LINCOLN SEN. ELIOT BOSTAR ANNOUNCES REELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR LD29 SEAT

LINCOLN- Sen. Eliot Bostar announced this week that he will seek reelection next year to the Legislative District 29 seat that he has occupied since 2020. Pointing to his work on issues that include the economy, health care access and affordable housing, Bostar, who represents a portion of south Lincoln, said he's running again "because there’s more work to do."

“I want to ensure that Nebraskans who work hard can provide for their families, and that our community is safe, affordable and vibrant — a place everyone is proud to call home," he said in a news release. Bostar touted his work to fund a second water source and a new convention center for Lincoln as well as efforts to lower health care costs for patients by capping the cost of insulin and requiring insurance companies to pay for breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings.

A south Lincoln resident originally from New York, Bostar also highlighted his efforts to make child care and housing more affordable while aiming to stimulate workforce development by adding resources to training programs to help workers gain access to higher-paying jobs. He serves on the Legislature's Revenue Committee, the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, the Rules Committee and the Planning Committee, among others.

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NEBRASKA TO HOLD FIRST STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION IN SIX MONTHS AFTER NEW VOTER ID LAW WAS IMPLEMENTED

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Secretary of State reminded citizens on Tuesday that the state was just six months out from the next statewide primary election, which will be held on May 14th, 2024. This will also be the first Nebraska election to require voter ID, as per the bill signed into law by Gov. Pillen in the spring.

If voters plan to vote by mail for the primary election, Secretary of State Bob Evnen indicated that driver's license or state ID number will need to be written on the ballot application, or voters can enclose a copy of their valid photo ID with their application. To allay concerns, Evnen also reiterated to voters that, if an ID is forgotten on election day, a provisional ballot can be filled out instead, which would require voters to show a valid ID on a later date.

In the case of the May 14th primary, voters will have until May 21st to provide their ID if they forget to bring it while voting in person. Valid forms of identification include Nebraska driver's licenses or state IDs, Nebraska college or university IDs, passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, or hospital, assisted living facility, or nursing home records.

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'GOOD LIFE' DISTRICT AIMS TO CREATE 30,000 JOBS NEAR NEBRASKA CROSSING

OMAHA- The grand vision to create an entertainment and shopping district with regional drawing power between Omaha and Lincoln is seemingly moving forward after the Nebraska Department of Economic Development received an application to create a Good Life district in the area surrounding the popular Grenta shopping center Nebraska Crossing.

During the last legislative session, state lawmakers passed the Good Life Transformational Projects Act, which will allow the creation of such districts for the purpose of economic development. Districts approved by the department, and designated as a 'Good Life' district, will receive a reduction in state sales tax from 5.5% to 2.75% for sales made within its boundaries.

Nebraska Crossing owner Rod Yates testified last spring as a proponent of the bill, and described to lawmakers his vision for transforming the area around Interstate 80 into a regional entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. More specifically, Yates outlined a plan to assemble 1,000 acres around the current Nebraska Crossing site for a project that he said could attract as many as 15 million annual visitors.

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SURGE OF BOOK REMOVAL REQUESTS TURNING NEBRASKA LIBRARIES INTO CULTURAL BATTLEGROUNDS

LINCOLN- Administrators at Plattsmouth Community Schools removed roughly 49 books last Spring from their shelves and placed them in a box for "further review" by the high school prinicpal's office, a move that came as a response to requests from a school board member. However, Plattsmouth isn't the only Nebraska community in recent years receiving such requests, as many cities and towns have seen a flood of book challenges.

The influx mirrors a national trend, one pitting parental rights and content concerns against fear of censorship and allegations of intolerance. School board members and library staff from across the state say they've received dozens of irate emails and have even been verbally attacked at board meetings by individuals seeking to remove certain books from Nebraska libraries.

"We simply cannot allow a few loud voices to determine what information and ideas our students have access to," said Chris Haeffner, a liaison for the Nebraska School Librarians Association. In some places, however, the anger and outrage are being directed in the opposite direction, and Plattsmouth residents launched a petition to recall Terri Cunningham-Swanson, the board member who had requested to have the 49 books removed.

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GOVERNOR ORDERS END TO REMOTE WORK, DIRECTS STATE WORKERS BACK TO OFFICES

LINCOLN- On Monday, Gov. Jim Pillen, stating that the COVID-19 pandemic was over, ordered an end to remote work for state employees and directed them to return to their offices full-time by January 2nd of 2024, just a day before the next legislative session begins. Pillen characterized the order as a "common sense expectation."

Justin Hubly, the executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents nearly 8,000 state workers, said that he's aware of only a few problems related to remote work in Nebraska, and argued that Pillen's move may hurt recruitment and retention at a time when many state agencies are understaffed.

Hubly said it is also very appropriate for some jobs to be done remotely, adding that it might have saved state money as well, up to $500,000 for certain agencies. "We're still super short-staffed," he said, "I'm really fearful if we force people back, we're going to lose a workforce." Pillen, in his executive order calling for the end of remote work by state employees, said he simply wants to bring the state's workforce "to the posture it was prior to the pandemic."

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WINNEBAGO TRIBE TO GET BACK 1,600 ACRES OF LAND ONCE TAKEN FOR PROPOSED RECREATION AREA ALONG MISSOURI RIVER

LINCOLN- The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska stands to receive 1,600 acres of land that was taken from them half a century ago for a recreation area that never materialized. The land, which rests on the Iowa side of the Missouri River, would be returned to the Tribe under a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, as well as Sen. Pete Ricketts and Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.

The chairman of the Winnebago Tribe, Victoria Kitcheyan, said the return of the land will be a "historic and beautiful moment" for her people, whose reservation is located north of Omaha. "We have been waiting for this wrong to be made right," said Kitcheyan in a press release that expressed thanks to the Nebraska and Iowa senators.

Sen. Fischer said it was wrong for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to seize the land back in 1970, and that "it's time to make this right." Today, the land is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, who, in a recent management renewal agreement with the Army Corps, agreed to give the land back to the tribe.

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OFFICIALS BREAK GROUND ON NEBRASKA VETERANS CEMETERY IN GRAND ISLAND

GRAND ISLAND- Several hundred people, including local and state officials, gathered last Friday for the groundbreaking of the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island, which is meant to improve and expand the existing Soldiers and Sailor Cemetery, a plot of land connected to the Grand Island Veterans Home.

The underlying theme throughout Friday's speeches at the event was how much successful collaboration was needed to make the project come together. Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele started conversations about a potential add-on two years ago, and said that he had placed the idea in front of John Hilgert, director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs.

At the time, Stelle knew that the endeavor was "going to require the cooperation of the city, the state and federal government. That's a huge organizational lift." Gov. Pillen, who spoke at the event, said the project was only possible "because of the dogged undeniable determination of Sen. Aguilar," who would "not take no." Rep. Adrian Smith, also in attendance, said he wasn't surprised by the size of Friday's turnout, "because I know Grand Island shows up for veterans."

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CONFLICT ARISES OVER HOW BEST TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO TRANSFORM SOUTH OMAHA'S 'PLAZA DE LA RAZA'

OMAHA- Conflict is brewing over how public funding should be used to improve the South Omaha historic business district, centering specifically on how best to transform the Plaza de la Raza, which acts as an anchor spot along the commercial spine where occasional pop-up events and annual Latino heritage celebrations are held.

A spotlight has been shined on the plaza over the last year after a community-based organization, Canopy South, pursued and was given a $25 million state grant to help transform it into a permanent "corridor centerpiece and tourism draw." Canopy South, as well as the Latino Economic Development Council, proposed a plan to jazz up the plaza with features like an amphitheater, stage, playground, and cultural center.

However, a group of 24th Street merchants and workers, led by the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are criticizing the plan, and argued in a letter to public officials that the funding should instead be used to invest in building a parking structure. "It will enhance the ability of clients to shop and get services in the area," the group said in the letter, "therefore improving the financial standing of the South Omaha stakeholders."

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NEBRASKA TOURISM COMMISSION HOPES A 40% INCREASE IN SPENDING AUTHORITY AWAKENS 'SLEEPING GIANT'

LINCOLN- Last Thursday, several representatives from the state's tourism industry testified to the Legislature's Revenue Committee, arguing that the Nebraska Tourism Commission spending authority should be increased by 40% in 2024. Commissioner Rob Sabin, chair of the Tourism Commission, asked the Legislature to increase the authority from its current $7.5 million to $10.5 million.

While receipts have exceeded $7.5 million, said Sabin, commissioners have been unable to use those excess funds. "Nebraska is a sleeping giant in the landscape of U.S. tourism," said Sabin, adding that it's the job of his commission to awaken the beast. Sabin outlined that the spending authority increase would allow the commission to beat inflation, spend the extra balance accrued from reduced spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reach out to and attract populations further away from Nebraska.

State Sen. John Lowe, who requested the interim study, said that he hates spending Nebraska taxpayers' money, but noted that the spending authority increase would come from already raised funds. David Fudge, of the Nebraska Travel Association, echoed Sabin's comments, and requested that the commission's spending authority should be tied to lodging tax revenues so commissioners can "make adjustments on the fly" based on yearly revenue outcomes.

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RACING AND GAMING COMMISSION PARTNERS WITH GAMBLING HOTLINE

LINCOLN- Tom Sage says he's seen nothing that leads him to believe that contracting with an anonymous gambling integrity hotline is necessary in Nebraska. "We want to be ahead of the curve," said Sage, the Racing and Gaming Commission's executive director. "We want to be proactive."

Sage announced on that the Racing and Gaming Commission has become the first state regulatory organization to partner with RealResponse to launch a program for the public to anonymously report concerns or questionable activities regarding horse racing, casino gaming at racetrack enclosures and sports gaming in Nebraska.

Founded in 2015, RealResponse offers real-time, two-way anonymous communications, surveys, compliance support, competitive benchmarks and metrics. Sage encouraged the public to use the program to report any concerning or questionable activities related to horse racing, casino gambling and sports gaming activities throughout the state.

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NEBRASKA GOV. PILLEN IS CONSIDERING 2024 PROPOSAL FOR A LEGAL DEFINITION OF 'SEX'

LINCOLN- Laura Strimple, Gov. Jim Pillen's communications director, confirmed Thursday that the governor is exploring ways to prioritize a legal definition of "sex" through legislation during the 2024 session, but that the process "remains under ongoing consideration" as Pillen shapes his 2024 priorities.

Last Friday, a similar proposal was introduced by the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, but would have to be introduced by one of Nebraska's 49 senators to become law. State Sen. Megan Hunt criticized the proposal, which was revealed to the public through a records request.

In a tweet, Hunt said no such bill should be any agency's "second priority" for 2024. "Not workforce. Not growing our economy. Not reducing government waste," Hunt said, "Just crotch watch." Sarah Skinner, policy adviser to DAS Director Jason Jackson, said the 'sex-defining' proposal was introduced to complement Gov. Pillen's August 30th "Women's Bill of Rights," which defined "male" and "female" as the development of someone's reproductive system.

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE RACES DRAW MORE CANDIDATES AS 2024 APPROACHES

LINCOLN- With the 2024 Nebraska primary just under six months away, several more candidates for the Nebraska Legislature have thrown their hats into the ring. This includes Tim Benak and Flint Harkness for District 5, Julia Palzer in District 9, Glen Meyer for District 17, and Jason Prokop for District 27.

Benak is a ten-year veteran of the Omaha Fire Department, and said his focus will be on "public safety through our public school system, rehabilitation of those involved in the justice system and well-paying jobs." Harkness, running for the same seat, is currently a resource teacher for special education, and promises "real progress" toward safe, high-quality schools.

Palzer, a private attorney, is set to challenge incumbent Sen. John Cavanaugh for the District 9 seat, and previously served as the dean of admissions at Creighton University School of Law. Palzer is a Republican. Meyer, chairman of the Thurston County Board, said his priorities will be lowering taxes, protecting the Second Amendment, and ensuring parental rights. Prokop announced his bid with the endorsement of Sen. Anna Wishart, and said he seeks to fix the tax system, grow the economy, and keep neighborhoods safe.

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NEBRASKA'S PRISON WATCHDOG RELEASES FINDINGS AFTER USE OF FORCE INVESTIGATION AT RTC IN LINCOLN

LINCOLN- In response to a complaint filed against the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln, the Nebraska Inspector General of Corrections said a use of force incident there shows the need for a slew of changes, ranging from staffing to organization. The complaint was filed in May by a man incarcerated at the facility who said he saw a staff member slam another inmate onto the floor, press him down, and place a knee on his neck.

"The individual involved in this was somebody with a serious mental illness. And he was in an area where there's a lot of coming and going, a lot of traffic of individuals and he did not comply with the direction given to him," said Doug Koebernick, Inspector General of Corrections. Koerbernich said that his office's investigation into the incident revealed that the man fell to the ground, curled into a ball, and pulled away while facility staff tried to restrain him.

"It was maybe an unnecessary use of force," said Koebernick, "but not an excessive use of force." The Inspector General's report also revealed that the restrained inmate usually had a health porter with him, but not in this case. "And what we learned was that if he had been with him, this probably would not have taken place," said Koebernick, "We don't know for sure, but it would be less likely." In response, the Inspector General's Office recommended to the Department of Corrections that it revamp its health porter program, make a list of all inmates who require one, and ensure that the program is well staffed.

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WHO'S BUYING NEBRASKA? CORPORATIONS, INVESTORS GRABBING GIANT CHUNKS OF NEBRASKA FARMLAND

KEYSTONE- There’s never a Black Friday discount when a piece of Nebraska farmland hits the market in 2023, be it a fertile field in the Platte River Valley or a vast swath of Sandhills pastureland.

The market’s hot. And corporate farms, both in-state and out, are dipping into their deep pockets to claim the increasingly pricey agricultural land they desire. The nine buyers who spent the most money on Nebraska farmland in the past five years are all corporate farming operations, real estate developers or investment firms, an analysis by the Flatwater Free Press found.

The average price of Nebraska farmland has shot up 41% since 2018, to a record-high $3,835 per acre, according to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln annual survey.

The buyers of that land – especially the biggest chunks – include multinational corporations, out-of-state corporate farms and investors who live hundreds or thousands of miles away, according to five years of land sales gathered by a UNL data journalism class and analyzed by the Flatwater Free Press. Seven of the top 10 buyers who spent the most money in the past five years – often for pricier farm ground or suburban development – are located outside Nebraska, the analysis shows.

Together, these seven out-of-state owners spent $246 million on Nebraska land.

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FRED MEYER APPOINTED TO LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Fred Meyer to the District 41 legislative seat, which was previously held by Nebraska's new State Treasurer Tom Briese. Meyer hails from Saint Paul, Nebraska. The newly-appointed senator was selected from among 16 applicants. Meyer holds a Bachelor of Science, Ag Education, and Animal Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Meyer previously served as President of the Nebraska Board of Education, and was sworn in by Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who also served on the Board with Meyer.

Meyer said he’s passionate about education, agriculture, and natural resources. Meyer he said he didn’t think, as a new senator, he would be spearheading any major initiatives, but said he wanted to look at how ag land is valued in Nebraska, particularly scrutinizing profability versus selling price. Meyer said that the biggest issue facing education in Nebraska was the lack of certified teachers. He said the state needs to prioritize encouraging young people to get into — and stay in — education, suggesting that investing in student teaching to make sure such interns are paid might help overcome that hurdle.

Treasurer Tom Briese, who previously served District 41 in the Legislature, vacated his seat after being appointed to the Treasurer's Office by Gov. Pillen following the resignation of former Treasurer John Murante. A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed after Wednesday’s announcement that Meyer will not be running for the district’s state senate seat once the remainder of Briese’s term comes to an end.

District 41 is comprised of Wheeler, Boone, Greeley, Valley, Sherman, and Howard Counties, as well as portions of Buffalo and Hall Counties.

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DIFFERENT SPECIAL PROSECUTOR APPOINTED IN NEBRASKA GOP BREAK-IN CASE

LINCOLN- Lincoln lawyer Ryan Swaroff, a former Lancaster County prosecutor who previously worked with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, was tapped to replace Special Prosecutor Tim Noerrlinger in a case revolving around an alleged break-in during the 2022 transition between the old and new leadership teams at the headquarters of the Nebraska Republican Party.

Noerrlinger filed a court form seeking his replacement in the GOP probe, and on October 8th, Lancaster County District Judge Andrew Jacobsen appointed Swaroff. On October 2nd, Noerrlinger was hired as a staff attorney for the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, and therefore could not continue his probe.

The new state GOP leadership filed a police report in the summer of 2022 alleging that a break-in had occurred on July 9th, leading to the loss of around $1,000 in property and data from their downtown Lincoln headquarters. Items listed as missing included security cameras and digital fears, with the new leadership team believing the crime to be one of sabotage. Lincoln Police Department determined that no crime was committed, but was challenged by the Nebraska GOP, prompting the appointment of a special prosecutor to probe the incident.

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ARIZONA'S KARI LAKE TO HEADLINE NEBRASKA GOP FUNDRAISER FOR UP TO $10,000 A TICKET

OMAHA- The first Nebraska Republican Party fundraiser of 2024, which is to be held on January 5th, is set to feature former television reporter, U.S. Senate candidate, and 2020 election denier Kari Lake, who will visit Omaha on the eve of the third anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Lake, a Republican who lost her 2022 gubernatorial bid against Democrat Katie Hobbs in Arizona, is running a 2024 race against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona Senator who left the Democratic Party in December. Her event, according to NEGOP spokespeople, is the latest push to excite the base by the new party leadership, who, in July of 2022, ousted a team loyal to then-Gov. Ricketts.

Party Spokeswoman Dawn Liphardt said Nebraska conservatives will be watching the 2024 Senate races very closely, and called Lake "a strong speaker" who will "get Republicans excited" about the upcoming election. The Nebraska GOP announced the event by email, selling a wide range of tickets that includes one for $10,000, which grants purchasers access to a VIP event prior to Lake's speech.

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CHILLY CONDITIONS COULDN'T HAMPER THE FIRST RACE AT LEGACY DOWNS WARHORSE LINCOLN

LINCOLN- Following last week's inaugural race at Legacy Downs Racetrack, the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association couldn't have been happier, despite the not-so-ideal conditions. Optimism was pervasive among the association's team, and Lynne McNally, CEO of the organization, said she couldn't help but imagine what the future of racing would look like in Nebraska.

The race, which lasted a little more than a minute, saw Julie Jean, a horse ridden by Bryan McNeil, win the race by five lengths over Inewageallikethat as about 200 onlookers braved the cold, standing on the hard pan near where a grandstand is set to be built. "From now on, it's all up from here," said Garald Wollesen, president of the Nebraska Horsemen.

While the amenities might've been spartan, the track itself fared well on its inaugural run. "I think it did pretty good for the conditions," said Grant Dreher, superintendent of Legacy Downs, "I'd like to see a little bit more moisture, but we did what we could with the freezing temperatures."

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NEBRASKA DMV FORCED TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE EIGHT OFFICES DUE TO STAFFING SHORTAGES

LINCOLN- On Friday, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it would be temporarily shuttering eight offices in south-central Nebraska due to severe staffing shortages. DMV Director Rhona Lahm said more employees are currently being trained in the hopes of opening at least a few of the offices as soon as possible, but did not specify a timeline.

"We're hoping that it won't be a lengthy period," said Lahm. The offices closed include: Kearney County in Minden, Phelps County in Holdrege, Franklin County in Franklin, Webster County in Red Cloud, Gosper County in Elwood, Furnas County in Beaver City, Harlan County in Alma, and Dawson County in Lexington.

The Nebraska DMV is just one of many organizations struggling with a years-long labor shortage. Normally, according to Lahm, offices within the south-central Nebraska area operate with 14 examiners, but currently have only seven working in the district. In the meantime, Lahm said that residents in the area in need of driver's licensing services can access what they need through the DMV's website, and suggested that residents keep track of the expiration dates on their licenses so they can plan ahead.

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FIRST FIVE NEBRASKA HONORS BOSTAR, OTHER SENATORS FOR CHILD CARE AND EARLY ED TAX CREDITS

LINCOLN- Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln received an award from a Nebraska group pressing state lawmakers to adopt policies recognizing the value of quality child care and early education in improving children’s lives. Leaders First Five Nebraska said they chose Bostar because of his work to add parts of his contributions to LB754.

First Five Director Jason Prokop credited Bostar and other state senators involved in the tax package for leading “from the front on these issues” and “thinking and acting strategically” about investments that make a difference in human development. The new tax law provides a tax credit for childcare costs based on family income. It also provided tax breaks to those that boost child care operations and a tax break for child care workers.

Bostar said senators understand that “some of the most pressing challenges” facing Nebraskans are rooted in child care and early childhood policy needs. He said that he is “proud of the progress we’ve made” but that more must be done. He said discussions this year during legislative hearings and elsewhere at the Capitol helped create momentum for investments in early childhood development that can improve outcomes in public health, criminal justice, housing and workforce needs.

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