GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE CHARLES HERBSTER AND STATE SEN. JULIE SLAMA AGREE TO DROP DUELING LAWSUITS

OMAHA- A filing last week from lawyers representing both Charles Herbster and Sen. Julie Slama confirmed that the two parties had negotiated an agreement to drop their lawsuits with prejudice, disallowing them from suing each other again for the same reason. 

Neither side would discuss details about the move, but Sen. Slama's lawyer stated that "the Parties have dismissed their litigation against each other and will make no further statement on the matter."

Herbster originally sued Sen. Slama in April, denying Slama's accusation that the former gubernatorial candidate had groped her and saying that the claims were "damaging to his character and reputation and was political."

Slama sued Herbster back just days after, reaffirming her claim that Herbster had touched her inappropriately during a 2019 fundraising dinner in Omaha. Slama's lawsuit alleged that the former gubernatorial candidate had reached up her skirt and touched her without her consent.

Both lawsuits followed allegations by eight women stating that Herbster had groped them. He denied all of them. Slama was, for a while, the only woman to speak on the record by name, until another woman came forward. This woman was not sued by Herbster.

Herbster's team claimed that the allegations were part of a political conspiracy by Gov. Pete Ricketts to help his endorsee Jim Pillen. Both men denied being part of any political conspiracy.

For the full article click HERE

FORMER U.S. REP. JEFF FORTENBERRY APPEALS FEDERAL FELONY CONVICTION

OMAHA- In late June, former 1st District Rep. Jeff Fortenberry filed notice that he intended to appeal his three federal felony convictions. On Friday, the former congressman formally appealed by filing a 61-page argument stating that he should've been charged in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., rather than in California.

Fortenberry was convicted in March for lying to or misleading FBI agents investigating foreign funds that were illegally donated to the former Reps. campaign. In the Friday filing, Fortenberry's lawyer argues that "venue for a criminal prosecution is proper only in the State and district in which the defendant committed the acts that constitute an alleged crime."

Fortenberry's lawyer also stated that U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfield should have given jurors a more specific definition of the crime of misleading federal agents, claiming that there is no way to know whether jurors convicted the former congressman based on what his team argued was a misinterpretation of the scope of the law.

During the trial, Prosecutors laid out the argument that Fortenberry had accepted $30,000 of illegal campaign funds from Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese billionaire living in France at the time of the donation. Fortenberry had previously spoken with Chagoury's organization, In Defense of Christians, which works to condemn the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.

Federal investigators recorded a call between Fortenberry and an informant who stated at least three times that some of the money raised in the former congressman's 2016 campaign was probably from Chagoury, making it illegal. 

Fortenberry denied knowledge of any illegal contributions during his two interviews with the FBI, and his lawyer argued that the former congressman had bad cell service, that he spaced out during the call, and that he didn't remember the specifics of the call.

Fortenberry was sentenced to two years probation, 320 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. The sentence is currently on hold until the appeal is resolved.

For the full article click HERE

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD BACKS DEMOCRAT BLOOD: PILLEN 'REBUFFED US'

OMAHA- For the first time in years, the state's largest newspaper, the Omaha World-Herald, is endorsing a Democrat for Governor.

The newspaper is backing Sen. Carol Blood over her Republican candidate Jim Pillen, largely because the latter refused to meet with the paper's editorial board.

According to the editors, "Blood met with us. But Pillen rebuffed us, something that major candidates have rarely done."

The editors go on to note that Pillen's "no-show [is] not surprising, given that Pillen also refused to debate with Blood or, before the May Primary, with his fellow Republican candidates."

During the past few months, several news channels and papers have attempted to reach out to Pillen, but to avail. News Channel Nebraska, when reporting on one of Pillen's ads and his apparent flip-flop regarding roads, attempted to contact the candidate but was denied a meeting.

Most recently, News Channel Nebraska requested an on-camera interview with Pillen to discuss taxes, abortion, roads, and broadband, but was told that the candidate had a "dynamic schedule...but we will let you know if anything opens up."

They never heard back.

For the full article click HERE

SCHOOL FUNDING PLAN BACKED BY PILLEN COULD COST DISTRICTS $270 MILLION PER YEAR, REPORT SAYS

LINCOLN- According to the OpenSky Policy Institute, Jim Pillen's proposal to change Nebraska's school funding formula to a per-student basis could cost some districts in Nebraska up to $270 million.

The report doesn't mention the gubernatorial candidate by name, but the per-student funding system studied in the report is the same that Pillen has been pushing for the past few months.

In a campaign ad, Pillen states, "We should never, ever give up on a kid. As governor, I'll reform education funding and stop the state from picking winners and losers so that every single Nebraska kid has the opportunity they deserve."

Under Nebraska's current formula, most of the funding, around $880 million, comes in the form of equalization aid, which often goes to high-need districts in the state. Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, and Millard Public Schools receive most of the equalization aid given to the state.

Pillen argues that this system is unfair for the remaining 158 districts that don't receive any equalization aid.

Despite this, the OpenSky report suggests that most districts receiving equalization aid are already near their property tax levy limits, so a drop in funding through a per-student system would force many districts to begin increasing taxes to avoid major service cuts.

State Sen. Lynne Walz, of Fremont, believes the current school funding system utilized in the state is the most effective tool the state has for discerning the true funding needs of all districts. "It's easy to just throw out an idea and then step away," said Sen. Walz, "However, those ideas affect every single Nebraskan."

In an email responding to the OpenSky report, Pillen attacked the company, saying that it was back by "entrenched interests" intent on maintaining the status quo.

For the full article click HERE

DISTRICT 38 CANDIDATE MADE HIS CASE AHEAD OF NOVEMBER 8TH

McCOOk- At a candidate forum hosted by KICX radio, District 38 incumbent Dave Murman made his case to voters ahead of next week's election day.

Dave Murman spoke on multiple topics at the forum without opposition as challenger Tyler Cappel was not there.

Murman told the gathering that progress had been made in property tax relief during his first four-year term in office. Two years ago, his personal priority bill was to offer a state income tax credit for 25 percent of property taxes paid for K-12 education districts, which was passed. Last year, the legislature passed his personal priority bill to accelerate that tax credit to 30 percent.

Murman said workforce attraction goes hand-in-hand with tax policy. He said infrastructure and broadband expansion should be used with federal money “being shoveled” out of Washington.

He believes he will have a high position on the Education Committee in the next session if he is re-elected and the election goes well for other conservatives throughout the state. On the Education Committee, he wants to keep comprehensive sex education and critical race theory out of schools.

A high position on the Education Committee would also possibly give him a seat on the Revenue Committee, where he would like to find other methods for funding schools and lowering property taxes.

For the full article click HERE

PARTY NUMBERS COULD PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN NONPARTISAN LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- The importance of the upcoming November 8th election has been the talk for months. As decision days looms closer, take a look at just how significant your vote will be.

Just over half the Nebraska Legislature – 25 of 49 seats – is up for election this year. While the Legislature is officially nonpartisan, the split between Republicans and Democrats could have big consequences for the state.

Last session, there were 32 Republican senators, and 17 Democrats. It takes 33 votes to overcome a filibuster and vote on a bill. Major proposals, such as banning abortion and loosening gun laws, came within a few votes of moving forward.

This election will produce a significant turnover. At least 15 senators will be new since those votes were taken last spring, and those closely fought, hot-button issues, along with school finance, property taxes, and a host of others, will again be up for debate.

Because Legislature is officially nonpartisan, candidates appear on the ballot without party designations, there are no majority or minority leaders, and committees aren’t organized along party lines.

Many point out that the country’s only nonpartisan body is becoming and has been somewhat partisan.

Whether Nebraska voters cross party lines when they vote, and how “nonpartisan” the senators they elect actually behave, could have an important effect – not only on issues next session, but on the very idea of nonpartisanship going forward.

For the full article click HERE

NIOBRARA RANCHER, CROFTON BUSINESSMAN RUN FOR DISTRICT 40

PONCA- Incumbent State Senator Tim Gragert is not running again, opening the door for either Barry DeKay and Keith Kube to take the reigns.

District 40, which was redrawn by lawmakers following the 2020 census, covers the northern two-thirds of Dixon County, northern Pierce County and all of Cedar, Holt and Antelope counties. The district stretches from Atkinson in the west, north to the South Dakota border, east to the Iowa border and south to the Neligh area.

Barry DeKay, who has operated a farm and ranch near Niobrara for 44 years, won a four-way primary in May with 36 percent of the vote. Keith Kube, who had an extensive career as a management consultant and investment banker before returning to his native Crofton, narrowly finished second to DeKay in the primary.

DeKay, a former member of the Nebraska Public Power District Board, cites his extensive ties to Northeast Nebraska and community service. He served 15 years on the Niobrara Valley Electric Membership Corporation, one of the three distribution cooperatives in the state, including an eight-year stint as president. He also is a former state president of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association.

In the Legislature, DeKay said his top issues would be to tax reform, economic development and infrastructure.

Kube grew up in Crofton and earned his bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Nebraska College of Engineering. At UNL, he directed the Newman Center Folk Choir for three years and ran on the Huskers track team for one year.

After college, he worked in the real estate, investment banking and manufacturing industries in Wisconsin and later relocated to California. He said his work in finance, sales and tax preparation prepared him for his career as a business analyst with Chicago area-based George S. May International, where he worked from 1995 until his retirement in 2011.

Kube said his priorirties in the Legislature would be to address taxes and inflation, inequities in the school funding formual and “preserving Nebraska’s values.”

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LUNCH LADY CHALLENGES BANKER TO SERVE AS EAST LINCOLN'S NEXT STATE SENATOR

LINCOLN- Democrat Sarah Slattery and Republican incumbent Rob Clements are facing off for the District 2 East Lincoln seat.

The seat at hand that Slattery and Clements are campaigning for once stopped at the Lancaster-Cass county line. But redistricting pushed District 2’s western boundary across the border and all the way to east Lincoln.

Republicans have the advantage in the Lancaster County swath of District 2 — 5,312 to 3,375 Democrats. That leaves nearly 2,500 residents registered as nonpartisan, Libertarian or with the pro-marijuana party.

Slattery has a team knocking on doors in Lincoln on her behalf; she has arthritis in one knee and torn meniscus in the other, so her mobility is limited. But she’s trying to organize events where she can personally reach as many potential voters as she can.

She’s running as a working-class parent, and believes her background of culinary helps her relate better to Nebraskans than her opponent can, because she’s shared their everyday struggles. She believes that connection is more important to voters than her political affiliation.

Clements has been knocking on doors in Lincoln, and he knows his way around. Elmwood is a small town, so he routinely makes the 20-mile trip west.

Clements is a former banker, he says this is a key aspect that has helped him create connections with his constituents since he values face-to-face visits.

“I’m glad to represent District 2. This election is about the economy and inflation, controlling government spending. We need to cut taxes to help family budgets. The low-income and fixed-income people are hurting more than ever.”

For the full article click HERE

JIM PILLEN CENTERS ON CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT, JOBS FOR NEBRASKA KIDS

LINCOLN- If elected, a conservative and restricted-cost government will be the goal for Jim Pillen.

The focus does not stop there, he wants to focus just as much on workforce development and drastic change in the distribution of state aid to public schools.

His number one focus is keeping Nebraska kids in Nebraska. The state loses too many jobs to other states, and Pillen thinks he can make the changes to retain the younger age group.

How will he do this? By providing targeted education options and job opportunities that would swiftly and directly address Nebraska's dramatic workforce shortage, which currently leaves perhaps as many as 100,000 job opportunities in the state unfilled, Pillen says.

"The first step is the university and state colleges have to do better in keeping our kids here," the University of Nebraska regent said. "We're not competitive with scholarships. We have to get in the game."

Pillen noted that it isn't all about the university. He says we need to focus on hooking up children with businesses and with community colleges and trade schools. By focusing on all of the categories, the state will effectively generate economic development and value.

"Outside of our kids and our people, our second greatest resource is water," Pillen said. "We have to protect it. It's our future along with our kids."

Pillen supports Gov. Pete Ricketts' efforts to retain and protect the South Platte River water flowing into Nebraska from Colorado through the construction of a dam and canal system. That $500 million project was authorized by the 2022 Legislature.

For the full article click HERE

DISTRICT 42 CANDIDATES DIFFER ON LITTLE, BUT SPAR ON RESUMES AT DEBATE

NORTH PLATTE- Incumbent Mike Jacobson, who was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts to finish out Mike Groene’s term, and challenger Chris Bruns answered questions in front of a crowd of about 100 people at a recent debate.

The candidates agree on almost everything, so they were asked what qualifies them for the role.

“I spent nearly 10 years of active duty service for our country,” Bruns said. “During that time I learned a lot of really important things. I’ve had experiences that my peers and contemporaries and my seniors will never be able to say they’ve experienced.”

Bruns also pointed out that serving the community is important to him as he is the chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

“As it relates to experience, I’ve had more than just two years in the role that I’m serving in,” Jacobson said. “My opponent will be finishing his second year on the county board here by the end of the year.

“I have been here in North Platte for 28 years. I’ve been involved in economic development from the day that I got here.”

The pair answered questions about abortion — they are both pro-life; issues related to the Nebraska Department of Education including critical race theory and proposed health standards — both are opposed to including either in public schools; constitutional carry — both agree 2nd Amendment is a fundamental right; both wish to eliminate secret ballots in the legislature and both are opposed to the “epic consumption” tax, which they said would take away local control and give too much control to the legislature.

For the full article click HERE

DOUGLAS COUNTY'S ELECTION COMMISSIONER PREDICTS VOTER TURNOUT COULD BE CLOSE TO RECORD HIGH

OMAHA- Brian Kruse, Douglas County's election commissioner, believes that voter turnout next Tuesday could reach a record high.

Specifically, Kruse predicts a turnout of 57%, which would equal around 204,000. The highest turnout in Douglas County topped 57.7% in 2018, and Kruse believes may be exceeded this year.

"We always encourage voters to prove me wrong in the right direction," stated Kruse, "That's one mistake I'll be happy to admit I was wrong on, if we go over that 57%."

Kruse thinks that the highly contested races in Nebraska and special issues and amendments will be the top reasons for a potential higher-than-normal voter turnout.

As of Tuesday night, around 65% of the roughly 100,000 early ballots that were requested have been returned. Kruse stressed that, since the election is less than a week away, citizens should place their ballots in one of the 13 county election drop box locations to ensure arrival by next Tuesday.

In Sarpy County, Election Commissioner Emily Ethington predicted a 53% voter turnout, which would amount to around 65,000 votes. According to Ethington, the 2018 gubernatorial election saw a 60.25% turnout, but the county had around 10,000 fewer voters that year.

Both Kruse and Ethington claimed that all polling locations in their districts will be fully staffed, and don't expect exceptionally long lines because of the early voting ballots.

For the full article click HERE

PONCA TRIBE OF NEBRASKA TO BREAK GROUND ON PRAIRIE FLOWER CASINO EXPANSION

CARTER LAKE- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska plans to expand their Prairie Flower Casino in Carter Lake beginning next Monday.

The tribe will break ground on the new 60,000-square-foot expansion of the casino in recognition of the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Ponca Restoration Act, which restored the federal government's formal recognition of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. 

The Prairie Flower Casino opened on November 1, 2018, and has contributed over $28 million to support Tribal services since its opening. This money has gone towards expanded healthcare, job training, cultural preservation, and social services for members of the tribe. 

Around $2.3 million has also gone to the City of Carter Lake to support its police and fire departments, infrastructure, and community improvements.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HONORS NEBRASKA HEALTH CARE HEROES WITH 'THE CARING KIND' AWARD

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Hospital Association will be recognizing 83 Nebraska hospital employees by awarding them with The Caring Kind award.

For 43 years, The Caring Kind award has recognized Nebraska's most caring and compassionate healthcare heroes. The award honors outstanding healthcare employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities.

"This award demonstrates the kindness, caring, dedication and commitment these individuals make to their hospitals,” commented Jeremy Nordquist, President, NHA. “The Caring Kind award is a celebration of our Nebraska health care heroes and the extraordinary work they do each and every day to deliver top notch patient care in our hospitals."

More than 2,700 caring, skilled and dedicated health care professionals have received this award since its inception in 1979.

Hospitals across the state select one The Caring Kind award recipient from within their respective institutions to be recognized. Award winners were recognized at a special luncheon as part of the NHA Annual Convention.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA STRUGGLING TO OK BAN DESPITE ANTI-ABORTION HISTORY

LINCOLN- Nebraska Republicans are expected to dominate the polls in November and retain control of the officially nonpartisan Legislature. However, they may have trouble flipping enough seats to push for a statewide abortion ban.

Abortion opponents are hoping to avoid a repeat of what happened in Kansas this summer, where voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure that would have banned abortion. However, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade has injected a lot of uncertainty into this year's election, so it could go either way.

David Zebolsky, chairman of Nebraskans Embracing Life, wants to see change in Nebraska. "Whether we like it or not, Nebraska is now a destination state for abortion," said Zebolsky, "We're supporting strong pro-life legislative candidates om the November election to change that."

Republicans need to gain at least two seats to even have the chance to end Nebraska's status as the nation's most unlikely harborage for abortion services, especially since the minority party can block a measure if it doesn't receive 33 votes. 

The proposed ban in Nebraska only received 31 votes, and Republicans' hopes were thwarted once again when Gov. Ricketts decided not to call for a special session to enact an abortion ban. 

These setbacks are odd considering Nebraska's history. The state was the first in the nation to enact an abortion ban after 20 weeks. 

For the full article click HERE

OVERTIME AT THREE NEBRASKA AGENCIES COSTS STATE $28 MILLION

LINCOLN- A total of $28 million worth of overtime was paid out during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020.

That number does not include the $28 million and $23 million of overtime that the Department of Correctional Services and Health and Human Services, and Transportation racked up in the the two years prior.

The Nebraska Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee issued a report this week looking at overtime trends in the three agencies with the largest amount of overtime spending.

Overtime spending accounted for up to 10% of the agencies’ personnel budgets.

The Corrections Department, which operates nine prisons in five communities across Nebraska, relied the most heavily on overtime by a majority of the measures studied in the report. 

HHS, the largest state agency, operates seven 24-hour facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, facilities for juvenile offenders and a center for people with developmental disabilities. Those facilities accounted for the bulk of the agency’s overtime spending. 

Transportation employees, who plan, build and maintain state roads and bridges, accumulated overtime largely because of seasonal work demands, such as construction projects, snow removal and responding to weather-related damage to the state’s highway system. 

For the full article click HERE

NATIONAL GUARD BREAKS GROUND ON NEW $36 MILLION FACILITY NEAR OFFUTT

BELLEVUE- The Nebraska National Guard’s newest and biggest armory is under construction.

Senior Guard and political leaders turned ceremonial shovels of dirt the afternoon of Oct. 25 for the Bellevue Readiness Center, the future home of five Guard units and about 380 soldiers and airmen.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, who worked with U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer to secure federal funds for the project, called the groundbreaking an “important milestone.” It is expected to open in 2024.

“Once it’s built, it’ll make a difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of National Guard members, for decades and decades to come,” he said.

The new center is west of Offutt Air Force Base, on South 25th Street, adjacent to the Willow Lakes Golf Course. The 40-acre site is owned by the Air Force, with a sweeping view across the Papillion Creek watershed.

With their slots on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, Fischer and Bacon got $29 million for the project in fiscal year 2020. 

The plant was supposed to be built in Mead in 2008, before being switched to Bellevue in 2013, which has been stalled ever since.

For the full article click HERE

FRIESEN ADDRESSES QUANDT'S LICENSE PLATES CONCERNS

GRAND ISLAND- A statewide aluminum shortage may mean specific residents may not be able to retain their same license plate numbers come January.

Hall County Commissioner Gary Quandt invited State Senator Curt Friesen to the Hall County Commissioner Meeting to address the problem which will affect a total of 13 counties. Senator Friesen is the chair of the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee. 

Quandt voiced concerns from constituents who prefer to keep their current license plate numbers upon the switch. Senator Friesen called the issue "unforeseen."

“It’s unfortunate that these counties have this problem. I recognize that. But there’s really nothing legislatively that can be done, even if they wanted to,” he said. “I just don’t see a path unless we really want to pony up a lot of dollars to try to fix this, but I don’t see it happening.” 

Quandt made a motion to send a letter describing the situation and the concerns to Governor Ricketts, but was not backed by any other commissioners and died.

Friesen refuted the idea that people could get a personalized license plate, costing $40, with their current license plate number on it.

“You can order personalized license plates but you cannot choose the same number you would have gotten otherwise,” he said. “Because if you could do that, I could suddenly choose to have a personalized plate with your number on it and that’s not possible.”

For the full article click HERE

BRAD STEWART, AIDE TO SENATOR ROBERT HILKEMANN, DIES

LINCOLN- Brad Stewart, Senator Robert Hilkemann's Administrative Aide and local comedy legend, has passed away at the age of 48 after losing his battle to cancer. 

He was the former opening act for the late Joan Rivers and organized countless comedy shows at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln. 

Stewart produced and promoted Zoolariuous, a Lincoln comedy show that picked up national attention and brought in acts such as Derek Sheen, Eddie Pepitone, and Alonzo Bodden. 

“Brad Stewart created Nebraska's hippest comedy show to date,” said Pepitone, the New Yorker also known as "The Bitter Buddha" who headlined a Zoolarious showcase in July. 

In February he began working at the Capitol under Senator Hilkemann for a change of pace. 

"I've always been interested in local politics," Stewart said at the time. “… And it’s a nice change from the other industries.”

Stewart will be remembered all around Lincoln as someone who cared for and developed his community in a plethora of ways. It is uncertain as to how his comedy show and culture will carry on, but it certainly will. 

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA DHHS ANNOUNCES STATE-WIDE "LET'S TALK" LISENTING TOUR LED BY TONY GREEN

LINCOLN- Tony Green, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities with the Department of Health and Human Services has announced his annual statewide “Let’s Talk” Town Hall Listening Tour starting in November. He plans to visit seven locations throughout the state of Nebraska. This tour is designed to gain stakeholder input on services provided by the Division and provide updates on future initiatives. 

“Nearly 12,000 Nebraskans who are aging and/or experiencing a disability are receiving long-term support through one of our Waiver programs”, Director Green said, “This is an opportunity to hear what’s working well, and where there are opportunities for enhancements to our services and supports.”

Any individual who would like to learn more about the Home and Community-Based Service Waivers for the developmentally disabled, aged and disabled, traumatic brain injury, or pending family support waiver, is encouraged to attend.

The in-person town halls include:

• Monday, November 7, 2022, Scottsbluff: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. MT. John Harms Center, Room A108C/D, 2620 College Park, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

• Tuesday, November 8, 2022, North Platte: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Mid Plains Community College – North Campus, Room 202, 1101 Halligan Dr., North Platte, NE 69101

• Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Kearney: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center – Stateroom F, 110 Second Ave, Kearney, NE 68848

• Thursday, November 10, 2022, Norfolk: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. DHHS Building – Norfolk, Conference Room 110, 209 North 5th St, Norfolk, NE 68701

• Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Papillion: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sump Memorial Library, South Meeting Room, 222 N. Jefferson St., Papillion, NE 68406

• Thursday, November 17, 2022, Lincoln: 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St, Lincoln, NE 68521

• Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Omaha: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Omaha State Office Building, Douglas Conference Center, 1313 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA STUDENTS LOST GROUND IN MATH, READING DURING PANDEMIC, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS PEERS

LINCOLN- According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress that was released this week, Nebraska and the rest of the nation declined in math and reading proficiency over the pandemic.

Nebraska’s eighth-grade math score was the lowest since 2000. Its fourth-grade math score was the lowest since 2011.

And in reading, fourth and eighth-grade scores were the lowest since 2002.

These disappointing results can be remedied by looking at the rest of the nation. 

Nebraska's fourth-grade math score was seven points higher than the rest of the nation. For eighth graders, the math score came in six points above the national average. 

In reading, Nebraska’s average score for fourth grade was 3 points higher than the national average. In eighth grade, both Nebraska and the nation had an average score of 259.

When comparing it to pre-pandemic levels, Nebraska slid backward in progress, but still less than the majority of the nation. Nationally, the declines in math scores were the largest since NAEP assessments began in 1990.

Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt said it’s reasonable to think that getting Nebraska kids back into classrooms during the pandemic kept scores from falling further.

For the full article click HERE