‘A MISSING YEAR’: NO INCOME TAX CREDITS FOR NEBRASKANS TO OFFSET SCHOOL PROPERTY TAXES PAID IN 2024

LINCOLN - Senator Steve Erdman raised concerns about LB 34, the property tax relief bill he opposed during the special session, due to the timeline in which the tax credit will appear.  LB 34 passed on a 40-3 vote during the special session, changing the property tax credit system implemented in 2020 through LB 1107. Senator Erdman’s concern is the tax credits for 2024 will not be applied until 2025.

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Revenue Committee, Senators Linehan and von Gillern, defended LB34’s structure. They said the state does not have the money to front-load the tax credit. There have been calls to change the credit structure, to which Senator von Gillern told other senators to bring the bill when they can find the funding.

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NEBRASKA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AWARDED $55 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO IMPROVE STUDENT LITERACY

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Education has been awarded a $55 million federal grant over the next five years to help improve literacy throughout the state. The announcement came at the State Board of Education meeting from State Education Commissioner Brian Maher.  Commissioner Maher emphasized the responsibility of spending the money to benefit student outcomes best.

The grant will support existing state initiatives from LB 1284, which appropriated $6 million over three years to be used for reading improvement mentorship programs, and the Nebraska Literacy Project. The Nebraska State Board of Education is seeking to improve third-grade proficiency in English language arts test scores from 62% on 2023 state assessments to 75% by 2030.

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NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS TO BLOCK ABORTION MEASURES

LINCOLN- Supporters of two competing abortion-related ballot initiatives spent Monday at the Nebraska Supreme Court seeking rulings by Friday’s deadline to finalize the ballot. Justices heard oral arguments in three lawsuits: two seeking to block an abortion-rights amendment from the fall ballot and one arguing that the competing measures should appear on the ballot otherwise neither should appear.

The lawsuits have drawn national attention because Nebraska could be the first state since Roe v. Wade was overturned to weigh competing abortion measures on the same ballot. One initiative favors abortion rights and the other favors abortion restrictions. Thus far, every state that has voted on abortion changes since Roe has sided with abortion rights.

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NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT PROBES WHETHER SCHOOL CHOICE LAW IS SUBJECT TO REPEAL BY BALLOT MEASURE

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to protect a new school voucher program for private K-12 education from repeal by ballot measure. The question is whether the provision of the Nebraska Constitution that prohibits referendums from repealing “appropriations for the expense of the state government” or an existing state institution applies to possibly repealing the latest version of the state’s school choice law.

Several justices questioned whether LB 1402, which created the voucher program, counts as an appropriation without its related-but-separate appropriations bill, LB 1402A. Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Justice Jonathan Papik pressed the attorneys seeking to toss the measure on whether the appropriations bill would lack purpose without LB 1402.

Attorney Tom Venzor argued that because LB 1402 changed the funding for the scholarship program from a tax credit to a direct state appropriation, it can’t be repealed by ballot measure.

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OUTSIDE GROUP BUYING STATEWIDE AD TO BOOST PRESTON LOVE JR.

LINCOLN- Nebraska’s unexpected U.S. Senate race is getting a small jolt of outside spending from a progressive SuperPAC tied to former Omaha-area U.S. House candidate Kara Eastman. Eastman helps run the PAC with news commentator Cenk Uygur, who is known for co-hosting the online show “The Young Turks.”

The group has spent $35,000 on an ad for Democrat Preston Love Jr. to run on cable and streaming services during the Saturday football game between the Huskers and Northern Iowa on the Big Ten Network. The ad supports Love’s candidacy against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Jim Pillen after former Sen. Ben Sasse resigned to lead the University of Florida.

Love had raised $164,000 as of the end of June and listed $6,500 in campaign cash on hand. Ricketts had raised $4.3 million and listed $1.7 million in cash on hand.

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FIVE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED FOR NEBRASKA'S GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT

LINCOLN- Five candidates will be vying for Nebraskans’ votes in the race for the 47th President of the United States this November. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen released the list of candidates, along with their respective vice-presidential candidates, that have either been nominated by their respective parties or have completed statewide petitions to appear on the ballot.

As expected, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance will represent the Republican Party, while Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be the Democratic Party’s nominees. Three other third-party candidates will appear on the ballot, including candidates from the Libertarian and Legal Marijuana NOW Parties.

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HOW A LONE NEBRASKA DISTRICT COULD DECIDE THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

OMAHA- Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses Omaha and the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, could play an outsized role in determining the next president thanks to Nebraska’s unique way of dividing up its Electoral College votes. Unlike most states that have winner-take-all systems, Nebraska awards one Electoral College vote to the candidate who wins each of its three congressional districts, while the winner of the state overall receives the remaining two votes.

Nebraska has long been forgotten about in presidential politics thanks to its longtime solidly republican disposition, making it a rarely talked about location on a map full of critical swing states. However, that reputation does not always hold in the 2nd Congressional District, which has swung back and forth in recent elections.

The Second Congressional District’s lone vote has never been the deciding factor in an election, but in a year in which the presidential race looks as close as ever, it could end up playing a decisive role.

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FISCHER GETS TRUMP’S ENDORSEMENT IN RACE AGAINST OSBORN

LINCOLN - Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer was endorsed by the current Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump.  Trump's endorsement came out on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he said Fischer "is doing a fantastic job" in the Senate. Fischer had previously called on Trump to resign in 2016 after the "Access Hollywood" tape was released, but she has since endorsed him in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections.

Senator Fisher's candidate, Dan Osborn, is running on an independent platform. This has caused Fisher's campaign to go after Osborn, calling him a "Democrat in sheep's clothing." As of June, Fisher had raised over $6 million compared to $1.6 million. They will be going head to head in November, with the Nebraska Democratic Party not offering a nominee and supporting Osborn.

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LARGEST CATTLE FEEDLOT IN NEBRASKA TO BEGIN TAKING FEEDERS LATER THIS MONTH

LINCOLN- Construction workers are hurrying to put the final touches on what is planned to be the state’s largest feedlot for feeding cattle. Blackshirt Feeders, led by a trio of Canadian veterinarians who are long-time feedlot consultants, plans to begin shipping in cattle within a month to its sprawling complex of pens north of Haigler, a village in the far southwest corner of Nebraska.

Local residents are divided on the project, with concerns raised about increased traffic and impacts on the locally depleted aquifer. Supporters cite the new, local market for corn, some increase in local housing, and increased business for local merchants. The project could also increase the local population, though most of the new housing being built for workers is in Wray, Colorado, about 20 miles from the feedlot.

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CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY’S REGIONAL BUSINESS SURVEY SHOWS WANING CONFIDENCE IN ECONOMY

OMAHA- Creighton University’s monthly survey of supply managers has found confidence in the economy has slumped. Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index, intended to be a leading economic indicator, showed a regional confidence score that declined to 26.7 in August from 30.6 the month prior.

The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a 50.0 representing growth neutral. Ernie Gross, the director of the forecasting group, believes that September’s labor market report will be pivotal in determining the economic outlook for next year.

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HIGHER INCOME ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLDS FOR WIC MEAN MORE NEBRASKANS MIGHT QUALIFY

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reminded Nebraska families Tuesday to check their eligibility for the federal WIC program. Income eligibility for families up to 16 increased between 3.3% and 4.5%, meaning more Nebraskans might qualify

for the aid.

Dr. Timothy Tesmer, Nebraska’s chief medical officer, said that about 35,000 eligible Nebraskans are served each month. WIC offers nutritious foods, health education, and breastfeeding support to women who are pregnant or just had a baby, as well as infants and children up to the age of 5.

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'ODYSSEY TO THE EXTRAORDINARY': DR. GOLD CHARTS NEW PATH AS UNIVERSITY NEBRASKA PRESIDENT

LINCOLN- University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold outlined his vision Thursday to take NU on an “odyssey to the extraordinary” to its next chapter, under his leadership.

More than a dozen federal, state, and local stakeholders honored and endorsed Dr. Gold as NU’s ninth president in an honorific investiture ceremony. From faculty, staff, students, and alumni to donors, elected officials, and more, each promised to work with Gold and help improve NU.

Gold served with NU for more than 10 years prior to becoming president, in roles including chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a brief stint in a dual role as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Gold also served as NU’s executive vice president and provost for the past couple of years, a key role as the chief academic liaison between campuses and the regents.

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AGENCY DIRECTOR OVERSEEING NEBRASKA STATE BUDGET AND STATE EMPLOYEES TO RESIGN SEPT. 27

LINCOLN- Gov. Jim Pillen announced Director Jason Jackson’s resignation Wednesday from the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services. He has served as director of the state’s HR agency since 2018. During his tenure, Director Jackson worked closely with the legislature to change procurement rules in LB 461.

Director Jackson’s departure is one of many vacancies in the Governor’s cabinet. The list includes the Directors of the Nebraska Departments of Natural Resources, Environment and Energy, and the State Historical Society.

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PILLEN REQUESTS FOURTH ROUND OF FEDERAL AID FOR NEBRASKA STORM RECOVERY

LINCOLN- Governor Jim Pillen has requested federal aid for the fourth time to help with the relief in Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties. They experienced hurricane-force winds, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and hail on July 31 and Aug. 1.

Aside from structural damage, the storm also left more than 221,000 customers, or half of OPPD’s entire customer base, without power for hours to weeks. President Biden has approved the three prior requests, with the total amount of federal aid estimated at $34.5 million.

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NE ATTORNEY GENERAL STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST ‘MISLEADING’ DELTA-8 RETAIL SALES, TARGETS ENTIRE CITIES

LINCOLN- Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a crackdown on delta-8 products which he calls “mislabeled” and “dangerous”. Through a targeted city-wide blanket approach, the Attorney General is going after shops in local communities.

In a press conference with Representative Mike Flood, the AG told reporters about 4 lawsuits against shops in Norfolk that allege violations of the Consumer Protection Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and Nebraska’s Pure Food Act. The shops named in the lawsuits report that they are doing everything by the book and are blindsided by the lawsuit.

The AG reiterated that this is just the start of his investigation. He cited a report in which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received more than 300 reports of children and adults who were hurt consuming delta-8 THC products.

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THIRD LAWSUIT FILED ON NEBRASKA ABORTION AMENDMENT

LINCOLN- A third lawsuit was filed in Nebraska against competing abortion amendment proposals. More than 20 doctors supporting an abortion rights amendment sued to press the Nebraska Supreme Court to either pull both initiatives or keep both of them.

The Nebraska Supreme Court has agreed to hear all three of the lawsuits before Secretary of State Bob Evnen must finalize the Nov. 5 general election ballot on Sept. 13. The Supreme Court announced it would hear oral arguments for the new both-or-none lawsuit and both of the refiled lawsuits, which were brought from residents of Lancaster and Douglas Counties. In the both-or-none lawsuit, the doctors say they “reluctantly” filed because of the other two legal efforts to deny voters a chance to weigh in.

If the ballot measures survive, Nebraska would be the first state since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade to have competing abortion-related constitutional amendments on the same ballot. If both pass, the measure with the most votes becomes law.

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA, REPEAL OF PRIVATE K-12 SCHOLARSHIPS EXCEED THRESHOLD FOR NEBRASKA BALLOT

LINCOLN- Nebraska voters appear likely to vote on whether to legalize and regulate medical marijuana, as well as decide the fate of a new “school choice” law in November’s election, barring last-minute legal challenges. Secretary of State Bob Evnen confirmed that both ballot measures had exceeded the requirements for verification and will qualify once certification is complete.

“Our office is providing this update to keep voters informed of where county election offices are in the signature verification process,” Evnen said. Candidates and issues must be certified for the November ballot in Nebraska by September 13.

Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said her team was “beyond excited” that Nebraskans will soon weigh in on the issue. The other measure likely to qualify is a partial repeal of Legislative Bill 1402 from State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, which appropriated $10 million to the state treasurer to distribute scholarships, or vouchers, to families to attend private K-12 schools.

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CHAMBERS RETHINKS EXIT AND MIGHT RUN AFTER ALL, THIS TIME AS A WRITE IN

OMAHA- State Sen. Ernie Chambers, who pulled his name off the fall ballot in July, notarized paperwork Tuesday to run for his old legislative seat as a write-in candidate. Chambers, 87, still has to mail or hand-deliver the papers he signed at the Douglas County Election Commission to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office to have his write-in votes counted.

Earlier this year, Chambers stated he wanted to restore the Legislature’s independence as an equal branch of government. “A lot of people were very disappointed that I’d withdrawn my name,” Chambers said.

His most likely opponent in the November election, State Sen. Terrell McKinney said he would keep working to ensure District 11 sees the progress “our community deserves.” Chambers is widely known for using legislative rules to kill what he called “bad legislation” sought by the conservative majority and sometimes by Democrats.

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FISCHER AND OSBORN MIGHT BE IN TIGHT RACE, AS BOTH TOUT UNION ENDORSEMENTS

OMAHA- Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is in her most competitive general election race since 2012 when she beat former Governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey. Fischer said she “takes nothing for granted,” that she prefers official visits to media debates, and that she plans to keep asking Nebraskans what they want from their senator.

Nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn, a steamfitter, said his effort to get a working man into the Senate resonates with Nebraskans who are tired of the stranglehold the two major parties have on politics. Osborn has noted he does not want the backing of any party after having flirted with pursuing endorsements from the Democrats and third parties, including the Libertarian Party.

National reporters have written recently about the chances a Senate race in Nebraska might factor into which party controls the chamber, a rarity in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1.

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LEGAL MARIJUANA NOW PARTY WON'T OFFER A NOMINEE FOR NEBRASKA'S U.S. SENATE BALLOT

LINCOLN- The Legal Marijuana Now Party has decided it will not submit a name on the November ballot against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn.

Tuesday was the party’s deadline to offer a name after its original nominee resigned. No replacement form was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. Mark Elworth Jr., who chairs the party, said Tuesday that the group chose not to run someone because supporters of Osborn and Kerry Eddy, the former nominee, threatened to sue.

Some longer-tenured members of the Legal Marijuana Now Party argued that Eddy and a group of Osborn supporters took over their party to clear the ballot for him in his run against Fischer.

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