EFFORTS LAUNCHED TO CREATE OMAHA PLAN TO ELIMINATE POVERTY, AS REQUIRED BY NEW NE LAW

OMAHA- Two Omaha meetings are scheduled for October 1 and October 3 to gather public input to be used as the city creates a poverty elimination action plan. Omaha’s plan is being coordinated by the Nebraska Center for Justice Research of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the City of Omaha Human Rights & Relations Department.

Such a plan, required of Nebraska’s two largest cities, is the result of a law passed by the Nebraska Legislature earlier this year. The aim of the legislation introduced by State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha is to better understand and address poverty and ultimately lift economic circumstances for poor families across the state.

Plans are to be submitted by mid-2025 to the Legislature and include strategies for use of federal, state and local incentives to help reduce poverty in impacted areas.

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NEBRASKA, OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL CHALLENGE CALIFORNIA REGULATION ON BIG TRUCKS

LINCOLN- Nebraska and 23 other Republican-led states asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to block a push by Democratic-led California to require more trucks used for transporting goods to reduce carbon emissions. California needs a federal waiver from the EPA to enforce stricter emissions standards on medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks because the federal Clean Air Act prevents most states from setting individual standards without a waiver.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who led the effort, argued in a letter that California is overstepping its authority and risks harming commerce beyond its borders. The letter was signed by leaders in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

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20 PROJECTS TO SHARE NEARLY $11M FROM NE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund awarded nearly $11 million in funding this week. The Nebraska Legislature established the fund in 1996 to help address the building of affordable housing.

The program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development said this year was “highly competitive”.  There were over 50 applications that requested nearly $31 million to support projects across the state. The department selected 20 projects to share $10.72 million.

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NEBRASKA'S TOP ELECTION OFFICIAL TO COURT: THROW OUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA PETITIONS

LINCOLN- In a court filing, Secretary of State Bob Evnen is seeking to remove a pair of ballot initiatives that were circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. The case came as another case filed by a former state senator, John Kuehn, which is also asking for the initiatives to not be considered by voters in November.

Despite certifying the initiatives on the ballot on September 13th, Evnen is now saying that the petitions are “legally insufficient”. However, Secretary Evnen asked the State Supreme Court to do the same in a case concerning the school choice ballot initiative, but Chief Justice Heavican wrote that there is no process for the Secretary to change his mind after already certifying a ballot.

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RICKETTS’ RICHES: HOW A WEALTHY GOVERNOR AND HIS FAMILY CHANGED NEBRASKA POLITICS

LINCOLN - A new analysis of giving by Pete Ricketts and his parents found his donations spiked when he ran for governor and spiked again to support Jim Pillen, who soon appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate. While serving as Governor, Rickets became a disruptive force in the size of his donations to candidates running against incumbent Senators who voted against his interests. He expanded his involvement into races for the NU Board of Regents and county sheriff elections.

Senator Ricketts' net worth is estimated to be around $160 million, which makes him the fourth-richest U.S. Senator. With his new role in the federal government, his federal campaign contributions have increased from $886,000 in 2022 to over $2.6 million this election year. Despite his increased contribution to federal campaigns, Ricketts has remained involved with Nebraska races and ballot initiatives.

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FLOOD, BLOOD TRADE ACCUSATIONS OF EXTREME VIEWS DURING NEBRASKA 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE

LINCOLN- Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood and his Democratic challenger, State Sen. Carol Blood, spent much of their recent debate categorizing the other as more extreme and out of touch with voters.

Flood, who is seeking his second full term as Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District Representative, said he was elected to “turn the page” on an “extreme liberal agenda in Washington” in 2022, which he said Blood would follow. Blood said Flood has contributed to “hyperpartisanship” and inaction while in Congress and that she wouldn’t follow the Democratic Party.

Differences in opinion on foreign policy, national security, immigration, gun violence, abortion, artificial intelligence, student loan debt, and agricultural policies were at the forefront of the debate, whether the disputes were between the individuals or their respective political parties.

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OUTSIDE GROUPS RAMP UP ADVERTISING IN BACON-VARGAS RACE IN NEBRASKA'S 2ND DISTRICT

OMAHA- Two major national groups that spend big on competitive congressional races aired their first TV ads Tuesday in the U.S. House race to represent Nebraska’s 2nd District.

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched an ad against State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, the Democratic nominee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee rolled out two ads against U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, the Republican incumbent. The themes of the first ads signal frequent attack lines voters can expect through the November election in the Omaha-based district, attacking Vargas for supporting criminal justice reforms and hitting Bacon for opposing reproductive rights.

Early in-person voting starts October 7 and Election Day is November 5.

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NEBRASKA ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCLOSURE COMMISSION SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR AS HUNTER STEPS BACK

LINCOLN- The state agency that enforces Nebraska’s campaign finance laws needs a new executive director about a year after promoting a leader from within. David Hunter, whom the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission promoted to the position in July 2023, asked for personal reasons to return to his previous job as deputy director, officials said.

Hunter confirmed the accuracy of the job posting on the NADC and state hiring websites. He referred questions to Jeff Davis, who chairs the NADC. Davis said the commission was “happy with the job” Hunter had done and that the commissioners wanted to keep him in the organization.

Hunter spent the past year stepping into the cavernous shoes of former director Frank Daley, who retired after a quarter century as director.

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NONHAZARDOUS MATERIAL FOUND IN ENVELOPE SENT TO NE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE; CAUTION URGED

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office reported a suspicious envelope at its Elections Division headquarters Monday and advises county election officials to be cautious.

Office staff discovered the suspicious envelope Monday morning, which was isolated in a separate area of the office while awaiting support from the Nebraska State Patrol. With assistance from Lincoln Fire and Rescue and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, officials tested a substance inside the envelope that turned out to be non-hazardous.

Officials turned over the envelope to the FBI and U.S. Postal Service authorities for further investigation. “The situation was quickly and safely resolved thanks to the swift action taken by our staff members, law enforcement, and other first responders,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen said.

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NEBRASKA AG ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO ‘SEVERAL THOUSAND SIGNATURES’ ON 2024 PETITIONS

LINCOLN - An investigation continues, as announced by Attorney General Mike Hilgers, into what he and Evnen said were “irregularities” in the signature-gathering process for two ballot measures related to medical cannabis. Evnen stated that even though the ballot is certified, the Nebraska Supreme Court could take up a challenge to the marijuana-related petitions, or any others.

A signature collector has been arrested in Hall County after an investigation found he had collected over 200 fraudulent signatures. However, Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet confirmed those signatures were not included in the final numbers submitted to the Secretary of State.

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WINNER-TAKE-ALL PUSH GETS HELP OF GOV. JIM PILLEN, SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, TRUMP

LINCOLN - There is growing pressure from national GOP Leaders to have Nebraska change how it goes about the electoral college. Governor Jim Pillen and Secretary of State Bob Evnen had an event at the Governor's Mansion in an attempt to gain 33 votes to have Nebraska adopt the Winner Take All system. At this event, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was in attendance to show the national importance of the electoral system. It has been reported that President Trump may personally reach out to the remaining state senators who oppose the change.

Nebraska is one of two states that divides electoral votes by congressional districts. Recent polls have indicated that the 2nd Congressional District in Omaha is a toss-up between former President Trump and Vice President Harris. Governor Jim Pillen released a statement that he has yet to find 33 state senators to vote in favor of the Winner Take All system in Nebraska.

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EX-UF PRESIDENT BEN SASSE SPENDING ON CATERING INCLUDED $38,610 SUSHI BAR

GAINESVILLE, FL- The University of Florida’s then-president and former Nebraska U.S. Senator, Ben Sasse, dished out over $1.3 million on private catering for lavish dinners, football tailgates, and social functions, a figure roughly double the amount spent by his predecessor. This included a holiday party featuring a $38,610 sushi bar.

The university enforces rules requiring only the use of approved caterers that meet requirements for liability, health inspections, and business insurance. It also enforces rules against using state funds to buy alcohol and against using other UF funds unless alcohol is purchased from and served by an approved caterer or restaurant.

Amid questions over his office’s spending on staff and consulting contracts, Sasse wrote on social media on Aug. 16 that “it’s not true” there was any inappropriate spending.

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UNL GROWS ENROLLMENT FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2017, ADDING TO SYSTEMWIDE ENROLLMENT GROWTH

LINCOLN- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has increased its overall student enrollment this fall for the first time in seven years, adding to total systemwide growth of 0.7% over fall 2023. University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold announced the fall 2024 enrollment totals Monday, pointing to an increase of undergraduate and resident students across the state for a total of 49,749 students, the highest since 2021.

Enrollment increased 3.2% at UNMC and 1.7% at UNL. Conversely, enrollment declined 0.3% at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2.3% at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and 13.4% at the smaller, rural-focused Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

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NEBRASKA AG ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO ‘SEVERAL THOUSAND SIGNATURES’ ON 2024 PETITIONS

LINCOLN - Hours before the deadline to finalize the November ballot, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said his office is continuing to investigate “several thousand signatures” on ballot initiative petitions. Hilgers has said that his office has investigated several irregularities in the signature collection process.

A signature collector has been arrested in Hall County after an investigation found he had collected over 200 fraudulent signatures. However, Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet confirmed that those signatures were not included in the final numbers submitted to the Secretary of State. Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, thanked Hilgers for his work on the matter, calling for accountability on signature collectors who violate the standards they are held to.

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GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS — AUGUST 2024

LINCOLN - Tax Commissioner James R. Kamm reports that gross General Fund receipts for August were $686 million, which is 7.1% below the forecast of $738 million. Tax Commissioner Kamm reported the following breakdown:

• Gross Sales and Use: 5.8% below forecast

• Gross Individual Income: 13.2% below forecast

• Gross Corporate Income: 111.9% above forecast

• Gross Miscellaneous: 30.3% above forecast

It was also reported that the Net General Fund receipts for fiscal year 2024-25 were $833 million, which is 4.0% below the forecast of $868 million.

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AND REGULATION ARE CERTIFIED FOR NEBRASKA’S NOVEMBER BALLOT

LINCOLN - On the final day to certify the November 5th general election ballot, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate medical marijuana in Nebraska. The campaign from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana officially garnered nearly 90,000 valid signatures as of Friday.

The two campaigns are seeking to legalize possessing, manufacturing, distributing, delivering, and dispensing cannabis for medical purposes. The other petition, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would set an allowable amount of medical cannabis at five ounces.

The certification by Evnen happened the same day that Attorney General Hillgers announced an arrest of a signature collector for having over 200 invalid signatures. Additionally, a lawsuit filed by former State Senator John Kuehn of Heartwell seeks to either prevent Nebraskans from voting on the measures or prevent Evnen and other constitutional officers from certifying the results of those measures.

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DUELING ABORTION MEASURES MAKE BALLOT, NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT DECIDES

LINCOLN - In a unanimous 7-0 ruling, the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that both abortion-related ballot initiatives will remain on the ballot in November. The single subject test came into play for both amendments, one seeking to protect access to abortion and the other seeking to place a constitutional cap at 12 weeks, with lawyers representing both issues saying their amendment fits the single subject requirements.

The ruling was seen by many as the “last hurdle” for the measures to successfully be placed on the ballot as today is the last day for the ballot to be finalized by Secretary of State Bob Evnen. Since the Dobbs ruling, every state has voted in favor of ballot initiatives that provided constitutional protection for abortions.

For an analysis from our law clerk click HERE

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NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT LETS VOTERS DECIDE FATE OF SCHOOL CHOICE LAW

LINCOLN - In another unanimous 7-0 ruling, the Nebraska Supreme Court allowed the ballot measure seeking to repeal LB 1402, a voucher program to help families offset the costs of private K-12 education, to remain on the November ballot. The Court found that LB 1402 was not an appropriation.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen previously pledged to file an additional lawsuit if he thought the Court’s ruling sidestepped the critical legal questions. However, Chief Justice Mike Haavican argued that “the Secretary cannot change his mind and rescind his legal sufficiency determination and not place the referendum on the ballot.”

For an analysis from our law clerk click HERE

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NE AUDITOR WARNS OF FAST STATEWIDE GROWTH OF TIF USE, SAYING THAT POSES RISK TO PROPERTY TAX BURDEN

OMAHA- More than a half-billion dollars in property tax collections were directed during the past five years to fund urban redevelopment across Nebraska, marking a “remarkable increase” in tax-increment financing use that has sparked a warning from State Auditor Mike Foley.

In a 26-page advisory letter to Nebraska lawmakers, Foley said that the growing use of the economic development incentive called TIF risks further upward pressure on “skyrocketing” local property taxes. Foley offered examples of how sometimes “loose and inconsistent” interpretations of governing statutes allowed cities “not only to accumulate significant amounts of unwarranted TIF proceeds," but also to engage in activities that pose legal concerns.

While debate over TIF has been long-running, Foley told lawmakers that the statewide review of related spending and statutes was spurred by “several concerns” that had been relayed to his office.

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STUDY RANKS NEBRASKA NO. 1 IN FINANCIAL LITERACY

LINCOLN - A new study by Credit Secrets ranks Nebraska as the most financially literate state in the country. The study used data from institutions, including the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Richard Baier, president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association, said he was not shocked when the results were released. He attributed the high score to the legislature's work in the past five years.

State Senators McKinney and Slama helped pass a bill in 2021 that created a half-credit requirement for financial literacy in order to graduate high school.  Additionally, the bill required the incorporation of financial literacy into each public school district's K-8 curriculum. 

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