NEW REPORT FINDS THAT SOCIAL CONNECTION IS KEY IN TURNING INMATE'S LIVES AROUND

LINCOLN- In 2014, the Nebraska State Legislature began the Vocational and Life Skills Program (VLS program), part of the legislature's prison reform efforts, which funded several programs to teach inmates valuable employment skills and prepare them for life outside of prison.

Since its creation in 2014, the VLS program has helped almost 6,000 inmates learn skills like carpentry, welding, and drywalling. This year, the Legislature increased spending on these training programs from $3.5 million to $5 million, and has hired the University of Nebraska Omaha to issue quarterly and annual reports on the success of the programs. In a recent study from the University, Michael Campagna, a co-author, stated that the teaching of these re-entry skills has given some inmates a greater sense of optimism and motivation,

When discussing the trainers and teachers of these skills, Campagna stated that "they're the first people in years who have treated [the inmates] like real human beings. Inmates appreciate that and want more of that."

One inmate, who was quoted in the report from the University, stated that he "wasn't believing in [himself]. There wasn't too many people around that were believing in me, but these folks, they did."

However, although a reported 71% of participants completed their classes in the VLS program, the University stated that the program should shift to include classes on mental health, computer use, and "pro-social" behaviors to allow inmates who have been in jail for years to better acquaint themselves with modern technology and ideals.

As the recidivism rate increases (from 27.7% in 2010 to 30.2% in 2018), Campagna believes that programs should shift to focus on teaching maturity and reconnection with family and children. He believes these connections will help lower recidivism and allow inmates to better reingratiate themselves into society.

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BURN PIT VOTE PENDING, FISCHER WEIGHS IN

LINCOLN- It's a battle over health care for veterans in Nebraska and across the country.

Legislation known as the PACT Act was expected to pass the Senate but Republicans blocked it and Democrats like Sen. Jon Tester of Montana howled, "There are going to be veterans who die between now and when this bill is passed.

“Politics at its worst," said Ian Swanson is a conservative talk radio host in Omaha. "We want to give care to veterans. I want to be very clear on this."

Both Nebraska Republican Senators, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse voted against the bill.

Ben Sasse did not comment on his vote, but Deb Fischer's office did weigh in saying, "Sen. Fischer remains committed to getting this bill done. Some technical issues are being worked through and we look forward to the PACT Act moving across the finish line this week.”

It is uncertain as to when that vote will occur.

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GOVERNOR RICKETTS TRAVELS TO KUWAIT TO THANK NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SERVING THERE

LINCOLN- Ricketts traveled to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait as well as Qatar to thank Nebraska National Guard soldiers for their service in the Middle East.

The governor spoke during a transfer of command ceremony from one detachment of Nebraskans to another in Kuwait.

The trip was official business, but the Republican governor paid the cost of the overseas flight, according to Ricketts spokeswoman Alex Reuss. He stayed in military housing while visiting bases in Kuwait and Qatar, she said.

The Scottsbluff-based team of the 1057th Military Police deployed in October 2021. They are being replaced by the Kearney-based detachment of the 1057th.

“We pray for the safety and success of the second team as they carry on the great work of the Nebraska National Guard in the Middle East,” Ricketts said.

Joining the governor was Major Gen. Daryl L. Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.

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NEBRASKA'S COVID CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS UP AGAIN

LINCOLN- Both COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations were up in Nebraska last week, with the number of Nebraskans hospitalized with the virus hitting a five-month high.

Nebraska recorded 4,120 new virus cases for the week ending July 29th, up about 14% from 3,599 the previous week, according to an analysis of data from the CDC.

The increased case count continued the pattern the state has seen since early June, with cases bouncing between roughly 3,000 and 4,000 cases a week.

Douglas County has moved into the “high” community level based on a CDC formula that determines the impact of the virus on communities. A handful of counties in northeast, south-central and west-central Nebraska also are considered to be at the “high” level.

Lancaster County has dropped back to the "medium" community level, based on the formula factoring new cases, the number of people hospitalized with the virus in an area and overall hospital capacity.

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NASCENT NEBRASKA COALITION LOOKS TO IMMIGRATION-RELATED SOLUTIONS TO HELP REMEDY LABOR SHORTAGE

LINCOLN- As Nebraska faces ever-increasing labor shortages, and as the unemployment rate continues to rise, certain groups are seeking to fill vacant roles using immigrant labor. At the forefront of this endeavor is Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), an organization that seeks to connect Nebraska across lines that tend to divide them, like race, religion, economics, and geography.

OTOC, in response to these labor shortages, is attempting to reach out to lawmakers with proposals to encourage legislation that would allow for more lenient immigration policy, especially in regard to immigrant labor. Their intention, according to OTOC member Denise Bowyer, is to "change the narrative so people see that immigrants are a value, not a problem, and are central to addressing the labor shortage."

Last week, OTOC held a conference at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in which immigrants could speak freely about their experiences with unclear, stringent labor laws. OTOC and several other groups in attendance highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of "Dreamers," farm workers, and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status.

OTOC also believes that Nebraska should provide more relief for immigrant laborers at the local level. As of right now, Nebraska is the only state to deny unemployment insurance to authorized DACA and Temporary Protected Status laborers. Bills have been introduced to eliminate these restrictions, but have been shot down by Governor Ricketts, who claimed that because DACA immigrants were brought to the country illegally, they should not be allowed to enjoy the same benefits as those who came legally.

Despite this, OTOC claims that more lenient immigration policy is the key to solving Nebraska's labor shortage.

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NEBRASKA NOW OFFERING DEATH BENEFIT TO FIRST RESPONDERS WHO DIE IN THE LINE OF DUTY

LINCOLN- A program created last year and expanded with legislation that took effect recently on July 21 offers a one-time, $250,000 death benefit to the families of first responders who die in the line of duty.

The line of duty payments are available for deaths starting this year of paid and volunteer firefighters, emergency medical service workers, ambulance squad members, law enforcement officers and correctional workers.

State Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln introduced the idea three times before it finally passed last year. Legislative Bill 255 provided for $50,000 payments.

“I believe it is time for Nebraska to join our neighbors and make sure that those first responders know we value their work, their service and their lives,” he said at the time.

This year, Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln sponsored LB 717 to boost the benefit to $250,000. The increase passed before any benefits had been approved and applies to deaths this year. The amount will be increased by the inflation rate in future years.

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COVID RELIEF GRANTS GAVE $98 MILLION OF SUPPORT TO NEBRASKA CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

LINCOLN- Nebraska child care providers have received a whopping $98 million lifeline over the past nine months from pandemic relief funds.

Reports from the Department of Health and Human Services show that 2,269 providers — or 80% of all licensed child care centers, family child care homes and preschools — have gotten help through the Child Care Stabilization Grant program since October of 2021.

Stephanie Beasley, children and family services director for HHS, said the money has been critical in supporting a key part of the state’s economy and in keeping quality child care available for children and working parents.

State officials established the grant program with Nebraska’s share of some $24 billion in federal child care relief dollars provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Nebraska’s portion amounted to $140 million. State officials awarded a total of $104 million in two rounds of grants, with the bulk of the money already disbursed. The last $6 million is set to be disbursed to second-round recipients in September.

Grants were awarded in every county with at least one licensed child care provider.

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CITY OF OMAHA TO HIRE CONSULTANT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES

OMAHA- The City of Omaha will pay more than $131,000 for a consultation on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts throughout city government.

The work by the National League of Cities was approved by City Council members at their latest meeting. Supporters of the initiative call the effort a transformative opportunity for Omaha.

“Our mission statement that we ask of all city employees is to respond to our community’s present and future needs. This work will help us equip city employees to do that,” said Keith Station, Omaha’s first officer for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Station was tasked with expanding the diversity of city government, implementing bias training for city employees, naming two boards to advise city leaders on such issues and developing a strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Under the $131,725 contract approved this week, the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) division will assist in that process.

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NORFOLK LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR MORE TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

NORFOLK- In July, the city of Norfolk made the decision to allow specific properties in the town to become temporary homes for Ukrainian refugees. Though not supposed to be permanent fixtures, the houses would supply the refugees with the necessary utilities and amenities.

Since then, the city has decided to expand the amount of housing they were previously going to build. However, Andy Colvin, a city administrator, has stated that the situation with the Ukrainian refugees is "very fluid and changes." The planned location for these temporary houses may be changing as well. Colvin stated, "Anecdotally, there's been reports they may not be placing [the temporary housing] on 7th St. anymore."

The number of refugees coming from Ukraine is unclear, but Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning stated that it may be close to 22 individuals. Despite this uncertainty, the Norfolk City Council voted 8 to 0 to allow the building of these temporary houses and to suspend building and zoning requirements in the area.

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VICTORY BY ABORTION RIGHTS ADVOCATES IN KANSAS REVERBERATES ACROSS THE BORDER

LINCOLN- After Kansas, a resoundingly red state, announced that they would not be amending their state constitution with the intention of banning abortion, pro-choice advocates from all over the country have been ecstatic. The implications of Kansas' vote are loud and clear to abortion-rights advocates, and many believe, especially here in Nebraska, that abortion may be kept legal.

Andi Curry Grubb, director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, stated that although support for abortion rights is likely higher in other states like California and New York, "it's still there in Nebraska and Kansas." Citing a poll released by the ACLU of Nebraska, Curry Grubb also pointed out that 55% of respondents in Nebraska opposed a "trigger" bill to ban abortion, while only 40% of poll-takers said they would support it.

State Sen. John Stinner of Gering stated that he does not believe the issue of abortion will be addressed in a special session later this year, for he believes the issue to be like "peeling back an onion" with lots of layers. Sen. Stinner believes abortion to be a complex mixture of medical, social, political, and legal issues, and therefore thinks it will be dealt with during the regular, 90-day session in January.

State Sen. Carol Blood, herself a survivor of sexual assault, stated that Kansas' vote indicated that "people understand that it's about more than abortion. It's about health care and personal rights, and do you want the government involved in your health care decisions?"

Sen. Blood's gubernatorial opponent, Jim Pillen, believes that Nebraska's current abortion law, which bans abortion after 20 weeks, is too lenient. Pillen states, "As governor, I will do all I can to protect Nebraska's unborn babies, support mothers and ensure the dignity of human life."

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WESTERN NEBRASKA CANYON RESIDENTS SEE HOMES, LIVELIHOODS AFFECTED BY WILDFIRE

GERING- For the second summer in a row, residents in the Nebraska panhandle are watching their homes and neighborhoods suffer from a wildfire.

The wildfire raged through out the weekend claiming over 15,000 acres of land and homes across Carter Canyon and beyond.

As of August 1st, fire officials announced that the fire is estimated to be 33% contained with a lot of work remaining to secure the area. Residents of the affected areas were evacuated by local law enforcement, leaving behind their homes, livestock, and a day to day responsibilities.

Firefighters are working hard to preserve residents and their homes, but officials confirmed that three homes had been completely destroyed and several others sustained damage thus far.

Gering resident and ranch owner Cassy Eskam said, "Every time I hear there’s a fire, it scares me." Followed by, "We have barely gotten any rain out by us this year. I prayed over and over for them to please get (the fires) contained before it spreads to our farm.”

The fire did end up approaching the ranch due to a sudden wind change that directed the wildfire east.

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NEBRASKA 'URBAN REDEVELOPMENT ACT' KICKS IN TO HELP GROW SMALL BUSINESSES IN OMAHA, LINCOLN

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development officially began accepting applications from Nebraska businesses seeking to earn performance based tax credits per the new Urban Redevelopment Act.

Enacted in 2021, the act aims to help grow small businesses and invest in urban cores that are high in poverty and unemployment. 

Eligible businesses may qualify for up to $50,000 in tax credits. These credits can be used to offset income, sales, property tax, or to reduce income tax withholding. 

Qualifications include: 

• Payment to file the application

• Located in a qualified target area

• Hire five or more new full time employees

• Invest $150,000 in property or invest $50,000 in the qualified property.

The state can authorize up to $8 million in tax credits, but the amount of credits earned by a business will be dependent on level of investment and amount of new employees.

For more on the Urban Redevelopment Act click HERE

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MIKE HILGERS GAUGING SUPPORT FOR 12-WEEK ABORTION BAN, OMAHA SENATOR SAYS

LINCOLN- The speaker of the Nebraska Legislature is gauging his colleagues’ support for a special session to debate a 12-week abortion ban according to an opposing Omaha senator.

State Sen. Megan Hunt posted a Tweet saying that Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers is calling all members and asking them to sign on to a letter supporting a special session to take up the proposal.

Hilgers, of Lincoln, said that he has contacted multiple lawmakers to discuss a special session, but would not confirm whether he is proposing a 12-week ban.

“I don’t have additional comment until I’ve finished those conversations and had the chance to comprehensively discuss with my colleagues,” Hilgers said.

Hilgers has not called all lawmakers. Omaha Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Justin Wayne said they hadn’t received a call from the speaker yet.

A 12-week ban wouldn’t go as far as the bans that many Southern and Midwestern states passed after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

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KANSAS VOTERS DEFEAT ABORTION AMENDMENT IN LANDSLIDE IN NATIONS FIRST VOTE SINCE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN OF ROE

OVERLAND PARK — Kansas voters in a landslide Tuesday defeated a constitutional amendment that would have stripped residents of

abortion rights, defying polling and political observers who expected a close result.

The ballot measure was failing by a 60-40 margin late Tuesday after voters responded to an intense and costly campaign marked by dubious claims by amendment supporters and the unraveling of protections by the U.S. Supreme Court. The question before voters, in the form of a confusingly worded constitutional amendment, was whether to end the right to abortion in Kansas by voting “yes” or preserve the right by voting “no.”

Voters showed up in unforeseen numbers in urban areas of the state, while rural areas underperformed compared with turnout in the presidential race two years ago.

Passage of the constitutional amendment would have nullified the Kansas Supreme Court ruling and given the Legislature the authority to pass any kind of abortion restriction, without exceptions for rape, incest or a patient’s health. The amendment’s defeat means abortion will continue to be legal — and heavily regulated — in Kansas.

The election sent shock waves throughout other states considering action on abortion restrictions, including neighboring states like Nebraska where the possibility of a special session on the matter has been looming.

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM RACE, LEAVING RIVAL UNOPPOSED IN NOVEMBER

LINCOLN- Nebraska legislative candidate Edward Dunn withdrew his candidacy for a seat representing District 44 in southwest Nebraska in early July, according to a Secretary of State official. ​​​​

Dunn was seeking to replace State Sen. Dan Hughes of Venago, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. He came in a distant second in the May primary, trailing Teresa Ibach by a 13,108 to 4,110 margin.

Ibach will now be the only name listed on the November ballot for the District 44 seat.

In a Facebook post on Dunn’s campaign page, he said he was pulling out because he could not “in good faith” continue asking for donations because of the current economic crisis. He said he hopes to continue being involved in public engagement moving forward.

“I am not going away, just hitting the pause button right now,” Dunn said in the Facebook post.

The deadline to withdraw was August 1st. Dunn is the only candidate in the legislative races to withdraw.

For the full article click HERE

VOTERS IN LIMBO: WHO'S IN 1ST? WHAT'S IN 2ND? AND, 3RD, I DON'T KNOW WHICH HOUSE MEMBER TO CALL

WAHOO- A mixture of the unique special election between Patty Pansing Brooks and victor Mike Flood combined with a once a decade redistricting has caused some confusion for some voters.

Voters in Saunders County have been considered to be in the 1st district since the 1960s, but until January voters have no say as to who represents them in congress.

To the east, Papillion and La Vista voters did get to vote in the special election, but cannot receive help with any federal issues from Mike Flood whom they helped vote in.

More than 75,000 Nebraskans were moved out of the states 1st district following the redistricting that was drafted in 2021. This change has left many confused as to who is representing them and who they can turn to for help.

Fortenberry’s resignation came too late to hold the special election as part of the May primary, because ballots had already been printed and sent out. But the resignation came too early, under state law, to wait for the November election to fill the seat for the rest of the year.

The combined result changed the House district boundaries in a way that left tens of thousands of voters in no-man’s land, including residents in parts of Saunders, Sarpy, Burt, Otoe, Thurston, Dixon, Washington and Polk Counties.

For the full article click HERE

PANSING BROOKS POINTS TO MILLION-DOLLAR HOUSE CAMPAIGN FUNDING SUPPORT

LINCOLN- Patty Pansing Brooks said her campaign has passed the million-dollar fundraising mark after her close battle with Republican Mike Flood of Norfolk in a June 28 special election that sent Flood to Congress to fill eastern Nebraska's 1st District House seat.

While Americans are struggling with inflation, Pansing Brooks said, "Washington politicians won't stop the grenade-launching" and focus on issues important to their constituents.

Pansing Brooks, who lost to Flood by 6,234 votes in the special election last month, said she has raised $1,040,172 in campaign funds as of July 18. Rep. Mike Flood raised $1,369,791 during that same time period.

Pansing Brooks reported $353,995 in cash on hand; Flood reported $47,434.

The general election in November will determine who holds the House seat for the next two-year term, beginning in January.

Democrats have not held the 1st District House seat since Clair Callan of Odell won a single term in 1964.

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CANDIDATES SPENT OVER $2 MILLION DURING NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE PRIMARIES

LINCOLN- Nebraska legislative candidates put twice as much money into their primary election campaigns this year as colleagues did just a decade earlier.

2020 still hold the record for spending, partially because it was a presidential election year according to experts.

Campaign spending in Nebraska legislative races has taken an upward turn since 2012, when the Nebraska Supreme Court tossed out the state’s Campaign Finance Limitation Act. The act had used incentives to encourage candidates to abide by voluntary spending limits.

That year, legislative candidates spent a combined $1.11 million for the May primary, according to the analysis. At $2.19 million, this year’s total was nearly double the amount in 2012 but well below the $2.48 million total from two years ago.

The same pattern holds for average spending. A decade ago, legislative candidates spent an average of $15,574 on the primary election. For this year, the average was $33,642, but it was $41,321 two years ago.

This year, Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte poured $159,232 into his bid to keep the seat that Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed him to fill in February. The total includes $70,000 of his own money — a $30,000 donation and $40,000 worth of loans.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY TO START SENDING MAIL-IN BALLOT APPLICATIONS FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION

OMAHA- Some Douglas County voters will receive early voting ballot applications for the November general election beginning this week, but the applications will look different from years past.

The only difference in this years ballots is the color. Due to a shortage, the applications will be white instead of green.

In order to receive a mail in ballot, voters must first fill out an early ballot application. Those applications must be returned by October 28th.

But the process for obtaining an application depends on the county a voter lives in. That’s because some counties keep lists of voters who prefer to vote early and automatically send them applications, while others keep no such list and require that voters seek out an application each election.

Douglas County keeps an early voting request list. By checking a box on the early voting application, voters there can be added to a list and will automatically be mailed an application before each election. The application must be completed each election to receive an early ballot.

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CHARLES HERBSTER CAN ADD TO DEFAMATION LAWSUIT BUT CAN'T MUZZLE SLAMA LAWYER, JUDGE RULES

OMAHA- A judge has ruled that former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster will be allowed to add more examples to an ongoing defamation lawsuit against State Sen. Julie Slama.

Lawyers for Sen. Slama will now have to wait for the Herbster updates before deposing Herbster for a separate counter lawsuit.

Johnson County District Judge Rick Schreiner resolved those issues and more from a June hearing in a two-page ruling involving dueling lawsuits between Herbster and Slama. Herbster sued Slama after she and seven other women alleged that he groped them. Slama countersued, alleging that he had sexually battered and defamed her.

Schreiner also ruled that Herbster cannot muzzle Slama’s attorney from defending her publicly.

Schreiner ruled that Herbster’s deposition could wait for the amended lawsuit. One issue not resolved in the latest ruling is whether Herbster could be sanctioned for missing his first deposition date in May.

Herbster’s legal team has filed motions seeking to limit the scope of Slama’s subpoenas. Both sides have been negotiating, at the judge’s urging, a narrower range of documents.

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