CASA NEBRASKA VOLUNTEERS ADVOCATE FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHLDREN

LINCOLN- In 2022 alone, over 2,000 abused or neglected children in Nebraska had a court appointed special advocate, or CASA, who helped them navigate through the court process. A 'CASA' is a screened and trained volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for a foster child who has been removed from their home following an instance of abuse or neglect.

CASAs thoroughly research the child's case and conducts interviews with the child, their providers, and their teachers, and share relevant facts with judges to help the court make more informed decisions regarding the child's future. "Our goal is to make sure that every child is going back to their home safely," said Corrie Kietly, a representative of the Nebraska CASA Association, "If that's not possible, then we find another safe and loving home for the child."

Currently, Nebraska CASA has around 960 volunteer advocates, with around 1,000 children in Nebraska's foster care system that still need a CASA. "Kids who are in foster care and who have CASA volunteers have better outcomes, do better in school, and get better services for the family," said Kietly, "That's just because there's another person involved in helping move that case along."

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS NARROWLY ADVANCE TRANS HEALTH CARE BILL AFTER INTERNAL CHAOS

LINCOLN- On Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature voted 33-16 to advance Sen. Kauth's LB574, a bill that would bar transgender youth under the age of 19 from receiving gender-affirming care. The controversial bill sparked hours of debate, and Sen. Kauth offered her colleagues an "olive branch" amendment, but told the body to vote 'no' on it. All 32 Republican senators voted to invoke cloture and advance the bill, as well as Democratic Senator Mike McDonnell. 

Prior to the bill's passage, Sen. Hunt withdrew several motions, and appealed to Sen. Kauth, saying, "Let's see the olive branch." Sen. Kauth responded by telling Hunt "We have our votes," prompting Speaker John Arch to put the Legislature on pause for forty-five minutes to allow for compromise and off-the-mic discussion. "I do appreciate your patience with this," Arch told the body, "This is a complex situation. And as they say it, it impacts not only the public but also proceedings of the Legislature."

Despite the bill's advancement, Sens. George Dungan and John Cavanaugh, two attorneys, questioned the constitutionality of the bill, stating that it might infringe upon the fourth amendment since it could be considered "discrimination in [a] federal court." Sen. Dungan also appealed to his Republic colleagues to consider a future amendment, and to move forward in a way that would significantly minimize harm. "I do not think that you are malicious," he said, "I think you are trying to help. Please listen: don't be sympathetic or pity people. Be empathetic and understand where people are coming from."

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'OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP' BILL ADVANCES TO PROVIDE TAX CREDITS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

LINCOLN- On Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature voted to advance Sen. Linehan's LB753, which would adopt the Opportunity Scholarships Act and allow state dollars to go towards private or parochial schools. The bill, which some call "school choice" legislation, estimates in its fiscal note that around 5,000 Nebraska students could switch to private school if it's passed. The bill, in its first year, would allow for $25 million a year in tax credits, but that number could eventually rise to $100 million later on. 

If that happens, the state would be spending more on the Opportunity Scholarship Program than it does on the State Patrol, which costs around $80 million a year. Advocates of the bill stated that it would allow many more Nebraska students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, the opportunity to attend a private school if they should so choose. "This bill allows children to find the best school that fits their needs, even if they can't afford tuition," said Sen. Linehan, who has worked for seven years to pass such legislation. 

Despite the bill's passage, Sens. George Dungan and John Cavanaugh questioned the constitutionality of the proposal, since the Nebraska State Constitution prohibits public funding from being provided to religious institutions, which many private schools are. However, Sen. Linehan argued that the bill is not an appropriation of funds to private institutions, but rather a tax credit system. "It's not an appropriation if we never collect the money," she told her colleagues. 

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GOVERNORS OF NEBRASKA, IOWA AND MISSOURI THROW COLLECTIVE SUPPORT BEHIND REGIONAL 'HYDROGEN HUB' BID

LINCOLN- Gov. Pillen and our neighboring states are growing more excited that the region will be named a 'hydrogen hub' that brings more than $1 billion in federal funds for clean energy projects. Gov. Jim Pillen issued a statement and included comments from the top state officials in Iowa and Missouri, who have joined with him in an agreement laying a framework for the three-state hub.

“This partnership will help grow Nebraska and the Midwest’s economy by opening the pathway for billions of dollars of new investment into our community and hundreds of new, good-paying jobs,” Pillen said. “This hydrogen hub once again shows Nebraska’s commitment to renewable energy and our leadership in improving our country’s energy security.” The trio of governors submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy, which is to disburse a total of about $8 million for up to 10 regional hydrogen hubs.

Pillen and his Iowa and Missouri counterparts said in the agreement that the states are uniquely qualified and situated centrally to serve as a regional hub, given the presence of wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, agricultural and other energy resources. They cited world-leading laboratories and academic institutions, and oil and early-stage public and private hydrogen economy development initiatives.

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APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE VOTES TO RECOMMEND FINAL FUNDING FOR $366 MILLION NEW PRISON

LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska is one step closer to embarking on perhaps its most expensive construction project in history.

On an 8-0 vote, with one member absent, the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to recommend a final transfer of $95.8 million to complete the funding of a new, 1,500-bed prison in eastern Nebraska.

That final funding would bring the total cost of the facility to nearly $366 million, which would likely set a record for construction of a single state project. Initial cost estimates of $270 million for the new prison have risen steadily because of inflation, and the $365.7 million total includes $14.9 million already spent on design and engineering work.

Two key senators on corrections issues indicated Thursday that they will oppose spending for a new prison unless funds are devoted to increasing job opportunities and improving rehabilitation of inmates.

“I hope we find money in the budget for re-entry programs and economic development that prevents people from going to prison,” said State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who chairs the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, the committee that deals with prison issues.

Fellow Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, also a member of the Judiciary Committee, also indicated that he was opposed to the new construction.

The spending must be approved by the full Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Pillen, who had requested the final funding for the much-delayed prison in his proposed budget.

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BLOCKED LEGISLATION LEAVES BELLEVUE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT POSSIBLE RACETRACK CASINO

BELLEVUE- John Hassett might own Bellevue Keno, but his true love has always been horse racing.

Hassett has been trying to bring a new racetrack and casino to Bellevue for a couple of years, only to bump up against opposition from the Nebraska Legislature and existing track owners. But his dream of a racino — a racetrack combined with a casino — got a boost last month when opponents of a bill that could have delayed the building of any new casinos in the state were able to block it from advancing.

Under current law, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is required to conduct a statewide market study on horse racing and casino gaming, as well as studies in each county that already have race tracks and casinos, before any new casino licenses can be granted.

Legislative Bill 311 would have delayed the deadline for the market study to be completed from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2029. Another bill, LB 148, which would have pushed the deadline to Jan. 1, 2030, also failed to advance.

“I think it was really good for the new applicants that neither one of those two bills advanced....I really think either one of ‘em would’ve been very detrimental to any applicant just to try to keep your project together for four or five years. You know, you got land in mind, you have casino partners, you have people interested. Well, it’s hard to keep interest and keep the whole thing together for four or five years, I would think.” said Hassett.

In addition to Bellevue, the cities of North Platte, Ogallala, Gering, and Kimball have all expressed interest in building racinos.

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NEBRASKA, TWO PARTNER STATES BID TO BE 'HYDROGEN HUB' THAT COULD BRING $1 BILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker is seeking to muscle up the state’s bid to become a “hydrogen hub” — a designation that could bring more than $1 billion in federal dollars to the area to help produce, store and use clean energy.

Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard said that Nebraska, in partnership with Iowa and Missouri, was among 33 of 79 applicants encouraged by the federal government to move to the next stage of the selection process. He is now asking lawmakers, via Legislative Bill 565, to allocate $500,000 for engineering and other work necessary to help manage the hub and lay the foundation for even more federal funding.

Six to 10 regional hubs are to be named, perhaps by year’s end, said an official involved in the process.

LB 565 is an extension of sorts to legislation last year that created the state’s “hydrogen hub working group,” a team charged with applying for the designation. About $8 billion has been set aside, from the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act, for the so-called H2Hubs program. It is aimed at linking producers with industrial users to expand the use of hydrogen to generate power or fuel planes, trains and tractors.

The local working group includes representatives of companies including Monolith Materials, Werner Trucking, Union Pacific, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Tallgrass Energy and the Nebraska Public Power District.

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TAX CREDITS FOR RENTERS NIXED AS NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS ADVANCE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

LINCOLN- Last Friday, Nebraska lawmakers rejected an amendment made to LB243 that would have given tax credits to renters as part of a major property tax relief package. LB243, introduced by Sen. Tom Briese, combines several measures that would provide property owners with more than $3 billion worth of property tax relief over the next six years.

The amendment was introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt, and sought to offer renters in Nebraska a chunk of that staggering property tax relief. Briese argued in debate on Friday that the property tax package addresses the biggest concern for most Nebraska taxpayers, and that it would help balance the state's tax system.

LB243 went on to pass on a 41-1 vote. The Revenue Committee was working on the bill to ensure both rural and urban senators get equal relief. Rural senators want more money spent on property tax relief. Urban senators are pushing for more income tax cuts and credits. “Many, many hours have been dedicated to Gov. Pillen’s package,” said Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, before adding “Any changes would be problematic.”

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS ADVANCE BILL CREATING NEW STATE BROADBAND OFFICE

LINCOLN- Following several days of contentious debate, the Nebraska Legislature on Friday voted to advance LB683, a bill introduced by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee at the behest of Gov. Jim Pillen that would establish a new state office dedicated to expanding broadband services across Nebraska. The bill advanced through its first round of debate on a 43-2 vote.

The Broadband Office was created in January following an executive order from Gov. Jim Pillen, and doesn't technically need the bill to pass to begin functioning. However, the bill aims to clarify the responsibilities of the new office, especially when it comes to the large influx of federal dollars expected to arrive in Nebraska.

Sen. Suzanne Geist, the chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, said during debate that between $100 million and $400 million in federal dollars is expected to come to the state through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The new office would be housed under the Nebraska Department of Transportation, with Pillen in an oversight role.

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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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