STATE TEACHER UNION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT PUBLIC EDUCATION, PUSH BACK ON EFFORT TO FUND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

LINCOLN- This fall, the Nebraska Teachers Union will organize a public relations campaign, titled "Public School Proud," to push back against efforts to divert public funds to private schools.

A grant from the National Education Association will fund the five-week campaign, allowing the Union to spread its message on television, radio, and through digital formats. 

In a press release, NSEA President Jenni Benson stated that the campaign's goal is to "advance a culture of racial and social justice by improving educational opportunities for all students and building respect for the worth, dignity and equality of every individual in our diverse society."

The campaign will mainly broadcast, 'success stories' from different public institutions and teachers. 

The NSEA claims that the campaign will be utilized to spread awareness about bills that seek to provide a state tax credit for 'opportunity scholarships,' which public school advocates see as a covert way to give public funds to private schools.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA OFFICIALS DELAY SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS MANAGING $1.8 BILLION PROGRAM

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Nebraska Medicaid officials stated their intentions to delay the selection of a new company to manage the state's $1.8 billion Medicaid program. Medicaid Director Kevin Bagley stated that the winning bid, of five applicant companies, will be announced on Sept. 23, instead of Wednesday. 

Bagley believes this delay will give Medicaid more time to interview each applicant and give out scores. "Our goal has been to do his right, even if it takes some time. We know stakeholders are eager to learn who will be chosen," said Bagley. 

The applicant who wins the bid will be in charge of physical and behavioral health care, pharmacy services, and dental benefits for almost all Medicaid patients in Nebraska. Overall, they will serve around 350,000 Nebraskans. Once a selection is made, the new contracts will begin in July 2023, and end in 2028. 

Bagley stated that all of the applicants provided quality bids, but wants to allow Medicaid to ask additional questions to each. The bidders include Community Care Plan of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care, UnitedHealth Care of the Midlands, Medica Community Health Plan, and Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. 

Nebraska lawmakers have criticized certain bidders in the past, usually for failing to do the job as outlined in the contract. This includes the Kansas-based St. Francis Ministries, which failed to fulfill its contract with Nebraska. 

For the full article click HERE

CONSTITUENTS SAY INFLATION IS A KEY ISSUE, SEN. DEB FISCHER SAYS

SCOTTSBLUFF- On Tuesday, Sen. Deb Fischer held a roundtable discussion to discuss prominent issues in the area with local political, educational, and business leaders at the Bluffs Business Center. Fischer stated that "it's better to meet with people where they are."

Fischer stated that one of the biggest issues affecting businesses, whether they're hospitals, schools, or retailers, is a lack of employees. Hiring, or lack thereof, has been negatively affecting the area since the beginning of the pandemic. 

The lack of affordable housing in the area was also discussed between Fischer and community leaders, and the Senator stated that inflation is making it more difficult to build and maintain this housing. 

Fischer also emphasized high gas prices as a major problem affecting rural Nebraska, stating, "Government has to be responsible. I think it's important to be responsible to our constituents and prioritize their needs, but I also think it's important to be responsible to taxpayers and realize what we should be paying for as a government and what we should not."

Fischer believes that several bills she supports will be beneficial to rural Nebraskans, including the cattle market reform bill, which seeks to help owners of small feedlots make good financial and marketing decisions. 

In regards to the cattle market reform bill, Fischer stated that it's "going to have a huge impact on family farms and ranchers."

For the full article click HERE

OMAHA MAYOR STOTHERT HIRES NEW DEPUTY CHIEF OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

OMAHA- Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced the hiring of a second full-time economic developer Monday.

Marco Floreani will join the Mayor’s Office as a deputy chief of staff for economic development and development services according to the Mayor's Office.

Floreani has worked in economic and community development for more than 10 years in Nebraska and Iowa at both state and local levels. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation and senior director of business development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

“I look forward to joining the City of Omaha’s efforts to attract, retain and grow business opportunities in my hometown,” Floreani said. He replaces Troy Anderson, who recently accepted a position as assistant city manager in Wichita, Kansas.

Anderson’s departure was soon followed by the resignation of Kevin Andersen, who returned to the private sector after working in the Mayor’s Office since 2018. Andersen’s replacement, Jacquelyn Morrison, joined the Mayor’s Office earlier this month.

For the full article click HERE

LEGISLATIVE REPORT SAYS DAM COULD MITIGATE FLOODING ON THE LOWER PLATTE RIVER

LINCOLN- A recent legislative study into developing a huge recreational lake between Omaha and Lincoln was careful to reassure residents of Ashland that it wouldn’t include damming the Platte River and flooding the town of Ashland.

The report, issued in May after the Nebraska Legislature adjourned for the year, looked at how to mitigate flooding in the lower Platte River, from Columbus to where it flows into the Missouri River at Plattsmouth.

The consultant that prepared the report, Omaha-based HDR, homed in on 21 “potential sites” to build reservoirs on tributaries of the Platte River, such as the Loup and Elkhorn Rivers and Salt, Wahoo and Logan Creeks.

The bulk of the money was allocated for building new marinas at Lake McConaughy and Lewis & Clark Lake, a new lodge at Niobrara State Park and a flood-control levee near Schuyler. But $20 million was set aside for further study of building a huge sand-pit lake near Linoma Beach in Sarpy County, with $26 million designated for possible future construction.

HDR’s report says more study would be needed before any reservoir construction could happen on the tributaries of the Platte.

State Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln, the Speaker of the Legislature and head of the STAR WARS committee, made similar observations, adding that consideration of flood mitigation was part of the committee’s charge but that further work on the tributary dams was not funded.

For the full article click HERE

NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS GET ANOTHER OPTION TO COMPLETE COLLEGE DEGREES

LINCOLN- This week Gov. Pete Ricketts and others inked an agreement to make completing a college degree easier and more affordable for nontraditional, adult students who cannot travel, because of the demands of life or a rural location, to a brick-and-mortar school.

“This is about giving everyone access to a life-changing education,” said Paul Illich, president of Southeast Community College.

Under an agreement signed by Ricketts and Western Governors University, transferring credits from institutions such as Southeast will be easier, and Nebraska students will gain access to the state’s $21 million worth of “Opportunity Grant” scholarships for post-secondary studies.

Ricketts said Nebraskans who have some college studies but no degree are a pool of “untapped talent” in a world where about 71% of jobs require a post-secondary degree.

This spring, the Nebraska Legislature established a goal of getting 70% of the state’s workforce, ages 25-34, to have “a degree, certificate, diploma, or other postsecondary or industry-recognized credential with economic value by 2030.” Currently, about 58% of that group have degrees.

Ricketts said that making it easier, and more affordable, for Nebraskans to attend WGU is another step to address the state’s workforce shortage. Most recently, 52,000 jobs were unfilled in the state.

For the full article click HERE

SUSTAINABLE BEEF SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH WALMART FOR NORTH PLATTE MEATPACKING PLANT

NORTH PLATTE- Sustainable Beef LLC has signed a deal with Walmart to supply the national retailer with the majority of the beef it’ll process at its planned meatpacking plant in North Platte. 

Sustainable Beef LLC CEO David Briggs said construction will begin in September, with formal groundbreaking scheduled for Oct. 4 at the former city sewer lagoon.

The plant, with 875 employees, is expected to open by late 2024. 

Negotiations and plans for the plant first came about in March 2021. The city has granted Sustainable Beef $1 million in forgivable loans and $21.5 million in tax increment financing in addition to agreeing to sell the retired lagoon.

The beef-plant project also will receive $20 million toward its construction cost from the state of Nebraska’s share of federal COVID-19 aid. State senators approved that allocation in April. 

Tyler Lehr, Walmart’s senior U.S. vice president of merchandising for deli services, meat and seafood, said the retailer wants to provide “high-quality, affordable beef to our customers.” 

For the full article click HERE

THE LINCOLN WARHORSE CASINO ANNOUNCES OPENING DAY OF SEPTEMBER 19TH

LINCOLN- Nebraska's first casino slots are only days away as WarHorse Casino is slated to open on September 19th with over 400 slot machines available.

"It's unbelievable. I'm just I'm so grateful and excited. Absolutely can't wait for this to get started," said Lynne McNally of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

They are partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc. at both the Lincoln and Omaha casinos.

"And this operation will continue while we're building the permanent facility, which will take approximately 20 months," McNally said. 

The casino still must obtain its gaming operator's license. At the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission's latest meeting, they indicated that the license will be provided. 

Commissioners said they wanted to make sure all of the background checks, operation and building concerns are met and games certified by an independent lab. 

The casino is also looking for over half of its staff still claiming they need around 100 more employees.

For the full article click HERE

PUBLIC HEARINGS SET TO EXPLORE NORTH, SOUTH OMAHA ARPA ALLOCATIONS

OMAHA- Nebraska State Sen. Justin Wayne has announced the public hearing schedule for his committee's exploration of the American Rescue Plan Act fund uses.

Senator Wayne's committee met earlier this month with Omaha consultant Olsson to discuss the best potential uses for the money.

A portion of the funds were allocated to specific projects, but a majority of the funds go toward the Qualified Census Tract Recovery Grant Program — also overseen by the Economic Recovery Special Committee of the Legislature.

The week of Sept. 19, this committee is holding joint hearings and public information sessions with Olsson, Inc. to explore uses for the funds in north and south Omaha.

Members of the public can testify at these hearings, and learn how to formally submit ideas for possible uses of the Economic Recovery Act funds.

For the full article click HERE

SPLIT APPEALS PANEL REJECTS NEBRASKA MARIJUANA INJUNCTION

OMAHA- On Wednesday, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request to block one of Nebraska's ballot initiative parameters proposed to the Court by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and the ACLU of Nebraska. 

Nebraska's ballot initiative law requires petitioners to collect signatures from at least 5% of voters in 38 of the state's 93 counties. When the Medical Cannabis initiative was shot down earlier last month, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and the ACLU sued, arguing that this specific parameter violates free speech and equal protection rights.

The groups stated that this parameter makes "one voter in Arthur County equal to that of 1.216 voters in Douglas County."

U.S. District Judge John Gerrard agreed with this sentiment, but stated that, while the state can legally require statewide voter support on an initiative, it "may not do so based on units of dramatically differing population, resulting in discrimination among voters." 

Gerrard issued an order temporarily blocking the '5%' parameter, but State Officials appealed and the 8th Circuit Court put a hold on it.

Neb. Secretary of State Bob Evnen stated that his office "will continue to enforce that Nebraska constitutional provision pending the final outcome of the case." 

For the full article click HERE

FRAKES, APPOINTED BY GOV. RICKETTS TO TURN AROUND TROUBLED NEBRASKA PRISON SYSTEM, IS LEAVING

LINCOLN- Nebraska Director of Corrections Scott Frakes announced Thursday that he will be leaving his $255,00-a-year post in October. Frakes was hired by Gov. Ricketts in 2015. At the time of his hiring, the Nebraska Department of Corrections was facing several large problems, including prison overcrowding, high turnover of staff, and the mistaken, early release of several inmates.

Before working in Nebraska, Frakes was employed at the Washington state prison system, where he worked to correct sentencing miscalculations and reform the state's solitary confinement policies. 

Frakes has been a key voice, alongside Gov. Ricketts, in the push to open a new $270 million, 1,500-bed prison. To solve the issue of rampant turnover, Frakes has increased staff salaries at prisons in Lincoln and Tecumseh. Despite his push to keep workers, however, staffing emergencies still occur at two Nebraska prisons. 

In a press release, Frakes stated that he was "proud of the many accomplishments the agency has achieved during my tenure. Seeing those things come to fruition, to the benefit of staff members and our inmate population, has been enormously satisfying."

Gov. Ricketts lauded Frakes, saying he was a "highly effective leader," and that he "guided the agency through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic."

Since being hired in Nebraska, Frakes has automated the sentencing calculation function, raised salaries and improved working conditions for corrections staff, and merged two facilities into the Reception Treatment Center. 

In the past three years, the state's recidivism rate has fallen to 29.8%, and staff turnover is projected to drop to 16% this year from 30% in 2021. 

Alongside Frakes, State Fire Marshal Chris Cantrell will also be leaving his position in October. Cantrell has been influential in forming the state's first All-Hazards Incident Management Team, launched a mobile inspection process for pipeline inspections, and reintegrated Nebraska Forest Service Firefighters into the Wildland Incident Response Assistance Team. 

For the full article click HERE

BACON SLAMS STIMULUS PAYMENTS TO PRISONERS, CITING NUMBERS FROM IRS

OMAHA- Around $1.3 billion worth of stimulus payments for the Covid-19 pandemic were awarded to people in prison. Responding to a letter sent by Rep. Don Bacon, the IRS confirmed that over 1.1 million stimulus payments have been made to prisoners all over the county since October 2020. A judge ruled that these payments were allowed to be sent to prisoners after Congress failed to restrict them from receiving stimulus. 

Rep. Bacon, who voted against President Biden's attempts to send out stimulus, stated that prisoners receiving stimulus funds was "an example of the fiscal recklessness of Democrats."

Bacon previously voted in favor of Former President Trump's stimulus payments in late 2020, and when asked about them, Bacon said, "We didn't realize the first stimulus went to prisoners. When we did, we tried to do something about it."

State Sen. Terrell McKinney, an advocate for the incarcerated in Nebraska, stated that he believed those stimulus payments to prisoners were worth it. "A majority of them are not economically well-off. That helps them be able to talk with family, to be able to buy food and life essentials, to not burden their families," said McKinney. 

Bacon rebuked Sen. McKinney's words, stating that "people on death row shouldn't be getting a stimulus check. If you're going to do anything with that, give it to their victims...They are living off the taxpayer."

Sen. Tony Vargas, who is running against Bacon in the 2nd Congressional District race, declined to comment on both Bacon's words, and the inmate stimulus payments themselves. 

For the full article click HERE

KANSAS FOSTER CARE PROVIDER CRITICIZES COVERAGE WHILE NEBRASKA LAWMAKER ASKS FOR FRAUD INQUIRY

LINCOLN- Saint Francis Ministries provided an alternate description of its departure from Nebraska, where multiple investigations sounded alarms about the organization’s ability to comply with state law while providing foster care services for the Omaha area.

This week, State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh sent a letter to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson in response to an Aug. 11 story about federal authorities moving to seize $10 million from the former Saint Francis IT director.

Alison Kossover, chief administration officer for Saint Francis, said in a 300-word response that the story leads readers to “an inaccurate understanding of the situation.”

The letter asks the attorney general to launch an investigation into Nebraska’s dealings with Saint Francis and its former leaders and to compel the parties to preserve any evidence relating to the contract with Nebraska.

In December, the organization announced it would leave Nebraska after investigations by the state’s inspector general and an oversight committee both concluded the state should end its relationship with Saint Francis.

“There was this picture of systematic failure on the part of Saint Francis Ministries to do what was statutorily required in child welfare in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA FREEDOM FESTIVAL LOSES KEY SPEAKER AFTER CHARLES HERBSTER PULLS OUT

OMAHA- The Nebraska Freedom Coalition held Nebraska's second annual Freedom Festival, a populist-led event that sought to bring unity to the republican party in the state. The Coalition invited four, top GOP gubernatorial candidates to speak at the event, not including Jim Pillen, who won the Republican primary.

Former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster was invited to the event alongside the other three republican speakers, but pulled out rather abruptly just days before the event. Herbster had previously been a large supporter of the Coalition, which is made up mostly of libertarian and pro-Trump republicans, and was even endorsed by the group before the Republican primaries.

Herbster's team reached out and stated that "miscommunication in the planning process" is what made the former candidate have to pull out. Herbster had been promoting the event on his Facebook, but pulled all posts related to it.

One staffer on Herbster's team declined to comment on what exactly these "miscommunications" were, stating he would not "discuss private conversations about the event planning and Charles' participation."

Rod Edwards, who is now overseeing the new Herbster-backed 'Nebraska First' PAC, stated that his team "wish [The Coalition] a safe event and great success."

Patrick Peterson, executive director of the Freedom Coalition, stated that he was "disappointed that Charles [couldn't] attend." He also went on to say that Herbster "couldn't seem to give up the limelight for himself to help other candidates, especially those running down ballot." Peterson declined to comment further.

The event was held to help Republican candidates in 'lower-profile' races.

For the full article click HERE

NEW NEBRASKA REPUBLICAN LEADER AIMS FOR FILIBUSTER-PROOF LEGISLATIVE MAJORITY

LINCOLN- Republican State Chairman Eric Underwood stated that, following the potential victory of gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen and the reelection of the state's three Republican Congressmen, the Republican Party in Nebraska will turn its attention to filling legislative seats, with the intention of creating a filibuster-proof Republican majority of 36 Senators.

Underwood believes that this is "a realistic number" to set as a goal, and that the party will be organizing a "36-strong" campaign effort. Republicans currently hold 32 seats out of 49, but often do not vote in unison on certain key issues. Five of the more centrist-leaning republicans will be leaving the legislature this year.

Needing 33 votes to end the filibuster, Underwood's goal of 36 republican senators would give the party an insurmountable amount of power in the Unicameral, if only they can find unity.

Underwood stated that unity is the biggest goal, especially if the party intends to reach its goal of 36 senators. If the party becomes too focused on "vengeance and retaliation, we can never reach that goal," Underwood stated. Under Underwood, the Republican Party of Nebraska has shifted its focus to fiscal responsibility, less government intrusion, tax reform, agriculture, and education.

Despite the fact that some believe a rift has appeared in the Nebraska Republican party, Underwood emphasized that the party is still "100% in support of Gov. Rickett's policies."

For the full article click HERE

ABORTION ISSUE TO BE FRONT AND CENTER, IN 90-DAY SESSION

LINCOLN- Despite the fact that Gov. Ricketts was unable to convene a special session to discuss the issue, two Nebraska Senators believe abortion will be one of the most important issues discussed in next year's 90-day legislative session.

Sen. Tom Brandt, of Plymouth, believes that the issue should be cleared up quickly to save Nebraska a "hundred thousand dollars." He stated, "If we'd had a special session, it probably would have been in September. We're coming back in January, anyway...we're reasonably confident this will be at the forefront of the session...and you will have 16 to 18 new senators there, also. It would have been difficult, probably...to pass something with the existing body...let's learn from other states, Idaho, Texas, Tennessee."

The striking down of the abortion ban in Kansas was surprising to Sen. Myron Dorn, who also believes abortion will be one of, if not the most pressing issue the legislature will tackle come January. "I didn't expect it to turn out that way. I expected it to be close, but just because of what the makeup of...Kansas is...and to have that ballot issue turn out the way that it did...afterwards, I did understand it, but before I was just kind of expecting an outcome, and that didn't come about," stated Sen. Dorn.

Both Senators expect several approaches to be floated around by both sides of the legislature, with differing levels of restrictions, or lack thereof. Sen. Brandt who was in Wichita, Kansas just weeks before the anti-abortion initiative was shot down, saw different perspectives on the issue, and agreed with some voters there that there must be some level of "reasonableness" in regard to rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

One of the biggest factors that must be considered when discussing the fate of abortion in Nebraska is the upcoming elections, which may make or break certain Senator's attempts to ban it or not.

For the full article click HERE

NEW HERBSTER-BACKED 'NEBRASKA FIRST' PAC AIMS TO BOLSTER STATE, LOCAL CONSERVATIVES

OMAHA- After losing Nebraska's gubernatorial primary, Charles Herbster is shifting gear to focus on conservative mega-donations. Herbster announced that he would be creating a new conservative political action committee, titled 'Nebraska First', which will be used to steer conservatives candidates in Nebraska.

Herbster said, "While I came up short in my bid to be our next Governor, I fully intend to remain active in fighting for the traditional Christian Conservative values our state and country were founded on. During my campaign, I talked about a lot of issues and ideas that resonated with voters. With Nebraska First, we want to make sure those voters have a voice in their government.”

Rod Edwards, one of the key members in Herbster's former gubernatorial team, will lead the new PAC. Edwards stated that the PAC's main focus will be local and state politics.

The group also announced that one of the key issues they will attempt to tackle is the Nebraska legislature's method of electing committee chairs, which is done with a secret ballot. In the past, Herbster has argued that these votes should be public.

The second issue the PAC will focus on is the "constitutional carry" measure, which they believe should be law. This measure would allow citizens of Nebraska to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

The PAC's website lists several other issues it will focus on, including Critical Race Theory.

For the full article click HERE

EARLY BALLOT APPLICATIONS SENT TO LANCASTER COUNTY VOTERS

LINCOLN — Early voting applications for Lancaster County voters have been mailed, County Election Commissioner David Shively announced.

The application notices were sent to 66,391 voters, Shively said. That’s an increase from the May 10 primary election, which had 65,635 voters on the early-voting list.

“The amount increases slightly each election, but it is usually close to the previous election,” Shively said.

The early ballot request form is a yellow, postcard-size piece of mail. If voters would like an early ballot, they must complete the form and return it in person to a dropbox at the Election Commission Office at 601 N. 46th St. in Lincoln. Other methods include mailing the application back or emailing a clear photo or scanned copy of the application to earlyvote@lancaster.ne.gov.

Voters can also find the application at www.lancaster.ne.gov/election, contact the Election Commissioner’s Office at (402) 441-7311 to request one, or submit a letter to the Election Commissioner with their name, address, and signature requesting one.

The office will mail out early ballots beginning Monday, Oct. 3. The deadline to request an early ballot is Friday, Oct. 28, at 6:00 p.m.

For the full article click HERE

GOV. RICKETTS APPOINTS NEW JUDGE TO COUNTY COURT FOR FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

LINCOLN- Gov. Ricketts announced that he would be appointing Denise Kracl to Fifth Judicial District of the County Court. Kracl jurisdiction will include Boone, Butler, Hamilton, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties. 

Previously, Kracl served as the Colfax County Attorney and the Schuyler City Prosecutor. She has served in these roles since 2011. 

From 2007 to 2010, Kracl served as Deputy County Attorney for Colfax and Butler, and also held the position of Special Prosecutor for Dodge, Platte, Saunders, Seward, and York counties since 2011. 

In a press release, Kracl stated that she was very active in the communities she serves, and has help a leadership position at Colfax County Food and Toy Corporation, a group that seeks to provide food, toys, and clothing to families in the county during the month of December. 

Kracl has been given an Award of Appreciation by the Nebraska Bar Association, and has also received the Schuyler Sertoma Service to Mankind Award from he Schuyler Chamber of Commerce.

Kracl is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Frank J. Skorupa.

For the full article click HERE

NEB. STATE TREASURER MURANTE DEFENDS WORK WITH GOP-DOMINATED STATE TREASURER'S FOUNDATION

LINCOLN- State Treasurer John Murante currently acts as the national chairman of the State Financial Officers Foundation, a republican-dominated group which has spoken out against climate change action. 

Murante stated that his duties as chairman are to ensure that “our tax dollars are not used for a political agenda.” 

As a result of the Foundation’s attacks on companies seeking to take climate change action, millions of dollars in investments have been pulled from these corporations. These companies include BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan; corporations that have reduced their investments in coal power and have begun financing more environmentally friendly energy options. 

The Foundation, which includes around 12 state treasurers from all over the country, has received a lot of flack in the past few years as a result of their actions. Many have accused the group of being a “tool for oil and gas companies.”

Dawn Rockey, a democrat and former Nebraska State Treasurer, questioned Murante’s actions in the group and wanted to know why the foundation was bringing politics into what should be “solely financial decisions.”

Murante defended his actions by claiming that these companies investing in cleaner energy, especially BlackRock, “are using their resources to advance a left-wing agenda.” He also doubled down on the outwardly non-partisan image of the Foundation, stating that, although the group is run entirely by republicans, any State Treasurer “who believes in limited government and free markets are welcome to join.”

For the full article click HERE