject non-scientific, political ideas into curriculum standards,” he said.

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BACON SAYS HE IS CONSIDERING RACE FOR GOVERNOR

LINCOLN- Don Bacon, the three-term 2nd District congressman, is considering running for governor as current Governor Pete Ricketts faces term limits. He has recently made trips from his Omaha district into western Nebraska with high-profile stops and media events throughout the state. Bacon noted he will be focusing on property taxes for farmers and ranchers. 

Bacon said he intends to be 'very cautious' about making a decision after having won three House elections in Omaha's highly competitive congressional district. Bacon was first elected to the House in 2016, unseating Democratic Representative Brad Ashford. Bacon's decision may open the highly competitive house seat, which will be fresh off redistricting from the 2020 census.

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