ANGER AT GOV. JIM PILLEN'S PROPERTY-TAX PUSH SPILLS INTO LEGISLATIVE DEBATE

LINCOLN- Frustrations over Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen's push for property tax relief have led to heated debates among state senators, with several lawmakers criticizing the governor's approach. Senators like Danielle Conrad and Megan Hunt have openly challenged Pillen's tactics, accusing him of abusing power by calling a special session for an issue typically addressed during regular sessions. They argue that Pillen's property tax relief proposals disproportionately benefit his own business interests and lack transparency, with Conrad calling out the governor's enablers in the Legislature for facilitating his agenda.

Despite the criticism, some senators are working to salvage parts of Pillen's plan by incorporating them into Legislative Bill 9, which is being revised by the Revenue Committee. However, the process has been met with resistance, with opponents expressing concerns over the lack of deliberation and the potential negative impacts on Nebraskans. They argue that the proposals being considered could lead to higher living costs without delivering meaningful property tax relief and that the rushed process disrespects the need for careful legislative work.

In contrast, supporters of Pillen, including Senators Lou Ann Linehan, Ben Hansen, and Kathleen Kauth, have defended the governor's efforts, arguing that structural changes are necessary to address the state's property tax issues. They contend that the Revenue Committee has been thoughtful in its approach and that the proposed tax changes are essential for achieving long-term relief. These supporters criticize their colleagues for slowing down the legislative process and emphasize the importance of focusing on the issue of high property taxes, which they see as a longstanding problem in need of urgent resolution. “Stalling an important issue is not ethical,” Kauth said.

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THIRD ATTEMPT MADE TO PROHIBIT STATE-LED 'UNFUNDED MANDATES' ON NEBRASKA'S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

LINCOLN- Nebraska State Senator Carol Blood of Bellevue has introduced Legislative Resolution 1CA, a constitutional amendment aimed at preventing future unfunded or underfunded mandates on local governments by requiring state reimbursement for new programs or increased levels of service. This resolution, which is Blood's third attempt at such legislation, has received unanimous support from the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Blood argues that without state reimbursement, local governments are forced to raise property taxes to cover these mandates, citing examples such as election administration and student health exams.

Supporters of LR 1CA, including Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, and Tim Gay, a lobbyist for Sarpy County, emphasize the financial burden these mandates place on local governments, estimating significant costs like Sarpy County’s $15 million annual unfunded mandates. They believe the resolution could lead to better fiscal planning and cooperation with lawmakers. Despite broad support, the measure faces scheduling challenges, with Speaker John Arch prioritizing other legislature, delaying debate on LR 1CA until potentially later in the session.

Historically, local governments have faced numerous unfunded mandates, with minimal state reimbursement, as noted by Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities. The proposed amendment aims to eliminate this by ensuring future mandates are fully funded by the state, preventing the financial strain on local entities. Blood, in her final legislative term, urges constituents to advocate for the resolution, expressing frustration at the lack of progress and emphasizing the importance of allowing voters to decide on this critical issue.

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NE LAWMAKER COMPILES 'SMART ACT' PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PLAN

LINCOLN- State Senator Justin Wayne of Omaha has proposed the “Saving Money and Reducing Taxes (SMART) Act” as an amendment to Legislative Bill 63, focusing on property tax relief. His plan involves the state covering a smaller portion of local property tax burdens compared to Governor Jim Pillen's proposal, reducing school tax rates, and allowing school boards to opt out of the program. Wayne's comprehensive approach also includes ideas from other bills he's proposed, such as legalizing and taxing online sports betting and recreational marijuana, and providing state aid to local governments.

Wayne's proposal suggests the state should cover 65% of local K-12 property taxes, unlike Pillen's proposed 80%, and would reduce maximum school tax rates significantly. His plan also emphasizes the need for a sustainable, long-term solution for property tax relief, incorporating targeted exemptions, protecting renters, and introducing new revenue sources to maintain critical funding for public services. Wayne's take on tax relief is a comparatively more comprehensive approach to the issues Nebraska is facing.

Additionally, Wayne advocates for eliminating fewer sales tax exemptions, raising certain “sin” taxes at smaller levels, and implementing other possible funding sources like an excise tax on high-net-worth individuals. He aims to provide the Revenue Committee with multiple options to formulate a comprehensive tax relief plan, ensuring it is not solely focused on education but includes broader financial stability measures for the state. “I am trying to present as many options as we can to this committee to formulate a comprehensive tax relief plan,” Wayne stated.

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PROPERTY VALUATIONS FREEZE COULD BE 'BACKUP PLAN' DURING NEBRASKA'S TAX-FOCUSED SPECIAL SESSION

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers are considering a freeze on property valuations as a backup plan during a special legislative session focused on tax reform. This measure, proposed by State Senator Tom Brewer, aims to temporarily halt increases in property valuations for four years to provide immediate relief and buy time for more comprehensive tax solutions. Another proposal by State Senator Tom Brandt would significantly increase income tax credits, adding up to $1.16 billion in refundable credits to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Omaha legislators, such as State Senators Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh, and Kathleen Kauth have all drafted more targeted bills to address the drastically rising property valuations in the state. McDonnell's Legislative Resolution 24CA would create a different method of taxing residential property, similar to how agricultural land is valued. Cavanaugh's Legislative Bill 22 would exempt the first $100,000 of a homestead's valuation, providing direct and immediate relief to the state.

If the primary proposals in the special session fail, backup plans, such as Brewer's property valuation freeze, are seen as essential stopgap measures. These interim solutions aim to prevent the session from ending without any actionable relief for taxpayers. Brewer, who will be leaving the legislature due to term limits, views these measures as necessary to maintain momentum for future legislative efforts in property tax reform. “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?” said Brewer.

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HEARING AIRS VIEWS ON LEGALIZING MARIJUANA TO OFFSET NEBRASKA PROPERTY TAXES

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee heard testimony on two bills, LB 52 by State Senator Justin Wayne and LB 71 by State Senator Terrell McKinney, both aiming to legalize and tax marijuana to help offset property taxes. Supporters argued that criminalizing cannabis has disproportionately harmed marginalized communities and emphasized the potential revenue benefits from cannabis sales, with projections suggesting at least $95 million that could aid in property tax relief. The bills would legalize cannabis for those 21 and older, create a regulatory framework, and provide expungement procedures for past cannabis-related convictions, with Wayne's bill proposing a 25% tax on growers and retailers, and McKinney's suggesting 16%.

Law enforcement and other opponents, including Nebraska State Patrol Colonel John Bolduc and Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, testified against the bills, citing concerns about increased crime, enforcement costs, and negative societal impacts observed in other states that have legalized marijuana. Governor Jim Pillen also opposed the legislation, with representatives from state agencies under his control and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers expressing concerns about the potential harms of marijuana use. Despite these objections, proponents like Jason Witmer from ACLU Nebraska and parents seeking medicinal marijuana for their children argued that the criminalization of cannabis drains resources and doesn't enhance public safety.

During the hearing, frustrations emerged, with McKinney expressing a desire to introduce a bill to prohibit alcohol sales to highlight perceived inconsistencies in the opposition's stance. The committee received a mix of letters both in support and against the bills, with opponents warning of potential risks to children and increased public health costs. As the Legislature considers property tax relief measures, the debate over marijuana legalization highlights the broader discussion on how to generate revenue and address social justice issues in Nebraska.

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SLAMA PITCHES COLORADO'S 'TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS' FOR NEBRASKA

LINCOLN- State Senator Julie Slama of Dunbar criticized Governor Jim Pillen’s property tax relief plan for disproportionately benefiting him and proposed her own package of constitutional amendments. Her proposal, inspired by Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), sets hard limits on state, local, and school taxing and spending. She split her proposal to comply with Nebraska's single-subject rule and presented it to the Revenue Committee, emphasizing it as a long-term solution to rising taxes driven by increased government spending.

Slama's amendments aim to cap spending and taxing authority at all government levels unless approved by a public vote. The proposal includes provisions for constituents to sue the government to enforce the caps, requires public votes for major government debt issuance, and mandates a baseline rainy day fund of 3%. Slama believes this approach empowers voters and prevents large projects without voter approval. Despite a lack of support from other testifiers, State Senators Brad von Gillern and Kathleen Kauth showed interest, noting the potential durability of a constitutional amendment.

Critics, including State Senator George Dungan and experts from Colorado, raised concerns about the negative impacts on school and local funding. They cited Colorado's low teacher pay, insufficient school funding, and poor infrastructure conditions as consequences of TABOR. Colorado representatives Jon Cannon and Lynn Rex warned that Nebraska could face similar issues, with restricted government spending leading to competitive wage issues and underfunded public services. Despite the criticisms, Slama maintained that her proposal would give Nebraskans a direct say in tax policy, emphasizing its potential to complement short-term property tax fixes from the Legislature.

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ORAL TOBACCO TAX, RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY EXEMPTION TO BE CONSIDERED AT WEDNESDAY HEARING

LINCOLN- The Legislature’s Revenue Committee held two final hearings on Wednesday morning to discuss potential amendments to Legislative Bill 9. The hearings focused on new taxes for flavored nicotine pouches and the tax exemption for residential electricity. The amendments under consideration are AM 62, which proposes a 10 cents per ounce tax on "alternative nicotine products," and AM 63, which seeks to exempt residential electricity from sales taxes.

State Sen. Jana Hughes, who introduced LB 9, supports the new nicotine tax as part of her broader efforts to address vaping and teen usage. Hughes plans to explore further regulation of oral nicotine pouches in the 2025 session. The committee's hearings will help finalize the amendment proposal, which aims to reduce the number of sales and use tax exemptions and slightly increase certain "sin" taxes.

Additionally, the revised LB 9 aims to lower the maximum school tax rates for operational expenses to 25 cents, with the state covering the difference and potentially taking on substantial property tax burdens for natural resources districts and county jails. After the hearings, the committee will determine whether to advance the amended LB 9 to the floor for debate.

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PILLEN PIVOTS FROM HIS OWN PROPERTY TAX PLAN TO EMBRACE EMERGING LEGISLATIVE PLAN

LINCOLN- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a shift from his original property tax relief proposal to a new plan developed by State Senator Lou Ann Linehan and the Revenue Committee. This new plan, which replaces Pillen's original proposal with Legislative Bill 9 introduced by State Senator Jana Hughes, aims to offset $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue by expanding the state sales tax base and including new taxes on items such as alcohol, candy, and gambling. The plan also removes caps on local spending for public safety and proposes using state tax dollars to reduce property tax burdens for natural resources districts and county jails.

The new proposal diverges from Pillen's original plan by maintaining sales tax exemptions for home and auto repairs, legal, and accounting services while introducing a 2% sales tax on new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment. Supporters argue the plan addresses concerns about funding public safety and local government responsibilities, while opponents like State Senator Danielle Conrad criticize it as a "reverse Robin Hood scheme" and plan to fight what they call one of the largest tax increases in history. Despite differing views, the plan emphasizes a broader sales tax base to provide property tax relief and aims to be more acceptable to various stakeholders.

The Revenue Committee plans to consolidate multiple property tax relief bills into LB 9, seeking to reduce the maximum school district tax rate more rapidly than originally proposed by Hughes and offering immediate property tax relief. Although the plan has faced resistance, Linehan believes it will gain support across Nebraska, as it shifts the tax burden from property taxes to sales taxes, giving consumers more control over their expenses. Governor Pillen emphasizes the need for structural relief and spending caps to ensure long-term benefits, indicating his willingness to adapt for the purpose of legislative progress.

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NE LAWMAKERS ADJOURN FOR THE WEEKEND, WILL CONTINUE WORK ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF BEHIND THE SCENES

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature will be finalizing its plan for property tax relief over the weekend as adjournment until Monday was called for on Wednesday. This is because the Revenue Committee needs more time to craft its new approach to tax reform. After State Senator Lou Ann Linehan motioned for adjourning until Monday, it passed on a 33-11 vote.

The new tax relief plan is intended to be a rewrite of Legislative Bill 9, which was planned to be the subject of debate this week. In addressing an amendment, lawmakers require more time to present a sufficient approach. Although it may seem like legislators are taking the weekend off, they are working diligently to provide property tax relief to Nebraskans.

Linehan has said that she will spend time meeting with key senators to negotiate her plan and try to earn the votes needed to get reform passed into law. Many legislators have expressed frustrations with the process, but want to achieve something and not waste the state's resources while in session. “We’re to the point where we can’t just come and complain about the bill,” Linehan said.

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PILLEN'S PICK FOR NE'S TOP INFORMATION OFFICER APOLOGIZES FOR CONTROVERSIAL EMAIL

LINCOLN- During the confirmation hearing for Governor Jim Pillen's appointee, Matthew McCarville, as the state’s chief information officer, lawmakers scrutinized his ability to remain politically neutral following a controversial email. McCarville, who previously worked in information technology at the University of Colorado, apologized for the email, which encouraged state employees to participate in a legislative hearing on Pillen’s tax plan, calling it an accidental mistake. Despite his self-reporting to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and assurances that such an incident would not recur, concerns about political favoritism and potential misuse of public resources were raised, with the committee taking no immediate action on his nomination.

State Senator Danielle Conrad filed a complaint, accusing McCarville of using public resources to distribute campaign materials, which she argued was part of a series of inappropriate actions by Pillen's administration. The email, which shared a social media post from Pillen’s campaign and encouraged employee participation in the tax plan hearing, was seen by some committee members as potentially pressuring staff. McCarville maintained that the intention was simply to inform staff about the hearing due to office chatter, not to advocate a position, and emphasized that he would avoid any conflicts of interest in his role.

Committee members, including State Sens. Megan Hunt and Jane Raybould, expressed skepticism and concern over the implications of the email for employee treatment and contract award processes. McCarville reassured the committee that he would ensure no partisan bias influenced his decisions and highlighted his goals of modernizing state websites, improving data-sharing, and updating state systems. His appointment remains pending formal legislative approval, with his past work and qualifications discussed alongside the contentious email incident.

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EPIC OPTION HEARD AGAIN IN COMMITTEE, DESPITE VOTERS DENYING IT PLACE ON BALLOT

LINCOLN- State Senator Steve Erdman proposed Legislative Bill 16 and complimentary constitutional amendments to allow Nebraska voters to weigh in on the EPIC Option consumption tax after a petition drive fell short of signatures for the November ballot. The EPIC tax plan seeks to replace state and local property, income, corporate, and inheritance taxes with a broader consumption tax, but it faces significant legislative hurdles despite support from the Nebraska Republican Party. At a recent hearing, most testimonies favored the proposal, but organized opposition was minimal.

EPIC supporters argue the current three-legged tax system, which includes income, sales, and property taxes, has been broken since its inception in the 1960s. They believe a consumption tax would be fairer and protect property rights, with testimony from farmers, ranchers, and homeowners highlighting the burden of rising property taxes. Despite this support, opponents, including Governor Jim Pillen and several organizations, argue that a consumption tax rate of 22% would be required to fund state and local services, a claim proponents dispute by suggesting a 7.5% rate would suffice.

With significant political and logistical challenges ahead, the future of the EPIC tax proposal remains difficult for supporters.

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GOV. PILLEN AT ODDS WITH FORMER HUSKERS COACH TOM OSBORNE ON ONLINE SPORTS BETTING

LINCOLN- Hall of Fame former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne testified against legalizing online sports betting, arguing it would exacerbate problems for athletes and turn sporting events into gambling exercises. This stance contrasts with Governor Jim Pillen, one of Osborne's former players, who supports legalization despite his personal opposition to gambling. Osborne, along with other opponents, expressed concerns about increased addiction rates and suggested waiting to assess the impact of recently legalized casinos at race tracks before expanding gambling further.

The General Affairs Committee heard testimony on three pieces of legislation introduced by State Sens. Eliot Bostar and Justin Wayne to legalize online sports betting through constitutional amendments and establish a framework for mobile sports wagering. Bostar emphasized that Nebraskans are already engaging in online sports betting through neighboring states and the black market, arguing that legalization would provide a regulated environment and significant tax benefits. Both senators highlighted the potential revenue loss to neighboring states and the black market, with Bostar estimating at least $32 million in annual revenue.

Supporters, including Lance Morgan from Ho-Chunk Inc., pointed out the economic benefits and potential for tax revenue without burdening Nebraskans. Gov. Pillen acknowledged that many Nebraskans already engage in online sports betting and stated he would support future legislation, though he has not endorsed the current proposals. The committee took no immediate action on the bills, leaving the debate on online sports betting's potential legalization and its implications for Nebraska ongoing.

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NE'S TIF ECONOMIC DEVELPOMENT TOOL COULD BE IN JEOPARDY, SOME SAY

LINCOLN- Leaders in Nebraska believe that an essential tool for economic development could be jeopardized during the special legislative session's property tax reform. The tax-increment financing program, known as TIF, was introduced in the 1980s to encourage growth in struggling areas. The program allowed a developer to gain city approval to use increased property taxes generated by improving a blighted property to help fund a redevelopment program.

Lawmakers have flooded the legislature with different approaches to lowering property taxes and the impact it would have on TIF. It is widely understood that the call for cutting the levy would reduce the revenue generated and available to pay back a TIF loan. “A giant artificial drop in the levy would … make trouble for current TIF projects and make new TIF projects unworkable,” said Steve Curtiss, finance director for the City of Omaha.

Critics have questioned whether the program is overused and if it's incentivizing greedy developers. After a TIF development is finished, property taxes on the site go to the developer rather than the usual recipients: school districts and local governments. Multiple plans in the legislature are still in play, so a surefire solution has yet to be found.

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BILL TO GIVE RELIEF TO NE RENTERS DRAWS A FEW BACKERS, NO OPPONENTS, TO TESTIFY AT HEARING

LINCOLN- While the legislature deals with a flurry of proposals aimed at offering relief to property owners, State Senator Eliot Bostar of Lincoln introduced Legislative Bill 14, which would assist renters. There were 12 letters of support for the bill, two of which publicly testified, and none in opposition. Under the bill, renters would be eligible for a refundable income tax credit of 5% of their lease expenses during the taxable year.

While the yearly cost is estimated at $153 million, Bostar suspects only 10% of the 260,000 renters in the state would take advantage of the credit at first. He says the idea stems from the belief that savings obtained by property owners due to Governor Jim Pillen's tax plan may not be passed down to renters. This bill can help offset the negative impact that renters would likely face under Pillen's plan.

Constituents have pointed to the rapidly growing eviction filings in the state to support their claim that the state is in crisis when it comes to affordable housing. As a result, the vacancy rate for apartments is below the ideal threshold. State Senator Terrell McKinney also introduced a bill focused on relieving renters of some of their financial burden.

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REGENTS CONSIDER MULTIMILLION DOLLAR START TO 'PROJECT NExT' AT UNMC

LINCOLN — Next week, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider moving ahead with a multimillion-dollar health project meant to benefit the state’s healthcare capacity.

The regents will meet Aug. 8 to consider the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as well as NU’s two-year budget request for the Legislature next session. The board will also consider creating new undergraduate programs in artificial intelligence and esports media and communication, among other items.

UNMC is seeking regent approval of its more detailed plan for the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT, and for a green light to spend $50 million more in existing philanthropic funds for related design work. The first phase has been dubbed Project Health: Building the Healthiest Nebraska. Its focus is limited to Nebraska, providing expansions and improvements to boost research, education, clinical, and community services aimed at benefiting the state’s healthcare needs. On a broader scope, Project NExT’s overall investment could surpass $4 billion and include two future phases.

“Project Health will provide the appropriate amount of room, support and ancillary space to continue the mission of training future healthcare professionals,” says UNMC materials prepared for the regents.

UNMC leaders say Project Health furthers the goal of growing professional student enrollment by up to 25% to meet Nebraska’s urban and rural healthcare needs.

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LONGTIME NEBRASKA HOMEOWNERS WOULD GET TARGETED RELIEF UNDER NEW LEGISLATIVE BILLS

LINCOLN- Three bills introduced to the legislature during the special session would bring relief to Nebraskan homeowners based on how long they've owned a home in the state. State Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha introduced Legislative Bill 75, which would exempt certain homeowners from paying property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in Nebraska, and LB 77, which offers property tax relief for the portion paid to the local school district for homeowners who have lived in the same house for at least 10 years. “I think you should be able to sit on your porch one day of your life and say, ‘I truly own my home, and I’m no longer a partner in paying rent to the government in the form of property tax,’” McDonnell said.

State Senator Julie Slama of Dunbar brought a package of 16 constitutional amendments to the legislature which would limit the taxing and spending authority of local and state governments with private lawsuits approved as sanctions to enforce the provision. The bill can be voted on packaged together or individually, but Nebraska's Supreme Court has recently been strictly enforcing the state Constitution's single-subject requirement for ballot measures. Slama has based her proposal on Colorado law due to her opinion that the hard caps on spending in Pillen's plan can easily be worked around.

Among the rest of the 81 bills introduced were two from Omaha State Senators Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults ages 21 and older. Wayne's LB 52 would set guidelines for the growth, testing, manufacturing, distributing, selling, and oversight of marijuana in Nebraska. McKinney's LB71 would create a regulatory regime and taxation for the product. These bills only scratch the surface of what's been introduced during Nebraska's special legislative session.

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NE LAWMAKER CALLS PROPOSED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION 'UNIVERSAL' RELIEF FOR HUSKER HOMEOWNERS

LINCOLN- A new tax relief approach slated to be heard this special legislative session would eliminate property taxes for the first $100,000 of a home's value in the state. Omaha State Senator John Cavanaugh described his bill as targeting Nebraskan citizens rather than corporate, out-of-state property owners. “If we are serious about giving relief to homeowners, and not large wealthy landowners, this is a possible solution,” Cavanaugh stated.

Cavanaugh introduced Legislative Bill 22 on the second day of the session called by Governor Jim Pillen to address the property tax crisis in the state. Lawmakers will be considering various approaches to alleviating the issue, including Pillen's. Cavanaugh has expressed that he seeks to address the root of the problem: Nebraskans on fixed incomes being forced from their homes due to property taxes rampantly growing.

Cavanaugh is open to other avenues to relieve the property tax burden, such as pausing income tax cuts or repealing the Perkins County Canal project and directing those funds toward property tax relief. While this bill is directed towards occupied homes, separate legislation has been introduced to provide relief for renters. Cavanaugh promoted his legislation as a universal addition to the existing homestead exemption program in the state.

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'NOT GOING TO WAIT AND SEE': LAWMAKER PROPOSES AMENDING SCHOOL AID FORMULA

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker told members of a legislative committee Thursday that they don’t need to wait until January to address problems in state-aided funding to local schools.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, presented Legislative Bill 45 before the Education Committee on Thursday. It would remove the “resources” part of the state’s “equalization aid” formula — referred to as a school district’s “needs” minus its “resources.”

That formula, the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, or TEEOSA, was put in place in 1990 as a way for the state to more equitably allocate state funds to school districts. It has been perennially updated since its adoption. For the 2024-25 school year, TEEOSA is calculated between 18 “needs” and six “resources.” Linehan told the committee, of which she is a member, that part of the reason she introduced LB 45 is to have a conversation that can be part of the broader special session to address property taxes. TEEOSA is one part of broader state funding, including foundation aid for every student.

Linehan introduced LB 1 this special session on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, whose final approach to property tax relief for school districts was to provide more than $2 billion in annual tax credits to cover the districts’ taxes and let future Legislatures sort out revisions to or a rewrite of TEEOSA.

“It’s a little different than the Pillen plan because Pillen says we’re going to wait and see,” Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner. “We’re not going to wait and see,” she said of the Legislature.

Total state aid to the school districts is estimated to be $1.16 billion for the 2024-25 school year.

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ERNIE CHAMBERS WITHDRAWS FROM NORTH OMAHA LEGISLATIVE RACE

OMAHA- According to Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, State Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha has filed to remove his name from the November ballot, where he was slated to run for re-election to his longtime seat in the Nebraska Legislature. Kruse stated that 87-year-old Chambers told him his political career was likely over, but he still plans on exercising his right to vote. He had no immediate comment on his withdrawal at this time.

Chambers advanced in the May primary elections as a nonpartisan candidate to face incumbent Democratic State Senator Terrell McKinney of Omaha. The third-place finisher in the primaries, nonpartisan Calandra Cooper, has yet to comment on the situation. McKinney said the decision surprised him, but thanked Chambers for his service and advocacy.

Chambers spent 46 years as a state lawmaker where he became proficient in using legislative rules. He often took pleasure in stalling legislation from the conservative majority which he disagreed with. He also was an integral component in the abolition of the death penalty in the state in 2015 before voters restored it the next year through a ballot measure.

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NEBRASKA SENATOR SAYS GOVERNOR MISUSED PUBLIC RESOURCES TO PROMOTE HIS CAMPAIGN AND TAX PLAN

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, State Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln filed a campaign finance complaint against Governor Jim Pillen claiming that he misused taxpayer funds to promote his political campaign and property tax reform plan across the state. Conrad's letter to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission alleged an improper link between his campaign website and a taxpayer-funded report outlining budget cuts, use of state funds for campaigning, and inappropriate promotion of his tax plan via the state's email system. The Governor's Office has yet to comment, but spokeswoman Laura Strimple said last week that the governor used his own funds.

Nebraska law prohibits an official from using public resources to campaign for an election or legislation. Civil penalties including fines can be imposed if a violation is proven. Conrad's letter added that she and her constituents were concerned about the possible crossover between state funds and private campaign funds.

Officials from the Accountability and Disclosure Commission did not comment on the situation. Typically, the commission refrains from issuing a public statement until a violation is confirmed. Conrad's letter recognized the governor's right to exercise his First Amendment right to freely speak but asserted that no official has the right to abuse resources.

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