'MISLEADING AND DECEITFUL'- MAILER USES SUGGESTIVE PHOTOS TO ATTACK LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE; AND FORMER LINCOLN MAN DEPICTED IN PHOTOS SAYS HE'S BEEN DRAGGED INTO POLITICAL SMEAR

LINCOLN- A flyer that landed in northeast Lincoln mailboxes last week accusing a legislative candidate of trying to “radically transform” the state itself radically transformed the person it was attacking.

So much so that the mailer attacking George Dungan, who will square off against Russ Barger for the District 26 seat in November, features two black-and-white photos of shirtless men who are not Dungan.

The public defender who ran second in the primary said the mailer, which states it was paid for by Nebraska Federation for Children, was "misleading and deceitful" in several ways.

While it features a photo of the actual Dungan on one side, it also takes aim at Dungan for attending American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a law degree after graduating from the University of Kansas.

And it states he supports an environmental policy that would purportedly raise taxes and drive up energy costs, as well as prohibiting businesses from asking about criminal history when hiring.

“It is clear that they do not know my position on any issue, considering they do not even know who I am or what I look like,” Dungan said.

Barger, reached by phone, called the mailer “super tacky” and said he was not involved in its creation, nor did he give it his approval.

Dustin Rymph, the shirtless man depicted on one side of the mailer, was shocked to discover himself on the mailer. Rymph, a former Lincoln resident, is an old friend of Dungan's. "My reaction was," said Rymph, "That's not George, that's me."

The mailer was paid for by Nebraska Federation for Children, a Nebraska affiliate of the larger American Federation for Children founded by former education secretary Betsy DeVos. 

Lauren Garcia, Nebraska state director for American Federation for Children, responded to the incident by claiming the photos, which were pulled from Dungan's personal account, appeared "without indication that it was someone else."

"It is reasonable to conclude the photos posted by Mr. Dungan are of himself," Garcia went on to say.

Rymph confirmed that the photos of him were in no way inappropriate, and were instead taken in front of the Nebraska plaque on the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. "It was over 100 degress out," stated Rymph.

The second photo, which depicts Rymph sitting upon a toy horse, was meant to be a "goofy photo."

"Everybody has goofy photos," stated Rymph, "that they took when they were in their early 20's."

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LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS TO DETERMINE FATE OF ABORTION BILLS

LINCOLN- This year’s elections for the Nebraska Legislature could determine what changes – if any – will be made next year to laws governing abortion in Nebraska.

State Senator Rob Clements said, "There will be an abortion restriction bill coming. It’s being worked on – we haven’t got something final. The letter that went to the governor asking for a special session was a 12-week ban. And I would expect something like that, or maybe more restrictive. It really depends on who gets elected in November – how conservative and how many pro-life senators are elected.”

At a rally of abortion rights supporters in Omaha, legislative candidate John Frederickson made a similar point.

“We are at such a pivotal point in our state. The outcome of our elections this November are going to have significant impact on what Nebraska looks like in five years, in ten years and fifteen years. And you better believe that reproductive freedom is on the ballot,” Frederickson said.

Twenty five seats in the 49-member Legislature are up for grabs in November. And about half those races, all in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, pit abortion opponents against abortion rights supporters, judging by endorsements and public statements of the candidates.

After voters have their say, and the new lineup of senators is in place, strategists on both sides of the issue will determine how to proceed.

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ACLU OF NEBRASKA: SCHOOL DRESS CODES FAILING CHILDREN

OMAHA- On Wednesday, the ACLU of Nebraska issued a 'report card' evaluating the dress code of 15 Nebraska school districts, and the grades weren't good. 

The ACLU evaluated district-wide, grade-level, and individual school policies on dress code by looking at several school districts in Omaha, Lincoln, Millard, Papillion La Vista, and many more strewn throughout Nebraska. 

Rated on 5 categories, the schools were given a total of three 'D's' and two 'F's'. 

The ACLU of Nebraska said in a statement that the reason for these bad grades was because the dress codes were found to be "rooted in stereotypes," aimed more intentionally at girls, and "often enforced disproportionately against Black girls and other students of color."

"Gendered language in dress codes," they continued, "and unequal enforcement subject girls discipline, humiliation, and anxiety."

Some of the dress code policies that were evaluated were also found to be quite vague in both clarity and the way violations were handled. The ACLU used an example that claimed students in violation of dress code policy could be subject to expulsion, but contained vague language allowing for a very subjective interpretation. 

The ACLU also said in their report that strict or gendered dress codes could "damage [student's] sense of belonging in school" and that "gendered dress codes also invite biased enforcement against nonbinary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming students."

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OFFUTT PLANES TO RETURN AS $170 MILLION RUNWAY REBUILD WRAPS UP

BELLEVUE- After an 18-month hiatus at the Lincoln Airport, planes will return to Offut Air Force Base. 

They will land on a brand-new runway, fully reconstructed for the first time since the airfield was built in 1941.

It brings to a close an 18-month construction project that was years in the making, executed at a cost of $200 million to the Air Force: $169 million for the new runway and apron and $31 million for the temporary facilities at Lincoln.

That’s within budget and on time, said Rob Hufford, chief of construction management for the project.

“This has been a large part of my professional life for the last four years,” Hufford said. “It’s nice to see it coming to an end.”

At 150 feet wide, the new concrete runway is the same width as the old one. But the 25-foot shoulders on either side are a third as wide as before, consistent with modern safety standards. This change will help with snow removal in the winter.

The new surface is 19 inches thick, a combination of concrete and asphalt he said will be easier to maintain than the old one.

For years, the old surface had been crumbling. Offutt airmen had to be especially watchful for loose chunks of asphalt and other debris, which are dangerous if ingested into a jet engine.

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LONG-DELAYED NIOCORP MINE ANNOUNCES DEALS THAT COULD BRING MORE INVESTMENT

LINCOLN- A long-delayed mining project in southeast Nebraska announced that it was entering into agreements that could lead to an additional $366 million of investment in its $1.1 billion project. 

NioCorp has raised about $80 million toward opening of its proposed “critical minerals” mine, a company spokesman said. The mine would be located near Elk Creek, a farm town south of Tecumseh and about 80 miles south of Omaha. 

Recently the Colorado-based company announced that it is planning to acquire GX Acquisition Corp. and intends that the merged firm will be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange after the acquisition closes, which is expected in the first quarter of 2023. 

The acquisition, according to NioCorp, “could” result in access to an additional $285 million toward NioCorp’s Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project, depending on the redemption rate of current GXII stockholders.

NioCorp also announced letters of intent with Yorkville Advisors Global on two loans to realize an additional $81 million for the project.

In a press release, NioCorp CEO and Executive Chairman Mark A. Smith said the combination of developments on Monday “have the potential to significantly accelerate our efforts” to make the Elk Creek project a reality. 

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STATE MAKING PROGRESS IN HIRING CHILD WELFARE WORKERS BUT STILL HAS 49 VACANCIES AND CASELOAD CHALLENGES

LINCOLN- Wage increases have helped Nebraska retain child welfare workers, and around 105 new employees have been hired this year, but a multitude of vacancies are still hurting the state.

The state recently took over case management from Saint Francis Ministries, but only around 40% of Omaha caseworkers have caseloads that comply with statutory requirements. 

Gov. Ricketts stated that noncompliance with caseload requirements is what prompted Nebraska to cut ties with Saint Francis Ministries. 

St. Francis was awarded a five-year contract with the state in 2019, and despite being given an additional $110 million in emergency state funds, still failed to meet the requirements expected of them by Nebraska.

Both Gov. Ricketts and Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh urged Attorney General Doug Peterson and his office to investigate whether the state was a victim of fraud by Saint Francis.

Stephanie Beasley, director of children and family services for DHHS, stated that the 105 new employees are in various stages of the required 14-week training, but that once they pass, it will help alleviate caseload noncompliance. 

Since 2019, child welfare cases in Nebraska have increased by about 29%, which has made it a real challenge for the state to keep up.

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PLUG PULLED ON MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR "INTERSECTIONS" PROJECT FOR SOUTH OMAHA

OMAHA- A spokesperson for Community Health Development Partners, who were on track to transform a 25-acre tract of industrial land into a new wellness and sports complex, stated that the project has been scrapped.

"We swung for the fences with this one and it didn't work out," said Attorney David Lutz, who held a managing partner position with the company.

The project's estimated cost was around $100 million, but as that number tripled, Community Health Development Partners just couldn't cover it. Most of the increased cost came from site preparation. The land on which the complex was to be built was reported quite unruly, and would require more time and more funds to tame.

Community Health Development Partners planned on demolishing nearly 20 houses and lots that were bought up prior to the attempted development, but nearly all of them are still standing. 

Lutz stated that the team was working with certain groups to decide what to do with the dilapidated houses, and may work to restore them so people can move back in. "The neighborhood will be left in as good, probably better, shape than when we got there," confirmed Lutz, "We always had good intentions."

Jenny Synowiecki, who grew up around where the project was to be built, is concerned about the timeline to resell the houses, and hopes Community Health will keep the rest of the neighborhood "in the loop." 

City Councilman Vinny Palermo of South Omaha stated that he's been monitoring the neighborhood, and recently walked around the area with Synowiecki. 

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$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.

For the full article click HERE

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.

For the full articles click HERE and HERE