SENATORS ADVANCE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL-AID BILL AFTER REJECTING AMENDMENTS

LINCOLN- Following several days of debate and discussion over LB583, as well as a myriad of amendments introduced by senators seeking to expand the scope of the bill, the body moved to approve Gov. Jim Pillen's school aid proposal on Tuesday. LB593, introduced by Sen. Sanders at the behest of Gov. Pillen, advanced to its second round of debate on a 39-3 vote.

Despite this, several senators were disappointed to see the bill pass without the addition of amendments, all of which were voted down. One of these amendments, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt, "eliminated weaknesses" contained within the governor's bill. Under Brandt's amendment, the funds contained within LB583 would be disbursed more equally among Nebraska schools.

Another amendment, introduced by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, would provide "universal" school lunches for all Nebraska schoolchildren. Cavanaugh and several other supporters of the amendment argued that it would be critical to students' success in school. Sen. Linehan, however, pointed out that Legslature's Education Committee already advanced a similar bill from Sen. Lynne Walz, which seeks to provide free school lunches to students in low-income areas of the state.

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ONE OF NEBRASKA'S RACETRACK CASINOS WANTS TO ADD TABLE GAMES SOON

GRAND ISLAND- Up until this point, Nebraska gamblers have been to play slot machines at only two of Nebraska's racetrack casinos. However, this may change under a new request made by The Grand Island Casino Resorts, which, if passed, would allow the casino to expand its temporary operation at Fonner Park and add table games. 

Vincent Fiala, the casino's general manager, said they plan to add craps, roulette, and blackjack tables if their request is approved. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will consider the proposal at its April 14th meeting. If passed by the commission, however, Fiala stated that it would likely be July before the new table games are up and running. 

By the end of February, the Grand Island casino had already generated more than $1 million in gaming taxes, while WarHorse Casino, which has been opened since September, pulled in around $4.4 million. WarHorse officials stated that they don't plan to add table games at their temporary Lincoln casino, but do plan to add sports betting by mid- to late-May.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS AND HIGHER ED LEADERS CALL ON CONGRESS TO RECONSIDER FAFSA CHANGES

LINCOLN- A change made to FAFSA by former President Donald Trump, which removed a certain exemption in the application process for individuals living on family farms or who own small businesses, is being challenged by Nebraska lawmakers who feel that the change will hurt certain Nebraskans. 

The change, when implemented before the 2024-2025 school year, will require families with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or more who fill out FAFSA forms to report the net worth of their family farms or businesses if fewer than 100 employees are employed there. According to a study of the change conducted by the Iowa Student Aid Commission, a family making $60,000 is currently expected to contribute $7,600 to their child's college education every year.

However, if that same family's $1 million farm is considered when applying for FAFSA, they would be expected to contribute more than $41,000. "It's really going to have some devastating impacts on families," said Ritchie Morrow, financial aid officer for the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. University of Nebraska President Ted Carter, as well as several other school administrators, are set to share their concerns with the federal Education Department. 

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HUNT, CAVANAUGH, AND FREDRICKSON FORM POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE TO FIGHT ANTI-LGBTQ LEGISLATION NATIONWIDE

LINCOLN- A group of three Nebraska lawmakers announced they are forming a political action committee to fight anti-LGBTQ legislation in Nebraska but also nationwide. State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt and John Fredrickson, all of Omaha, announced the Don’t Legislate Hate PAC, which will support legislators fighting against more than 400 anti-LGBTQ laws being considered nationwide.

The PAC will focus on Nebraska, but Sen. Cavanaugh said the hope is to grow it beyond the borders of the state. “It’s about giving people a place to direct resources if they have them with the intention of using those resources to change the conversation … that there is no place in our government for legislating hate,” Cavanaugh said.

Hunt and Fredrickson, the state’s first openly bisexual and gay state legislators, will co-chair the PAC with Cavanaugh. “Not only is it OK, but it is warranted and it is what the people need from their elected officials,” Cavanaugh said. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to have something positive to direct energy towards for the future of Nebraska and the country.”

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NEBRASKA PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DRESS CODE ADVANCES AFTER BEING AMENDED INTO SEPARATE BILL

LINCOLN- A bill that would require all Nebraska school districts to adopt a written dress code and grooming policy, LB630 introduced by Sen. Terrell McKinney, was attached on Wednesday to Sen. Linehan's LB298, a bill that would require school districts to report information on dyslexia to the Nebraska Department of Education.

Sen. Linehan's bill, which includes Sen. McKinney's now, was recently advanced to its final round of debate, meaning it's just one step away from becoming law. McKinney introduced his original bill with the intent to reduce discrimination in the state, since some existing dress codes in certain Nebraska school districts have racial or religious prohibitions. "I was glad it got pushed forward because I wasn't sure what was going to happen," he told his colleagues.

Each school in the state would be required to adopt the new policies by July 1st, 2025, and punishments for violation of the written dress codes could not include long-term suspension or expulsion. McKinney stated that his bill would protect hairstyles, natural hair, certain head coverings, and the right of Indigenous students to wear regalia statewide.

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NEBRASKA SENATOR MEGAN HUNT, LEGAL GROUP DEMAND RETRACTION FOR 'GROOMER' TWEET

LINCOLN- State Sen. Megan Hunt and the Nebraska Legal Action Fund have demanded a retraction from an organization that tweeted about the Omaha senator and her 12-year-old son, who is transgender. The conservative political action committee Nebraska Freedom Coalition referred to Hunt as a "groomer" in a tweet and posted pictures of the senator’s son prior to his transition.

The Nebraska Legal Action Fund called the tweet defamatory and issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding a retraction. The coalitions Executive Director, Patrick Peterson, did not see the letter nor could recall if he tweeted the tweet. The coalition later issued a response that seemingly mocked the letter and repeated its allegations against Hunt.

Former State Sen. Adam Morfeld, who heads the Nebraska Legal Action Fund, said attacks against Hunt and others by the Freedom Coalition have been ongoing for some time, and that the group was happy to provide her with assistance. Morfeld responded to the Freedom Coalitions tweet by saying "See you in court!".

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MORE THAN $4 MILLION IN GRANTS GENERATED BY TURNBACK TAX GO TO 18 RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- Turnback taxes paid at hotels and retailers near arenas in Omaha, Lincoln, and Ralston are not only used to help finance those facilities, they are also provided as grants for rural projects. This year, 18 rural Nebraska communities have received these grants, equalling around $4.2 million worth of planning and construction funds. 

These funds were generated by turning back 30% of state sales taxes generated by arenas and nearby retailers. However, according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted the amounts that could be disbursed in 2023. The grants, when received, are meant to develop civic, community, and recreation centers in these communities. 

The communities receiving the funds stretch across the whole state, and the amounts range from anywhere between $7,500 for a new swimming pool, to $562,000 for city square improvement. 

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FORMER ILLINOIS PRISON CHIEF NAMED TO HEAD NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

LINCOLN- Rob Jeffreys, who departed his job leading the Illinois Department of Corrections less than a week ago, was introduced as the new chief of the Nebraska prison system. Jeffreys had been in the Illinois position since 2019 and was a standout candidate according to Gov. Pillen. Gov. Pillen said he interviewed seven other finalists in a nationwide search, and is confident Jeffreys is the right fit.

In Illinois, Pillen said, Jeffreys made strides in obtaining national accreditation for the prison system, reentry programs and vocational and educational services, as well as guiding the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic. “He is a nationally recognized criminal justice expert,” Pillen said. “I hope that director Jeffreys is as excited to come to Nebraska as I am about him coming.” Jeffreys will be paid $210,000 a year, $10,000 more than he was making in Illinois.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, a key senator on criminal justice issues, said he was optimistic about the hiring of Jeffreys. “But Nebraska is different from Illinois, so we shall see how it works out,” McKinney said. Jeffreys said the top three challenges here are no different from those faced nationally by prison systems. Those include providing quality infrastructure, hiring and retaining adequate staff and preparing inmates to be productive citizens.

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BUDGET COMMITTEE HOLDS THE LINE ON UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA DOLLARS

LINCOLN- The Unversity of Nebraska system may have to spend a little less in the next two years thanks to a decision made by the Nebraska Legislatures Appropriation Committee. The committee approved a 2.5% annual increase in state funding for the next two fiscal years. This is less than the 3.0% requested by the university and more than the 2% Governor Pillen suggested.

Pillen’s office said that the governor now supports the 2.5% increase. University President Ted Carter thanked the committee for its support and the governor and other lawmakers for “positive conversations” about the budget. “The Appropriations Committee’s vote today sends a strong message about the importance of an affordable, high-quality University of Nebraska,” Carter said.

Even the original 3% requested by the university would not have covered all of its needs. President Carter said the university would look at some combination of modest tuition increases and budget cuts to close funding gaps. In the past 5 years, the university has had $75 million cut from its budget. Appropriations Committee members split 5-4 over approving the 2.5% figure, with some wanting to stay at 2%.

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CIGAR LOUNGE CO-OWNED BY STATE ECONOMIC DIRECTOR GOINS RECEIVED PANDEMIC GRANTS FROM THAT AGENCY, PROMPTING RESIGNATION

LINCOLN- During the Covid-19 pandemic, Capital Cigar Lounge, which is partially owned by Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins, received two "stabilization" grants from the agency. The two grants, which equaled a total of $24,000, came as part of the $330 million worth of similar loans that were given to Nebraska through the CARES Act.

Goins, who has a 51% stake in the cigar lounge, did not comment on the finding. However, his business partner maintained that Goins played no part in seeking the relief funds. A spokeswoman from Gov. Jim Pillen's office said that they "take these reports extremely seriously and expect the utmost integrity from all members of his cabinet."

Under state law, state agency directors are disallowed from earning profit from another business while holding office. If there is a conflict of interest, state officials are required to file the incident with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. An official from the Commission confirmed that Goins hadn't filed such a statement following the disbursement of relief funds to the lounge.

Following the breaking of this story, as well as one that alleged that Goins utilized his state email to campaign, Goins announced his resignation on Wednesday. Gov. Pillen, in a press release, thanked Goins for his "honorable service to our country as a United States Marine and wishes him and his family the best." Gov. Pillen's office went on to state that future communication to the public regarding the hiring of a new Economic Development Director will come in due time.

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NEBRASKA AWARDED A $4 MILLION GRANT TO FORTIFY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EFFORTS

LINCOLN- Nebraska has been awarded $4 million from the Administration for Children and Families, according to the State Department of Health and Human Services. Jeff Powell, a spokesperson for the DHHS, said the newly received grant will build on work the state has done over the past four years with previous "Preschool Development Birth Through Five" grants.

In total, around $35 million have been allocated towards this early development funding since 2019. Powell went on to state that funds will be used to identify ways to improve the early childcare workforce, offer parent education programs, and grow childcare infrastructure in the state. Nebraska has already been working towards these goals using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Legislative efforts have been helping this endeavor as well, and are planning to release a report, which was required by last year's LB1173, with the purpose of identifying areas of need in Nebraska's childcare infrastructure and workforce.

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ANTI-ABORTION PETITION CIRCULATING IN BELLEVUE FAILS

BELLEVUE- Assistant City Attorney for Bellevue Annie Matthews confirmed Wednesday that a recent petition submitted to the city around a month ago, which intends to ban abortions within city limits, failed to garner enough signatures for passage. To proceed to the Bellevue City Council, the petition needed signatures from at least 20% of the number of legally eligible voters in the city, or around 7,812 signatures.

"According to the signature verification performed by the Sarpy County Election Commission," Matthews announced, "it was determined that 7,372 signatures were submitted. Of the 7,372 signatures received, 4,600 of them were determined to be signatures of qualified electors." Based on the Election Commission's findings, 2,772 of the signatures were determined to be from unqualified individuals.

Mark Lee Dickson, the Texas man spearheading the initiative in Bellevue, said he's leading a campaign to stake out 'Sanctuary Cities' around the country. The petition was initiated in Bellevue last August, just a week after former Gov. Ricketts announced that there wasn't enough support to call for a special legislative session to ban abortion.

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STUDENTS, GUN CONTROL PROPONENTS PROTEST FOR ACTION ON GUN SAFETY AT NEBRASKA CAPITOL

LINCOLN- Dozens of Nebraska students and activists turned up at the State Capitol on Thursday to press lawmakers for action on gun safety measures. The rally came just one day after students from over 300 schools around the country walked out of classrooms to protest gun legislation. The walk-out was prompted by the recent school shooting in Nashville.

Sen. Brewer's LB77, which allows for the permitless carry of handguns, recently passed through two rounds of debate, and only needs to go through one more before landing on the desk of Gov. Jim Pillen for a signature. State Sen. Jane Raybould, an opponent of this measure, has brought up the Nashville shooting several times on the floor of the Legislature to argue that the bill is dangerous. 

Raybould stated that significant change in gun laws will come from young people, saying that they are "changing the future." Several students spoke during the rally, including two fifth graders from Omaha. "We can be louder than a gunshot," one of the fifth grade attendees told the crowd.

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GEIST RESIGNS FROM LEGISLATURE, CAROYLN BOSN APPOINTED

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, Sen. Suzanne Geist announced that she would be resigning from the Legislature to focus on her mayoral bid following Lincoln's Monday Primary Election. "I'm going all in on this race, spending full time running for mayor of Lincoln," she said in a video message sent to her supporters, asking them to volunteer or donate to her campaign.

Her resignation takes effect at 11:59pm on Thursday, and Gov. Pillen was quick to announce that he would select her replacement Thursday afternoon. In the past, gubernatorial appointments have taken up to six weeks, but because there are only 31 days left in the Nebraska Legislature's 108th session, and many important bills have yet to have their fates decided, Gov. Pillen expedited the process to ensure that the GOP wing of the Nebraska Legislature has the votes it needs. 

During a press conference at 1:30pm on Thursday, Gov. Pillen announced Geist's replacement. Carolyn Bosn, a Columbus native, will now serve Legislative District 25. "I recognize I have big shoes to fill," said Bosn after thanking Geist for her service and wishing her well in the upcoming Lincoln mayoral election. Bosn indicated that she will follow her predecessor and focus on supporting law enforcement, making Nebraska a safer state, and reducing taxes and government spending.

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NEBRASKA'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR SAYS SHE'S BEEN BULLIED BY STATE BOARD MEMBER FOR MONTHS

LINCOLN- Renee Jones, a Lincoln High School teacher and Nebraska's 2023 Teacher of the Year, stated on Monday that she's been consistently bullied on social media by Kirk Penner, a member of the State Board of Education. According to Jones, the bullying has been going on since October of last year. Jones believes she's been targeted by Penner for her support of issues like drag queens, which was recently debated in the Nebraska Legislature. 

"Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that it is okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you," said Jones in a Twitter post. After winning Teacher of the Year last October, Jones was allegedly targeted by Penner for taking part in a draw queen story hour in March. During that event, Jones made a Facebook post, saying, "You better believe I'll be buying a few new inclusive children's books."

A screenshot of the post was circulated online by several conservative social media users, including Penner, who said he believed that Jones would be bringing those "inclusive" books into her classroom. After receiving criticism, Penner attempted to defend his action, saying, "Where does it say she was buying them for her children? I don't know what to tell you if you read the Facebook quote and think that it says 'I am buying for my own children.' That is now how that reads." 

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NEBRASKA AG LAND VALUES GREW 14% LAST YEAR, UNL SURVEY FINDS

LINCOLN- According to a recent study from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Ag land values rose to record levels in the past year as high commodity and livestock prices and initially low interest rates drove buyers to the real estate market. From Feb. 1, 2022, to Feb. 1, 2023, the average price per acre for ag land rose to $3,835 per acre, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. 

When not adjusted for inflation, this year’s figure is the highest statewide land value in the 45-year history of the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. The findings could serve as fodder for state lawmakers looking to provide property tax relief and reduce the tax burden on ag land owners. Percentage increases on ag land valuation ranged between 13% and 17% depending on the region.

The most valuable ag land is located in the eastern third of the state with percentage increases ranging from 15% to 17%. East central Nebraska — an area that includes Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster and other area counties — has the most valuable farmland at $9,320 per acre — a 15% increase over the year prior. But growth was the highest in southeast Nebraska with the average price per acre now valued at $7,090 — a 17% increase. 

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NEBRASKA HEALTH SYSTEMS TO SOON MAKE MASKS OPTIONAL

LINCOLN- Beginning on April 3rd, several of the state's largest hospital systems will allow masks to be optional within most areas of their hospitals and clinics. The announcement came from Boys Town National Research Hospital, Bryan Health, CHI Health, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine. CHI had already lifted mask restrictions on March 20th. 

The hospitals stressed that the virus is still circulating and that they are still treating patients on a daily basis. But they noted that health care providers know more about the illness and that vaccines are available that are “extremely safe and effective in preventing serious disease and death.” Oral medications also are available to help prevent the disease from progressing. 

“We are better suited to treat patients with COVID-19 and they are consuming less intensive care resources,” they wrote. “We are also experiencing less employee absenteeism due to COVID-19 infection.” Staff at the hospitals will still mask if it is requested by the patient. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expected to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 on May 11. 

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DESPITE STOTHERT'S PLEDGE, CITY OF OMAHA'S BOARDS SEE LITTLE CHANGE IN DIVERSITY

OMAHA- In 2020, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert pledged to expand diverse representation on city boards and commissions. Nearly three years later, however, it appears little change has been made in the racial and ethnic makeup of Stothert’s appointees to the city’s more than 40 boards and commissions. In fact, the Mayor’s Office isn’t even keeping track of appointee demographics. 

“If you ask me right now, the diversity, the percentages of all the boards and commissions, I will honestly tell you, I don’t know, because I don’t pick them according to the color of their skin,” said Stothert. The situation has led to clashes between top city officials and city councilwoman Juanita Johnson who has been seeking information on the diversity of the city’s various boards and commissions, and is unhappy that she isn’t getting answers. 

Of the 179 appointees that Stothert made over nearly three years before her 2020 pledge, 151 had demographic information. White appointees accounted for 79% of the 151, Black appointees accounted for 15% and Hispanics had 5%. About 70% of appointees were men. Data still needs to be conducted for recent years, but the Mayor and city officials have not signaled any change in the makeup of these roles.

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NEBRASKA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE JUNE

LINCOLN- According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, last month's unemployment rate was 2.3%, the lowest rate seen in the state since June. Despite this new low, March's unemployment rate is still up from February's 2%. Nebraska's unemployment rate in February was the third-lowest in the country, trailing only North and South Dakota. 

However, the number of people employed in Nebraska is virtually the same as it was a year ago, up only 72, while the number of unemployed individuals grew by more than 3,500. The Department of Labor reported nearly 22,700 more jobs in February than there were a year ago. 

Economists have stated that an increased number of unemployed people without a corresponding drop in employed people is an indicator of people who hadn't been seeking work returning to the labor force rather than people losing jobs. Last month, there were around 2,600 more people employed compared to February of last year, as well as about 60 fewer unemployed people. 

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'KIDS CAN' MAKES $11 MILLION MOVE, BUT CONCERN LOOMS FOR BROADER STATEWIDE CHILD CARE NEEDS

OMAHA- On Monday, The Kids Can Community Center, a childcare operation with a very storied past, opened its new $11 million headquarters on a four-acre campus where Ashland Park School used to stand. However, despite the expected success of this new institution, many Nebraska families are still unable to find reliable, affordable child care in Nebraska. 

"Families across Nebraska are at a crisis point in finding quality, affordable child care, and that is hurting everyone," said Kathleen Lodl, associate dean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who recently held a survey that indicated that child care is one of the biggest concern for Nebraska families. According to Lodl and her team, 11 of Nebraska's 93 counties don't have a licensed childcare facility.

Robert Patterson, the CEO of Kids Can, said he was extremely thankful to receive the philanthropic stimulus that allowed him to build the new headquarters. Patterson recently spoke in support of LB35, which would hold, for another three years, the eligibility level for a state childcare subsidy. "These kids deserve more. It's an investment in our future," said Patterson. 

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