NEBRASKA 'BRAIN DRAIN' PERSISTS, PLUS ANOTHER ALARM IS RAISED BY NEW CENSUS DATA

LINCOLN- According to newly released U.S. Census data, Nebraska's 'brain drain,' or the phenomenon of individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher leaving the state, is worsening, with the survey raising an alarm about who is fleeing. "Notably, the data reveals that individuals 25 years and older with other levels of educational attainment also are leaving the state," said Josie Schafer of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Schafer said the data did not allow for to definitely answer why the people with less education than a bachelor's or professional degree are leaving the state as well, but believes these patterns could be driven by job availability, better wages, and job benefits offered elsewhere. "The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state...they might not be feeling it," said Schafer.

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce has identified affordable workforce housing and child care as the top challenges to filling vacant jobs and spurring economic growth. Erin Porterfield, executive director of Heartland Workforce Solutions, believes negative experiences with racism "contribute to feeling unsafe" in Nebraska and might be prompting her clients to eye the exit door. Porterfield also highlighted Nebraska's relatively new "employment pipeline," which she argues leaves some young adults unsure about their employment and career opportunities.

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STATE SEEKS NEW CLIMATOLOGIST AS BATHKE NAMED INTERIM HEAD OF NEBRASKA STATE CLIMATE OFFICE

LINCOLN- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is conducting a national search for a new state climatologist to replace Martha Durr, who resigned in November after eight years in the position. In the meantime, UNL appointed Deborah Bathke, in an interim capacity, to lead the State Climate Office until a full-time replacement is found.

Bathke is a climate scientist and research associate professor at UNL, and formerly served as assistant state climatologist in New Mexico. The Nebraska State Climate Office, housed in UNL's School of Natural Resources, is the main source of climate information for Nebraska, and oversees the Nebraska Mesonet, a network of weather observation stations.

The Legislature recently allocated $150,000 to update and modernize the state's climate systems, and Bathke, now leading the Climate Office, will lead that effort, with an expected completion date next year. Larkin Powell, director of UNL's School of Natural Resources, said Bathke is "uniquely positioned" for the interim role. "She is known for her work in climate science and has the ability to translate complex data for the public," Powell wrote in a press release.

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AltEn CLEANUP MAKING PROGRESS DESPITE SETBACKS, CONTRACTOR SAYS THERE'S 'ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT'

MEAD- The environmental contractor managing the cleanup of millions of pounds of pesticide-laden waste at the former ethanol plant near Mead, formally titled NewFields, indicated that the initial efforts to dispose of that toxic material have been largely successful. Over the course of the fall season, the company has transported 10,208 tons of solicited wet cake from the former AltEn plant to the Pheasant Point landfill in Bennington.

That's roughly 10% of the solid waste currently entombed under a cement and clay shell at the now-defunct biofuel plant, but not close to the estimated 24,000 tons that NewFields had originally sought to dispose of in a feasibility study conducted in August. Bill Butler, a partner at NewFields, said issues securing bentonite, a reagent used to solidify the wet cake for transport, led to less waste being hauled than originally planned.

Butler, however, praised NewFields' work in removing, solidifying, and loading the wet cake without stirring up pungent odors, which were the subject of complaints from nearby residents that ultimately brought attention to AltEn and the biological waste it created. "We were able, in the last two weeks, to step up production and get things rolling," said Butler, "But we still have room for improvement." According to Butler, operations will be ramped back up in April or May of 2024, depending on the state of the weather.

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NEBRASKANS CAN BECOME TEACHERS IN LESS THAN A YEAR WITH NEW ONLINE CERTIFICATION PATH

LINCOLN- As a result of legislation passed this year in the Nebraska Legislature, Nebraskans can now participate in an online teacher certification program called American Board, which was founded by the U.S. Department of Education to offer an alternate path for future teachers who didn't go to school for education.

The legislation, initially spearheaded by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, was introduced to address Nebraska's teacher shortage, and was amended into a substantial education package of 23 bills. The new pathway allows Nebraskans with a bachelor's degree to get their teaching certificate without attending a traditional in-person teacher preparation program usually operated by a college or university.

"With this legislation, it specifically does not call for an expiration of any permit," said David Jespersen, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, "The way it is right now, at least, if they got the American Board certificate, they would get an alternative path to teach and it would not have an expiration." Despite this, concerns have arisen over the educational effectiveness of such expedited programs.

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GOV. PILLEN DECIDES NEBRASKA WON'T OPT INTO NEW $18 MILLION CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM, LAWMAKERS URGE PARTICIPATION

LINCOLN- Gov. Pillen's administration has decided that Nebraska won't be participating in a new child nutrition program that could have delivered an estimated $18 million in grocery-buying benefits next summer for kids and their families. The decision comes despite a monthslong effort by food banks and other advocates to persuade the governor to opt into the Summer EBT program.

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said free meals continue to be available to youths during the summer through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, summer camp programs, schools, and community centers. "In addition to in-person meals, those locations offer recreational, educational, and other enrichment opportunities," said Strimple, "as well as resources that are of added benefit to kids and important for their development."

Nebraska Appleseed and several Nebraska foodbanks were among the groups urging Pillen to opt into the program, which has a cut-off date of January 1st. "Come summer, we know that more families will struggle with food insecurity because of this decision," said Eric Savaino, Appleseed's food and nutrition access manager. Savaino estimated that up to 150,000 Nebraska children would have benefited next summer if the state had opted into the new program.

Following Pillen's announcement, fifteen Nebraska lawmakers penned a letter urging the state to reconsider opting into the program. The letter, signed by Sens. Day, Bosn, Bostar, Dungan, Raybould, Conrad, Hughes, John and Machaela Cavanaugh, Hunt, Vargas, McKinney, Fredrickson, Walz, and Blood, argued the state's decision is "a message to Nebraskans that their representatives are out of touch with their very real, very immediate needs."

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MINIMUM WAGE RISING TO $12 AN HOUR IN NEBRASKA AFTER VOTERS APPROVED GRADUAL INCREASES A YEAR AGO

LINCOLN- Beginning January 1st, the minimum wage in Nebraska will increase by $1.50 and sit at $12 an hour, the result of a ballot measure passed last year to make gradual increases to the minimum pay that must be provided to employees. An initiative launched by Raise the Wage Nebraska helped to qualify the issue for the 2022 ballot, which passed by a margin of 6-to-4.

Nebraska is among 20 states that are increasing their minimum wage next year. In 2024, the minimum hourly wage for tipped employees will remain at $2.13 an hour, but employees are meant to ensure that wages and tips for such workers, when combined, equal at least the new state minimum wage.

Over the next three years, the minimum wage will increase by an additional $1.50 each year. Starting January 1st, 2025, employers will now be required to pay $13.50 an hour. On January 1st, 2026, that number will rise to $15 per hour. Finally, on January 1st, 2027, the minimum wage increase, if it's determined to be necessary, will be based on the cost-of-living increase as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

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NEBRASKA SECRETARY OF STATE SAYS RATIONALE IN COLORADO TO KEEP TRUMP OFF BALLOT 'NOT PERSUASIVE'

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled, based on the 14th Amendment, that Donald Trump's name could not appear on the 2024 primary ballot, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said the rationale utilized in forming that decision was "not persuasive."

"In accordance with the usual practice of this office," said Evnen, "the decision of whose names will appear on the Nebraska presidential primary ballot will be made and announced in the latter half of February 2024." Just a day prior, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled 4-3 to remove Trump's name from the ballot, citing the Civil War-era clause of the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies those who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the United States.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer called the ruling "deeply un-American," while Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said there was "no doubt" Trump incited the January 6th Insurrection. However, Kleeb said that the Nebraska Democrats will leave it up to the Supreme Court to decide Trump's fate, adding that her party's strategy "remains laser-focused on registering more voters" and securing an Omaha-area electoral vote for Pres. Joe Biden.

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PROPONENTS OF PROVIDING MEDIGAP COVERAGE FOR THOSE UNDER 65 WITH DISABILITIES WILL TRY AGAIN

LINCOLN- Seven years ago, Shawna Thompson, a registered nurse, was a passenger in an ambulance that veered off an Interstate highway when the driver fell asleep. Thompson, who lives in North Platte, suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash. Because she is younger than 65, she cannot obtain the “supplemental” insurance offered to Medicare patients, so-called medigap insurance that is commonly purchased by those of retirement age or older.

It prompted Thompson to join another North Platte couple in asking the Nebraska Legislature to change state law, to allow those under 65 who have disabilities to buy medigap policies to cover expenses not covered by regular Medicare. All but 14 states currently allow some form of medigap coverage to be purchased by those under 65 on disability. This issue has been before the legislature before in 2022.

In 2022, a bill failed to advance due to opposition by the insurance industry, which argues that adding such high-cost disabled people to the insurance rolls would increase costs for others. “When you put more unhealthy or costly people into the Medicare population, the premiums have to go up,” said Robert Bell, executive director of the Nebraska Insurance Federation.

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OBSERVERS QUESTION POLL INDICATING A CLOSE U.S. SENATE RACE BETWEEN DEB FISCHER AND DAN OSBORN

LINCOLN- A recent survey by a left-leaning pollster with a solid reputation but an unusual approach triggered questions about the U.S. Senate race involving Nebraska’s senior senator. Local political observers questioned some of the poll’s methods and findings, including its headliner: a close race between two-term Republican Sen. Deb Fischer and Dan Osborn, a union leader and nonpartisan political newcomer.

California pollster Change Research surveyed 1,048 likely 2024 Nebraska voters Nov. 13-16. It found 40% support for Osborn and 38% for Fischer, which fell within the survey’s 3.1% margin of error. Of those surveyed, 18% were undecided. The pollster and a half dozen Nebraska political consultants and observers interpreted the poll as showing voters are open to considering a third-party candidate.

Nebraska politicos with polling experience said they doubted Fischer’s race was as close as the survey indicates. Several said the poll does hint at the potential for a more competitive race than usual. Paul Landow, a retired UNO political science professor, said the poll likely oversampled urban and suburban Nebraskans and undercounted rural residents who still rely on landline phones.

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STATE LABOR COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS OVER REQUESTED DELAY IN PILLEN'S ORDER TO END REMOTE WORK

LINCOLN- A state labor court took under advisement a request by the state employees’ union to delay an executive order by Gov. Pillen to end most remote or hybrid work arrangements by Jan. 2. Union representatives argued it would create “chaos” for state workers and the taxpayers they serve because of adjustments employees would have to adopt quickly.

Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said that more than one out of every five state jobs are already vacant, and ending remote working arrangements would exacerbate the labor shortage. An attorney representing Pillen rejected the “parade of horribles” predicted by the union and said NAPE is making an “extraordinary” attempt to usurp the governor’s power to manage state employees.

Mark Fahleson said the state’s labor contract allows the governor to change “the site” of the workforce without bargaining with the union. Fahleson added that NAPE had submitted a proposal on remote work during collective bargaining a year ago but withdrew it after winning “record salary increases.” “They’re asking the commission to award them something they voluntarily gave up,” said Fahleson.

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BIG EARLY BATTLES IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE COULD INCLUDE CHANGES TO LEGISLATIVE RULES

LINCOLN- Rules changes being proposed to make the Nebraska Legislature function more efficiently could instead spark the first big battles of the 2024 session. However, Speaker John Arch told his colleagues at a recent meeting of the Legislative Council that these rules debates will not be a repeat of the 2017 legislative session, during which lawmakers spent more than two months fighting over a proposal to ban secret ballots in committee chair elections.

"I won't allow debate about legislative rules to go on and on," said Arch. At the retreat, Arch outlined and previewed 21 rule changes that he is considering introducing very early in the 2024 legislative session, while Sen. Steve Erdman introduced nine of his own. Debate over the changes eventually advanced by the Legislature's Rules Committee is slated to begin on January 10th, and Arch said he hopes to be finished with debate within three days.

Sen. Justin Wayne criticized several of the rules proposals, arguing that they would restrict the legislative minority and exacerbate rural-urban divides. "We're creating rules out of one session and we're stopping debate," said Wayne. One of Speaker Arch's proposals would allow 40 of the 49 Nebraska lawmakers to declare a bill "subject to dilatory designation," which, if approved, would give the Speaker of the Legislature the authority to choose the specific motions and amendments that could be considered on such bills.

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NEBRASKA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER UPDATES STATE BOARD ON PROGRESS SINCE JULY HEARING

LINCOLN- As the year draws to a close, the Nebraska State Board of Education received a progress report from Brian Maher, the state's education commissioner, as he begins his sixth month on the job. The board set several priorities for Maher to focus on after he was hired on July 1st, and Maher was able to give a report on these endeavors before his official board evaluation in the spring.

Several of Maher's goals had a December 1st deadline, such as evaluating the Department of Education's existing communication strategies involving the state board, the department, and the public. "When I sat and pondered on this, I thought: 'What the heck, how will I address this, knowing communication from our office is crucial to the effectiveness we have as a system?'" Maher told the board.

To address this, Maher said he conducted an audit of current communication strategies and gathered feedback from stakeholders, finding that there was a large gap in communication between outside education leaders and the department. To fix this, Maher reinstated the Superintendent Advisory Council, a group of educators in the field he can consult with regularly.

Maher also ensured the Board that Education Department employees are having twice-monthly meetings, and that he told office administrators to take an inventory of the department's website to make sure that only approved materials are online.

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PILLEN HOSTS PUBLIC FOR FIRST-EVER 'HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS' CELEBRATION

LINCOLN- On Sunday, the yard of the Governor's Mansion was filled with children and parents for the inaugural 'Hometown Christmas' celebration that followed the 75th annual Christmas tree lighting at the State Capitol. First Lady Suzanne Pillen took the lead in planning the event.

"The tradition was to always have cookies and coffee and people walk through," said the First Lady, "and I'm like, 'That's no fun for kids.' So, we decided to really blow this up and make it very family-oriented." Gov. Pillen said his main contribution to the event was getting the stretch of H Street in front of the residence closed to traffic during the festivities.

"I know when to delegate and stay out of the way," said Gov. Pillen, "It was Suzanne's idea, and I said 'Great idea. Go for it.'" Gov. Pillen gave a speech late into the event, remarking upon the beauty of the Capitol, the "house of the people," and its murals. A protestor shouted throughout the ceremony with calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, prompting Pillen to talk about political discourse. "We hopefully can all have a little more courage to stand up and do that, if you do it in a respectful manner like Nebraskans do," he said.

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LANCASTER COUNTY OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR ELECTION DAY BOARD WORKERS

LINCOLN- Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen is encouraging residents to apply for the 2024 Election Day Board, which allows them to earn the same civil leave on Election Day as those chosen for jury duty do. To be eligible, workers must be registered to vote and be able to work on Election Day from 7:00 A.M. to shortly after 8:00 P.M..

They are also required to have good eyesight, hearing, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time. "There is nothing more fundamental in America than our right to vote," said Wiltgen, "We are grateful for the hundreds of election workers who serve on Election Day, ensuring we continue having safe and secure elections."

The updated application is available on the election commission's website, and training will be available online prior to each election. Election Board workers will also be paid for their hours worked. Lancaster County is home to nearly 200 precincts, and requires more than 1,100 Election Day Board workers to function efficiently.

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NEBRASKA BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR 'NOT CONCERNED' AMID MULTIPLE LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS

LINCOLN- The chair of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents said last week that he was not concerned amid the transition of several high-ranking leaders across the NU System. Regent and Chair Tim Clare stated this after University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen announced he plans to retire at the end of the academic year after 22 years of service.

Clare said that there is always a "next chapter" for the University System, and that NU will find a successful replacement for Kristensen who will move the university forward. "He has been a public servant and not a backbencher guy," said Clare of Kristensen, "I think we as a state, we as a university, are better, in part, because of Doug."

"I'm not concerned about it whatsoever," finished Clare. Kristensen's departure will mark the third high-ranking administrator to leave the University System in just under a year, joining a national trend of higher education administrator's shrinking tenures. NU's "next chapter," as Clare described it, could bring a different lens to NU as regents eye longevity in finding successors.

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NIFA WARNS OF SCAM ASSOCIATED WITH NEBRASKA'S EMERGENCY RENT AID PROGRAM

LINCOLN- Nebraskans are being warned of scam artists using social media platforms to purportedly help applicants get emergency rental assistance. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, which is currently managing the federally funded ERA program for the State of Nebraska, is alerting people to be cautious of fake website links and fraudulent offers related to the program.

One Facebook post, for example, asks for personal information as well as a fee to help get rental aid applications approved. Robin Ambroz, NIFA spokeswoman, said she is unaware of anyone in Nebraska who has been taken advantage of or fallen prey to such offers. But she said NIFA has seen suspicious social media activity and felt compelled to be proactive. It has issued guidance to avoid scams.

The NIFA-managed Nebraska ERA program provides help for past-due rent, utility and internet payments to income-qualified Nebraskans outside of Douglas and Lancaster Counties who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. Applicants must have experienced a financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic; have an income at or below 80% of the area median income; rent their primary home in Nebraska; and be a legal resident.

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STATE AUDITOR WARNS RURAL FIRE DISTRICTS AGAINST USING DISTRICT FUNDS FOR ALCOHOL

LINCOLN- State Auditor Mike Foley is warning two rural fire districts that they’re violating state law when they use district funds to purchase alcohol. In separate letters to the Cedar Bluffs Suburban Fire District and the Franklin Rural Fire District, the Auditor’s Office pointed out that a state statute prohibits the use of district funds for any beverages other than non-alcoholic.

The letters indicated that the Cedar Bluffs district spent $745 on liquor for an annual banquet for volunteers and their spouses, while the Franklin district showed a $534 bill for alcohol for a similar event. Foley said he has “tremendous respect” for such volunteer agencies and had been assured that the districts would discontinue such purchases.

Cedar Bluffs was also advised by the Auditor’s Office that it was exceeding a $50-per-plate statutory limit on recognition dinner spending — the district spent $139 each — and that spending $1,040 to hire a comedian for the event was probably also disallowed. In its official response, the Cedar Bluffs district said it would ensure that liquor was not purchased with district funds in the future.

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STATE TREASURER TO CLOSE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH 'OUTREACH' OFFICE IN WEST OMAHA

LINCOLN- Nebraska’s s recently appointed state treasurer announced Monday that he is closing a satellite “outreach” office in Omaha, criticized as hard-to-find for the public. State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator appointed to the post in September, issued a press release announcing the closing in the spring of an unclaimed property outreach office at 111 S. 181st St. in the Elkhorn area.

Briese said technology will allow his staff to handle claims for unclaimed property more efficiently, and without the $66,000-a-year lease required of the Omaha office, located in an upper hallway of the United Republic Bank building. “I aim to be a good steward of taxpayer money, and this closure reflects this commitment,” Briese said. The office was opened by then-State Treasurer John Murante in 2019.

Critics panned the little-known, out-of-the-way office as ineffective in reaching the public, and probably more about allowing Omaha-area workers, like Murante, to avoid commuting to the Treasurer’s Office at the State Capitol. The Treasurer’s Office has operated a public outreach office in the Haymarket, which includes a storage vault, for several years. That office, in a high pedestrian traffic area, is unaffected by the announcement.

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NOVEMBER A RECORD MONTH FOR NEBRASKA GAMING TAXES

LINCOLN- November was a big month for casino gambling in Nebraska. Collectively, the state's racetrack casinos brought in just more than $1.6 million in gaming tax, making it the best month ever for tax collections. The previous record was set in September. WarHorse Casino in Lincoln and the Grand Island Casino resort both had strong months.

WarHorse produced nearly $880,000 in gaming taxes, its most productive month since March, while the Grand Island casino brought in nearly $523,000 in taxes, its best month since April. Harrah’s Columbus produced about $211,000, which was actually down from October. November also marked the first time WarHorse's Omaha casino location produced gambling taxes.

For the year, gaming taxes have now topped $16 million, with the Lincoln casino contributing nearly $9.4 million. Because the gaming tax is 20% of gross revenue, that means the state's casinos have brought in more than $80 million in gross revenue through the first 11 months.

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SEN. JANA HUGHES LOOKS TO PARTNER WITH IOWA'S PRESCRIPTION DRUG DONATION PROGRAM

LINCOLN- Freshman State Sen. Jana Hughes announced this week that she is looking to join forces with Iowa nonprofit SafeNetRx, an organization that collects, inspects, and distributes non-expired medications for patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. SafeNetRx receives donations from more than 200 facilities and individuals in all 50 states, and has one pharmacy located in Gretna, Nebraska.

"The more options they have to get it back out the door, the better," said Hughes. According to CEO Jon Rosmann, the organization has been looking to expand medication distribution into other states, and said that the Cornhusker state is a "logical partner" due to proximity and similarities in geography and demographics.

Hughes said that she was encouraged to look into SafeNetRx by her constituents in York, Nebraska, and that she and her staff were able to get the ball rolling after the end of the last legislative session. Hughes, her legislative aides, Sen. Merv Riepe, and representatives from the Nebraska Pharmacists Association toured SafeNetRx's headquarters in Grimes, Iowa in late October.

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