PROPOSED CUTS TO THE NEBRASKA STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE COULD BLEED INTO LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY

LINCOLN - Nebraska’s State Fire Marshal’s Office is considering additional staffing and training reductions as state agencies prepare for potential 8% budget cuts amid a projected $846 million state budget shortfall. Proposed reductions could eliminate key positions, including a training coordinator and deputy fire marshal, and potentially end the agency’s participation in the 2028 State Fire School. Fire officials warn that these cuts could significantly impact public safety, particularly in rural communities where volunteer fire departments rely heavily on state-provided training and certification programs. The concerns come after a historic wildfire season that burned hundreds of thousands of acres across Nebraska and stretched local emergency resources. State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein acknowledged the financial challenges but emphasized that his office would continue providing essential services. The proposed cuts remain preliminary, with Gov. Jim Pillen expected to submit his budget recommendations to the Legislature in January. 

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NEBRASKA AG LEADS 16-STATE EFFORT IN SCHOOL VACCINATION DISPUTE

LINCOLN - Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is leading a 16-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case challenging vaccination requirements for students attending public school entirely online. The dispute involves a West Virginia couple whose daughter was removed from an online-only public school for failing to meet vaccination requirements, which the parents argue conflict with their Christian beliefs. Hilgers contends that requiring vaccinations for students learning from home unnecessarily infringes on parental rights and religious freedom, arguing that the government lacks sufficient justification to impose such requirements on remote students. Lower courts previously rejected the parents’ challenge, and the Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to hear the case. 

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NEBRASKA AUDITOR PRESSES STATE RETIREMENT AGENCY FOR ANSWERS ON OUTGOING DIRECTOR’S PAY

LINCOLN - Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is criticizing the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Board (NPERS) for continuing to pay outgoing Executive Director Thomas Pfeifle despite reports that he has not worked since submitting his resignation on September 21. Pfeifle, who led the agency for approximately three months, cited a desire to move closer to his children in Colorado and set his official departure date for October 31. According to Foley’s October 6 report, Pfeifle returned his state-issued equipment and ceased interactions with the agency on September 21, yet remains on the payroll. Foley estimates the state could pay approximately $23,000 in salary and benefits for five weeks of potentially unperformed work, including roughly $7,800 already paid for one payroll period. Foley accused the board of failing its fiduciary responsibilities and expressed frustration over the lack of clear answers regarding the payments.

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OMAHA FATHER SUING DHHS AFTER RECORDS-REQUEST ESTIMATE OF NEARLY $1M, 2076 DEADLINE

LINCOLN - An Omaha father has filed a lawsuit against the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) after the agency estimated it would cost nearly $1 million and take until September 2076 to fulfill his public records request. Curt Safranek requested communications between DHHS employees and consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal regarding the state’s use of the interRAI assessment tool, which helps determine Medicaid waiver funding for Nebraskans with disabilities. DHHS estimated the request would require more than 26,000 hours of work by three employees, costing approximately $976,264. The dispute comes amid ongoing concerns over the interRAI tool’s impact on funding for families with disabilities and the state’s decision to seek competitive bids for an independent review. Safranek’s lawsuit raises questions about government transparency and public access to records involving programs serving vulnerable Nebraskans.

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SPOT FUEL OUTAGES REPORTED ACROSS PARTS OF NEBRASKA: WHAT'S BEHIND THE SQUEEZE?

NEBRASKA - Several Nebraska communities, including Crete, Seward, Eagle, Fremont and parts of Omaha, have reported temporary gasoline shortages as a potential supply disruption at one of Omaha’s 16 fuel suppliers affects deliveries across the state. GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan suggested the issue may be related to refinery maintenance but emphasized that overall fuel supplies remain sufficient and there is no reason for consumers to panic. In response, Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order temporarily relaxing truck driver hours-of-service restrictions and allowing fuel delivery trucks to exceed weight limits by up to 10% through November 18 to help restore supplies. Industry officials expect the disruptions to be short-lived, with affected gas stations likely to receive additional fuel deliveries soon.

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TRUMP TAPS ERIC HAMILTON FOR NEBRASKA'S US DISTRICT COURT

LINCOLN—President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Eric Hamilton to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for Nebraska. Hamilton currently serves as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice and previously served as Nebraska’s solicitor general and White House counsel during Trump’s first term. Nebraska Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, who recommended Hamilton for the position, praised his legal experience and commitment to public service. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers also supported the nomination. 

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18 CHANGES SUGGESTED FOR STATE FUNDING, LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR K-12 SCHOOLS

LINCOLN—Nebraska’s School Financing Review Commission approved 18 recommendations aimed at increasing state funding for public schools and reducing reliance on property taxes. The proposals include increasing per-student foundation aid by at least 4% annually and keeping the state’s share of K-12 funding at least 51%. If implemented, the changes could provide nearly $55.5 million in additional aid to school districts. The recommendations now head to the Nebraska Legislature, where lawmakers must weigh increased education funding against a projected $209 million state budget shortfall. 

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NEBRASKA MEDICAL CANNABIS CULTIVATORS CALL FOR CHANGES TO LAB TESTING, FEES, PHYSICIAN PROTECTIONS

LINCOLN—Nebraska’s four licensed medical cannabis cultivators are urging the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to address testing regulations, licensing fees, and legal protections for physicians as delays continue to prevent legal sales. The cultivators expressed concerns over the lack of authorized testing facilities and proposed annual fees totaling $36,500, despite having no clear path to generating revenue. They are requesting reduced or delayed fees and clearer regulations to prevent further setbacks. The commission is scheduled to review public comments on its proposed regulations on Nov. 16 before potentially sending them to the Attorney General’s Office and the governor for approval. 

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SECOND LAWSUIT AT KEARNEY YOUTH CENTER NAMES 10 EMPLOYEES, CITES 'INSIDIOUS' CULTURE THAT ALLOWED ABUSE

KEARNEY—A second federal lawsuit has been filed over alleged sexual abuse at Nebraska’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, accusing 10 current and former state employees of failing to protect a teenage boy from abuse by two staff members. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of inadequate investigations, victim blaming, and retaliation against youth who reported misconduct. An earlier state investigation identified sexual abuse allegations involving 37 boys and 19 employees. The lawsuit seeks financial compensation and accountability for alleged constitutional rights violations, while additional lawsuits may follow. 

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'THIS IS AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME': LOCAL RESEARCHER WEIGHS IN ON RISE OF PUBLIC OFFICAL THREATS

OMAHA—Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer’s office reported receiving a suspicious powder Tuesday, marking the third similar incident in the state within a week. Sen. Pete Ricketts’ office and the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office also reported suspicious packages. The incidents come amid a nationwide increase in threats against public officials, with researchers reporting 145 federal arrests related to such threats this year, already surpassing last year’s total. The FBI is investigating all three incidents, although authorities have not confirmed whether they are connected. 

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UNION OMAHA, CITY INCH CLOSER TO SOCCER STADIUM AS PARTNERS HINT AT MECA ROLE

OMAHA—A proposed $140 million soccer stadium for Union Omaha in north downtown Omaha received no opposition during a City Council public hearing Tuesday. The project would be financed partly through $106.5 million in city-issued revenue bonds and anchor a larger mixed-use development featuring retail, dining and up to 350 apartments, with total investment potentially exceeding $316 million. Union Omaha has committed $23 million in equity and would pay $2 million annually in rent under a 30-year lease. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the stadium opening in 2028. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the redevelopment agreement next Tuesday. 

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MORE THAN 1,300 NEBRASKANS TO HAVE $2.65 MILLION IN DEBT CANCELED UNDER SETTLEMENT

LINCOLN—Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a nearly $664 million settlement with Snap Finance following a 17-state investigation led by Nebraska and Iowa into misleading lease-to-own practices. Investigators found that the company misrepresented payment terms, costs, and potential credit benefits, leaving customers with more expensive agreements than expected. Under the settlement, 1,349 Nebraska consumers will have approximately $2.65 million in payments canceled and receive full ownership of their merchandise. Snap Finance must also improve contract transparency, end misleading advertising, and submit annual compliance reports for three years. 

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WIND, SOLAR TOUTED AT NEBRASKA CONFERENCE TO MEET ELECTRICITY DEMAND

LINCOLN—Speakers at the Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference called for expanding renewable energy as electricity demand is expected to nearly double over the next decade, driven by data centers and industrial growth. Wind and solar currently provide about 32% of Nebraska’s electricity, compared to 60% in Iowa and South Dakota. State Sen. Stan Clouse plans to reintroduce a revised version of LB1204 next year to establish statewide standards for wind and solar projects after the original proposal faced significant opposition. 

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PROBLEM GAMBLING CLIENTS MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS IN NEBRASKA

LINCOLN—Problem gambling treatment cases in Nebraska have increased 137% since 2019, rising from 174 to 412 annually, as voters prepare to decide on Measures 440 and 441 to legalize online sports betting on Nov. 3. According to the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling, electronic skill games and casino slot machines remain the leading sources of gambling problems, accounting for more than 65% of cases, while sports betting accounts for approximately 12%. Officials also noted that growing prediction markets could complicate efforts to measure the impact of expanded online sports wagering. 

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SENATE LEADER THUNE STUMPS FOR RICKETTS, SAYS GOP MAJORITY 'RUNS RIGHT THROUGH NEBRASKA'

FREMONT—Senate Majority Leader John Thune joined Sen. Pete Ricketts at a Republican get-out-the-vote rally in Fremont, emphasizing Nebraska’s importance in maintaining GOP control of the U.S. Senate. Thune, Sen. Deb Fischer and Rep. Mike Flood criticized independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn and highlighted significant outside spending targeting Republican candidates. Speakers also discussed Republican legislative priorities, including border security and the SAVE Act, while stressing the importance of voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Thune’s visit follows several appearances by national Republican leaders in Nebraska as the party works to strengthen support in traditionally Republican territory. 

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PILLEN HIGHLIGHTS STATE'S DRINKING WATER FUND AS PLATTSMOUTH REBOUNDS FROM FLOODING

PLATTSMOUTH—Plattsmouth officials joined Gov. Jim Pillen to highlight the importance of Nebraska’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the 2019 floods. The city’s $130 million recovery effort received $38 million in zero-interest state loans, helping prevent financial hardship while restoring water and wastewater systems. State officials announced that the program is expected to surpass $2 billion in funding over the next eight years, with $220 million supporting 40 new infrastructure projects statewide over the next two years. The program helps communities address aging infrastructure while limiting costs for residents. 

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PATIENTS WAITING INDEFINITELY FOR MEDICINE TWO YEARS AFTER NEBRASKANS APPROVED MEDICAL CANNABIS

LINCOLN—Nebraska’s medical cannabis program continues to face delays nearly two years after 71% of voters approved legalization in 2024. Although four cultivation licenses have been issued, manufacturers and dispensaries are still awaiting approval, leaving patients without access to regulated products. Growers have raised concerns about mounting fees and the lack of testing and distribution guidelines, with some regulations potentially taking another one to two years to finalize. Advocates argue the restrictions undermine voter intent, while state Sen. Kathleen Kauth and other officials emphasize the need for additional research and safeguards before expanding access. 

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PLATTE INSTITUTE PROPOSES EXPANDING NEBRASKA SALES TAX TO FUND INCOME AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

LINCOLN – A new Platte Institute report recommends expanding Nebraska’s sales tax to additional goods and services to help fund income and property tax relief. The report estimates that taxing currently exempt services, including lawn care, vehicle repairs, and personal care, could generate approximately $202 million annually in additional state revenue by fiscal year 2028. Broader expansions covering groceries, motor fuel, and certain medical and professional services could raise the total to $1.63 billion. The Platte Institute argues that expanding the sales tax base would help Nebraska maintain its planned income tax reductions, address budget challenges, and improve economic competitiveness.

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THE OMAHA AREA IS RUNNING LOW ON POWER CAPACITY. THAT COULD HARM NEBRASKA’S ABILITY TO GROW.

OMAHA - The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is facing significant power capacity constraints that could limit economic development, business expansion and job growth in the Omaha region. OPPD projects it will have fewer than 100 megawatts of available capacity for new or expanding large customers over the next several years, raising concerns about its ability to accommodate energy-intensive industries such as data centers and manufacturing facilities. OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez warned that developments requiring as little as two megawatts could face challenges, although the utility maintains sufficient capacity for normal residential and commercial growth. Rising electricity demand, aging grid infrastructure and local opposition to renewable energy projects have further complicated efforts to expand capacity. While OPPD continues to prioritize growth in sectors such as defense and healthcare, the limitations could make it more difficult for Nebraska to attract major employers and remain economically competitive.

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THINK TANK PITCHES EXPANDING NEBRASKA’S SALES TAX BASE TO GROCERIES, TAMPONS

LINCOLN - The Platte Institute is proposing an expansion of Nebraska’s sales tax base as lawmakers prepare to address persistent state budget shortfalls during the upcoming legislative session in January. At the think tank’s Annual Legislative Summit, tax policy experts discussed broadening the sales tax to additional goods and services, including currently exempt items such as groceries and feminine hygiene products, as a way to generate additional state revenue. Platte Institute Senior Tax Policy Advisor Jared Walczak argued that Nebraska’s recent income tax reductions have not been accompanied by corresponding sales tax reforms, unlike approaches taken in other states. Nebraska has been gradually reducing its top individual and corporate income tax rates since 2023, with both scheduled to reach 3.99% in 2027. The proposal could renew debate over how Nebraska funds government services and how changes to the tax system would affect consumers and businesses.

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