THURSTON COUNTY DENIES DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NATIVE VOTERS

OMAHA- Despite recent claims that Thurston County had redrawn the county board of supervisors districts to purposely discriminate against Native American voters who make up a majority of the county's population in order to ensure white politicians maintain control of the board, the County has denied the actions. The county claimed the lawsuit filed by both the Winnebago and Omaha tribes "have no basis in law or fact and are false." 

In a counterclaim, the county is asking a judge to dismiss the lawsuit and declare the county's redistricting plan does not violate the law and protects all county residents' constitutional rights. The tribes are seeking a judge's order declaring the map violates the Voting Rights Act, preventing the county from conducting future elections using that map and requiring the implementation of a new districting plan that complies with the law. 

Natives make up 50.3% of the voting age population, compared with 43% of whites, in Thurston County, which is home to both the Winnebago and Omaha Indian reservations. Natives believe they should have a serious chance to elect officials in four districts, but were only given the advantage in three. The current board currently only has two members who are Natives and five who are white.

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NEBRASKA GOV. PILLEN URGES AWARENESS, ADVOCACY FOR THOSE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen, alongside the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and several Nebraskans with developmental disabilities, proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Month. Pillen said he wanted to keep this March distinction, which was first established by President Reagan in 1987, alive to help with advocacy and support for people with disabilities. 

"Every person matters, and we need to put in a special month where we recognize and support the families that have developmental disabilities," said Pillen, "We're encouraging, and we are supporting and we are helping all others have normal, meaningful, purposeful lives every single day." Tony Green, director of the division of developmental disabilities at the Department oh Health and Human Services, also spoke at the event, stating that the state already supports around 5,100 Nebraskans with developmental disabilities. 

In addition, Green also said that Gov. Pillen's distinction will bring even more awareness to the issues people with disabilities face, such as barriers to employment. Pillen went on to encourage those in attendance to reach out to their state senators regarding his education funding proposals in the Legislature, which he says will include increases in special education funding. 

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GROWING COALITION POINTS ABROAD IN RELIEVING NEBRASKA'S WORKFORCE WOES

OMAHA- From downtown Omaha to the Scottsbluff National Monument, Nebraskans are confronting a chronic lack of in-state workers to fill jobs. However, a growing alliance of leaders statewide hopes to turn Nebraska's eyes abroad to solve this problem. This coalition of leaders and their organizations include the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Omaha Together One Community.

It also features representatives from the agricultural, business, health care, education, and labor industries. Together, this coalition of leaders and workers is calling on the state to welcome more immigrants, an action they see as a possible solution to Nebraska's pressing workforce shortage. Citing statistics that indicated that Nebraska had 49,233 open jobs, despite an all-time low unemployment rate, they say it's time for the state to become more open.

"Within the business community, there's no question that recruiting workforce is the number one priority," said Bryan Slone, president of the State Chamber. Nationwide, the coalition plans to encourage Congress to remove obstacles to legal immigration and promote statewide job recruitment. The coalition also says it has an advantage to achieve these goals, which is its connection with local nonprofits like Lutheran Family Services and Catholic Social Services, which have international contacts in many countries. 

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'YOU LITERALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT': OMAHA SENATOR SAYS HER TRANS SON WILL BE AFFECTED BY GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE BAN

LINCOLN- During debate on the contentious gender-affirming care ban, LB574 introduced by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, Sen. Megan Hunt, the first openly bisexual senator in the Nebraska Legislature, stated that Kauth's bill would negatively impact her son, who is transgender. The bill, which restricts gender-affirming care procedures for individuals under the age of 19, would also allow for civil action to be taken against medical professionals who violate it. 

During the debate, Sen. Hunt told her colleagues about her son. "My son is trans, and many of you have met him. Many of you have known him for years," she said, "And this bill, colleagues, is such an affront to me personally and would violate my rights to parent my child in Nebraska. And I just want to tell you that."

Sen. Hunt went on to express that she didn't "raise" her son to be transgender, and that she loves and supports him no matter his sexual orientation. "There aren't counselors making kids trans. There aren't counselors telling parents you have to get your kids on these drugs or else they're going to kill themselves," Hunt told the body.

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BILLS INTRODUCED IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE ELECTION SECURITY

LINCOLN- Following the 2020 presidential election, concerns over fraudulent voting came to a head after more people than usual utilized mail-in ballots to cast their vote. Because of this, two Nebraska senators have introduced three measures to increase election security in the state, despite little to no account of voter fraud. The bills include LB457, introduced by Sen. Rick Holdcoft, and LB's 193 and 808, introduced by Sen. Steve Halloran. 

The three bills, if passed, would require all voting machine parts to be manufactured in the United States, implement video recording devices in all voting locations, and give counties the option to hand re-count future races instead of utilizing machine counting, should they so choose. Supporters of the proposals based their arguments on the claim that several individuals in Nebraska received mail-in ballots for people who no longer live in the state, as well as fears that new technology could allow unauthorized individuals to tamper with voting machines. 

"As long as we have machines in use, in any form, we cannot be guaranteed 100% that we have accurate, total, truthful, elections," said Lina Vermooten, a supporter of the three bills. Despite these concerns, Nebraska Secretary of Stata Bob Evnen has gone on record saying that the state's elections, thus far, have been perfectly fair and trustworthy. 

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SEVERAL NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS OFFER MEASURES TO COUNTER PROPOSED ABORTION RESTRICTIONS

LINCOLN- Despite a majority of Nebraska lawmakers pushing to further restrict abortion access in the state, a string of measures have been introduced by opponents to ensure the protection of reproductive rights. On Wednesday, the Legislature's Judiciary Committee heard two such measures, one that would provide immunity for lost pregnancies, and another that would guarantee the right to privacy during a pregnancy.

LB391, the first of these measures, was introduced by Sen. Jen Day, and would provide both civil and criminal immunity for pregnancy outcomes that don't result in a live birth. LR20CA, the other measure, was introduced by Sen. Danielle Conrad, and would add the "right to individual privacy" into the Nebraska Constitution. However, if passed by the Legislature, LR20CA would go onto the 2024 ballot for voters to decide on. 

Both of these measures were introduced following the introduction of Sen. Joni Albrecht's LB626, a bill dubbed the "Nebraska Heartbeat Act" that would restrict abortions after 6 weeks, or once embryonic cardiac activity was detected. "If we truly believe it when we say we're not going to punish women," Sen. Day told the Judiciary Committee, "LB391 should be an easy, straightforward yes vote."

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'WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE IT': CREIGHTON, CWS ASK LEGISLATURE TO HELP FUND BASEBALL INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION

LINCOLN- LB444, introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan at the behest of Creighton University and the College World Series, would allocate over $25 million to the school's baseball program, allowing them to expand their campus and update the downtown stadium. On top of that, The College World Series told senators that the allocation of funds will improve the CWS experience for attendees and hopefully allow the organization to hold the yearly tournament in Omaha in the future. 

"We can't rest our laurels because we know everybody would like to have the college world series and we don't want to lose it," said Jack Diesing, College World Series President and Board Chairman. Diesing went on to highlight how other baseball conferences, like the Southeastern Conference, offer many more modernized facilities to athletes. 

If passed, Sen. Linehan's bill would allow Creighton University to build practice fields for CWS teams, as well as home fields for Creighton student-athletes and softball players. Diesing indicated that it's important to be proactive with their planning, and that the improvements will also improve North Omaha's access to baseball fields, since the allocation would allow for increased pedestrian access around Burt Street. 

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FOR THE FIRST TIME, COMMITTEE MEMBERS ISSUE MINORITY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

LINCOLN- Last week, a new tactic was introduced to the Nebraska Legislature. This week the body debated Senator Kauth's LB574,  the bill that limits gender-affirming care. Ahead of this week's debate, a select amount of Nebraska Senators issued a minority committee statement that spoke out against the bill. The four-page rebuttal, written by Sens. Cavanaugh and Day, two members of the Health and Human Service Committee, acts similarly to a dissenting opinion in judicial proceedings. 

Multiple sections of the jointly-written statement note that organizations like the Nebraska Medical Association and the American Medical Association have determined that gender-affirming care for minors, which LB574 would outlaw, is best practice. "These professionals and associations testified in opposition at the Committee Hearing on the bill to these findings," one section of the statement reads, "The Minority Committee Members object to the current form of this section as it does reflect mainstream medical or scientific consensus."

Minority statements have been discussed and considered in the past, but the action has never actually been used. Brandon Metzler, Clerk of the Legislature, said "We never see it done, but it's basically the ability to add your individual thoughts to a piece of legislation coming out of committee that you may either agree or disagree with the majority." The statement did not affect the final vote on the bill as it passed Thursday morning on a slim vote. 

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UNUSED GALLERY ON FIFTH FLOOR OF NEBRASKA CAPITOL EYED AS A VISITORS CENTER AND MUSEUM

LINCOLN- High inside the Nebraska Capitol's Rotunda is an unused gallery where one can get a bird's eye view of the beautiful and immense artwork in the dome and mural-lined hallway of the building. Last Thursday, current and former senators joined in to tout a $3.9 million project to turn the currently vacant, fifth-floor space into a visitor's center complete with displays about the make-up of Nebraska's government and the history of the building itself. 

"This could become one of the most popular viewing locations in the building, and a place of learning," said former State Sen. Dave Pankonin, who previously represented Louisville. Pankonin joined with current State Sen. Robert Clements to call for the passage of LB812, which would allocate the funds necessary to transform the gallery. 

Previously, the fifth-floor space was intended to be a visitor's center by the Capitol's Architect, Bertram Goodhue, but has sat unused for nearly four decades. Sen. Clements, who introduced the bill to allocate funding for the renovation, said he was approached by a myriad of former state senators calling for the change. "It's something that we all talk to our fourth graders about," said Clements, "There's ample space."

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DUELING GOP BILLS TO IMPLEMENT VOTER ID COULD HIT RURAL AREAS HARDEST

LINCOLN- Three legislative proposals, Sen. Slama's LB 535 and Sen. Erdman's LB's 228 and 230, seek to require voters to show a valid ID prior to voting and, for those voting by mail, to have a notary sign the ballot before dropping it off. However, according to maps released by the Secretary of State's Office, authorized notaries are few and far between in rural Nebraska, creating potential difficulties for those living in that region of the state. 

Some expect these proposals, if they pass, to severely limit who gets to vote by mail in rural and suburban areas of the state, including the largely rural counties of Harlan, Wayne, Thayer, Hamilton, Gage, Adams, Fillmore, and Cass, who's citizens have historically voted by mail in large numbers. For those in these areas that do vote in person, voting often requires traveling large distances.

Sen. Slama stated that she had gotten inspiration for her notary-requirement bill from neighboring states like Missouri and South Dakota, which have implemented similar proposals. If Sen. Slama's bill passes, and no new notaries are authorized prior to the next election, certain rural notaries will be expected to sign off on over 100 mail-in ballots, should the citizens in those areas choose to vote by mail. 

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TRANS CARE BAN ADVANCES, FUTURE ACTION MAY HINGE ON AMENDMENT

LINCOLN- Following a three-week filibuster, as well as three days of contentious debate, the Nebraska Legislature has passed Sen. Kauth's LB574, a bill that would restrict individuals under the age of nineteen from receiving gender-affirming care, on a 30-17-2 vote. However, before this, the body voted to end debate, or invoke cloture, which passed 33-16, the minimum amount of votes required to push this motion through. 

State Sen. Christy Armendariz, alongside Sens. Tom Brandt and Jana Hughes, either did not vote for LB574 or voted against it. Armendariz stated that she did not "want to encroach on [parent's] rights" by voting to pass the bill, and Hughes stated that she would've voted for the bill if an amendment had been introduced that narrowed the bill. "I came here to do property tax relief and broadband," said Hughes. 

The mentioned amendment would just ban gender-altering services. The amendment was introduced by the bill's sponsor, Sen. Kauth, and is framed as a compromise. Opponents have spoken out against the amendment, Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh said, "So now you want to compromise to assuage your guilt? No thank you." Kauth has expressed concerns that the bill may fail to pass without the addition of the amendment.

Following this vote, a myriad of Democratic senators pledged to continue the filibuster until the end of the Legislative session. Many of them also expressed anguish at the passage of LB574 through its first round of debate, with Sen. Day saying, "How hard it is to be a kid, let alone having your very existence being debated by adults on TV."

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PROPOSAL THAT TARGETS GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED 'HOME EQUITY THEFT' AIRED DURING PUBLIC HEARING

LINCOLN- A myriad of individuals from several different industries, including a retired judge, an Omaha City Council members, and a civil liberties lawyer, were among those who stood to support a bill on Thursday that would end what some have called government-assisted "home equity theft."

LB577, the bill in question, was introduced by Sen. John Cavanaugh and would, according to the lawmaker and several proponents, protect homeowners from losing property and equity valued far above the amount they failed to pay in property taxes. During a public hearing for the bill, Cavanaugh insisted that he would work with both sides of the debate to perfect the bill, since it came under heavy fire by proponents, mostly county treasurers who were concerned about additional costs. 

Aimee Melton, of the Omaha City Council, spoke in support of the bill, saying, "I have to say it's somewhat rare when you get all seven Omaha City Council members to agree on something. I agree we all need to pay our taxes...But the current process we have is not equitable." However, John Ewing, the Douglas County Treasurer, stated that, if passed, the bill would cost his region $600,000 in the first year, as well as $443,000 in subsequent years. 

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SENATORS WHO PROMISED TO STALL LEGISLATION IN NEBRASKA HOLD TRUE TO WORD

LINCOLN- During the debate on LB574, opponents made it clear that if the bill were to advance, the familiar filibuster will make its return in the reaming forty days of session and in a much stronger form. A day after that bills advancement, opponents of the bill held true to their word, providing a picture of the upcoming weeks.

Senator Macheala Cavanaugh, who has led the filibuster in previous weeks, said it does not matter what the bill or subject matter is, it will be filibustered. The body debated LB276 Friday morning, a behavioral health bill, but it could not move from its first round of consideration despite support from both sides of the aisle. Instead, the conversation rehashed the debate earlier this week that would prohibit anyone under 19 from seeking puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or gender-affirming surgery in Nebraska.

Some opponents of LB574 sided with Sen. Cavanaugh on that subject but had criticism for the filibuster tactics. Sen. Terrell McKinney had a bill scheduled that was not reached due to the filibuster. He told his fellow lawmakers that they needed to move on so the Legislature could address other issues this year. Sen. Justin Wayne said that the body needs to be more selective of where they filibuster since they could be shutting out legislation that benefits Nebraskans.

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PARTIAL REPEAL OF MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW ADVANCES IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- A bill relating to motorcycles and the helmet laws surrounding them was advanced out of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. LB91 was introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who also named it as his priority for the session. It advanced out of committee on a 5-2 vote.

If passed, the measure would Nebraska in a long list of states who have eliminated or started to relax helmet laws for motorcycle riders. In Nebraska, helmets have been required since 1989 despite multiple attempts to change the legislation. Hansen, a chiropractor and motorcycle rider, has argued that people should be free to decide if they want to take the risk of riding without a helmet.

To be eligible to drop the helmet under the bill, one must be 21 and complete a basic certification course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Those passing through the state, may also drop the helmet if they have taken a similar class. Protective eyewear would become the new requirement if the bill is passed.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS CHAFE AT HHS DIVERTING $6 MILLION FROM CHILD WELFARE PAYMENT BOOST

LINCOLN- The Department of Health and Human Services was given $15 million in federal pandemic recovery money. They only used $3 million for increasing payments to providers and spent $6 million on other projects. The agency has not determined what to do with the rest. In an email sent to service providers on June 21 last year, agency officials said the first $6 million would go to start a pair of pilot projects and to help children leaving the foster care system through adoption, guardianship or independent living.

This use angered lawmakers. Sen. Mike McDonnell, who has introduced a bill to raise child welfare rates over the next two years, accused HHS of being “tone-deaf” on the issue and acting like a fourth branch of government that can override legislative decisions. He called it disappointing and said it contributes to the already large distrust of HHS.

Andrew Keck, deputy director of the HHS Children and Family Services division, said the agency decided to use the $6 million of federal money for the current fiscal year on one-time expenses. He said the agency is working to decide about the $6 million for the upcoming fiscal year. McDonnell said the department’s decision to divert the first $6 million means Nebraska has not made the progress lawmakers intended in bringing payment rates closer to covering costs for private provider agencies and individuals who contract with the state to care for abused and neglected children.

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MORE THAN $3 BILLION IN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF MEASURES ADVANCE IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- Property owners could get more than $3 billion worth of property tax relief over the next six years under a legislative package advanced by the Revenue Committee. LB243 advanced on a 7-0 vote with amendments to the full body. The amended bill, introduced by State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, combines measures that would increase Nebraska’s two property tax credit programs, cap school property taxes and eliminate almost all community college property taxes.

The package represents the second major piece of Gov. Jim Pillen’s tax cut and school aid plan. The committee advanced a separate package of income tax cuts last week. A bill to make changes in state aid to K-12 schools is pending before the Education Committee. Briese, who has long targeted property taxes, said this year’s property tax package would offer “tax relief for everyday Nebraskans.”

LB243 and LB754 are expected to reduce the state tax revenues by at least $3.3 billion. Briese said he expected there may be some questions raised about whether the state can manage $6.6 billion or more of tax cuts over the next six years. But he expressed confidence in Nebraska’s ability to make those kind of tax changes, while keeping essential government services operating.

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NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR MERV RIEPE PROPOSES LESS STRINGENT, 12-WEEK ABORTION BAN

LINCOLN- The abortion bill in the Nebraska Legislature may have a new direction as Senator Merv Riepe proposed amending LB626 to instead make abortions illegal after 12 weeks. The current bill would ban abortion after about six weeks of gestation. Sen. Riepe said he and other senators who oppose abortion but prefer a “measured approach” want to discuss an alternative to the “heartbeat bill". 

Riepe said the “six-week ban is tantamount to a total ban,” which many of his constituents oppose, he said. His comments echoed the views of most of the doctors who testified against LB 626 in a public hearing. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Joni Albrecht, said she is disappointed by the amendment and it may put the bill in jeopardy when the debate comes. 

Currently, there are believed to be exactly 33 votes for LB626, the exact amount needed to pass the bill. A single senator's departure could fail the bill in all. Sen. Albrecht said  Riepe’s 12-week ban “is not acceptable to myself or the other 32 (supporters).” She argued that her bill is “not about a ban.” Riepe has indicated that he will be the 33rd vote in the first round of debate but expects a fair and in-depth debate in the second round. 

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SOUTH AND NORTH OMAHA MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR BILL GETS ANOTHER AIRING, AND GOOD VIBES FROM LAWMAKERS

LINCOLN- On Thursday, advocates for a large North and South Omaha stimulus bill again crowded into the Nebraska State Capitol to support economic development in these areas. Instead, however, testifiers for the updated Economic Recovery Act spoke before the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, rather than the Urban Affairs Committee where testimony was heard on LB531 last Tuesday.

While the Appropriations Committee took no immediate action on LB785, the companion bill to LB531, a few of its members were outspoken in their support for economic development in these historically underserved areas of Nebraska. Sen. Anna Wishart told the committee of a pledge she made to state Sen. Justin Wayne while they were climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, indicating her support for the stimulus bill.

Sen. Christy Armendariz also supported the bill, saying, "I come from North Omaha. I'll make sure it's spent the way it was intended to be spent." While the Legislature approved a $335 million Economic Recovery Act last year, Sen. Terrell McKinney believed a more detailed distribution plan would be necessary to reach the most people, prompting him to create LB531 and LB785.

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NEBRASKA BILL WOULD EMPOWER MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS TO PLACE PEOPLE IN EMERGENCY CUSTODY

LINCOLN- LB668, introduced by Sen. Raymond Aguilar, would give mental health professionals the ability to take dangerously mentally ill patients into emergency protective custody. Under current statute, a law enforcement officer can take someone into protective custody, normally at a medical facility, jail, or other corrections facility, if they are believed to pose a threat to themselves or others.

However, under LB668, that ability would extend to certified mental health practitioners. Police presence is often necessary in these situations, but according to Lance Braun, the legislative aide to Sen. Aguilar, it can traumatize those already experiencing a traumatic situation. "Ultimately, these individuals are ill, they're not criminals," said Braun in defense of LB668.

A similar bill was introduced by Sen. Mike McDonnell last session, but the Legislature ran out of time to pass it. Braun went on to argue during the public hearing for the bill that it would help victims of mental illness feel safer and more comfortable, while alleviating some of the burden placed on law enforcement. "Our law enforcement officers are to be commended, bu they should not be the first line of defense in many of these instances," finished Braun.

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WATER WOES, FROM LEAD PIPES AND NITRATES TO TOO LITTLE WATER, AIRED IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- A plethora of water woes were presented to the Legislature's Appropriations Committee on Wednesday during a hearing for Sen. Hansen's LB672, which would set up a $30 million revolving loan funds through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to help communities expand and update their water systems. If passed, over 50% of the loan could be forgiven.

Some of the concerns aired by city and town officials, as well as citizens, included lead in old Omaha service pipes, high nitrate levels in rural community wells, and not enough water flowing toward Blair's expansive biotech campus. Blair Public Works Director Al Shoemaker testified in support of the stimulus funding, saying that, by expanding the town's water system, they could keep business inside of Blair. "We need to keep our water rates as competitive as possible," Shoemaker told the Committee.

Sen. McDonnell introduced LB613 as well on Monday, a bill that would transfer $45 million from the state's cash reserve to help owners of old homes, mostly in Omaha, update their house's piping systems and remove leaded pipes. Metropolitan Utilities District Officials said that the current lead pipe replacement program is only reaching around 200 homes a year, and that LB613 would significantly increase this number.

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