NEBRASKA ANTI-ABORTION SENATORS PROPOSING 'HEARTBEAT' BILL

LINCOLN- A bill expected to be introduced this week by a coalition of anti-abortion senators would give pregnant mothers just six weeks to decide to terminate their pregnancy, instead of the current 20 weeks. More specifically, the bill seeks to ban all abortions after an ultrasound can detect a "fetal heartbeat," which is specified as a "steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart within the gestational sac." 

Under the expected bill, doctors who perform abortions after a heartbeat is detected by ultrasound will lose their medical licenses, and will also be penalized for not performing an ultrasound. State Sen. Joni Albrecht, the bill's sponsor, said she would have preferred to propose a ban with many fewer exceptions, but a similar bill lost by two votes last session. 

Albrecht and other proponents acknowledged the political reality of recent polling that indicated a majority of Nebraskans favor neither extreme on abortion, prompting less severe legislation. "I know that in Nebraska, after bringing the trigger bill that we did, I knew that I had to be open-minded to some movement," said Albrecht, "I'm listening to Nebraskans."

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NEBRASKA SENATORS FINALIZE COMMITTEES AFTER SPEAKER THREATENS TO SUSPEND RULES

LINCOLN- After an intense battle over what some senators called "partisan assignments", the Nebraska Legislature's committee make-up was finally sealed on Monday after Speaker Arch motioned to suspend several rules in order to finalize the assignments. During the drawn-out debate over the adoption of the Committee on Committee's report, which would finalize committee assignments with 25 votes, Speaker Arch said the Legislature had entered "no man's land," and fought to either finalize the assignments or redo the whole process.

In response to Speaker Arch's attempt to suspend the rules, Sen. Danielle Conrad said he used that tactic to "stifle debate, to end dissent, to perpetuate a pattern and practice of my way or the highway no matter the precedent." Motions to suspend the Legislature's rules are often used when the body is faced with pressing issues, like the recent Covid-19 pandemic or the 2019 flooding in western Nebraska.

Sen. John Cavanaugh shared a similar sentiment to Conrad's, saying, "When you cut down the rules that protect everyone, you are no longer afforded the protection of those rules. That is why this conversation is so dangerous right now. The rules are here to protect everyone. The rules are meant to be used by all people equally."

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NEBRASKA'S COVID CASES REMAIN LOW

LINCOLN- The number of Covid-19 cases in Nebraska remained low compared to previous weeks, but the new subvariant being found in eastern states has been confirmed in Nebraska. In Nebraska, COVID case numbers dropped last week. The state recorded 1,420 new cases last week, down 18% from the week before, according to figures from the CDC.

Cases are uniformly low throughout the upper Midwest, in the mountain states and into the Pacific Northwest. But they’re much higher in the East and South, where hospitalizations also are rising. Those increases are largely being attributed to a rapid increase in the new subvariant called XBB.1.5, which the CDC says now dominates in the Northeast. It was recorded in Nebraska in the final week of 2022.

Dr. James Lawler, a co-executive director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Global Center for Health Security, called XBB.1.5 a “pretty significant upgrade for the virus in terms of transmissibility” compared to previous variants. “It’s important for folks to recognize that the viruses we’re dealing with now are very different than the viruses we dealt with early in the pandemic,” Lawler said. 

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ADRIAN SMITH LOSES BID FOR HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS CHAIRMAN

WASHINGTON D.C.- Rep. Adrian Smith lost his bid for the chairmanship of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee as Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri was chosen to fill the coveted leadership position. Adrian Smith finished third on the first ballot and Jason Smith, a close ally of new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, was selected in a subsequent two-candidate second ballot.

In addition to the two Smiths, Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida was a candidate for leadership of the key committee that holds jurisdiction over tax, trade, Social Security, Medicare and other key legislation. The selection was made by the House GOP Steering Committee, a panel of about 30 Republican lawmakers that includes the Republican leadership. 

Rep. Adrian Smith has been Nebraska's 3rd District representative since 2007. Rep. Smith is a former member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Smith has also been on the Trade and Health Subcommittees over his fifteen-year tenure in Washington D.C. 

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LENGTHY LIST OF SOUTH AND NORTH OMAHA GRANT PROPOSALS WHITTLES TO 35

OMAHA- A year of debate helped launch a whopping $335 million law aimed largely at uplifting North and South Omaha, but only 35 recommended grant winners are receiving funds from a pool of 367. Among the small list of winners, which were picked out by the Nebraska Legislature, is a group seeking to renovate the "Plaza de la Raza" on South 24th Street and another looking to create a 100-acre Sankofa Innovation District on North 16th Street.

The grant winner, who were chosen because they are believed to bring the most long-lasting economic growth, are sharing grants totaling around $225 million. The remaining balance of the $335 million given to the state through the Economic Recovery Act program is already earmarked for specific projects, including a business park near Eppley Airfield and affordable housing in North Omaha.

Although only 35 businesses and corporations were chosen, Sen. Justin Wayne, who chaired the committee through which the funds were allocated, called the investments historic for disadvantaged communities. "For North and South Omaha, these state and federal dollars are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the long-standing social and economic challenges that have persisted for generations," said Sen. Wayne.

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PILLEN NAMES FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

LINCOLN- Last Friday, Governor Jim Pillen named Vicki Kramer as the next director of Nebraska's Department of Transportation. Kramer will be the first woman in state history to hold the title. Gov. Pillen, in a press release, stated that Kramer brings "broad experience from both the private and public sector" of the job. 

Kramer has been working as chief of staff for infrastructure markets and strategy for Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering, and before that worked at the Nebraska Department of Transportation as communication director, public policy director, and strategic adviser to the DOT director. 

Kramer will be replacing John Selmer, who retired as the NDOT director last month after serving in that capacity since 2021. Former NDOT Director Kyle Schneweis said Kramer will be "exceptional" in her new role, and that "She will continue to modernize the department and work to achieve its goals."

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GOV. PILLEN TAPS FORMER GOV. PETE RICKETTS TO SUCCEED BEN SASSE IN SENATE

LINCOLN- Gov. Pillen appointed his predecessor Gov. Ricketts to the vacant senate seat that was held by Senator Ben Sasse. Senator-designate Ricketts only spent one full week out of the political realm before assuming the role of Senator. Gov. Pillen said, "My job … was to find the best person to represent us, and the process for me has been really, really important."

Gov. Pillen said Ricketts was the most qualified for the role and also had the most seniority. The interview process contained 111 applicants and was boiled down to 9 who were interviewed. Among them: former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, Pinnacle Bank Chairman Sid Dinsdale, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Slone and lawyer Ann Ashford. Gov. Pillen said he did the interviewing himself and did not interview with any Democrats.

“We took this process incredibly seriously,” Pillen said. “The criteria for me were really, really simple. The appointee needs to represent us as a people.” Gov. Pillen said Ricketts hits all the criteria areas with flying colors. Ricketts credited Sasse for his service, including his efforts to help to get conservative judges confirmed. He said he looks forward to working with and learning from Sen. Deb Fischer.

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NEBRASKA'S FARMLAND PRICE NOW AVERAGES $12,000 PER ACRE FOR HIGH-QUALITY LAND

LINCOLN- The value of land in Nebraska continues to tick upward as commodity markets aid the increases. Within the state,  the average sale price for an acre of high-quality irrigated land has reached $12,000. That’s a $2,000 increase from a year ago and a $3,500 increase from two years ago. Some farmers say irrigated land can go for as much as $14,000 on average.

Paul Schadegg, a Farmers National vice president, and state agriculture experts cited strong commodity prices as a main factor for high land values. Corn and soybeans aren't at their peak prices, but they are far from their low prices. “The commodity markets are, without a doubt, the main driver in the land market in general,” Schadegg said. 

Schadegg said the threshold for what qualifies as high-quality land depends on the region of the state. Across all regions, above-average soil quality and topography are factored into the category. In central and western Nebraska, irrigation also is factored in. Well quality and water availability also are considered in western Nebraska. Schadegg classified eastern Nebraska land as the best in the state.

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SENATOR PROPOSES TO BLOCK REPORTERS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSIONS IN THE NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- State Senator Steve Erdman is launching another effort to bar reporters from covering discussions and actions taken during executive sessions of Nebraska legislative committees. Under current legislative rules, reporters are allowed to attend the closed-door executive sessions of committees so they “may report on action taken and on all discussions in executive session.” In these sessions, lawmakers debate whether or not bills will advance to a full debate on the floor. 

A similar proposal was made two years ago but failed to make it to the governor's desk. Senator Erdman cited county and school boards that do not allow media in their executive sessions as a reason for its transition into the legislature. Senator Erdman said the media has an advantage over the public when they are allowed into these sessions. 

A Nebraska media representative said executive sessions at the Unicameral are much different from those for local governing boards, where closed-door sessions are allowed only for delicate subjects, such as labor negotiations or firing an employee. Rose Ann Shannon, president of Media of Nebraska, said barring news media from reporting on routine actions within exec sessions is the wrong move at a time when distrust in institutions is on the increase.

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VETERAN HEAD OF POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION TO RETIRE IN AUGUST

LINCOLN- Frank Daley Jr., who has been executive director of the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Commission since 1999, has announced that he will retire in August. Daley will be 69 in August and feels it is time to look at others items and areas of his life. Daley said, “I’ve had the opportunity to watch the Legislature, which I admire, in action year after year." 

Daley said he has always been fascinated by his job and the legislature. The ability of a body to come in once a year and complete everything you need to do is something Daley admired. “It’s pretty impressive, compared to the complete dysfunction in Washington, D.C.,” Daley said.

The Accountability and Disclosure Commission oversees campaign finance disclosure, lobbying, statements of financial interest and conflicts of interest at the state and local levels. It can impose civil penalties for violations of state campaign laws. Daley's successor will be discussed at the next Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Commission meeting. 

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NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT HEARS 'LANDMARK' CASE OF EVICTED TENANT

LINCOLN- This week the Nebraska Supreme Court began hearing arguments of a case that looks at whether Nebraskans being evicted from their homes have a constitutional right to a jury trial. Legal Aid of Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed have dubbed the case a "landmark case", and they are sharing the role of representing the tenant, Teresa Holcomb, against NP Dodge. 

NP Dodge has asserted that Holcomb violated a clause about crime-free housing by threatening to attack two other residents in a common area. The Legal Aid and Appleseed team have argued that Holcomb deserves a jury trial to determine whether her “words of frustration” violated the clause. The appeal to the Supreme Court followed a decision by a Douglas County District judge who upheld a county court’s ruling allowing NP Dodge to evict Holcomb from a South Omaha apartment complex. 

An Appleseed lawyer said eviction proceedings are “extremely fast” and that a jury trial would offer more opportunity for tenants to present a defense. Attorneys from Legal Aid want the focus to remain on evictions. “There was a lot of talk about the eviction process when the pandemic began, but this has been — and will continue to be — an issue throughout the state regardless of the pandemic,” the Legal Aid lawyer said. 

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GOVERNOR PILLEN APPOINTS FORMER GOVERNOR RICKETTS TO U.S. SENATE

LINCOLN- Newly inaugurated Governor Pillen gathered with nearly every Republican in state government on Thursday morning to appoint former Governor Pete Ricketts to the U.S. Senate. Senator-designate Ricketts takes over for Senator Ben Sasse who has accepted the role as the next President of the University of Florida. It has only been a total of seven days since Ricketts left his post as Governor on January 5th.

Governor Pillen briefly spoke about the decision process used to fill the role. There were a total of 111 candidates that were boiled down to nine candidates that were then interviewed by Governor Pillen. The interview process began in early December and once the inauguration was complete, interviews were completed in a three-day span. Pillen added that it was important to him that whoever filled the role had seniority, but would also aid the state GOP in the 2024 and 2026 elections. "Only in the great state of Nebraska can you have a pool of 111 people and only be able to boil it down to nine," said Governor Pillen.

Senator-designate Ricketts thanked Governor Pillen and said he was happy to support him in his gubernatorial campaign process. He thanked Senator Sasse for his years of service and commitment to Nebraska in Washington D.C. and wished him the best of luck at the University of Florida. Senator-designate Ricketts said he looks forward to working alongside Senator Deb Fischer and all his new colleagues in D.C. Senator-designate Ricketts did confirm that he will absolutely run in 2024 and 2026 as that is what Governor Pillen was looking for in the interview process.

When asked how he will compare to Senator Sasse, Ricketts said, "Senator Sasse was a very conservative vote and focused on getting conservative judges on the bench. I will be very similar in that nature and really on a lot of other issues. Conservatives will disagree on different issues but I can't think of one off the top of my head that we will be opposites on." Ricketts said he wants to focus on making Washington D.C. work for the people and hold bad policies accountable. He acknowledged that he has a lot of learning to do, but joked that Senator Fischer will help mend that void.

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BACKERS OF NEBRASKA CONSUMPTION TAX AMEND PROPOSAL, LAUNCH PETITION DRIVE FOR 2024 BALLOT

LINCOLN- Backers of a dramatic change in state taxation announced changes to their proposal as they launched a petition drive to place a “consumption” tax plan before Nebraska voters in 2024. Speakers at a press conference said that a tax on consumption would fix the state’s “broken” tax system, reduce cost by eliminating property tax-related offices, and make Nebraska a more attractive place to live.

“Our state has operated under a broken tax system since 1967,” said State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, a leading proponent, referring to when the state first approved state sales and income taxes. The head of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, said that while the organization would look at the new changes in the proposal, a consumption tax has been clearly “unacceptable and dangerous” in the past.

The consumption tax idea, which has failed to advance in past years, would eliminate state income, sales and inheritance taxes, as well as the current state aid to K-12 education program, and replace it with a tax paid on all retail purchases. Senator Erdman said there are still many areas that need to be worked out, but assured that a large amount of time between now and 2024 will be sufficient to make decisions.

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HOG FARMER JIM PILLEN TAKES REINS AS NEBRASKA'S GOVERNOR

LINCOLN- Jim Pillen was officially sworn in as the Governor of Nerbaska on the second day on the 108th legislative session. Gov. Pillen marks the first farmer to governor in over a century. He referenced his background during a brief speech after being sworn in by Chief Justice Mike Heavican, calling Nebraska a “very special place” where the son of a tenant farmer and a seamstress can lead the state.

In his speech, Pillen called for changes to the state aid formula to provide a baseline of aid to every student in Nebraska, instead of the current system of equalization that leaves the majority of school districts without the aid. “State aid to education must be modernized so that it is more equitable, meeting the needs of communities across Nebraska."

Gov. Pillen addressed the legislature telling them that he is looking to work with them to attract the youth of Nebraska. He has also said he expects the Legislature to consider additional restrictions on abortion in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Gov. Pillen said he was overcome with emotion upon being sworn in, and he is ready to get to work for all Nebraskans.

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MULTIPLE DELAYS STALL PROGRESS ON NEBRASKA'S $335 MILLION ECONOMIC RECOVERY EFFORT

LINCOLN- The $335 million aid project that was approved in the last legislative session still has $250 million that needs to be allocated. Where that money goes is dependent on a bill this session but multiple delays have slowed the progress of the remaining funds. One problem contributing to the delay is the engineering firm Olsson who is recommending ideas for the money. Olsson has pushed the deadline back for their report now twice and is now expected in the coming weeks. 

Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, the leading lawmaker for the project, said he hopes the list will be finalized by Jan. 9, but it could come later. He said multiple minor problems, primarily a slew of illnesses, contributed to the delays. If the recommendations do come when expected, that leaves lawmakers with very little time to introduce a bill as they must be introduced by January 18th.

Senator Wayne said the legislation drafting is already underway and that there are ways to amend the legislation in the future. If the recommendations are not submitted, Wayne said he would introduce what he called a "shell bill," which is legislation that explains the general ideas of a proposal but leaves certain areas blank to fill in with specifics later. 

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SENATOR JOHN ARCH ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE NEBRASKA UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- The start to the new year did not go as smoothly in Washington D.C. as it did in Lincoln on Wednesday. The 108th Nebraska Unicameral Legislature is officially underway and began by electing its new speaker and leadership positions. 

The senators offered unanimous approval of Sen. John Arch to be the new Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature. The senator from La Vista just won re-election to his District 14 post in November. He takes over the Speaker's chair after previous Speaker Mike Hilgers was elected State Attorney General. Arch promised lawmakers he would promote a positive culture with healthy relationships and communication. “There is no replacement for good communication amongst the members.  Misunderstandings are the result of poor or lack of communication,” Arch says. 

Speaker Arch is returning to his post in the legislature where he welcomed 14 new senators, many seeing the rotunda for only the first time in their careers. The new faces will be facing familiar issues. It is commonly speculated that cutting taxes and revamping the school aid formula will be among the top priorities for the legislature this year. 

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FORMER LEGISLATIVE SPEAKERS, 11 OTHER SENATORS URGE LAWMAKERS TO RETAIN SECRET BALLOTS

LINCOLN- Former Speakers of the Legislature Galen Hadley and Greg Adams, alongside 11 former state Senators, are calling on the Legislature to maintain secret ballots for committee chair elections. "Political parties get in the way of truly representing the will of the people," said former Speaker Adams, "All senators, regardless of party, can represent their constituents equally."

Former Speaker Galen Hadley echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the nonpartisan nature of the secret ballots makes senators "more equal and independent." Former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, in an attempt to rid the Legislature of its secret voting system, created the Nebraska First PAC, which aims to end secret voting as soon as the Legislature convenes.

Rod Edwards, a representative of the Nebraska First PAC, claimed that at least 28 senators in Nebraska's 49-seat Unicameral Legislature have pledged to end secret ballots. "It's in the hands of the Legislature now," said Edwards, who argues that the State Constitution requires all legislative votes to be public. 

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WILL NEBRASKA NEED NOT ONE, BUT TWO NEW PRISONS AT COST OF NEARLY $500 MILLION?

LINCOLN- When asked whether or not Nebraska would require even more beds after building the proposed 1,500-bed prison, Diane Sabatka-Rine, interim Director of Corrections, responded "yes." The proposed prison would cost around $220 million, but former State Sen. Steve Lathrop, former head of the Judiciary Committee, believes Sabatka-Rine's response to be an indication that supporters of the bill see it as just the beginning of a large spending spree on prison beds. 

"If there's not some meaningful prison reform, which by the way will make our communities safer," said former Sen. Lathrop, "then we're looking at spending half a billion dollars to accommodate our prison population to the year 2030." Lathrop was among several senators pushing for changes to Nebraska sentencing that would allow inmates to be released from prison sooner. 

The proposal to enact this change was shot down during the last Legislative session, with Gov. Ricketts calling it "soft on crime." In response to this, Lathrop said that Nebraska "is going to be known as the state that won't listen" to data-driven prison reforms recommended to us by experts all over the country. 

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HEALTHY STATE REVENUES HAVE LAWMAKERS EYEING TAX CUTS, INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEW SESSION

LINCOLN- Flush state coffers have certain Nebraska lawmakers dreaming about large tax cuts and infrastructure projects after fiscal estimates showed projected state revenues topping estimated expenses by $1.9 billion for the two budget years ending June 30, 2025. 

Additionally, Nebraska's cash reserve is expected to reach $2.3 billion in that same timeframe, equal to a whopping 35.7% of state tax revenues for the biennium. "We have an unprecedented amount of money available that leads to an unprecedented opportunity," said State Sen. Tom Briese. However, despite the expected overflow, figuring out exactly what to do with this immense opportunity may split lawmakers and put them at odds with Gov.-elect Jim Pillen.

Battles over whether to focus on property tax relief, income tax cuts, revamping school aid, or increasing infrastructure projects loom on the horizon, and newly elected State Sen. Brian Hardin said he knows the choices will be difficult to make. "I've been warned about having so much money," he said.

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LINCOLN SENATORS SHARE GOALS, PRIORITIES HEADING INTO LEGISLATIVE SESSION

LINCOLN- Medical marijuana, criminal justice reform, education funding, and voter ID are among the issues expected to be tackled in this new Legislative session, and some Senators are gearing up for much debate. State Sen. Suzanne Geist stated that she'll be focusing on crafting legislation that will help law enforcement and the Department of Correctional Services, a move that may give her an edge in the upcoming Lincoln mayoral races. 

Geist plans to introduce several bills that would specifically raise the penalties for dealing fentanyl, as well as legislation that would allow law enforcement to use GPS to locate an individual ordered to wear an ankle monitor. However, Geist also indicated that she'd like to reintroduce certain aspects of last year's failed criminal justice reform bill, and plans to work closely with Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney to pass those. 

"It's not a rebirth of LB920," said Geist, "but some of the things I felt were important like additional probation officers and transitional housing for people coming out of corrections." On another note, Sen. Anna Wishart stated that she would be reintroducing a bill to legalize marijuana in Nebraska, and plans to work across the aisle to get it passed. 

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