PILLEN TOUTS COLLABORATION, IMPORTANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT FREMONT BELTWAY PRODUCTION

FREMONT- On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen visited Fremont to celebrate the collaboration between local officials, businesses, and citizens that helped lead to the construction of the U.S. Highway 77 Fremont Southeast Beltway project. The new freeway segment, located south of the city of Fremont, connects U.S. Highway 77 to U.S. Highway 275, which stretches east of the city. According to city officials, the project has already significantly reduced semitrailer truck traffic around downtown Fremont.

Having just come back from his first international trade mission, Pillen compared Nebraska to the southeast Asian country of Vietnam, saying that the nation lacks similar highway projects needed to expand its economy. "One thing Vietnam doesn't have is infrastructure," said Pillen at the event, "Infrastructure is a really, really big deal. This project is so critical to Fremont, so critical to the growing of Costco, so critical to the growing of Wholestone."

Pillen described the collaboration utilized to complete the project as an "everybody-in" level of cooperation between local and state governments. "Everybody was all on the same team to make sure we go this project finished," he said, "It is really going to be an extraordinary hub." The $62 million project began in 2020, and was only recently completed in May. The Beltway consists of a 3.2-mile long segment of four-lane highway, and was designed to divert traffic away from the city center of Fremont.

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NEBRASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL PUSHES AGAINST EXPANSION OF FEDERAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PRIVACY

LINCOLN- Last month, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined nearly 20 other Attorneys General in signing a letter opposing a federal rule change related to reproductive health privacy. The proposed change would expand HIPAA's Privacy Rule to prohibit the use and disclosure of protected health information, including reproductive health, "for a criminal, civil, or administrative investigation or proceedings" against those who lawfully provided care, but may have done so to a patient crossing state lines.

The letter, which was written by Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch, urges the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, to drop the proposed HIPAA modification, claiming that President Biden pushed a "false narrative" that states are treating pregnant women as "criminals" or punishing medical personnel for providing care. "Based on this lie, the Administration has sought to wrest control over abortion back from the people in defiance of the Consitution and Dobbs," the letter reads.

AG Mike Hilgers gave a statement on Tuesday regarding the letter, saying that it will help protect the status quo and the balance of power between federal and state governments. "Nothing in the proposed rule justifies upending settled law and creating a carve-out for abortion," said Hilgers in the statement. Scout Richters, senior legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, argued that there is a "simple and chilling motivation behind this letter: keeping the door open for criminalizing people who seek abortions or gender-related care beyond state lines."

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PETITION DRIVE KICKS OFF TO PUT PAID SICK LEAVE ON NEBRASKA BALLOT

LINCOLN- Local advocates and workers announced Tuesday that paperwork had been filed to begin collecting signatures to place a required paid sick leave initiative on the 2024 general election ballot. As of right now, an estimated 250,000 Nebraskans working full-time jobs lack paid sick days. Jo Giles, executive director of the Women's Fund of Omaha and a member of the new group 'Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans,' believes this number is far too high.

"No Nebraskans should have to choose between their paycheck and their health or the health of their family," Giles told a crowd during the announcement of the petition drive, "But thousands of Nebraskans don't get any paid sick days." Jennifer Creager, senior vice president of public policy at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said her organization has been expecting such an initiative for quite a while, but that they need more time to review the plan before taking a stance.

"The bigger pushback," said Creager, "is from some of our smaller members. Some are just concerned about covering the work that needs to be done..." The ballot initiative, if passed, would require businesses to offer one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked by temporary, part-time, or full-time employees. Smaller businesses, those with fewer than 20 employees, would have to provide at least five paid sick days per year for every full-time employee. Sen. Tony Vargas, who is now in the running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional Seat, lauded the initiative. "This is about giving an option so that people can earn this time, and they're working," he said, "It's good for the economy." Roughly 90,000 valid signatures will need to be collected by July 2024.

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HISTORY NEBRASKA AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT STORIES OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES WITH NEW HISTORICAL MARKERS

LINCOLN- A new program introduced by History Nebraska seeks to highlight untold stories and call attention to marginalized communities and individuals across the state using new plaques. The first of these, a plaque recognizing and telling the story of Louis Crompton, a pioneer in gay and gender studies and the first openly gay professor in Nebraska, is already being displayed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Crompton's marker is one of 40 set to be displayed around the state, which will be erected by the Historical Marker Equity Program. According to Program Director Autumn Langemeier, the history and stories of underrepresented communities in Nebraska are being overshadowed because of a lack of resources. "Communities are expected to fundraise and provide this money themselves," said Langemeier, "which means many times the people that can afford to get these markers for their communities live in much more affluent communities."

Funding for the new plaques came from the Nebraska Legislature's budget, and History Nebraska is also planning on updating ten current plaques. "We've developed a better understanding of the events that happened that are represented, or in some cases, we've there was hearsay or local lore represented as fact," said Langemeier of those ten plaques. A few of the new plaques are will share the stories of contributions made to the state by Japanse and Latino American historical figures.

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NEBRASKA COVID CASES HIT A VALLEY, AND STAYED THERE

LINCOLN- By almost all available measures, Nebraska's Covid-19 infection rates are as low as local health officials have ever seen them, and have seemingly come to a lull as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from the virus have decreased significantly over the past few months. "I'm really happy with that, said Dr. Matthew Donahue, Nebraska's state epidemiologist, "Before, we've hit peaks and valleys and then we go back up. We've hit a valley and we've stayed in that valley for quite some time..."

On the national level, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported a small increase in overall emergency visits and test positivity that has been, of late, steadily declining. According to Donahue, Nebraska's lower cases are likely due to immunity conferred by vaccines and past infections. Despite more Nebraskans spending time outdoors, overall disease transmission is far lower compared to past summers.

The southern United States, however, has seen significant summer increases as more people gather indoors to escape the heat. Indeed, Donahue believes Nebraska, as well as the nation at large, is not in the clear just yet. By mid-June, around 550 deaths a week from Covid-19 were still being reported nationally. As new Covid-19 variants continue to emerge, Donahue said he's not seeing any on the horizon that are raising big alarms.

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OPS PARAPROFESSIONALS, OPERATIONS STAFF RECEIVE 2.27% RAISE IN NEW CONTRACT

OMAHA- During Monday night's Omaha Public School Board meeting, it was announced that a new employment contract had been released for school operations staff and paraprofessionals, who will now be receiving a 2.27% pay raise in 2023, a 2.22% raise in 2024, and a further 2.25% raise in 2025. General pay for new employees will also increase to the range of $18.48 to $20.16 per hour next year, and then $18.90 to $20.61 the next.

The significant bumps expected in the second and third years come from the incorporation of the $4,500 retention stipends, which were introduced last year in an attempt to beat the nationwide teacher shortage, into salary schedules. Staffing data for the School District's paraprofessionals is still being created, but with more than 200 paraprofessional positions for the upcoming 2023-24 school year still open, the pay raise will act as an attractive incentive to work for OPS.

Addressing the nationwide paraprofessional shortage, according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professor Guy Trainin, is of the utmost importance. "Most school systems are now operating with a fraction of substitute teachers and paraeducators that they need to move forward," said Trainin. Operations staff, including custodians, truck drivers, mechanics, and technicians, will also receive the same increased compensation as paraprofessionals.

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OPENING OF THIRD CASINO IN NEBRASKA PUSHED GAMING RECEIPTS UP SLIGHTLY IN JUNE

LINCOLN- Last month, receipts from gaming taxes, following the opening of Nebraska's third casino in Columbus, rose just over 5%. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission reported that around $1.35 million in taxes were collected in June, up from $1.29 million collected in May.

However, taxes collected at WarHorse Lincoln and the Grand Island Casino Resort fell 8% and 9.8% respectively from the prior month. Overall, Harrah's Casino in Columbus reported around $179,000 in gaming taxes during its first two weeks of operation in early June. WarHorse generated a heftier amount, bringing in around $764,000, down from $840,951 in May despite the introduction of sports betting.

The Grand Island casino saw a decline from May to June of about $45,000, generating around $414,337 in June. Despite drops in revenue for two of Nebraska's three casinos, Tom Sage, executive director of the Racing and Gaming Commission, said the taxes generated in June remain steady. "We think the numbers have been extremely steady," he said, "There was a small dip, but for the most part we are very consistent year-to-date."

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SEN. PETE RICKETTS ENCOURAGING OTHER STATES TO COPY NEBRASKA SNAP CHANGES

OMAHA- During two roundtables on Monday, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts highlighted the value of Nebraska's SNAP Next Step Program, which seeks to offer job training to those receiving the benefits. Since its passage in 2016, over 906 Nebraskans have enrolled in the program, allowing hundreds of Nebraskans receiving SNAP to work towards higher education and job training. Now, Ricketts said he plans to introduce a similar plan on the federal level, and told a crowd of around 20 Nebraskans at Heartland Workforce Solutions in Omaha that he would encourage other states to adopt the program.

"We don't want anybody to be a net loser on this," said Ricketts, "We want people to be able to improve their income." According to Shannon Grotrian, interim deputy director of the Division of Children and Family Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, helping people overcome the fear of losing benefits before they are financially ready is vital, and both Ricketts' proposed plan, as well as Nebraska's current plan, seek to do just that. "One of the fears people have is what happens if I take that job," said Grotrian, "This program and its casework help people be confident."

Ricketts illustrated to the crowd just how effective Nebraska's program is, telling them that around 60% of SNAP Next Step participants now earn enough to no longer need SNAP benefits. Statistics from the DHHS show that program participants, upon joining the program, make an average of $265.49 a month, and eventually $2,421.75 a month after securing a job with the program's help. Ricketts' federal SNAP Program is set to be introduced this week, and will act as the former Governor's first standalone legislative proposal.

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GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE LAW PROMPTS CALIFORNIA TO RESTRICT STATE-FUNDED TRAVEL TO NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- On Friday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that California will no longer offer state-funded travel to Nebraska this year, adding the Cornhusker State to a list of around 26 other states. Once LB574, a law that will ban gender-affirming care for Nebraska youth, takes effect, which will be around October 1st, Nebraska will be officially added to the list, said Bonta. California's Attorney General claimed such a move was required under the state's AB1887, a law passed in 2016 that states that "California must take action to avoid supporting or financing discrimination" against LGBTQ people.

"These laws pose significant risks for deepening the stigmatization and alienation of LGBTQ+ youth who are already subject to pervasive discrimination, bullying, and hate crimes," said Bonta in a statement detailing the new travel ban. Under California law, states that strike down or repeal such laws can be removed from the list. Currently, LB574 is being actively challenged in court by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which may lead to it being struck down. Gov. Jim Pillen's Office chose not to comment on the new travel ban.

The California law includes all state employees, which could lead to complications as the University of California, Los Angeles enters the Big Ten Conference next year. UCLA faculty, staff, and students would not be allowed to use state funding to travel to Nebraska. However, an interim report from the University of California Board of Regents indicated that most of UCLA's athletics are self-funded.

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FORMER MAYOR OF DAVID CITY, ALAN ZAVODNY, PLANS RUN FOR DISTRICT 23 LEGISLATIVE SEAT

DAVID CITY- Alan Zavodny, the former mayor of David City, announced his intentions to enter the race for the Legislative District 23 seat, which will be vacant this year as Sen. Bruce Bostelman faces term limits. District 23 encompasses Saunders and Colfax Counties, as well as a portion of Bulter County. Zavodny is a lifelong farmer and serves currently as the CEO of a service provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With over a year until the next election, the registered Republican has already received an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer. Zavodny served previously as mayor of David City for 12 years, during which he renovated the entirety of downtown David City, rebuilt the drainage system, and improved infrastructure. Zavodny said that, by the end of his tenure, he had built an impressive track record of controversial decisions, including when he chose to institute a mask mandate for David City in 2020, which he said protected the most vulnerable of people in the community of 2,900.

"I've learned a lot of lessons from a lifetime of working on a farm and as mayor of David City," said Zavodny, "not the least of which is that--with some of the most burdensome property taxes in the nations--our tax policies are killing our family farms, ranches, and small businesses." Zavodny indicated that, if elected, he would work to protect local agricultural practices from burdensome regulations, lower taxes for Nebraska families, and help rural communities attract more workers. Sen. Deb Fischer, after giving her endorsement to Zavodny, said the former mayor "will stand for our shared conservative Nebraska values."

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SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT, BOARD MEMBER PUSH BACK AGAINST LAWMAKER CRITICISM

LINCOLN- The president of Southeast Community College and a member of its elected board are pushing back against criticism from 23 state senators, who argue that the college's proposed tax rate increase rungs counter to the Legislature's goal of reducing taxes all across Nebraska. The proposed change would raise SCC's tax levy from 9.37 cents per $100 valuation to 11.25 cents, the maximum amount allowed by state statute. Lawmakers argued that such a change would raise local taxes to support SCC by up to 40%.

SCC President Paul Illich and Arlyn Uhrmacher, the vice chair of the college's board, argued that the change would not result in a tax increase, since all property taxes paid to the community college are 100% refundable via a state income tax credit. Despite this, the coalition of lawmakers, in a letter to the college, argued that not all taxpayers take advantage of the credit. Illich and Uhrmacher went on to say that the change would be necessary to sustain the college into the future.

Illich also added that, because of a new law passed this year that shifts community colleges off of property tax payrolls, the college had to increase its "baseline" to avoid a steep tuition increase and a shortage of funds for staff salaries. Uhrbacher also argued that the SCC Board is adhering to the new law passed this year in the Legislature, which gave community colleges the power to raise their tax levies to the highest allowed rate. "We aren't doing anything that was not written into that bill," he said.

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CENTRAL NEBRASKA, DAWSON DISTRICTS POSTPONE MERGER MEETINGS, WILL CONTINUE TALKS WITH OPPONENTS OF MERGER

GOTHENBURG- The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District announced that it had postponed a special meeting that was set to take place on Monday in the hopes of sparking talks with opponents of its controversial merger with the Dawson Public Power District, which was meant to streamline operations at the new Gothenburg fertilizer plant. Central spokesman Alexn Linden said in a press release that the utility organization wanted to continue its talks with local irrigators, who argue that the merger will take water away from farmers who utilize man-made irrigation systems.

Local irrigators opposed to the merger, which would form the "Platte River Public Power and Irrigation District," also fear they will lose representation should the plans go through. The proposed merger has spawned the formation of a grassroots opposition group, titled Citizens Opposed to the Merger, as well as lawsuits and objections. Central and Dawson, meanwhile, argue that combining their organizations will save $12 million in electrical costs over seven years and would marry a district that generates hydropower (Central) with another that sells such power (Dawson) to retail customers, streamlining the process.

Water users and irrigators recently met with Sens. Steve Halloran and Dave Murman to discuss their objections to the merger. Gary Robinson, a spokesman for Citizens Opposed to the Merger, believed it was a good meeting, but didn't indicate when his organization would meet with the Central and Dawson Public Power Districts. Resolutions proposed by the Holdrege Chamber of Commerce and the Kearney and Phelps County Boards that prohibit the merger have all been passed, with the Chamber arguing that the merge would hurt the regional economy.

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NEBRASKA DEMOCRATS PASS ON CENSURE OF SEN. MIKE MCDONNELL, SEEK NEW ACTION AFTER FAILING TO REACH QUORUM

LINCOLN- Members of the Nebraska Democratic Party announced that they would forgo a censure resolution of Sen. Mike McDonnell, which was aimed at punishing the Omaha-based lawmaker for voting to support a gender-affirming care ban and further abortion prohibitions, after failing to reach quorum at a Saturday meeting. The censure resolution was sponsored and proposed by Mike Marcheck, chair of the Stonewall Democrats of Nebraska, an LGBTQ+ caucus, and sought to prohibit the state party from directing resources "immediately and indefinitely" to McDonnell.

In a joint statement, state party officials, Stonewall Democrats, Secular Democrats, and Nebraska Young Democrats argued that McDonnell's vote on LB574 went against the "very core of our values as Democrats." In a letter received Saturday by the state Democratic Party, McDonnell wrote that he is a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church, and therefore voted in a way that affirmed his religious beliefs. "The proposed censure and admonishment of me by the Nebraska Democratic Party, because I am pro-life, is not going to change my informed conscience and religious beliefs!" wrote McDonnell.

Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, defended McDonnell's decision, arguing that the senator had shown a "clear, consistent, and serious commitment" to his faith in voting to advance LB574. Rachele Walter, vice chair of the Secular Democrats, responded to Venzor's assertions, saying that McDonnell failed to take into account the wishes of his constituents, who are of varying faiths and beliefs. Following the failure to attain a quorum, the Nebraska Democratic Party announced that it would consider different routes to punish Sen. McDonnell.

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DEMOCRAT PAUL THEOBALD DECIDES NOT TO CHALLENGE SEN. PETE RICKETTS, REPUBLICAN HERBSTER STILL MULLING HIS OPTIONS

LINCOLN- Paul Theobald, a Nebraska Democrat and former dean of Education at Wayne State College who considered a 2024 bid for the Senate seat held by former-Gov. Pete Ricketts, announced on Friday that he had decided not to run, despite filing paperwork in June that signaled his intent to build his campaign. Asked why, Theobald said, "It's nothing in particular...just kind of a confluence of forces. It just felt like it's too big of a job."

Thus far, Ricketts faces only one challenger for the seat, Republican John Glen Weaver, who lost a primary election challenge last year against Rep. Mike Flood for the 1st Congressional District Seat. Despite dropping out, Theobald wished Nebraska Democrats luck in finding a solid candidate, adding that he believes Ricketts is vulnerable. "Obviously, we're talking about a guy who tried to buy his own Legislature," said Theobald, "so I don't think he should be able to buy his own Senate seat."

Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster said he is still considering whether or not to challenge Ricketts for the seat, saying that Ricketts was the reason for his loss to Gov. Jim Pillen last year. A Herbster staffer confirmed that the former gubernatorial candidate is still mulling his options, and is particularly focused on helping former President Donald Trump's 2024 bid. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said her party is still looking for solid candidates to challenge Sens. Ricketts and Fischer.

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FUNDRAISING RAMPS UP FOR NEBRASKA'S 2024 U.S. SENATE, HOUSE RACES

OMAHA- Despite the fact that we are over one year away from the next general election, all five of Nebraska's congressional incumbents and at least one challenger are already raising substantial amounts of funding. Thus far, around $2.5 million has been raised amongst the five candidates in the second quarter of 2023 alone. The funding raised this year and next year could matter greatly as Nebraska heads into its next general election, especially since it is not only a presidential election year, but also an unusual, dual Senate seat election.

This quarter, Rep. Don Bacon led the five candidates in fundraising, garnering nearly $717,000. This is unsurprising, as Nebraska's 2nd Congressional seat is thought to be the state's most competitive. Bacon is expected to face Sen. Tony Vargas, who, last year, lost to Bacon by a mere 4 percentage points. Like most of Nebraska's congressional incumbents, a large portion of Bacon's funding came from nationwide political action committees, while around $287,000 came from individual citizens.

Sen. Deb Fischer reported an unusual haul at the end of the second quarter, having raised around $612,000 with no opponent announced thus far. A large portion of Fischer's contributions came from the American Israeli Political Action Committee. Sen. Ricketts didn't lag far behind either, raising around $317,000 from individuals and $487,000 from political action committees. Rep. Mike Flood seems to have rebounded after two costly elections last year, having raised around $309,000 from April 1st to June 30th.

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NEBRASKA STATE TAX RECEIPTS HIT THE MARK PROJECTED BY FORECASTING BOARD

LINCOLN- On Friday, it was announced that, despite worries, Nebraska's tax revenues, following a light revenue month, have slightly surpassed the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board's projections, adding nearly $3 million to the state's rainy day fund. General fund receipts for the 2022-23 fiscal year came out to a whopping $6.37 billion, which sits just within 0.05% of the projections released earlier this year.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chair of the Legislature's Revenue Committee, said getting a projection that close is "like getting a 37 on the ACT." Regarding the forecasters, Linehan continued, "To be that close is amazing. They had to kind of swim against the waves because they were kind of told and guided in a different direction." The final tally of receipts was a rebound from recent economic trends in the state that moved downwards toward the end of the 2023 legislative session. The positive change was seemingly caused by receipts collected in June, which jumped 9% from the previous month.

Gov. Jim Pillen also celebrated the news, saying that the state would "continue to work with state agencies to constrain spending" in order to make room for the tax relief passed this year in the Legislature. However, reactions to the news weren't all cheery. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, acknowledged that Nebraska's excellent tax revenues will provide a cushion for a time, but warned against cutting income tax and state spending, believing it could put the state's economy in a pinch. "Lawmakers removed some of the cushion available for a potential economic downturn," said Firestone of the recently-passed income tax cuts.

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HASTNGS BUSINESS OWNER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

HASTINGS- Business owner and former Hastings City Councilman Paul Hamelink announced that would enter the running for the Legislative District 33 seat, which is soon to be vacated by the term-limited Sen. Steve Halloran. "As a man of faith, I truly believe we are called to do everything in our power to help our community thrive and prosper," said Hamelink upon announcing his candidacy.

Hamelink went on to state that his experience as a small business owner and City Councilman will help him greatly in the Legislature, and indicated that he would support and espouse "conservative values" if elected. In the past, Hamelink also served on the Hastings Planning Commission, Hastings Chamber of Commerce, and Hastings Noon Rotary.

Hamelink and his wife, Sandra, own Paul's Cigar Lounge, which has locations in Hastings and Norfolk. The top issues Hamelink seeks to tackle are taxes, government overreach, and regulations related to local farming.

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JUDGE TAKES UNDER ADVISEMENT A REQUEST TO BLOCK ENFORCEMENT OF NEW NEBRASKA ABORTION BAN

LINCOLN- Nebraska’s new law that bans abortion at 12 weeks gestational age remains in effect after a judge on Wednesday said she would take under advisement a request to block its enforcement. Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret said she would issue a written ruling later on a request by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland to place a preliminary injunction on LB574 due to its detrimental impact on abortion providers and medical care.

Arguments occurred for around an hour. Attorneys representing Planned Parenthood and Dr. Sarah Traxler, the medical director for the organization, argued Wednesday that LB 574 violates the Nebraska Constitution’s restriction that legislation contain only a single subject. In opposing the temporary injunction request, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office has maintained that LB 574 “firmly withstands” questions about its constitutionality because the two matters both deal with public health and welfare. 

“This is probably one of the gravest violations of the single subject rule that the court has seen in a very long time,” argued Matthew Segal, a Boston-based attorney with the ACLU. It was done, he added, to make sure both measures passed, raising concerns about “log rolling” — the amending of subjects into a bill to increase support for it. The Attorney Generals' office questioned whether Planned Parenthood and doctors who provide abortions had the right to bring a lawsuit, arguing that physicians have “no vested right” to practice medicine as they please.

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NEBRASKA STUDENT DEBT RELIEF COULD REACH $268 MILLION UNDER NEW PLAN

LINCOLN- Nearly 6,000 Nebraskans qualify for more than $268 million in student debt relief offered under a new Biden administration policy, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Department of Education and the White House announced last week that more than 800,000 federal student loan borrowers will have their remaining debt eliminated. State-by-state numbers were released this week.

The $39 billion in debt relief will come through fixes to mismanagement of the agency’s income-driven repayment plans, officials have said. Many long-time borrowers, including those who had been making payments for 20 years or more, were denied relief they were eligible for under the repayment plans. Qualified payments that were made were not accounted for.

Starting Friday, the Department of Education will begin to notify those 804,000 borrowers of their forgiveness, and within 30 days their debts will be wiped out. The plan includes borrowers with Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loans held by the department (including Parent PLUS loans of either type) who have reached a forgiveness threshold specified by the department.

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NEBRASKA 988 MENTAL HEALTH LINE DOUBLED CALLS IN FIRST YEAR

LINCOLN- The state's 988 suicide prevention and mental health crisis line marked its first anniversary Sunday having handled double the number of calls answered by its predecessor. Michelle Nunemaker, 988 Nebraska state administrator with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said the national nature of the lifeline has brought attention to it. The hotline is a national effort that is organized at the state level.

But the main reason the Nebraska line has received so many more calls is because 988 is more than just a suicide prevention lifeline, Nunemaker said. It handles mental health and substance use crises, which expands the pool of callers. Tony Green, interim director of the agency's behavioral health division, said the free service is a vital resource in Nebraska and across the nation. "It is important to remember that no matter your situation, you are not alone, and that help is available and effective," said Green.

Boys Town National Hotline in Omaha serves as the call center for the 988 line, Nunemaker said. Before 988 launched in July 2022, Boys Town was the call center for the Suicide Prevention Hotline. During 2021, that line received 8,777 calls. Between July 16, 2022 and June 30, the 988 Nebraska line received 18,300 calls, more than twice the number the suicide line received the year before.

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