PILLEN LIKELY GOP NOMINEE FOR ANOTHER TERM AS HERBSTER SAYS HE WILL NOT RUN

LINCOLN — There will be no Republican rematch for the Nebraska governor. After months of taking shots at the Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on social media, multistate agribusinessman Charles Herbster will not run for governor, his team announced on Monday, the state’s filing deadline for running for public office.

Pillen does face a group of primary challengers in Sheila Korth-Focken, Jacy Todd, and Gary L. Rogge. Herbster, who largely self-funded his 2022 GOP primary loss to Pillen, was considered a serious threat in Nebraska political circles. Pillen has raised more than $10 million for reelection.

Pillen is now the heavy favorite to win GOP primary; facing a likely general election against former Senator Lynne Walz.

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AT NIOCORP, CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON LONG-AWAITED RARE MINERALS MINE

LINCOLN — Early construction work has launched on a long-awaited critical minerals mine in southeast Nebraska, with state and local officials starting the digging during a recent briefing at the project site. The $45 million effort to construct the entrance, also known as a portal, marked the first visibly significant on-site movement at the mine, which has been talked about for years and still faces major fundraising hurdles.

NioCorp described its Elk Creek initiative as one of the few advanced U.S.-based projects capable of producing multiple critical minerals from a single orebody. It said the portal construction advances the mine project from a planning phase into pre-construction.

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'SPECIAL LEGISLATION' CLAIM ENDS AMENDMENT SEEKING TO PLACE OSBORN IN HALL OF FAME

LINCOLN - Constitutional 'special legislation' concerns regarding an amendment that would add former Husker football coach and U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne to the Nebraska Hall of Fame prompted a brief skirmish on the legislative floor Thursday.  

During first-round debate on a Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee bill package, Hastings Sen. Dan Lonowski introduced an amendment to include a bill (LB1159) that he introduced on the governor's behalf requiring the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission to induct Osborne by Jan. 1. Osborne, 89, would be the first living inductee if the legislation is passed.

Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad called the bill "blatantly unconstitutional" as written since Osborne would be the only person to legally qualify. 

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STATE MEDICAID BUDGETS WILL DECLINE BY $665 BILLION UNDER NEW FEDERAL LAW, REPORT FINDS

WASHINGTON - State Medicaid budgets will be reduced by a total of $665 billion over the next decade, after President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act cuts federal investment in the health insurance program, according to a new analysis.

Researchers from RAND Health, a policy and research nonprofit, analyzed state and federal data to estimate how much the loss of federal money will affect state Medicaid budgets, publishing their findings late last month. Medicaid is the public health insurance program for people with low incomes, jointly funded by state and federal money.

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SENATORS COMPROMISE, ADVANCE WORKERS' COMPENSATION REFORM BILL

LINCOLN - Lawmakers struck an agreement on Tuesday that allowed a bill changing how workers injured on the job learn about their legal options to advance to the second round of debate. The Legislature voted 36-1 to advance a narrower version of a bill (LB455) sponsored by Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse that sought to enact reforms to Nebraska’s workers' compensation system.

The amended version of the bill requires the Workers' Compensation Court to keep first injury reports confidential for a 60-day “cooling off” period before they become subject to public records laws. In the meantime, the bill also requires the court to notify workers who file claims that they can engage the services of an attorney to represent them if they choose.

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LEGISLATURE TRIES CLEANING UP FOREIGN ADVERSARY LAW TO SALVAGE STATE TAX INCENTIVES

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature is trying to clean up a new law meant to be tough on foreign adversaries. State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, who authored the Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act that passed in 2025 with Gov. Jim Pillen’s blessing, offered an amendment to an unrelated bill this year, Legislative Bill 1096, that would tweak a definition to fix the issue.

His Amendment 2313 came up during the public hearing for the broader LB 1096 on Thursday in the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. The broader bill aims to protect the state’s agriculture and economy by criminalizing the illegal import of dangerous pathogens or pests.

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TENSION BUILDS OVER DISAGREEMENTS ON HOW TO ADDRESS DEFICIT

LINCOLN — State budget tensions boiled over onto the floor of the Nebraska Legislature Thursday in the aftermath of lawmakers’ rejecting a $50 million proposal to increase the state’s cigarette tax. Lawmakers appear to be in a standoff over options to help fill the state’s projected budget deficit, which is listed at $125 million but in reality is closer to $140 million. Senators have plenty of avenues to solve the issue, but do any of them have enough support to pass?

On Thursday, several lawmakers expressed frustration over Wednesday’s vote. State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, said he plans to propose several options in committee that he previously did not support and feels he has no other choice but to back.

“Some of these other things I will vote for now that I had voted against,” Dorn said.

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APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ADVANCES BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, LEAVING $125 MILLION HOLE TO FILL

LINCOLN — A pair of budget bills in the Nebraska Legislature officially moved toward floor debate, but lawmakers still must close a projected budget deficit that is larger than it appears. The Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday to advance Legislative Bills 1071 and 1072 to the floor. The bills contain lawmakers’ proposed budget adjustments for the 2025-2027 biennium.

The committee’s approved adjustments leave a projected budget deficit of $125 million, which lawmakers will attempt to fill by March 25. But because of some math mistakes that have since been fixed, the shortfall stands at approximately $140 million, according to Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent.

To review the proposed Appropriations Committee Biennial Budget Adjustments document, please click HERE

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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