$9 MILLION FEDERAL AWARD TO UNMC CENTER TO BEEF UP AGRICULTURE SAFETY AND HEALTH

OMAHA- A $9 million award was granted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to help support regional efforts like safety training for bison workers and the study of dust-induced lung injury, among others. The funds will go to the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, located in UNMC's College of Public Health.

The Center, which is located in Omaha, extends its outreach into surrounding regional states like Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and South and North Dakota. 

The new award will help continue existing ag safety research and training, and will likely be used to launch new initiatives focused on farmer health. They will also help strengthen outreach related to mental health, safe grain handling, and animal handling.

A statement from UNMC stated that one of the most important areas they want to focus on is stress among immigrant farm workers, which they see as a seriously underdeveloped area of study. 

The Central States Center is one of eleven regional centers awarded federal funds, all of which work in their respective region to improve the health of farmers.

Risto Rautiainen, director of the Central States Center, stated, "The center can use these funds to continue to serve the agricultural community by discovering causes of injury and illnesses and communicating information about prevention in ways that reach as many farmers and agricultural workers as possible."

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WARHORSE: FIRST CASINO IN NEBRASKA DRAWS HUNDREDS ON OPENING DAY

LINCOLN- WarHorse casino made Nebraska history, becoming the first casino to open within the state. Hundreds of people lined up Saturday, opening day, to test their luck on new slot machines and gambling games. 

Courtney Williams, a resident of Omaha, made the drive to Lincoln just in time for opening day. She said, "I didn't think it was going to be like this soon. I thought it'd be like, what, a year from now."

Wally Wollsen, president of Nebraska HBPA, was ecstatic and even a little emotional on opening day. "It's very emotional," said Wollsen, "We waited a long time for this."

Wollsen stated that, with the casino up and running, his team will turn their attention to bringing horse racing back to Nebraska. "The machines are going to support horse racing," he said, "and my goal is to improve horse racing, build larger purchases for our horsemen. Keep our horsemen here at home."

Ken Mallory, tribal leader of the Winnebago Tribe, stated that the casino will help support the regrowth of the Tribe. Mallory believes the casino is a dream come true for his Tribe, and believes the money will help them provide to the Tribe "better health care, better water facilities, better homestyle living, and just everything that is part of the prosperity of being an American."

Mallory claims the support from the casino goes beyond just dollars, and truly believes that the casino will help everyone in the community prosper.

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RALSTON SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT TO RETIRE

RALSTON- Ralston Public Schools superintendent Dr. Mark Adler announced Monday his intention to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The Ralston Public School Board will review Dr. Adler's resignation on Monday night.

In his resignation letter, Dr. Adler praised board members, students, and staff for putting so much trust in him to lead RPS. "I took my responsibilities seriously and am always proud to say I am from Ralston," wrote Dr. Adler, "My service to the students, staff, and community of Ralston Public Schools wasn't a job but a passion that provided me with purpose."

Dr. Adler has been working with Ralston Public Schools since 2008, and has been employed in public education for 32 years. 

His final day as superintendent at Ralston Public Schools will be June 30th, 2023.

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EXPANDED MEDICAID LEAVES FEWER NEBRASKANS WITHOUT HEALTH COVERAGE

LINCOLN- Emerging data indicates that the number of state residents without health coverage has plummeted since Nebraska expanded Medicaid two years ago. Hospitals are also reportedly feeling less stress and fewer citizens of the state are filing for bankruptcy.

Sen. Adam Morfeld claims that these positive results are exactly what advocates of the expansion predicted would happen during the six years of failed efforts in the Legislature to do so. Morfeld stated, "The data only affirms what we promised Nebraskans: that our family members, neighbors, and friends would be more healthy, financially secure, and lead longer and happier lives."

Morfeld led the petition drive to place Medicaid expansion on the ballot in 2018 after Gov. Ricketts repeatedly blocked it in the Legislature. After the ballot measure passed, it took Rickett's administration almost two years to implement the changes, with coverage beginning on Oct. 1, 2020. 

Sarah Maresh, health care access program director at Nebraska Appleseed, shared a similar sentiment with Morfeld. Nebraska Appleseed was a key advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, and believed that Nebraska would see similar results to states that previously expanded it. "We're just really excited to see this come to fruition," Maresh stated, "The health of our state depends on the health of individuals." 

Gov. Ricketts did not respond to questions about whether Medicaid expansion has benefited Nebraskans, but his staff stated that "Gov. Ricketts' team at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has worked hard to effectively roll out Medicaid expansion to Nebraska, per the will of the people."

Medicaid expansion was a decade in the making before it fully rolled out, being seen by some as highly contentious and partisan. A U.S. Supreme Court case made Medicaid expansion voluntary for states, sparking years of struggle in Nebraska and other states.

Through the new expansion program, Medicaid was extended to cover single adults and couples with minor children, two demographics that previously were unable to apply no matter their yearly income.

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PRISON SYSTEM TOUTS DROP IN STAFF TURNOVER, WHILE LACK OF MEDICAL WORKERS REMAINS A CONCERN

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Corrections, which has struggled for years with high turnover, projects that the turnover rate among guards will be cut in half. 

On Tuesday, Director of Corrections Scott Frakes stated that turnover rates are expected to fall to 18% by the end of the year, the lowest it's been in almost a decade.

Turnover in 2018 went as high as 34%, but improved mid-contract pay raises, which were introduced last November, have helped lower that number.

The agency has also begun offering hiring bonuses for security staff, nurses, and food service workers, some going as high as $15,000.

"We are encouraged by the continued interest from those who are relocating from other states," said Frakes, "Our training classes continue to include high numbers of individuals with prior law enforcement, corrections, and military backgrounds, which suits our needs very well."

However, a report from the Inspector General for Corrections Office indicated that overtime costs are still very high at Tecumseh State Prison and the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln. Last year, the Department of Corrections paid over $22 million in overtime to their overworked employees.

Another concern the Department is facing is a lack of medical staff in Nebraska prisons, including nurses and dentists. In June, almost 40% of health service jobs were vacant.

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NEBRASKA'S WORK ETHIC, EDUCATED WORKFORCE MAY HELP WEATHER POSSIBLE RECESSION, ECONOMIST SAYS

LINCOLN- According to a leading state economist Eric Thompson, Nebraska has weathered past recessions better than any state in the country, and may just do it again. 

Thompson, who is the director of the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, stated that Nebraska's high rates of workforce participation and education could help the state fend off some of the worst effects of high inflation and economic downturn.

However, depending on the severity of the recession, Thompson isn't optimistic, "If the U.S. gets into a significant recession, we'll get pulled in, too," he said.

Thompson praised Nebraska workers for having "good resumes," and also lauded Nebraska's high workforce numbers and our higher-than-national-average population of college-educated workers. "Those are the kinds of people who are most likely to hold onto their jobs during a downturn and find new jobs quickly," Thompson said.

Certain analysts predict that the U.S. will have a "soft landing" from high inflation that won't result in high inflation that leaves many jobless.

Thompson stated that working-class and low-income Nebraskans are hurting the most from high inflation. He believes tax cuts may be able to help those in these situations, and that systematic changes must be done to our state tax system. 

Thompson also believes that immigration may be another way for Nebraska to weather the potential recession. "Maybe we can be known as the state that's most welcoming to immigrants," he said.

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PAST ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST PETERSON WAS DISMISSED AFTER LEGAL REVIEW

LINCOLN- An ethics complaint against Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, which alleged that his challenging of the 2020 presidential election was "purely political," was thrown out after a legal review determined that this wasn't the case.

Former State Sen. Ernie Chambers filed the complaint two years ago, claiming that Peterson had violated the legal code of conduct by participating in a "frivolous" lawsuit put forward by Texan government officials.

Kent Frobish, the assistant council for discipline, said that Peterson's participation in the lawsuit was "not devoid of legal propositions supported by case law and argument. Your primary allegation is that Mr. Peterson acted out of a purely political motive and because you disagree with his motive, you believe that equals unethical conduct."

Frobish claimed that almost 40 other grievances have been filed against Peterson, and have all been rejected. "This is not a popularity contest," he said, "Even if 99% of the citizens of Nebraska disagreed with Mr. Peterson's position, it would not prove a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct."

The discipline office does not usually confirm or deny whether a complaint has been filed against an attorney unless they wish to, and often does not release the ruling unless disciplinary charges are put forth.

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NEBRASKA AG JOINS FIVE STATES SUING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO STOP STUDENT DEBT CANCELLATION

LINCOLN- Nebraskans hoping to have up to $20,000 of their student loans canceled in Nebraska may just have hit a snag after the state joined five others in putting forth a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education.

The lawsuit is the second filed against the Department, after a lawyer in Indiana did the same earlier this week, and intends to directly challenge the Education Departments' authority to cancel student loan debt.

Republican attorneys general in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and South Carolina put forth their own lawsuit, as well as signing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' own. 

Gov. Reynolds' lawsuit argues that Congress never approved student debt cancelation, and that the Biden administration and Department of Education were misusing emergency authority.

Nebraska AG Doug Peterson argued that Biden's administration improperly interpreted a 2003 federal law that was passed to help military members dislodge student debt more easily. 

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts lauded AG Peterson, stating that he was "leading the charge" to hold President Biden "accountable to the law."

"President Biden's student loan forgiveness scheme," Ricketts went on to say, "is fundamentally unfair and would harm American families forced to pay for it."

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US SEN. MANCHIN SEEKS BIPARTISAN PATH FORWARD FOR ENERGY PERMITTING BILL

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both parties said Wednesday they hope to negotiate an energy permitting reform bill yet this year, reviving efforts to streamline the process after West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III had to pull back his plan amid broad opposition. 

The Manchin proposal was attached to a must-pass government funding bill as part of a deal he struck with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer this summer to advance the inflation reduction law that was a major priority for Democrats. But permitting reform was rejected by GOP senators irked by that deal, and members of his own party.

A large group of House Democrats — and a smaller Senate cohort — intensely opposed what they characterized as a fossil-fuel-friendly measure from the start, saying Manchin would weaken environmental protections and make it more difficult for communities to object to new construction. The House opposition was led by progressive Arizona Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva, but included leaders of budget and spending panels, as well.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement Tuesday night, saying President Joe Biden “supports Senator Manchin’s plan because it is necessary for our energy security, and to make more clean energy available to the American people.”

“We will continue to work with him to find a vehicle to bring this bill to the floor and get it passed and to the President’s desk,” she added. 

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ABORTION VS. INFLATION COULD DECIDE FLOOD-PANSING BROOKS REMATCH THIS FALL

LINCOLN- Political scientists in Nebraska expect a more heated and competitive race this fall between Rep. Mike Flood and Sen. Pansing Brooks, all because the Legislature swapped more rural voters for urban voters in Papillion and La Vista. Flood and Pansing Brooks have focused a lot of energy in the area, since many citizens in the two suburbs are confused if they're in District 1 or 2.

Both candidates have begun releasing expansive ad campaigns in an attempt to gain the upper hand, and held their first debate last

September 25th, with another on September 27th.

This past summer, Flood beat Pansing Brooks in a special election by a narrow 6,200 votes, but some believe it will be even closer come November. However, others are skeptical. With Rep. Flood now being an incumbent congressman, he will have access to a higher number of well-known conservative donors.

But, two issues may decide the election more so than any donor. Abortion, which was overturned just days before this summer's special election, may have been what made that race so narrow. This fall, many are expecting a similar outcome. In Congress, Rep. Flood has thrown in his support for several pieces of abortion legislation, including a bill that would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks nationally.

"People are comfortable with restrictions. [Pansing Brooks] has opposed every effort to have reasonable restrictions," said Flood, "She wants the government to pay for abortions. She's been on the board of Planned Parenthood."

Sen. Pansing Brooks stated that abortion will be one of the central aspects of her campaign, and she believes it will be one of the most important factors Democrats will vote for. "The abortion issue and women's reproductive health, birth control, the ability for doctors and patients to make their own health care decisions and not forcing government mandates on health care, that's one of the truly big issues," said Pansing Brooks.

Inflation is another key determinant in the race. Rep. Flood has focused heavily on the issue, specifically targeting our current 9% inflation rates and the rising interest rates all over the country. "We're in a recession," said Flood, "The cost of groceries and gas and consumer prices are up. Highest inflation in 40 years...My opponent thinks government is the solution. I think the government is the problem."

Flood stated that if people like how the economy is being run by Biden and Pelosi, they shoud vote for Pansing Brooks.

In a rebuttal, Pansing Brooks emphasized Flood's vote against the Inflation Reduction Act, which sought to bring down inflation and interest rates.

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PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR NEBRASKA BALLOT INITIATIVES

LINCOLN- Public hearings have been set in October in the state’s three congressional districts for the ballot initiatives that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The two initiatives that will be decided by voters are:

Voter ID Constitutional Amendment: Initiative Measure 432, which would require the Nebraska Legislature to adopt laws requiring presentation of valid photo identification prior to voting.

Minimum Wage Initiative: Initiative Measure 433, which would raise the state minimum wage from the current $9 an hour to eventually $15 an hour.

State law requires the Secretary of State’s Office to hold public hearings in each of the state’s three congressional districts to educate voters about initiative petition measures that have qualified for the general election ballot.

The hearings are scheduled:

Oct. 6, 1 to 4 p.m. on the minimum wage initiative and 4 to 7 p.m. on voter ID, at Mid-Plains Community College South Campus, McDonald Belton Theater, 601 W. State Farm Road, North Platte.

Oct. 11, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for voter ID and 6 to 9 p.m. for minimum wage, at the Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., Omaha.

Oct. 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) on the minimum wage initiative, and 6 to 9 p.m. on voter ID, at the Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1525, Lincoln.

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BACON, VARGAS AGREE ON LITTLE WHEN IT COMES TO ABORTION RIGHTS

OMAHA- U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and State Sen. Tony Vargas don’t agree on much when it comes to the topic of abortion rights.

Bacon said while the media wants to fixate on abortion, Americans, including those in the 2nd District, are focused on the economy and the cost of living as the number one issue.

Vargas said he has heard from Republican, Democratic and independent women across the district who have expressed concerns that the government is going to mandate what they can and cannot do with their bodies. He said one woman even stopped him on an elevator to discuss the issue.

The two candidates also disagree on the issue, with Bacon expressing clear anti-abortion views but some willingness to compromise, and Vargas committing support for a federal law that would guarantee a right to abortion.

Vargas has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Bacon has been endorsed by several anti-abortion groups, including the Susan B. Anthony List, which gave him a grade of A+.

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SLAMA DISCUSSES VOTER ID AHEAD OF NOVEMBER BALLOT; GOVERNOR RICKETTS BACKS MEASURE AS PROACTIVE STEP

LINCOLN- With a voting ID initiative now on November's ballot, State Sen. Julie Slama is touring the state to garner support. Slama is the spokeswoman for Citizens for Voter ID, an organization that started the petition to place the issue on the ballot.

Slama emphasized during these visits the fact that voter ID isn't a "new concept" to Nebraskans, since it's been pushed by lawmakers on several occasions. Slama stated that she believes the reason it never passed is because of "special interest groups." Slama also believes that adding voting ID to the Nebraska constitution would be simple, but that the real challenge would be getting it through the 2023 Legislative session.

Opponents of voter ID argue that high voter turnout during elections and general trust in the current system are reasons to not implement a voter ID system. Preston Love, a prominent Democrat from Nebraska and friend of Chicago presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, stated in the past that implementing voter ID laws would cause voters to lose faith in the process

Gov. Pete Ricketts said that Nebraskans should be required to show photographic identification before voting, even though he acknowledged there have been few cases of voter fraud in the state. On the Governors monthly radio call in show, a caller called and questioned the initiative. He said Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said there has been no systemic voter fraud in the state. 

But Ricketts said he “absolutely” supported the initiative measure and predicted the majority of voters will support it as well. He said that people have concerns about the integrity of voting systems stemming from the 2020 election and that voter ID would be one step to protect Nebraska elections. 

“I think it’s another way to let our voters here in the state know that we’re taking steps to protect the integrity of our election system,” he said. “It’s one of the ways we can make people feel good about what we’re doing here.”

State campaign finance records show that Ricketts’ mother, Marlene Ricketts, provided nearly $1.9 million of the group’s nearly $2.1 million in funding.

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NEBRASKA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER BLOMSTEDT TO LEAVE POST AFTER 9 YEARS

LINCOLN- This afternoon, Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt announced his intention to retire on Jan. 3rd after nine years leading the Department of Education. 

Blomstedt, who is now 50, will take a job at a consulting firm next year. "I'm excited for the opportunity," said Blomstedt, "and a little sad to be leaving what I'm doing, too."

Blomstedt has led the Department through unprecedented times, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and compromising with concerned parents over what's taught in school. "I can't deny it's been rough the last couple of years," he said. 

Blomstedt, in a letter to the Board of Education, wrote that he will continue to work fervently in his last few months, and that he is very proud of his service to the state of Nebraska. 

State Board President Patricia Koch-Johns praised Blomstedt's work, saying, "Commissioner Blomstedt has been a champion for all students and families, and a great leader of the Department of Education. During his tenure, our state has become a national leader in education..."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blomstedt worked diligently with Gov. Ricketts to brief the public on the state's response to the virus. 

One of Blomstedt's greatest personal accomplishments is the creation of a school-accountability system as the country transitioned from the federal 'No Child Left Behind' law to the 'Every Student Succeeds Act.'

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FIRST NEBRASKA CASINO GETS THE GREENLIGHT, WILL OPEN SATURDAY IN LINCOLN

LINCOLN- Nebraska's first state-licensed casino will open tomorrow, after clearing its final hurdle this afternoon. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted to grant a permanent gaming license to WarrHorse Lincoln, which will open its temporary casino at the Lincoln Race Course tomorrow.

The unanimous approval comes almost two years after Nebraska voted overwhelmingly to support a ballot initiative to allow casino gambling in the state. 

WarHorse worked closely with the Racing and Gaming Commission to clear up a "sensitive security measure" at the meeting this morning, allowing it to finally open. 

The Commission was set to vote on the license last week during a Zoom meeting, but the meeting was canceled out of concern for several commissioners worried about making such an important decision in a virtual setting. Commission Chairman Dennis Lee stated that "it was an easy concern to address. We just moved it 10 days."

The temporary casino will be open tomorrow, Sept. 24th, at 10am, and is located on the Lincoln Race Course near U.S. 77 and West Denton Road.

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STATE PICKS TWO CURRENT, ONE NEW HEALTH PLAN FOR MEDICAID MANAGED CARE CONTRACTS

LINCOLN- This afternoon, Nebraska officials announced the selection of three new health plans to manage the state's $1.8 billion Medicaid Program. 

The three health plans include Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care, and UnitedHealth Care of the Midlands. Nebraska Total Care and UnitedHealth Care have current contracts with the state, but will now take on Medicaid. Molina HealthCare is newer to Nebraska, but has worked with Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act plans in several states.

Dannette Smith, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was happy to share the news. "We're excited to work with these three health plans to ensure Medicaid members in Nebraska continue to receive the health care that they need," said Smith.

The three companies will sign contracts with the DHHS, allowing them to manage physical and behavioral health care, pharmacy services, and dental benefits for almost all Medicaid patients in the state. Altogether, the three companies will serve around 347,000 Nebraskans.

The winning bidders were selected from five applicants, and the two companies that lost the bid were Community Care Plan of Nebraska and Medica Community Health Plan. The losers of the bid have the ability to appeal the state's decision, but we've yet to see any such action taken. 

Kevin Bagley, State Medicaid Director, was "extremely pleased" with all five bidders, but the decision came down to a few factors, including dental services within health plans, voluntary care and case management, and the standardization of certain requirements for providers.

The new contracts are set to begin on Jan. 1, 2024, which is six months later than previously planned. Bagley stated that between now and then, the DHHS will work very closely with the three chosen companies to make the transition as smooth as possible.

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'A REALLY HARD TIME KEEPING BEDS OPEN': GOV. RICKETTS EXTENDS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HELP HEALTHCARE STAFFING

LINCOLN- The American Health Care Association reports that Nebraska's long-term health care industry is still years away from reaching pre-pandemic workforce levels.

This report coincided with Gov. Ricketts' extension of an executive order to help sustain the healthcare industry while it rebuilds.

Jalene Carpenter, president of the Nebraska Health Care Association, said, "The staff shortage has been incredibly exacerbated by the pandemic. We are still continuing to have a really big crisis when it comes to your workforce."

Carpenter went on to state just how important Gov. Ricketts' extension was, and believes it will act as a catalyst for the rebuilding of the healthcare workforce.

The executive order, which allows recently retired healthcare workers to get credentialed and defers some continuing education requirements, was also praised by Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association. "These individuals are well qualified, many of them have spent their career in healthcare," said Nordquist.

Long-term care facilities are feeling the worst sting from this workforce shortage. Because of a lack of staffed beds, hospitals are unable to discharge patients to these facilities, straining the hospital workforce even more.

"When you think about it from a workforce challenge perspective, it really comes down to the number of people we can serve," said Carpenter.

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GOV. RICKETTS SELECTS INTERIM NEBRASKA PRISONS DIRECTOR

LINCOLN- Gov. Ricketts announced the selection of a new Director of Corrections, who will replace the current Director Scott Frakes, who will be leaving the position next month.

Diane Sabatka-Rine will replace Frakes as Director of Corrections. Sabatka-Rine has served in the department for nearly 40 years, and has held warden positions at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Lincoln Correctional Center, and the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center.

Sabatka-Rine currently serves as the chief of operations at the Nebraska Department of Corrections, where she oversees deputy directors who run Nebraska prisons, certain programs, and administrative services and industries.

Sabatka-Rine is slated to take the position on October 8th, the day Frakes will be stepping down.

Ricketts also chose a replacement for Chris Cantrell, the current State Fire Marshall, who announced his resignation alongside Frakes. Doug Hohbein will take over as interim State Fire Marshall on October 15th.

For the full article click HERE

NUMBER OF NEBRASKA COVID CASES HITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE MAY

LINCOLN- The number of COVID-19 cases dropped again in Nebraska last week, hitting the lowest level since late May.

The state recorded 1,772 new cases last week, down from 2,121 the previous week and 2,936 the week before, according to state data reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nebraska’s current case rate is the 15th lowest among the states.

In general, cases in both Nebraska and the United States have been falling since mid-July. Case levels in the state also are at half the rate they have averaged for the pandemic and less than 10% of the peak level hit in January.

An average of 171 Nebraskans were hospitalized with the virus last week, down 1.9% from the week before.

The state added two new COVID deaths last week, bringing the total number of confirmed or probable deaths to 4,490. The state has recorded 535,000 confirmed cases of COVID.

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NEBRASKANS FAILING TO CLAIM $200 MILLION IN STATE INCOME TAX CREDITS, OFFICIALS SAY

LINCOLN- Major tax breaks passed by the State Legislature two years ago are not being claimed by Nebraska residents, and there is almost $200 million left in the pot.

Around 40% of Nebraskans have failed to claim the property tax refund on their state income tax forms. Gov. Ricketts joined a variety of state leaders to urge citizens to claim their money. "It's major money," the Governor announced.

Owners of $250,000 homes in Lincoln can claim up to $1,137 in refunds this year, but many are unaware of this. "That's a house payment. That's a big deal," stated Gov. Ricketts during the press conference.

The Governor also claimed that Nebraskans may see a 30% reduction in their property tax bill if they take advantage of the income tax refund.

These refunds and credits come from two programs, the automatically applied Real Property Tax Credit, and the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act, which must be manually claimed.

State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton stated that, because the program is now new, it will take time for a majority of the population to become aware of it. "It takes time for it to sink in," said Fulton.

Some in the crowd asked the Governor why, like the Real Property Tax Credit, the new tax reductions aren't automatically applied. Gov. Ricketts stated that the way it's done now is "the best way to do it."

For the full article click HERE