STATE APPROVED THE USE OF PESTICIDE-COATED SEED CORN FOR ETHANOL PLANT A DECADE AGO

LINCOLN - A troubled ethanol plant in Mead, Nebraska, had state approval to use seed corn treated with harmful pesticides years before state regulators raised concerns.

Recently discovered state documents indicate that Nebraska environmental regulators approved the use of seed corn by the troubled AltEn ethanol plant back on July 26, 2012.

The state's lawsuit against AltEn claims state regulators were unaware the corn used in the plant had been coated with chemicals and that, even if they had, they were not aware of the chemical's danger until 2018.

As more information got uncovered, it was found that state regulators didn't deem the use of treated seed corn as important enough to merit a public hearing because it was a "minor" change. The news spurred an increase in calls Tuesday, January 8 for a special investigation by the Nebraska legislature of the facility and its impact on public health and the environment. 

"We need to get to the bottom of this," said Al Davis, a former state senator and a representative of the Sierra Club of Nebraska.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue said that referring to using pesticide-coated seed corn as a "minor" change demonstrates a lack of understanding and concern by the state. Blood introduced the proposal to conduct the legislative investigation. 

A nearby resident of the AltEn plant, Jody Weible, said the revelation was one more frustration about AltEn, which currently retains 80,000 tons of contaminated waste corn on its south side of Mead. 

“I’m surprised they got permission and didn’t let us know,” said Weible, who formerly served on the planning board that initially approved the AltEn facility. 

Despite the shock from the news, a spokesman for the Nebraska Attorney General's Office said Tuesday that there was nothing inaccurate about the state's lawsuit against AltEn and that use of chemically treated seed corn for ethanol had been permitted, as long as it wasn't fed to livestock after being used to produce alcohol.

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BILL WOULD MAKE NEBRASKA SCHOOL DISTRICTS START AFTER LABOR DAY, END BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY

LINCOLN- One state senator wants all school districts in Nebraska to begin the school year after Labor Day and finish before Memorial Day. 

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard introduced LB1001, which would establish a statewide academic school term. Extracurricular activities and summer school would not be limited by the academic calendar. 

Speaking before the Legislature's Education Committee on Tuesday, Erdman said student learning is being interrupted by teacher in-service days and significant amounts of time off for things such as winter and spring break.

Those days off also make it difficult for parents to find child care, Erdman said. He added that young people are also being taught they don't need to work five days a week. 

The senator also challenged superintendents to prove teacher in-service days are needed. Erdman said if districts want to hold an in-service day for teachers, then that should be done before school starts. 

Currently, most school districts in eastern Nebraska begin the school year in mid-August and end in May.   

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SENATOR ARGUES NEBRASKA CASINOS SHOULDN'T GET TAX-INCREMENT FINANCING

LINCOLN- Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk called Tuesday for a prohibition barring the use of tax-increment financing for the construction of casinos, arguing that such a subsidy runs contrary to the purpose of TIF and to the will of Nebraska voters, who approved the advent of casinos in Nebraska based largely on their tie to property tax relief.

"Las Vegas can afford to pay for public improvements" associated with casinos that can be built and operated in Nebraska now in association with licensed horse tracks as a result of voter approval of a 2020 initiative, Flood told the Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee.

Flood took aim at an Omaha City Council decision to authorize up to $17.5 million in TIF for the proposed $220 million WarHorse Casino at Horsemen's Park. 

TIF funding is designed to help cover redevelopment expenses in areas that are deemed blighted, Flood said, and are intended to help attract private development.

Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue challenged Flood's proposal (LB713), arguing that "my concern is local control" and TIF funding is a local government issue. 

Christy Abraham, legal counsel for the League of Nebraska Municipalities, opposed the bill, suggesting that it "limits local control" while noting that casinos still will pay property taxes.

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NEBRASKA VACCINE MANDATE EXEMPTION BILL ADVANCES DESPITE COMPLAINTS IT DOES TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would allow employees to claim health or religious exemptions from employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccines.

An amended version of Legislative Bill 906, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, cleared the first of three rounds of debate on a 33-0 vote.

Hansen said he introduced the measure out of concern about Nebraskans being forced to choose between their jobs and the COVID-19 vaccine. He said individuals have the right to make decisions that affect their future and employers should recognize that right.

He said he worked with a number of interested parties, including business and health care groups, to find a compromise. He settled on a version that mirrors federal guidelines for vaccine exemptions.

“We had to run a very fine line to make this work for all,” Hansen said.

However, some senators raised concerns that the bill didn’t go far enough to protect employees who object to COVID vaccinations, while others said it went too far in catering to such employees.

Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte called the bill “anti-science” for not taking into account immunity gained from COVID infections. He also argued that requiring unvaccinated people to mask and get tested amounted to discrimination.

Another critic, Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson, said he supported the bill’s concept but wished it would do more, including protecting college students.

“I was hoping it would be a little bit, not as watered down,” he said.

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LINDSTROM TAPS HASTINGS' RIPPE TO BE LT. GOV. CANDIDATE

LINCOLN - With campaign priorities such as tax system reform, education funding, and economic development, Republican gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom sees someone like-minded in Dave Rippe.

Lindstrom, who represents northwest Omaha in the Nebraska Legislature, is set to announce Thursday that Dave Rippe of Hastings, former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, is his choice for lieutenant governor and running mate in the race for governor.

Lindstrom has served as a state Senator since 2014. 

“Throughout his career, Dave Rippe has fought for the people of Nebraska — strengthening our communities by helping home-grown Nebraska companies to expand, attracting big meaningful job creators, developing housing across the state, and now — to join me in bringing a New Generation of Conservative Leadership to the state,” Lindstrom said in a statement. “I know Dave is the right person to help grow Nebraska, and together, we will make Nebraska competitive for generations to come.” 

Rippe, 39, previously served as executive director of the Hastings Economic Development Corp. from 2010 to 2017. He went on to lead the state Department of Economic Development from 2017 to 2019.

During his time as director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Rippe worked with Lindstrom on tax incentive policy and the business innovation act, among other programs that Rippe said are key development policies for Nebraska. 

Currently, Rippe, his wife Kristi, and their 9-year-old daughter Julia live in Hastings. They have built their own companies which focus on real estate and development. 

Rippe grew up in Malcolm, NE, and is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

With his 40th birthday coming five days before the May 10th primary election, Rippe said, "It'll be a busy May."

Lindstrom works in the financial planning industry and is on the Legislature's committees for Revenue; Banking, Commerce, and Insurance; and Nebraska Retirement Systems, as well as the Committee on Committees.

“Brett is laser-focused on what Nebraska can be and what we as a state can do and not mire down in what we can’t do or what we shouldn’t do or what we wouldn’t do or what we couldn’t do,” Rippe said. “I just really appreciate his forward focus and his commitment to making Nebraska a competitive state.”

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DEBORAH NEARY SEEKS SECOND TERM ON NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

OMAHA- Deborah Neary announced Tuesday that she will seek a second term on the Nebraska State Board of Education.

A news release described her as a strong advocate for public schools, for science-based and age-appropriate health standards, and for inclusive social studies standards. It also touted her advocacy for supporting teachers during and after the pandemic.

The Nebraska social studies standards, she said, made national news for being some of the most inclusive standards in the country.

Neary said addressing the teacher shortage is an urgent need, and it could be helped by offering alternatives to the basic skills test required to enter teacher-prep programs.

Neary, a Democrat, won the District 8 seat in 2018, handily defeating incumbent Pat McPherson. The district represents a large chunk of Douglas County.

Neary has been targeted by conservative critics who claim she overstepped bounds as a board member and improperly influenced the development of proposed health education standards for Nebraska schools.

“All I did was invite people to a discussion that was presenting the most current research that’s out,” she said. “Why wouldn’t our board want to hear that research?”

She said she’s always been an advocate for using expert and diverse opinions.

Republican John Sieler announced in December his intent to run in the district.

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FILIBUSTER BLOCKS BILL TO LIMIT PROPERTY TAX INCREASES BY K-12 SCHOOLS

LINCOLN - A multi-day filibuster has blocked a bill that would have imposed new taxing limitations on K-12 schools. On a 28-21 vote, Legislative Bill 986 fell five votes short of halting the filibuster Tuesday and allowing a vote to advance the proposal from first-round debate.

The bill, entitled the "School District Property Tax Limitation Act," sought to prohibit school districts from increasing property taxes by no more than 2.5%, or inflation; whichever is greater. LB986 would have allowed those limits to be exceeded with a vote of 75% of a school board's members of 60% of registered voters at an election.

State Sen. Tom Briese said this is a way to ensure property tax credits provided by the Nebraska Legislature translate into reductions in local property taxes, not just slowing increases. To emphasize the importance of the bill for Nebraska homeowners, Sen. Briese marked the bill as his priority. A legislative attempt to impose more fiscal caps on K-12 school districts has now failed for two years in a row. Briese was frustrated by the education lobby being unwilling to find a middle ground.

“Our failure to act really tees it up for folks who want to put a cap proposal on the ballot,” he said.

Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln led the opposition to the bill. Their main argument against it was the new cap would hurt large and growing school districts like those in Lincoln and Bennington. Others who opposed the bill said school spending has not been irresponsible and that local school boards are best suited to determine local budgets. Hansen said he is normally willing to seek compromises, but LB 986 was “just flat-out bad policy.”

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CHANGES IN STATE PROCUREMENT SOUGHT AFTER FAILED OMAHA-AREA CHILD WELFARE CONTRACT

LINCOLN - A state lawmaker on Thursday called for changes in the process that selected a troubled Kansas-based nonprofit to oversee the care of abused and neglected children in the Omaha area and led to other major contract failures.

St. Francis Ministries won a five-year, $197 million contract in July 2019, based on bidding 40% less than the previous contractor. But the agency’s tenure was troubled from the start, and in December, state officials announced early termination of the contract. The announcement came nearly one year after Nebraska was forced to sign a new, emergency contract with St. Francis in order to keep the agency running. The 25-month, $147.3 million contract erased the original 40% cost difference. After winning the contract, the agency often fell short on contract requirements and caseload standards. Child welfare advocates said the situation had put children at risk.

During a public legislative hearing on Thursday, February 10, State Sen. John Arch of La Vista commented that this was not the first time Nebraska's procurement process led to the selection of a low-cost bidder that ended up failing at their job. Arch went on to say a legislative investigation into the St. Francis contract illuminated a history of what he called "procurement failures." The failures have not been limited to this administration, involved multiple people in key roles, and cost the state millions of dollars.

“It became apparent we have a system issue,” said Arch, who led the investigative committee. “We did the process and checked all the boxes, and it led to a poor outcome.”

In its December report, the investigative committee suggested a thorough evaluation of the state's procurement process and practices to address and improve areas that have historically fallen short. Sen. Arch's Legislative Bill 1037 was the result. The bill would require the Department of Administrative Services to hire a consultant to do the recommended evaluation when handling procurement for the state. In order to give lawmakers ample time to craft legislation, the consultant's reports would be due by Nov. 15.

Arch said that the potential $400,000 cost of the consultant would offer an opportunity to improve state government and be a wise investment.

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POLICE-RELATED BILLS DESIGNED TO "SHAME," OR BEEF UP ACCOUNTABILITY?

LINCOLN - Law enforcement agents did not see eye to eye Wednesday with promoters of public information over the question: Should Nebraska make public a list exposing police officer misconduct?

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha has introduced Legislative Bill 882, which he said was intended to ensure transparency and police accountability — not to “shame” sworn officers.

Several of those who testified Wednesday, February 10, said law enforcement agencies are already required to indicate those officers who have been accused of misconduct, and prosecutors are supposed to turn over a name to defense attorneys when relevant in a legal case.

Sen. McKinney's proposed bill would make this list easily accessible to the average citizen.

Among supporters who spoke before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee were Spike Eickholt of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and Korby Gilbertson, a representative of the nonprofit Media of Nebraska.

“We think the public’s right to understand the people their tax dollars are paying … outweighs the right of privacy," said Gilbertson.

Those in opposition were several law enforcement officials, including public attorneys and police union leaders.

Anthony Conner, an officer who heads the Omaha police union, said he was a "staunch" critic and viewed the possibility of a public list as little more than a way to shame and "jeopardize the reputation and careers" of police officers rather than increase public safety.

Conner claimed the proposed bill as an "extension of the 'defund the police' movement," to which Sen. McKinney dismissed as merely a phrase used to "rile people up."

Members of the Judiciary Committee raised concerns about unanswered questions and did not take action Wednesday on the bill as a result. One question, specifically, that remained unanswered was how well the accusations have been vetted and how far back into the officer's past the list might extend.

State Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln said she didn't see a benefit to publicizing such a list that could disclose past allegations, some of which may not be accurate, or offenses. "That's dangerous territory," Geist said.

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REGENTS RESCIND BAN ON ALCOHOL, PAVING WAY FOR BEER TO BE SOLD AT HUSKER GAMES

LINCOLN - The University of Nebraska Board of Regents lifted the prohibition on alcohol sales at Husker athletic events on Friday.

Rescinding the 1999 policy, as regents did on a 7-0 vote, doesn't mean beer and liquor will automatically go on sale at Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena, or Haymarket Park. Instead, rescinding the old policy simply allows NU's president and campus chancellors the authority to make changes in the future.

"This is about consistency across our campuses," President Ted Carter said.

The university had previously applied the alcohol ban inconsistently as the University of Nebraska at Omaha sports and other places were allowed to sell alcohol but Husker events were not. Carter went on to say that even if alcohol is allowed at Husker events, it will not take place this coming fall. A spokeswoman for the university said there is currently "no definitive timetable" for when that might happen. Chancellor Ronnie Green said last week he has discussed what beer and wine sales would look like at Husker events with the City of Lincoln.

"With respect to Husker Athletics, (Athletic Director Trev Alberts) and I have been considering this carefully and will thoughtfully approach how to best move forward," Green said in a statement.

Despite the lack of a timetable for football games, regents are expected to approve amending the university's contract with the city to allow alcohol to be sold at the Big Ten Conference Wrestling Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena on March 5-6. Friday's vote rescinding the ban paves the way for UNL to one day join a majority of Big Ten schools -- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue, and Rutgers -- as well as programs across the country that sell alcohol at games.

Some have been in opposition to allowing alcohol sales at sporting events, including many past athletic directors.Carter said NU would consider several factors before approving alcohol at any events, and would bring any proposal to regents for approval.

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RICKETTS: NEBRASKA MUST BUILD PERKINS COUNTY CANAL OR RISK $1B ECONOMIC HIT

LINCOLN - If Nebraska stands pat, the Cornhusker State’s portion of the Platte River could run dry, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told a legislative committee Wednesday.

Colorado, he said, is investing nearly $10 billion to keep more of the South Platte River’s water inside its borders rather than letting it flow east into Nebraska. He said building his $500 million canal would be “a bargain.”

“Colorado is looking to take our water,” Ricketts said, pointing to massive population growth in Denver and on the Front Range.

Ricketts said in order to claim the water promised to the state in a 1932 compact with Colorado, we must build the Perkins County Canal and a series of storage reservoirs.

The compact promised Nebraska flows of 500 cubic feet per second from the South Platte River outside irrigation season.

Other Nebraska state officials have echoed Ricketts' concerns. They say the water agreement with Colorado is only promised if Nebraska builds a canal to divert flows from northeast Colorado.

“As an attorney, I can tell you how important it is that Nebraska maintain its legal rights under the compact,” said State Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln, who introduced the canal proposal on behalf of the governor. Hilgers has announced a run for Nebraska attorney general.

The Platte River's importance has been strongly emphasized by those in favor of building the canal as they note it provides water not only for irrigation and wildlife but also for water systems like Omaha's and Lincoln's which supply more than half of the state's population.

Senators on the Legislature's Natural Resources District have raised questions as to whether the project could be built for less than $500 million or if there is an option to renegotiate its compact with Colorado to capture river flows.

Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, estimated it would take up to three years to design the canal system and five to seven years to build.

Nebraska has been able to capture the water in the past but we are now at threat of losing it as Colorado's population increases, Ricketts said.

“It’s a huge hedge against future droughts,” Ricketts said.

Officials estimate a potential economic hit of $1 billion if the canal isn't built.

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LATHROP ANNOUNCES THAT HE WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION; CANDIDATES BEGIN TO FILE TO REPLACE HIM

LINCOLN- A leading Democrat in the Nebraska Legislature, State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha, confirmed Monday that he isn’t running for re-election. Lathrop, a 64-year-old attorney, has served 12 years in the Legislature, returning to the Unicameral in 2018 after sitting out four years because of term limits.

On Monday, he said it was time to “let someone else step in and have an opportunity.”

“It’s a very personal decision,” Lathrop said. “I’ve been doing it for 12 years. That is a long time. It’s a lot of sacrifices to come down here...I’m looking forward to going back to the office, maybe taking a few more trips and spending some more time on my pastimes,” he said.

Lathrop, who chairs the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, has been a lead senator on issues surrounding the state’s overcrowded state prison system. He has been involved in several of the major compromises struck in the Legislature and has several times been mentioned as a candidate for higher office.

The senator, who represents a district that includes the Ralston and Millard areas, has also expressed frustration about the growing partisan divide in the 49-seat Unicameral Legislature, compared to his first eight years in office, from 2006 to 2014. Lathrop is part of a group of moderates, both Republicans and Democrats, who have worked across the aisle on issues.

The day after Lathrop's announcement, Former State Sen. Merv Riepe, 79, made his intentions known that he would seek his old seat again. Riepe, a Republican, previously served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2014 to 2018 but lost to Sen. Lathrop. Robin Richards, a fellow Ralston Board of Education member along with Riepe announced her candidacy, as did current union leader Bob Borgeson.

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INHERITANCE TAX CUT PASSED BY LEGISLATURE, APPROVED BY GOVERNOR

LINCOLN- Those who inherit property in Nebraska would pay less in taxes under a bill given final approval Friday by the State Legislature.

Legislative Bill 310, introduced by State Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood, would increase what is exempt from state inheritance taxes and reduce the rates paid by more distant relatives and nonrelatives.

The proposal was amended after Nebraska’s counties, which collect about $70 million a year in inheritance taxes, complained that they would be hurt by the senator’s original proposal, which would have made deeper cuts in the tax.

Only six states levy an inheritance tax, and Iowa will soon eliminate its inheritance tax. The changes passed by the Nebraska Legislature apply to estates of individuals who died on or after Jan. 1.

Under the amended LB 310, which Gov. Pete Ricketts is expected to sign into law:

Immediate relatives, such as children, would continue to pay a 1% inheritance tax, but the amount of property that is exempt rises from $40,000 to $100,000.

More remote relatives would pay an 11% tax, down from the current 13%, and get an exemption of $40,000, up from $15,000.

Nonrelatives who inherit property would pay a 15% tax, down from 18%, and their exemption would rise to $25,000 from the current $10,000.

Douglas County, the state’s largest county, estimated it would lose $2 million a year in revenue from inheritance taxes, according to a state legislative fiscal note. A survey of 14 counties, excluding Douglas and Lancaster Counties, estimated the average loss at $90,000 a year.

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APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR VOICES DOUBT ABOUT PERKINS COUNTY CANAL PROJECT

LINCOLN — A leading state senator is expressing opposition to one of Gov. Pete Ricketts’ top priorities: setting aside $500 million to build a canal off the South Platte River. State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, said he cannot agree with earmarking that much in state funds for the Perkins County Canal.

On Wednesday, February 16, Stinner said he would, however, support spending a smaller amount on a feasibility study for the project.

“This canal is a complicated, long-term project that deserves to be looked at,” the senator said.

He went on to say the allotted $500 million - $400 million in cash reserve funds and $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - could be used in better ways now.

Ricketts and his administration have attempted to portray the canal as the lone method for Nebraska to get all the water promised under the 99-year-old compact with the State of Colorado regarding the South Platte's flows. But a spokesman for Colorado's governor said the Perkins County Canal was a "canal to nowhere" and a "boondoggle" that would never be built. Senator Stinner's hesitancy seems to indicate he also does not believe this to be the only way for Nebraska to get the necessary water.

The governor, however, said the project is urgent given the increase in population that Colorado is seeing. Gov. Ricketts claims the water development plans in Colorado will consume 90% of the South Platte's flows. Officials have also said the canal could take up to a decade to be designed and built, however.

The Appropriations Committee is finalizing its budget recommendations, as well as its suggestions on how to spend Nebraska's $1.04 billion allocation from ARPA. Proposals for spending the funds will be debated by the full State Legislature later in this year's 60-day session.

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SOUTH OMAHA LEADERS TELL LAWMAKERS THEY'RE FED UP WITH BEING LEFT OUT

OMAHA - Dozens of South Omaha advocates converged Monday, February 14 at the Nebraska State Capitol to ask the government to stop sidestepping their community and invest now in jobs, housing, and education programs that can lift it from pandemic “horrors.”

Data was laid out by Armando Salgado of the Latino Economic Development Council showing the overrepresentation of Latinos hospitalized in local COVID wards.

Cristian Dona-Reveco of the University of Nebraska at Omaha talked of the higher proportion of Latino students dropping out of college due to family pandemic-related demands.

“I call for equity. I call for inclusion,” said Diana Rogel, diversity outreach and engagement coordinator at Live On Nebraska: “Ignored is simply not just.”

These comments are representative of the 25 testifiers in support of Legislative Bill 1238, which would direct $50 million of Nebraska's COVID-related emergency relief dollars to a fund intended to fuel economic development in South Omaha.

The idea of a South Omaha Recovery Grant Program was pushed by the new Latino Economic Development Council and put forward in the bill introduced by State Sens. Tony Vargas and Mike McDonnell of Omaha. The bill is also co-sponsored by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt.

Despite the outpouring of testifiers, the Appropriations Committee took no action Monday on the bill.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKER RENEWS EFFORT TO LET CITIES PROVIDE BROADBAND SERVICE

LINCOLN- State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha brought his latest effort before the Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on Tuesday.

Legislative Bill 916 would create a process allowing first- and second-class cities, as well as villages, to provide municipal broadband services if the city or village is in an underserved or unserved area.

Last year, Wayne attempted to add a similar proposal into a larger package that provided $40 million over two years to expand high-speed internet services. Wayne's proposal, which did not make it into the final package approved by the Legislature, would have allowed cities and towns to enter the broadband services market. That effort came after a bill Wayne introduced — which would have struck language in a state law barring municipalities from providing broadband — failed to gain necessary support and was indefinitely postponed.

At the time, Wayne said that broadband should be considered a critical infrastructure need and that private telecommunications companies have not stepped up to serve the whole state.

In Tuesday's hearing, Wayne said this is a bill he will continue to bring back every year. The broadband network, he said, is nowhere close to being completed.

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NEBRASKA SENATORS ADVANCE COVID VACCINE EXEMPTION BILL TO FINAL ROUND OF CONSIDERATION

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers gave second-round approval Wednesday to a bill that would allow employees to claim medical and religious exemptions from workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Legislative Bill 906 advanced to the final stage of consideration on a 36-2 vote, despite complaints from some senators that it had become “more symbolic than functional.” The bill, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, spells out how employees can be exempted from workplace requirements to get the COVID vaccine. The proposal advanced based on a carefully crafted compromise that removed opposition from business and health care groups.

Under the compromise, employees can claim an exemption by filling out a state-produced form and declaring that the vaccine conflicts with their “sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.” The forms could be used to claim a medical exemption, as well, as long as the claims were accompanied by a written statement from a doctor or other health care provider.

The bill makes clear that employers could require unvaccinated workers to be tested regularly and to wear masks or other protective equipment.

It also states that federal requirements would take precedence for federal contractors and for hospitals and other entities covered by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services standards.

The debate about the bill frequently veered into arguments about the value of COVID-19 vaccines and masking, as well as discussion about the role of government and comparisons with other employee protection measures.

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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER WON'T SEEK REELECTION

LINCOLN- Maureen Nickels said Tuesday she won’t seek reelection to the Nebraska State Board of Education.

Nickels, a Chapman, Nebraska, resident who was first elected in 2014 in District 6, said she always planned to leave the board after two terms. She said the controversy over the proposed health education standards for Nebraska schools didn’t influence her decision. She said it’s time for “fresh blood” on the board.

“If you had talked to anybody four years ago, after I went my second round, I always said, ‘Two terms and I’m done.’ I always wanted two terms, and I’ve stuck with it.”

Nickels, as board president last year, presided over the meetings that drew large and passionate crowds for hours of testimony about draft standards proposed by the Nebraska Department of Education. Facing overwhelming public opposition to the drafts, the board voted last September to postpone their development indefinitely.

“I hope that the health standards will come back,” she said. “I hope that they do. I don’t want to see them thrown out.”

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FAUCI, CRT, IMMIGRATION- NATIONAL ISSUES COMMAND SOME ADS IN NEBRASKA GOVERNOR'S RACE

LINCOLN- You’ve probably seen the ad by now: A shotgun-wielding, hunting vest-wearing Jim Pillen addresses the camera with a series of lines, including “Biden is as lost as last year’s Easter egg. And Fauci? Don’t get me started,” over a twangy country-style instrumental.

Then the gubernatorial candidate introduces himself, pumps the shotgun, and pledges to keep Nebraska safe as governor. In another recent ad, the University of Nebraska regent and livestock producer says “the radical left and liberal media have lost their minds” and touts his opposition to critical race theory.

The other perceived front-runner in the May 10 Republican primary, Charles W. Herbster, has also aired ads that lean heavily into national hot-button political issues. One features Herbster’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border. It also shows footage of people apparently rushing the border, and he states what he claims is the number of undocumented immigrants living in Nebraska and how much illegal immigration costs the state per year.

“If Joe Biden refuses to do his job, then it’s up to governors to do theirs,” he says.

“The Trump/Herbster team believes in fighting for our borders, elections, guns, the unborn, and our Nebraska way of life,” another of his ads says.

Former Gov. Dave Heineman, who explored jumping into the primary himself, said the two, who are perceived as front-runners because of endorsements and flush campaign coffers, need to focus on the issues that actually impact Nebraskans’ lives.

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OMAHA'S MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED BY HEALTH DIRECTOR HUSE

OMAHA- Masks are no longer mandated in Omaha.

Dr. Lindsay Huse, health director for the City of Omaha and for the Douglas County Health Department, lifted the mask mandate Wednesday for certain indoor spaces in Omaha.

Huse, in her role as city health director, announced the change by a press release from the county health department, shortly after people at City Hall were notified that the change was coming.

Mayor Jean Stothert is home this week after being diagnosed with COVID-19, but her staff said she was asymptomatic.

There was no immediate word on how or whether the elimination of the mandate might impact the State of Nebraska’s lawsuit against Huse and the city regarding the mask mandate. Huse enacted the mask requirement on Jan. 12.

Huse encouraged people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and said it offers the best protection from serious illness and death from the disease. She declined to be interviewed, citing the state’s lawsuit. The City of Lincoln’s indoor mask mandate remains in place through Feb. 25.

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