Senator says independent state tourism agency is not working and ‘mis-messages’

LINCOLN — A legislative proposal to prevent “marketing malpractice” in pitching Nebraska tourism ran into opposition Tuesday from those involved in hosting visitors to the state.

Under a bill introduced by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, the Nebraska Tourism Commission would no longer be an independent agency run by commissioners from across the state, but be folded into an office of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), a state agency controlled by the governor.

Tourism had been an office of DED until 2012 when then-State Sen. LeRoy Louden, who represented the far northwest corner of Nebraska, won passage of a bill to make tourism an independent agency.

The stated goal then was to improve representation from the entire state in tourism promotion decisions, lessening a perceived bias toward Omaha and Lincoln attractions.

But the independent Nebraska Tourism Commission, and its then-director John Ricks, stirred controversy — as well as nationwide publicity — when it employed an edgy tourism slogan, “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone.”

While the marketing campaign won awards and mentions in national media, it was later decried by Gov. Jim Pillen, some state senators and DED leaders as signaling to tourists, as well as potential new residents and employees, that Nebraska wasn’t for them.

In 2023, then-DED Director Tony Goins said the “not for everyone” campaign “made a mockery” of the DED’s pitch line for new residents and businesses: “The Good Life is Calling.”

That year some supported a similar proposal to end the Tourism Commission’s independent status, but the bill ended with a compromise in which the Commission added new members from DED and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce to better coordinate marketing messages.

Ricks resigned in September, and the “not for everyone” tagline hasn’t been used since 2023. A new tourism slogan, “Nebraska. All Heart,” was recently unveiled by State Tourism Director Jenn Gjerde, who was hired two weeks ago to replace Ricks.

Despite the changes, and what Hardin termed the exit of those who “perpetrated that crime against humanity,” he asked the Legislature’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to again consider moving tourism promotion back within the Department of Economic Development.

FULL STORY.

Trump appoints Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to bipartisan Council of Governors

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is the newest member of the bipartisan Council of Governors focused on national security, disaster response and military coordination.

President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Pillen’s 2026 reelection campaign, appointed Pillen to the post this week. He joins four fellow Republicans and five Democratic governors. 

The council helps state leaders strengthen partnerships with national officials. The group met Thursday in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the 2026 National Governors Association winter meeting.

In a statement, Pillen described the service and appointment as an “honor.”

“Homeland security, disaster response, and supporting our men and women in uniform are our most important duties as leaders, and the Trump Administration has shown unwavering commitment on all these fronts,” Pillen said.

FULL STORY.

Lawmakers hit roadblock debating budget for UNMC biomedical research

LINCOLN —Nebraska lawmakers are facing a budget impasse over proposed cuts to biomedical research funding at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as they work to close a projected state deficit. Gov. Jim Pillen initially proposed eliminating $16.15 million from the state’s biomedical research fund, later scaling that back to about $12 million, with most of the reductions targeting UNMC.

Supporters of the funding argue the research dollars help attract top scientists and compete for federal grants, including funding from the National Institutes of Health. State Sen. Rob Dover and others say the investment strengthens Nebraska’s research reputation and economic growth.

Members of the Nebraska Legislature remain divided as they balance research funding against other state obligations and tax relief priorities. A smaller, immediate cut advanced in committee, while a larger reduction for the next fiscal year stalled, leaving the issue unresolved as the budget deadline approaches.

FULL STORY.

NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS UNDO BAN ON SUSPENDING K-2 STUDENTS

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature passed an education bill Friday that would allow suspending the youngest students at a school if they exhibit violence that hurts or could hurt someone, a provision that Gov. Jim Pillen positioned as a leading priority in this session. 

LB653 from State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil is to set requirements meant to help students with individualized education programs participate in option enrollment. The bill also strives to increase transparency of the option system. But the part of the proposal allowing the suspension of students in Kindergarten through second grade was the subject of almost all discussion over three rounds of debate. Lawmakers from more rural parts of the state noted many schools they represent don't have the staff or space for in-school alternatives.

Click HERE to read the article.

Legislature advances Capitol security bill to second round of debate

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers gave an early green light Tuesday to the bones of a bill that would enhance security protocols at the state Capitol. LB1237 was advanced in a 37-4 vote, pushing it through its first of three rounds of floor debate. The second round of debate is poised to be consequential in determining the bill’s final fate, based on discussions of a still-developing amendment addressing some of the bill’s critics and supporters.

LB 1237 would establish a list of weapons and substances that would not be allowed on Capitol grounds without prior approval, including firearms, pepper spray, explosives and spray paint. The bill also would direct the Nebraska State Patrol to implement ways to detect prohibited materials by Jan. 1, 2027, which could lead to metal detectors installed at Capitol entrances.

FULL STORY.

Bill to protect Nebraska physicians recommending medical cannabis advances to full legislature

LINCOLN — A bill aimed at giving legal protections to Nebraska physicians who recommend medical cannabis advanced out of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee and now moves to the full legislative floor. The measure, aimed at clarifying and ensuring doctors won’t face discipline solely for recommending medical cannabis to qualifying patients, drew bipartisan support in committee.

Supporters argue the protections are necessary to make Nebraska’s medical cannabis program workable after voters approved legalization in 2024 but few providers have issued recommendations due to fear of professional or legal consequences. Advocates say clearer statutory safeguards could encourage health care practitioners to participate.

The bill’s advancement comes amid broader efforts to implement and refine Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws, including tweaks to rules governing the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission and ongoing debates about access and regulatory frameworks.

While the bill now heads to the full Legislature, it could still face debate and require broader support to pass, reflecting ongoing tensions over how best to balance patient access with safeguards for medical professionals.

FULL STORY.

Chiding Omaha for failing to fix homelessness, lawmaker suggests statewide camping ban

LINCOLN —A proposal to ban unauthorized public camping statewide sparked hours of debate at the Nebraska Capitol, with much of the focus on Omaha’s homelessness challenges. LB 925, introduced by Sen. Bob Andersen, would make public camping a misdemeanor, require first-time offenders to go to shelters and penalize cities that fail to enforce the law. Supporters said the bill would improve safety and push people toward services.

Opponents, including Omaha officials and shelter providers, argued the measure would undermine the city’s encampment outreach pilot and criminalize people who have nowhere else to go. Service agencies testified that shelters are already full, and several formerly homeless Nebraskans warned that citations would only deepen the cycle of poverty. The Judiciary Committee took no immediate action.

LB 925, introduced by Sen. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, would adopt the Safe Parks and Public Spaces Act, classifying unauthorized public camping as a misdemeanor. First-time offenders would be directed to the nearest shelter and face prosecution on subsequent offenses.

FULL STORY.

STATE NOW FACES $626M BUDGET DEFICIT AFTER REVENUE FORECAST TAKES DOWNTURN

LINCOLN - Nebraska's budget deficit grew to $626 million Friday after state forecasters projected $155 million less in tax revenue over the next two fiscal years. 

A meeting of the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board updated the state's projected tax revenues to $6.97 billion for this fiscal year, which runs through June 30, and $6.625 billion in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Currently, the biennium covering fiscal years 2027-28 and 2028-29 has a projected budget shortfall of $536.8 million.

Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Appropriations Committee, told the Journal Star the committee will have to revisit a lot of the items they passed over in earlier executive sessions and consider making cuts that were previously off the table.

For the full article, click HERE

SENATOR SAYS INDEPENDENT STATE TOURISM AGENCY IS NOT WORKING AND 'MIS-MESSAGING'

LINCOLN — A legislative proposal to prevent “marketing malpractice” in pitching Nebraska tourism ran into opposition from those involved in hosting visitors to the state.

Under a bill introduced by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, the Nebraska Tourism Commission would no longer be an independent agency run by commissioners from across the state, but be folded into an office of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), a state agency controlled by the governor. Opposing Hardin’s bill were representatives of the Nebraska Travel Association and Nebraska Hospitality Association, as well as a former Tourism Commission member. They disputed that the independent State Tourism Commission, also known as “Visit Nebraska,” isn’t working.

Click HERE to read the article.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT JEFF GOLD TO JOIN PRES. TRUMP AT SPORTS ROUNDTABLE

WASHINGTON - University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold confirmed Friday that he'll be among leaders invited to a March 6 college sports roundtable hosted by President Donald Trump. 

Yahoo reported that at least 30 participants in the sports world — including commissioners of the ACC Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, golf legend Tiger Woods, Heisman winners Tim Tebow and Charlie Ward — were invited to the Saving College Sports Roundtable. Trump is the chairman of the closed-door talking session, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and New York Yankees president Randy Levine as vice chairs.

"I look forward to joining colleagues from across the country for this important conversation.” said Gold. 

Click HERE to read the article.

WORKERS' COMP MONEY DISPUTE TIES UP LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN - A dispute about proposed changes to workers’ compensation law tied up the Legislature Thursday and led to further disagreements about the direction senators are heading.

Thursday’s focus was “subrogation” – a legal doctrine that affects how the money received in settlements if a third party was at fault should be divided up between injured workers, their employers and insurance companies. Debate on the measure as of Thursday afternoon had consumed just over five hours, leaving just under three hours to go before a possible first-round vote on the bill.

Click HERE to read the article

STATE CHAMBER TAPS FORMER STATE SENATOR TO LEAD DURING LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected a former state senator and longtime board member to lead the chamber while it searches for a new president and CEO. Board of Directors announced Thursday that Matt Williams of Gothenburg agreed to serve as interim president.Williams represented District 36 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2023.

The chamber said Williams has had a lifelong career in banking and serves as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. His long involvement with the chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors; he currently serves as director for District 6. In 2025, he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

Click HERE to read the article

NEBRASKA LEFT OFF FEDERAL MEDICAL CANNABIS PROTECTIONS

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s medical cannabis program has hit an unexpected federal roadblock after the state was excluded from a key congressional amendment that shields state-legal medical marijuana laws from interference by the U.S. Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration. For more than a decade, that federal protection has been included in annual budget legislation to ensure patients, providers and state programs operating under voter-approved laws could do so without fear of federal prosecution. But in the latest update, Nebraska was left off the list, meaning its nascent medical cannabis system could be vulnerable to federal enforcement even as state regulators work to implement the law voters approved in November 2024. 

Advocates and policy experts warned the omission could chill investment and delay access for patients who rely on cannabis for pain management and other conditions, pointing to continued tensions between state and federal marijuana law. Nebraska’s medical cannabis program has been slow to launch, and supporters argue that without federal assurances they face both legal uncertainty and potential prosecution after the state legalized medical use. Critics of the exclusion have called it a setback not only for patients but for respecting the will of voters, underscoring how federal and state conflicts over cannabis policy continue to complicate implementation in states like Nebraska.

For the full article, click HERE.

STATE SENATOR CALLS OUT DHHS AFTER MEDICAID ERROR IMPACTS HIS SON

BELLEVUE —State Sen. Victor Rountree publicly criticized the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services after his 37-year-old adult son, who has developmental disabilities, was abruptly dropped from Medicaid and had his disability waiver halted due to what DHHS later acknowledged was a data-entry error. The mistake temporarily left the Rountree family without critical coverage and supports, prompting Rountree to demand accountability and more transparent processes within the agency that oversees services for some of Nebraska’s most vulnerable residents.

Rountree’s remarks reflect broader concerns from families and advocates about DHHS’s handling of Medicaid and disability services, especially amid ongoing debates over proposed changes to how the state administers Medicaid waivers and caregiver reimbursements. While the error affecting his son was corrected and coverage reinstated, the incident has underscored lawmakers' and disability advocates' frustrations with bureaucratic errors and the need for better oversight and reliability in delivering essential health services.

For the full article, click HERE.

DEM PRIMARY FUNDRAISING IN NEBRASKA’S 2ND DISTRICT TIGHTENS AS GOP RACE NARROWS

LINCOLN — Six candidates are competing for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska’s open 2nd Congressional District ahead of the May 12 primary, and recent Federal Election Commission filings show fundraising is tightening among the top contenders. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha raised more in the fourth quarter of 2025 than business owner and PAC co-founder Denise Powell, reporting about $343,600 compared with Powell’s roughly $305,300. Although Powell still leads overall in total funds raised and cash on hand entering 2026, she trails both Cavanaugh and Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades in local name recognition and polling. Other Democratic hopefuls, including Navy veteran Kishla Askins and former congressional staffer James Leuschen, also reported substantial fundraising, while Evangelos Argyrakis hasn’t yet filed financial figures. 

The Republican side has also seen movement: former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom recently exited the GOP primary, leaving Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding as the likely Republican nominee, who reported raising over $315,000 with more than $540,000 on hand. Cavanaugh’s campaign emphasized his growing fundraising momentum, while Powell argues her cumulative haul positions her as best equipped to flip the district Democratic. Meanwhile, Rhoades has focused on grassroots voter engagement over large-scale fundraising. National experts view Nebraska’s 2nd District—a diverse and politically divided area—as a potential Democratic pickup with incumbent Republican Rep. Don Bacon retiring.

For the full article, click HERE.

NO STATEWIDE SURPRISES AT NEBRASKA INCUMBENT FILING DEADLINE FOR 2026 ELECTION

LINCOLN — As of the Feb. 17 incumbent filing deadline for Nebraska’s 2026 election cycle, most current officeholders seeking reelection have filed their candidacies with no major surprises statewide, according to the Nebraska Examiner. A handful of appointed officials — including Public Service Commissioner Christian Mirch, State Sen. Fred Meyer and University of Nebraska Regent Joel Makovicka — chose not to file for their seats, but key statewide figures like Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Auditor Mike Foley all filed to run again. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is seeking a full six-year term after his 2024 special election win, while U.S. Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith are also seeking reelection. Twenty-one incumbents in the Legislature and other statewide boards have filed, and nonincumbents still have until March 2 to enter races for offices ranging from federal seats to the Legislature and the Board of Regents. 

Several notable departures were confirmed, with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon opting not to seek another term and state Sens. Christy Armendariz and Jane Raybould sticking to earlier decisions not to run again. Ten state senators are ineligible for reelection due to term limits, and additional vacancies on the State Board of Education and University of Nebraska Board of Regents have opened competitive races. Nebraska’s primary election is scheduled for May 12, with the top vote-getters advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.

For the full article, click HERE.

STATE AUDITOR FLAGS TAX INCENTIVE COSTS AND DHHS SPENDING IRREGULARITIES

LINCOLN —A new audit from State Auditor Mike Foley found that Nebraska’s two major incentive programs, the Nebraska Advantage Act and ImagiNE Nebraska Act, have cost the state an estimated $1.2 billion in lost revenue over the past four years, including $295 million in fiscal year 2025 alone. The report found benefits paid to companies that no longer met program requirements and raised concerns that current law does not adequately ensure long-term job and project commitments. Nearly $181 million in local sales tax revenue has also been refunded since 2019. With a projected $451 million budget deficit, Foley warned the incentives could add to mounting fiscal pressure without reforms.

In a separate review, Foley’s office cited issues with spending and reimbursements by Steve Corsi, head of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Auditors examined 105 state purchasing card transactions totaling $19,477 and identified dozens of questionable expenses, including meals purchased while receiving per diem and insufficient documentation. The agency said overlapping expenses have been reimbursed and pledged to improve oversight and compliance procedures moving forward.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA GOP OPPOSES BILL TO MOVE BRAND COMMITTEE INTO STATE AGENCY

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Republican Party has formally taken a stand against Legislative Bill 1258, a proposal from State Sen. Ben Hansen that would make brand inspection voluntary across the state and fold the self-funded Nebraska Brand Committee into the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. In a resolution adopted Jan. 31, the GOP urged Republican legislators to oppose the bill, arguing that the shift could expand bureaucratic control and weaken the independent branding agency. The party planned to share its stance with lawmakers to influence the officially nonpartisan Legislature. The Brand Committee, funded through fees rather than general tax dollars, currently oversees cattle brand inspections and theft investigations in much of Nebraska, a function some ranchers and rural officials see as vital to the cattle industry’s integrity.

Opposition to the bill extended beyond the state GOP, with livestock groups like Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska also urging lawmakers to preserve the Brand Committee’s autonomy. At a legislative hearing, many testified that the existing system protects ranchers and deters theft, while supporters of Hansen’s proposal — including some feedlot owners — argued it would reduce red tape and improve efficiency. Critics countered that the bill misrepresented the committee’s role and would undermine a long-standing institution important to Nebraska’s agricultural economy. No immediate action was taken on the bill following the hearing.

For the full article, click HERE.

FORMER NEBRASKA FIRST LADY SUSANNE SHORE RUNS FOR NU REGENT IN OMAHA

OMAHA — The political divide between Nebraska’s Democratic former first lady, Susanne Shore, and her husband, Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former two-term governor, has drawn attention for more than a decade. 

Shore has said she and Ricketts regularly disagree on politics at the dinner table and come together as a family. But this week, the political odd couple finally agreed on a Nebraska Democrat running for office. Her.

Shore is seeking an Omaha seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. She says she wants to help NU heal from months of infighting and help stakeholders set a vision for its future. She says she wants all NU campuses to learn from what others are doing well — at NU and elsewhere. She wants NU to use that data to innovate in learning, research, and student experience.

She would like to see the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney emulate the University of Nebraska at Omaha in studying what its students need to succeed. 

For the full article, click HERE

PROPOSED REFORM TO NEBRASKA’S SPORTS ARENA FINANCING LAW WOULD REDUCE GOVERNOR’S POWER

LINCOLN —Nebraska lawmakers are advancing proposals to change how the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act operates, aiming to reduce the governor’s ability to stall or block applications for sports arena and complex financing incentives. Under current law, Gov. Jim Pillen’s vote on the board that reviews applications has effectively held projects in limbo, with several proposals for new youth and community facilities awaiting decisions. One bill would impose a 30-day deadline for the board to act on applications once a public hearing is held, and another would remove the requirement that the governor’s vote be needed for approval. Supporters say the changes would bring certainty to developers and communities seeking to use state sales tax turnback incentives for economic and recreational development.

Backers argue that stalled approvals are delaying or discouraging investments in sports infrastructure across the state, from large complexes to smaller municipal facilities, and that clearer, more predictable timelines could help Nebraska communities capitalize on growing demand for youth and competitive sports venues. Opponents of the current system say it empowers a single executive decisionmaker too heavily and slows economic development tied to state incentives. The proposed reforms reflect bipartisan legislative efforts to streamline the process and clarify how financing assistance for sports projects should move forward.

For the full article, click HERE.