WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON —Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president. Click below to watch the Inauguration Day pageantry.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LIVE --&gt; Donald Trump 2025 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony <a href="https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb">https://t.co/dWmFHk1OYb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881310931210125630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;My life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again...for American citizens January 20, 2025 is liberation day.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iLLC5p6TAL">pic.twitter.com/iLLC5p6TAL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881392648730157411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The golden age of America begins right now.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Y6BRKMmhsv">pic.twitter.com/Y6BRKMmhsv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881391820929724471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/carrieunderwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carrieunderwood</a> performs &quot;America the Beautiful&quot; at the Presidential Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/rIJqcLK2uV">pic.twitter.com/rIJqcLK2uV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881400704180376022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737392632614.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/VywxkH9E4D">pic.twitter.com/VywxkH9E4D</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388108094013872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: JD Vance is sworn in as Vice President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/nZAxgdAonc">pic.twitter.com/nZAxgdAonc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881388051626172686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama arrive for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/hDUhxTpZrg">pic.twitter.com/hDUhxTpZrg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881377157491863720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389012725.png" alt="- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>- Trump and Biden enter the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737389171074.png" alt="Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Mark Zuckerberg, RFJ Jr., Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in attendance-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/tvsOyTUfbl">pic.twitter.com/tvsOyTUfbl</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366841819308277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President-elect JD Vance depart the White House en route to the Capitol for the Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/XS5u9niKfd">pic.twitter.com/XS5u9niKfd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881366482090668145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;There are no extra seats available in the Rotunda for the Inauguration, therefore only sitting members will be seated in the Rotunda...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BpPom3fyOF">pic.twitter.com/BpPom3fyOF</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362529626317019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a> arrive at U.S. Capitol for Inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/pN5hGN5yGm">pic.twitter.com/pN5hGN5yGm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881362412357521556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcome President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House on Inauguration Day. <a href="https://t.co/ZfwafhfN1B">pic.twitter.com/ZfwafhfN1B</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881357145825792300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/zBLQsIZxtf">pic.twitter.com/zBLQsIZxtf</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881347039742615612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Donald Trump arrives at St. John&#39;s Episcopal Church. <a href="https://t.co/yzHYo4fUC2">pic.twitter.com/yzHYo4fUC2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881337864153088341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Donald Trump Inauguration Day pageantry

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.

This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;

However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.

“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.

“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.

The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;

Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.

However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.

“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.

State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.

Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”

Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.

Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.

Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history.

In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans&nbsp;over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans.

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesn’t look at the rules as “a partisan thing.”

“Everybody’s a minority in that body at some point,” DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. “We’re not easily grouped into two groups up there.”

The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round.

The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with “social” issues late in the session.

Unlike for legislative bills, cloture can’t be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance.

Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to “talk” a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should “tread lightly” on changes.

The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, can’t filibuster a bill without support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/10/state-sen-jane-raybould-sings-in-opposition-to-nebraska-legislative-committee-assignments/">more urban districts</a>, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support.

Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that.

– State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful.

“Other than that situation, I would say I’d be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation,” Murman said.

Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census.

Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being “present, not voting” is a conscious decision that she said shouldn’t affect a bill’s fate.

Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott.

“When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, that’s when the rules really come into play,” Conrad said. “There’s never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. There’s a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures.”

Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria.

Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/nebraska-legislature-advances-bill-to-restrict-trans-health-care-for-minors/">came to vote</a>&nbsp;in March 2023 “without a knee,” Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">left the hospital</a>&nbsp;when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauth’s bill, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/17/nebraska-merges-abortion-gender-affirming-care-measures-into-single-bill/">combined</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">stricter abortion ban</a>.

That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=9193" target="_blank">32-15</a>. One Republican and one Democrat were “present, not voting.”

Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/27/nebraska-abortion-ban-tied-to-cardiac-activity-falls-one-vote-short-20-week-limit-remains-intact/">after about six weeks gestation</a>.

The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion</a>&nbsp;after he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/28/my-position-hasnt-changed-says-senator-who-refused-vote-for-six-week-heartbeat-abortion-bill/">refused</a>&nbsp;to take a position on cloture.&nbsp;

He instead helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/#:~:text=While%20Riepe%20supported%20the%20bill,attach%20it%20to%20LB%20574.">negotiate</a>&nbsp;a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauth’s bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation.

The NEGOP in&nbsp;<a href="https://ne.gop/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NEGOP-Convention-Resolutions-Adopted-5-18-24.pdf" target="_blank">May 2024 censured Riepe</a>&nbsp;largely for side-stepping the cloture vote.

“I’ve said this much because I’ve been criticized on that. I say, ‘OK, I’ll give you a solid no,’” Riepe said last week.

“‘Present, not voting’ is a ‘soft no’ in legislative terms,” Riepe continued. “It’s trying to be polite that says, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t go.’”

I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty.

– State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha

Riepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there aren’t as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature.

“We’re supposed to debate stuff,” Riepe said. “We’re supposed to have differences of agreement.”

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">swing vote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">along with Riepe and Hughes</a>, said he’s fine with the cloture rules as is.

Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 2CA</a>&nbsp;that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/17/debate-delayed-on-owner-occupied-housing-valuations-as-tensions-flare-in-nebraska-legislature/">Rural senators led the filibuster</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11396" target="_blank">Cloture failed 26-16</a>.

Kauth said it “always drove me nuts” and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being “present, not voting.” So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice.

After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but “there’s no price to pay for it.”

“I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty,” Kauth said.&nbsp;

She has noted that seven senators were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/my-prognosis-is-incredibly-bright-nebraska-lawmaker-continues-blood-cancer-treatments/">fighting cancer</a>&nbsp;or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as “nothing short of breathtakingly impressive.”&nbsp;

Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting.

Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, “Where is that balance?”

Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/28/rules-changes-fail-to-curb-partisan-rancor-in-nebraska-legislature/">rare mid-session rules change</a>.

“To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that we’re going to ramrod through legislation that wasn’t ready to be passed,” Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as “an opportunity for the minority to have a voice.”

Conrad agreed and said it would be “very myopic” to push partisan rules changes forward “in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire.”

“It’s critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution,” Conrad said. “… Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically.”

State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a&nbsp;<a href="https://video.legislature.ne.gov/Wll0V2dkUlw=" target="_blank">Thursday Rules Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines.

Bostar also cautioned that a future “rogue” legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture.

Kauth responded that she didn’t foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was “abusing” the authority.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that “present, not voting” is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that they’re in the “middle” on issues, not a “hard yes or no.”

Hansen suggested limiting Kauth’s sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate — final reading.

Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive.

The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot.

The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature.

Other rules proposals being considered include:

Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days.

No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, she’ll use them as they are available.

“I’ve always played by the rules, whatever those rules are,” Cavanaugh said. “I plan on continuing to play by the rules.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737391237765.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/19/fate-of-nebraska-legislature-filibuster-rule-centers-on-rural-urban-split-more-than-party/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals.This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">lowering the filibuster threshold</a>&nbsp;— set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes — as a top priority for the legislative session.&nbsp;However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/population-growth-strongest-in-some-nebraska-suburban-and-rural-counties/">growing faster</a>&nbsp;than many more rural counties concentrated to the west.“Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that,” said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.“It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that who’s in the minority depends upon the topic,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte.<h2>‘Integrity of the Unicameral’</h2>The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat.&nbsp;Republicans have secured&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/republicans-appear-to-maintain-supermajority-in-officially-nonpartisan-nebraska-legislature/">33 of the 49 seats</a>, meaning if all senators vote in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/republicans-grab-majority-on-all-but-one-nebraska-legislative-committee/">lock-step</a>, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities.However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it “worrisome and sad” that some conservatives might deviate from the pack.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?u=1d82dcd2e67c4075340c26b37&amp;id=a99c876aa6" target="_blank">Jan. 7 email to supporters</a>&nbsp;before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didn’t change, a list that included bills to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">define “male” and “female” in state law</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">shift how the state awards presidential electors</a>.“The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests,” Underwood wrote.State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/rules/comments.php" target="_blank">filibuster rules changes</a>&nbsp;to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott.Kauth’s proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as “cloture.” It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting “yea” or “nay.”Senators who attend but do not vote, those “present, not voting,” would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side.Lippincott’s rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governor’s veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities — including Lippincott’s bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/winner-take-all-falls-short-as-two-republicans-switch/" target="_blank">related to presidential electors</a>, to end the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/what-if-all-states-adopted-nebraskas-blue-dot-approach-for-president/">blue dot</a>” —&nbsp;have fallen short by just a few votes.<h2>Filibuster has grown in use</h2>Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history.In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans&nbsp;over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans.State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesn’t look at the rules as “a partisan thing.”“Everybody’s a minority in that body at some point,” DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. “We’re not easily grouped into two groups up there.”The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round.The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with “social” issues late in the session.Unlike for legislative bills, cloture can’t be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance.<h2>A caution from Greater Nebraska</h2>Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to “talk” a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should “tread lightly” on changes.The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, can’t filibuster a bill without support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/10/state-sen-jane-raybould-sings-in-opposition-to-nebraska-legislative-committee-assignments/">more urban districts</a>, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support.Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. … That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and we’ve got to defend that.– State Sen. Jana Hughes of SewardState Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful.“Other than that situation, I would say I’d be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation,” Murman said.Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census.Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being “present, not voting” is a conscious decision that she said shouldn’t affect a bill’s fate.<h2>‘A powder keg’</h2>Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott.“When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, that’s when the rules really come into play,” Conrad said. “There’s never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. There’s a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures.”Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria.Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/nebraska-legislature-advances-bill-to-restrict-trans-health-care-for-minors/">came to vote</a>&nbsp;in March 2023 “without a knee,” Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">left the hospital</a>&nbsp;when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauth’s bill, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/17/nebraska-merges-abortion-gender-affirming-care-measures-into-single-bill/">combined</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/08/state-lawmakers-to-try-again-to-limit-abortion-rights-pairing-it-with-a-bill-involving-gender-care/">stricter abortion ban</a>.That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=9193" target="_blank">32-15</a>. One Republican and one Democrat were “present, not voting.”Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/27/nebraska-abortion-ban-tied-to-cardiac-activity-falls-one-vote-short-20-week-limit-remains-intact/">after about six weeks gestation</a>.<h2>‘Present, not voting’</h2>The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-12-week-abortion-ban-instead-of-cardiac-activity-ban/">win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion</a>&nbsp;after he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/28/my-position-hasnt-changed-says-senator-who-refused-vote-for-six-week-heartbeat-abortion-bill/">refused</a>&nbsp;to take a position on cloture.&nbsp;He instead helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/22/i-made-a-mistake-lawmaker-who-sank-nebraskas-near-total-abortion-ban-seeks-changes/#:~:text=While%20Riepe%20supported%20the%20bill,attach%20it%20to%20LB%20574.">negotiate</a>&nbsp;a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauth’s bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation.The NEGOP in&nbsp;<a href="https://ne.gop/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NEGOP-Convention-Resolutions-Adopted-5-18-24.pdf" target="_blank">May 2024 censured Riepe</a>&nbsp;largely for side-stepping the cloture vote.“I’ve said this much because I’ve been criticized on that. I say, ‘OK, I’ll give you a solid no,’” Riepe said last week.“‘Present, not voting’ is a ‘soft no’ in legislative terms,” Riepe continued. “It’s trying to be polite that says, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t go.’”I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty.– State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of OmahaRiepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there aren’t as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature.“We’re supposed to debate stuff,” Riepe said. “We’re supposed to have differences of agreement.”State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">swing vote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/20/obscenity-bill-that-could-criminalize-nebraska-librarians-teachers-fails-to-advance/">along with Riepe and Hughes</a>, said he’s fine with the cloture rules as is.Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 2CA</a>&nbsp;that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/17/debate-delayed-on-owner-occupied-housing-valuations-as-tensions-flare-in-nebraska-legislature/">Rural senators led the filibuster</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11396" target="_blank">Cloture failed 26-16</a>.<h2>‘A bit of a penalty’</h2>Kauth said it “always drove me nuts” and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being “present, not voting.” So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice.After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but “there’s no price to pay for it.”“I think if you’re actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty,” Kauth said.&nbsp;She has noted that seven senators were&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/my-prognosis-is-incredibly-bright-nebraska-lawmaker-continues-blood-cancer-treatments/">fighting cancer</a>&nbsp;or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as “nothing short of breathtakingly impressive.”&nbsp;<h2>Majority rule, minority rights</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting.Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, “Where is that balance?”Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/28/rules-changes-fail-to-curb-partisan-rancor-in-nebraska-legislature/">rare mid-session rules change</a>.“To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that we’re going to ramrod through legislation that wasn’t ready to be passed,” Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as “an opportunity for the minority to have a voice.”Conrad agreed and said it would be “very myopic” to push partisan rules changes forward “in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire.”“It’s critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution,” Conrad said. “… Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically.”<h2>Rules Committee hearing</h2>State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a&nbsp;<a href="https://video.legislature.ne.gov/Wll0V2dkUlw=" target="_blank">Thursday Rules Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines.Bostar also cautioned that a future “rogue” legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture.Kauth responded that she didn’t foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was “abusing” the authority.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that “present, not voting” is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that they’re in the “middle” on issues, not a “hard yes or no.”Hansen suggested limiting Kauth’s sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate — final reading.Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive.<h2>‘Play by the rules’</h2>The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot.The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature.Other rules proposals being considered include:<ul>
 <li>Creating a legislative technology or science committee.</li><li>Removing a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-senators-cap-the-number-of-bills-they-can-propose-each-session/">20-bill cap</a>, enacted in 2024, on how many bills senators can introduce each session.</li><li>Cracking down on nongermane speech often used in filibustering by imposing new penalties, up to expulsion or impeachment.</li><li>Barring news media from committee executive sessions.</li><li>Clamping down on general filibuster motions.</li>
 </ul>Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days.No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, she’ll use them as they are available.“I’ve always played by the rules, whatever those rules are,” Cavanaugh said. “I plan on continuing to play by the rules.”

Fate of Nebraska Legislature Filibuster Rule Centers on Rural-Urban Split more than Party

President Biden announced pardons for five more people early Sunday.&nbsp; Read the statement below from the White House.

America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities.

On background from the White House:President Biden is pardoning the following 5 individuals:&nbsp;

Darryl Chambers –&nbsp;Wilmington, DelawareDarryl Chambers is a gun violence prevention advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense, and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in 1998. Shortly after his release, he joined the HOPE Commission, a nonprofit in Wilmington, Delaware committed to community development and violence reduction. He has studied and written about violence prevention, including in his book Murder Town, USA. He has furthered his education and is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology and criminal justice. In addition to founding the Center for Structural Equity, he is also the executive director of the Youth Empowered to Strive and Succeed Program. Advocates, lawmakers, and his mentees praise him for his commitment to the Wilmington community, efforts to reduce violence, and helping youth transform their lives.

&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey&nbsp;– Posthumously Granted&nbsp;&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940) was a renowned civil rights and human rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. Notably, Mr. Garvey created the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping line and method of international travel, and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first man of color in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.” Advocates and lawmakers praise his global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.&nbsp;

Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir&nbsp;– Brooklyn, New YorkRavi Ragbir, a well-known advocate for immigrant and faith communities, was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities. He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Don Leonard Scott, Jr. –&nbsp;Portsmouth, VirginiaDon Scott was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Since his release, he has practiced as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Scott is a U.S. Navy veteran who donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor in 2021. His supporters have highlighted his dedication to public service, his remorse and redemption, and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him.&nbsp;

Kemba Smith Pradia&nbsp;– Ashburn, VirginiaKemba Smith Pradia is a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. She was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally-recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and was appointed to the Virginia Sentencing Commission and Virginia Parole Board. Advocates and lawmakers praise her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated persons and survivors of domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;—&nbsp;In addition, President Biden&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of the following 2 individuals so that their sentences expire&nbsp;on February 18, 2025:&nbsp;Robin Peoples (BOP No.&nbsp;05707-027)

Robin Peoples is currently serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Mr. Peoples would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. While in custody, he has demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Mr. Peoples’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends, and family members. Mr. Peoples’s supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.&nbsp;Michelle West (BOP No. 17809-039)

Michelle West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes she committed between 1987 and 1993. During her three decades of incarceration, Ms. West has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation. Ms. West’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates, former fellow inmates, and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption.

President Biden announced pardons for five more people early Sunday.&nbsp; Read the statement below from the White House.America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities.On background from the White House:President Biden is pardoning the following 5 individuals:&nbsp;Darryl Chambers –&nbsp;Wilmington, DelawareDarryl Chambers is a gun violence prevention advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense, and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in 1998. Shortly after his release, he joined the HOPE Commission, a nonprofit in Wilmington, Delaware committed to community development and violence reduction. He has studied and written about violence prevention, including in his book Murder Town, USA. He has furthered his education and is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology and criminal justice. In addition to founding the Center for Structural Equity, he is also the executive director of the Youth Empowered to Strive and Succeed Program. Advocates, lawmakers, and his mentees praise him for his commitment to the Wilmington community, efforts to reduce violence, and helping youth transform their lives.&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey&nbsp;– Posthumously Granted&nbsp;&nbsp;Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940) was a renowned civil rights and human rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. Notably, Mr. Garvey created the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping line and method of international travel, and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first man of color in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.” Advocates and lawmakers praise his global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.&nbsp;Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir&nbsp;– Brooklyn, New YorkRavi Ragbir, a well-known advocate for immigrant and faith communities, was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities. He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don Leonard Scott, Jr. –&nbsp;Portsmouth, VirginiaDon Scott was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Since his release, he has practiced as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Scott is a U.S. Navy veteran who donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor in 2021. His supporters have highlighted his dedication to public service, his remorse and redemption, and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him.&nbsp;Kemba Smith Pradia&nbsp;– Ashburn, VirginiaKemba Smith Pradia is a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. She was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally-recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and was appointed to the Virginia Sentencing Commission and Virginia Parole Board. Advocates and lawmakers praise her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated persons and survivors of domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;In addition, President Biden&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of the following 2 individuals so that their sentences expire&nbsp;on February 18, 2025:&nbsp;Robin Peoples (BOP No.&nbsp;05707-027)Robin Peoples is currently serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Mr. Peoples would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. While in custody, he has demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Mr. Peoples’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends, and family members. Mr. Peoples’s supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.&nbsp;Michelle West (BOP No. 17809-039)Michelle West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes she committed between 1987 and 1993. During her three decades of incarceration, Ms. West has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation. Ms. West’s clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates, former fellow inmates, and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption.

See the list: Biden issues more pardons on final full day in office 

Cody Thomas&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol

&nbsp;(Syracuse, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during a narcotics investigation in Syracuse.&nbsp;

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, NSP investigators performed a search warrant at a residence in Syracuse as part of an ongoing investigation. At the residence, in the 600 block of 5th&nbsp;Street, investigators located 186 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 536 grams of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. Investigators also located additional methamphetamine while making contact with two individuals who had just exited the residence.

The two individuals, Kellie Bassinger, 30, and Brian Werner, 41, both of Syracuse, were lodged in Otoe County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of money during a drug violation, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The investigation remains ongoing. NSP was assisted by the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Cody Thomas&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Syracuse, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people during a narcotics investigation in Syracuse.&nbsp;At approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, NSP investigators performed a search warrant at a residence in Syracuse as part of an ongoing investigation. At the residence, in the 600 block of 5th&nbsp;Street, investigators located 186 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 536 grams of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. Investigators also located additional methamphetamine while making contact with two individuals who had just exited the residence.The two individuals, Kellie Bassinger, 30, and Brian Werner, 41, both of Syracuse, were lodged in Otoe County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of money during a drug violation, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.The investigation remains ongoing. NSP was assisted by the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Two Arrested After Drugs, Gun Found in Eastern Nebraska

Kearney, Neb. On Thursday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 7:43 p.m., the Kearney Police Department&nbsp; along and CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and&nbsp; Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single car and pedestrian traffic crash in the&nbsp; 1200 Block of Central Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Preliminary investigation indicates a yellow 2005 Dodge Ram Truck was traveling southbound&nbsp; on Central Avenue and struck a pedestrian walking across Central Avenue from the east. The&nbsp; lone occupant and driver of the vehicle was identified as fifty-eight-year-old Edmon Gant of&nbsp; Kearney.&nbsp;

The pedestrian has been identified as eighty-three-year-old Joann Epping of Kearney. Mrs.&nbsp; Epping was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by ambulance, after arriving at GSH&nbsp; Emergency Department, sadly, Mrs. Epping was pronounced deceased at Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Family of the deceased have been&nbsp; notified.&nbsp;

An autopsy was ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney. The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Gant,&nbsp; was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. This crash remains under&nbsp; investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp; 

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. On Thursday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 7:43 p.m., the Kearney Police Department&nbsp; along and CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and&nbsp; Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single car and pedestrian traffic crash in the&nbsp; 1200 Block of Central Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary investigation indicates a yellow 2005 Dodge Ram Truck was traveling southbound&nbsp; on Central Avenue and struck a pedestrian walking across Central Avenue from the east. The&nbsp; lone occupant and driver of the vehicle was identified as fifty-eight-year-old Edmon Gant of&nbsp; Kearney.&nbsp;The pedestrian has been identified as eighty-three-year-old Joann Epping of Kearney. Mrs.&nbsp; Epping was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by ambulance, after arriving at GSH&nbsp; Emergency Department, sadly, Mrs. Epping was pronounced deceased at Good Samaritan&nbsp; Hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Family of the deceased have been&nbsp; notified.&nbsp;An autopsy was ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney. The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Gant,&nbsp; was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. This crash remains under&nbsp; investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;

Pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle in Kearney

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — A panel of three federal judges Friday upheld a lower court’s decision to strike down the legality of a program that has shielded more than half a million people from deportation who entered the United States as children, but the judges are keeping the program in place ahead of a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.&nbsp;

It’s unclear how President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term on Monday, will handle the&nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA,&nbsp;program. For now, the DACA program will remain, and renewals will continue, according to the ruling.

“Relying on this court’s previous decision, the district court found that Texas still has standing to challenge DACA and held that the Final Rule is substantively unlawful,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574.212.0.pdf" target="_blank">the ruling</a>. “The court accordingly vacated the Rule, entered a nationwide injunction, and preserved the stay.”

The&nbsp;U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the Biden administration’s regulation to codify DACA violates the Immigration and Nationality Act because that act lists out which immigrants are granted legal status and DACA recipients are not included in that.

“In the INA, Congress enacted a ‘comprehensive federal statutory scheme for regulation of immigration and naturalization’ and ‘set the terms and conditions of admission to the country.’ Because it chose not to include DACA recipients in that comprehensive scheme, ‘Congress’s rigorous classification scheme forecloses the contrary scheme in the DACA Memorandum,” according to the ruling.

The panel also limited the ruling to the state of Texas, which spearheaded the lawsuit.

“Because Texas is the only plaintiff that has demonstrated or even attempted to demonstrate an actual injury, and because that injury is fully redressable by a geographically limited injunction, we narrow the scope of injunction to Texas,” according to the ruling.

The panel is also giving the government a chance to appeal.

Trump initially tried to end the program during his first term, but recently said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-doubts-legality-trump-pledges-sign-order-revoking-birthright-citizenship" target="_blank">he’s willing to work&nbsp;</a>with Democrats to strike a deal to allow DACA recipients to remain in the country. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urged-ensure-immigrants-temporary-legal-status-trump-mass-deportations" target="_blank">have remained skeptical.</a>

The Friday decision means that the more than 500,000 recipients are still allowed to renew their work permits, but no new applicants are allowed to be processed.

“Though Texas has succeeded on the merits, our previous decision to maintain the stay─not to mention the immense reliance interests that DACA has created─guide us to preserve the stay as to the existing applicants,” according to the ruling.

The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">heard oral arguments in October</a>&nbsp;on behalf of the program from the Justice Department, the state of New Jersey and the immigration&nbsp;rights group Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

They&nbsp;argued on the legality of the Biden administration’s 2021 final rule to codify DACA.

They also argued that the state of Texas, along with eight states that joined the suit against the Biden administration’s final DACA rule, do not have standing.

Those other states challenging DACA include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.

The state of Texas argued that DACA harmed the Lone Star state because there is a “pocketbook cost to Texas with regard to education and medical care.”

The three judges are Jerry Edwin Smith, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan; Edith Brown Clement, appointed by former President George W. Bush; and Stephen A. Higginson, appointed by former President Barack Obama.

The 5th Circuit in New Orleans, which typically delivers conservative rulings, covers Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — A panel of three federal judges Friday upheld a lower court’s decision to strike down the legality of a program that has shielded more than half a million people from deportation who entered the United States as children, but the judges are keeping the program in place ahead of a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.&nbsp;It’s unclear how President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term on Monday, will handle the&nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA,&nbsp;program. For now, the DACA program will remain, and renewals will continue, according to the ruling.“Relying on this court’s previous decision, the district court found that Texas still has standing to challenge DACA and held that the Final Rule is substantively unlawful,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574/gov.uscourts.ca5.216574.212.0.pdf" target="_blank">the ruling</a>. “The court accordingly vacated the Rule, entered a nationwide injunction, and preserved the stay.”The&nbsp;U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the Biden administration’s regulation to codify DACA violates the Immigration and Nationality Act because that act lists out which immigrants are granted legal status and DACA recipients are not included in that.“In the INA, Congress enacted a ‘comprehensive federal statutory scheme for regulation of immigration and naturalization’ and ‘set the terms and conditions of admission to the country.’ Because it chose not to include DACA recipients in that comprehensive scheme, ‘Congress’s rigorous classification scheme forecloses the contrary scheme in the DACA Memorandum,” according to the ruling.The panel also limited the ruling to the state of Texas, which spearheaded the lawsuit.“Because Texas is the only plaintiff that has demonstrated or even attempted to demonstrate an actual injury, and because that injury is fully redressable by a geographically limited injunction, we narrow the scope of injunction to Texas,” according to the ruling.The panel is also giving the government a chance to appeal.Trump initially tried to end the program during his first term, but recently said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/despite-doubts-legality-trump-pledges-sign-order-revoking-birthright-citizenship" target="_blank">he’s willing to work&nbsp;</a>with Democrats to strike a deal to allow DACA recipients to remain in the country. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urged-ensure-immigrants-temporary-legal-status-trump-mass-deportations" target="_blank">have remained skeptical.</a>The Friday decision means that the more than 500,000 recipients are still allowed to renew their work permits, but no new applicants are allowed to be processed.“Though Texas has succeeded on the merits, our previous decision to maintain the stay─not to mention the immense reliance interests that DACA has created─guide us to preserve the stay as to the existing applicants,” according to the ruling.<h2>October arguments</h2>The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">heard oral arguments in October</a>&nbsp;on behalf of the program from the Justice Department, the state of New Jersey and the immigration&nbsp;rights group Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.They&nbsp;argued on the legality of the Biden administration’s 2021 final rule to codify DACA.They also argued that the state of Texas, along with eight states that joined the suit against the Biden administration’s final DACA rule, do not have standing.Those other states challenging DACA include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.The state of Texas argued that DACA harmed the Lone Star state because there is a “pocketbook cost to Texas with regard to education and medical care.”The three judges are Jerry Edwin Smith, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan; Edith Brown Clement, appointed by former President George W. Bush; and Stephen A. Higginson, appointed by former President Barack Obama.The 5th Circuit in New Orleans, which typically delivers conservative rulings, covers Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

Federal appeals court declares DACA unlawful, but keeps program in place for now

In a statement from the White House early Friday, President Joe Biden wrote, "Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history."

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/17/clemency-recipient-list-8/">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the complete list

'Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes."

"As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons."

In a statement from the White House early Friday, President Joe Biden wrote, "Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history."<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/17/clemency-recipient-list-8/">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the complete list'Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes." "As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons."

See the list: Biden grants clemency for 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday left in place a law that would ban TikTok, the popular social media app that for years has raised national security concerns, unless its parent company sells it.&nbsp;

“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court wrote in its ruling. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”

A bipartisan law enacted last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform by Sunday or face exclusion from U.S.-based app stores.

TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/skeptical-supreme-court-justices-weigh-rescue-tiktok-nearing-ban" target="_blank">fought</a>&nbsp;the law all the way to the Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights, but did not prevail and now faces a choice of whether to sell the app.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf" target="_blank">27-page ruling&nbsp;</a>created a bit of a dilemma for President-elect Donald Trump, who now supports TikTok staying on Americans’ cell phones despite wanting to ban it during his first administration.

Trump wrote Friday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113844165549788304" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on his social media site, Truth Social, that he will address the issue once he takes office on Monday.

“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A,” Trump wrote. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”

Trump issued an executive order in 2020 to ban the video platform unless it broke from ByteDance, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1237833658/house-tiktok-vote-trump" target="_blank">reversed</a>&nbsp;his position last year.

Trump’s attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, cited “pending litigation” and declined to directly answer a question about whether she would direct the Justice Department to enforce the TikTok ban during her confirmation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration Monday, according to a source familiar with the planning.

Chew will not be the only tech executive sitting nearby as Trump takes the oath of office. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, are expected to be in attendance. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-meta-zuckerberg-inauguration-donation-c540bf7c638def11b8428e633965c718" target="_blank">donated</a>&nbsp;$1 million to Trump’s inaugural.

The law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or lose access to the American social media market received bipartisan support in the House last year, following a&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202486" target="_blank">352-65</a>&nbsp;vote in March. The measure cleared Congress as part of a larger supplemental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/815/text?s=1&amp;r=15&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Protecting+Americans+from+Foreign+Adversary+Controlled+Applications+Act%22%7D" target="_blank">package</a>&nbsp;a month later.

President Joe Biden signed it into law. However, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-administration-no-plans-fine-companies-tiktok-ban-rcna188062" target="_blank">NBC News</a>, he will decline to enforce the law on his last day in office, leaving it to the incoming Trump administration to decide if it will levy fines on any app stores or other entities that fail to comply.

Congress and the Biden administration pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfoh7MOVKX4" target="_blank">warnings</a>&nbsp;from national security officials about ByteDance’s ties to China’s government as the top reason to force its parent company to sell the app.

TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://usds.tiktok.com/who-owns-tiktoks-parent-company-bytedance/" target="_blank">maintains</a>&nbsp;that it is majority owned by global investors, including the Susquehanna International Group and Blackrock, though roughly 20% remains in the hands of its Chinese founders.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday left in place a law that would ban TikTok, the popular social media app that for years has raised national security concerns, unless its parent company sells it.&nbsp;“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court wrote in its ruling. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”A bipartisan law enacted last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform by Sunday or face exclusion from U.S.-based app stores.TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/skeptical-supreme-court-justices-weigh-rescue-tiktok-nearing-ban" target="_blank">fought</a>&nbsp;the law all the way to the Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights, but did not prevail and now faces a choice of whether to sell the app.<h2>Trump’s next move</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf" target="_blank">27-page ruling&nbsp;</a>created a bit of a dilemma for President-elect Donald Trump, who now supports TikTok staying on Americans’ cell phones despite wanting to ban it during his first administration.Trump wrote Friday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113844165549788304" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on his social media site, Truth Social, that he will address the issue once he takes office on Monday.“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A,” Trump wrote. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”Trump issued an executive order in 2020 to ban the video platform unless it broke from ByteDance, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1237833658/house-tiktok-vote-trump" target="_blank">reversed</a>&nbsp;his position last year.Trump’s attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, cited “pending litigation” and declined to directly answer a question about whether she would direct the Justice Department to enforce the TikTok ban during her confirmation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;Wednesday.TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration Monday, according to a source familiar with the planning.Chew will not be the only tech executive sitting nearby as Trump takes the oath of office. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, are expected to be in attendance. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-meta-zuckerberg-inauguration-donation-c540bf7c638def11b8428e633965c718" target="_blank">donated</a>&nbsp;$1 million to Trump’s inaugural.<h2>Bipartisan backing for law</h2>The law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or lose access to the American social media market received bipartisan support in the House last year, following a&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202486" target="_blank">352-65</a>&nbsp;vote in March. The measure cleared Congress as part of a larger supplemental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/815/text?s=1&amp;r=15&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Protecting+Americans+from+Foreign+Adversary+Controlled+Applications+Act%22%7D" target="_blank">package</a>&nbsp;a month later.President Joe Biden signed it into law. However, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-administration-no-plans-fine-companies-tiktok-ban-rcna188062" target="_blank">NBC News</a>, he will decline to enforce the law on his last day in office, leaving it to the incoming Trump administration to decide if it will levy fines on any app stores or other entities that fail to comply.Congress and the Biden administration pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfoh7MOVKX4" target="_blank">warnings</a>&nbsp;from national security officials about ByteDance’s ties to China’s government as the top reason to force its parent company to sell the app.TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://usds.tiktok.com/who-owns-tiktoks-parent-company-bytedance/" target="_blank">maintains</a>&nbsp;that it is majority owned by global investors, including the Susquehanna International Group and Blackrock, though roughly 20% remains in the hands of its Chinese founders.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Ban on TikTok Unless it’s Sold as Deadline Nears

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;— The Platte Institute hosted a press conference at the Nebraska State Capitol to announce the launch of the G.O.A.T. (Government Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency) Initiative. This bold package of legislative reforms aims
 to modernize Nebraska’s regulatory landscape, reduce outdated rules, and enhance economic opportunities for Nebraskans.&nbsp;

The G.O.A.T. Initiative introduces six key proposals designed to cut through burdensome regulations that act as barriers to growth. By simplifying and streamlining regulatory processes, these reforms aim to save Nebraskans both time and money while fostering
 a more competitive economic environment.&nbsp;


Key Proposals in the G.O.A.T. Initiative:


Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow at the Platte Institute and former state senator, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of cutting through unnecessary regulations. 

“Burdensome regulations often act as hidden taxes on businesses and families. By simplifying
 these processes, we’re not only saving time and money but also creating opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Ebke.&nbsp;


In addition to Dr. Ebke, Speaker John Arch, Senator Danielle Conrad, and Senator Rita Sanders delivered remarks highlighting the importance of regulatory reform. Several other bill sponsors also attended the event, demonstrating broad legislative support for
 the initiative.&nbsp;


<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/regulatory-modernization-polling-results/" target="_blank">Polling</a>
 conducted by the Platte Institute underscores the strong, bipartisan support among Nebraskans for these reforms. An overwhelming 74% of Nebraskans support regulatory modernization, with 54% favoring legislative approval for all new regulations and an additional
 20% supporting thresholds for economic impact.

Additionally, 72% of respondents favor periodic reviews of regulations to ensure outdated or unnecessary rules are removed. These results highlight a shared understanding that regulatory reform is essential for
 Nebraska’s continued prosperity.&nbsp;


“These proposals are about removing barriers to growth and holding government accountable,” said Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal. “Regulations shouldn’t stand in the way of innovation and economic opportunity. By modernizing our approach, we can ensure Nebraska
 remains competitive and prosperous.”&nbsp;


For more information about the press conference, the G.O.A.T. initiative, or the proposed legislation, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">Rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.
The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska.

Visit PlatteInstitute.org for more insights and updates.&nbsp;



Platte Institute&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;— The Platte Institute hosted a press conference at the Nebraska State Capitol to announce the launch of the G.O.A.T. (Government Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency) Initiative. This bold package of legislative reforms aims
 to modernize Nebraska’s regulatory landscape, reduce outdated rules, and enhance economic opportunities for Nebraskans.&nbsp;
The G.O.A.T. Initiative introduces six key proposals designed to cut through burdensome regulations that act as barriers to growth. By simplifying and streamlining regulatory processes, these reforms aim to save Nebraskans both time and money while fostering
 a more competitive economic environment.&nbsp;
Key Proposals in the G.O.A.T. Initiative:<ul>
 <li>
REINS Act&nbsp;(Senator Riepe): Requires legislative review and approval of any regulation with an annual economic impact exceeding $1 million over five years, or $200,000 per year, ensuring cost-effectiveness and accountability.&nbsp;</li><li>
Codification of 2017 Ricketts Executive Order&nbsp;(Senator Conrad, LB 29): Mandates regular reviews of existing regulations and submission of reports to the Legislature.&nbsp;</li><li>
Federal Fund Inventory&nbsp;(Senator Andersen): Implements a comprehensive audit of federal funds received by Nebraska, ensuring preparedness for potential reductions in federal receipts.&nbsp;</li><li>
Venue Freedom&nbsp;(Senator Storer): Empowers businesses to resolve disputes with state agencies in local courts, reducing legal costs and burdens.&nbsp;</li><li>
Creation of the Office of Regulatory Management&nbsp;(Senator McKeon): Establishes an executive office dedicated to cost-benefit analyses of regulations and streamlining rules.&nbsp;</li><li>
Regulatory Advisories&nbsp;(Senator Quick): Prevents regulatory advisories from being binding unless federally mandated, ensuring compliance with proper procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>
Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow at the Platte Institute and former state senator, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of cutting through unnecessary regulations. “Burdensome regulations often act as hidden taxes on businesses and families. By simplifying
 these processes, we’re not only saving time and money but also creating opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Ebke.&nbsp;
In addition to Dr. Ebke, Speaker John Arch, Senator Danielle Conrad, and Senator Rita Sanders delivered remarks highlighting the importance of regulatory reform. Several other bill sponsors also attended the event, demonstrating broad legislative support for
 the initiative.&nbsp;
<a href="https://platteinstitute.org/regulatory-modernization-polling-results/" target="_blank">Polling</a>
 conducted by the Platte Institute underscores the strong, bipartisan support among Nebraskans for these reforms. An overwhelming 74% of Nebraskans support regulatory modernization, with 54% favoring legislative approval for all new regulations and an additional
 20% supporting thresholds for economic impact. Additionally, 72% of respondents favor periodic reviews of regulations to ensure outdated or unnecessary rules are removed. These results highlight a shared understanding that regulatory reform is essential for
 Nebraska’s continued prosperity.&nbsp;
“These proposals are about removing barriers to growth and holding government accountable,” said Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal. “Regulations shouldn’t stand in the way of innovation and economic opportunity. By modernizing our approach, we can ensure Nebraska
 remains competitive and prosperous.”&nbsp;
For more information about the press conference, the G.O.A.T. initiative, or the proposed legislation, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">Rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.
The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Visit PlatteInstitute.org for more insights and updates.&nbsp;

Platte Institute, Speaker Arch, Legislative Leaders Unveil G.O.A.T. Initiative to Modernize Nebraska’s Regulations 

WASHINGTON —Vice President Kamala Harris marking the final days in the Biden administration added her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office on Tuesday. 

This is a tradition carried on by presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s.

WASHINGTON —Vice President Kamala Harris marking the final days in the Biden administration added her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office on Tuesday. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President Kamala Harris adds her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office, following a long tradition of outgoing vice presidents. <a href="https://t.co/EhHjG5ZY0P">pic.twitter.com/EhHjG5ZY0P</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1880012806973493719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This is a tradition carried on by presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s.

Harris joins a decades-old tradition for vice presidents

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/nebraska-lawmakers-adopt-resolution-honoring-former-president-jimmy-carter/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature adopted a ceremonial resolution Wednesday honoring former President Jimmy Carter for his devotion to public service and humanitarian work.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59482" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1</a>&nbsp;was introduced by State Sen. John Arch of La Vista, the speaker of the Legislature, on the first day of the legislative session, one week ago. All but one of Arch’s colleagues in the 49-member body joined the effort to recognize and thank Carter.

Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. He was the 39th U.S. president, between 1977 and 1981.

The resolution acknowledges Carter’s life around his presidency, such as his 1946 graduation with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy, his honorable discharge from the Navy with the rank of lieutenant and the establishment of the nonprofit Carter Center, which seeks to improve lives in more than 80 countries.

Arch’s resolution also highlights Carter’s 2002 Nobel Peace Prize win “in recognition of his efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development.”

“The Legislature recognizes, honors and thanks former President Carter for his service to the United States of America and to the people of the world,” the resolution reads.

Arch told the Nebraska Examiner that any time a president dies is a significant event, their life of which he thought the Legislature could recognize together.

“Regardless of where you are in the politics, the work of the president is extremely important to the United States,” Arch said. “President Carter, in particular, served, and following his term in office, the humanitarian work was unbelievable.”

The Legislature offered its condolences to Carter’s friends and family and intends to send a copy of the resolution to the former president’s family.

“Everybody recognizes good,” Arch added. “I think the resolution reflected the heart of President Carter and his generosity to humanitarian affairs.”

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha was the lone senator not to join Arch’s resolution. She said she didn’t sign because she remembers growing up under Carter’s presidency.&nbsp;She was 6 years old when he was elected to the White House.&nbsp;

Kauth pointed to Carter’s involvement in the Middle East and the Iran hostage crisis involving U.S. diplomats and citizens between Nov. 4, 1979, and Jan. 20, 1981. It ended when Carter’s successor, President Ronald Reagan, took office.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half staff through Jan. 28, and he declared Jan. 9, the day of Carter’s funeral, as a national day of mourning, a longstanding tradition after the deaths of former U.S. presidents.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen, on the day of Carter’s death, said the former president’s life “was defined by public service,” from his in the military and governor of Georgia to U.S. president and with Habitat for Humanity.

“His unwavering faith in almighty God and his dedication to his family were a model for us all,” Pillen said then.

Pillen has ordered that flags fly at full staff once during the 30 days of mourning for Carter: Monday, Jan. 20, for the inauguration of former President Donald Trump.

“The official installation of a President is a historic day in the calendar of our nation and should be recognized as such,” Pillen said Tuesday. “Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nation’s newly elected leader.”

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/nebraska-lawmakers-adopt-resolution-honoring-former-president-jimmy-carter/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature adopted a ceremonial resolution Wednesday honoring former President Jimmy Carter for his devotion to public service and humanitarian work.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59482" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1</a>&nbsp;was introduced by State Sen. John Arch of La Vista, the speaker of the Legislature, on the first day of the legislative session, one week ago. All but one of Arch’s colleagues in the 49-member body joined the effort to recognize and thank Carter.Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. He was the 39th U.S. president, between 1977 and 1981.The resolution acknowledges Carter’s life around his presidency, such as his 1946 graduation with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy, his honorable discharge from the Navy with the rank of lieutenant and the establishment of the nonprofit Carter Center, which seeks to improve lives in more than 80 countries.Arch’s resolution also highlights Carter’s 2002 Nobel Peace Prize win “in recognition of his efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development.”“The Legislature recognizes, honors and thanks former President Carter for his service to the United States of America and to the people of the world,” the resolution reads.Arch told the Nebraska Examiner that any time a president dies is a significant event, their life of which he thought the Legislature could recognize together.“Regardless of where you are in the politics, the work of the president is extremely important to the United States,” Arch said. “President Carter, in particular, served, and following his term in office, the humanitarian work was unbelievable.”The Legislature offered its condolences to Carter’s friends and family and intends to send a copy of the resolution to the former president’s family.“Everybody recognizes good,” Arch added. “I think the resolution reflected the heart of President Carter and his generosity to humanitarian affairs.”State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha was the lone senator not to join Arch’s resolution. She said she didn’t sign because she remembers growing up under Carter’s presidency.&nbsp;She was 6 years old when he was elected to the White House.&nbsp;Kauth pointed to Carter’s involvement in the Middle East and the Iran hostage crisis involving U.S. diplomats and citizens between Nov. 4, 1979, and Jan. 20, 1981. It ended when Carter’s successor, President Ronald Reagan, took office.&nbsp;President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half staff through Jan. 28, and he declared Jan. 9, the day of Carter’s funeral, as a national day of mourning, a longstanding tradition after the deaths of former U.S. presidents.&nbsp;Gov. Jim Pillen, on the day of Carter’s death, said the former president’s life “was defined by public service,” from his in the military and governor of Georgia to U.S. president and with Habitat for Humanity.“His unwavering faith in almighty God and his dedication to his family were a model for us all,” Pillen said then.Pillen has ordered that flags fly at full staff once during the 30 days of mourning for Carter: Monday, Jan. 20, for the inauguration of former President Donald Trump.“The official installation of a President is a historic day in the calendar of our nation and should be recognized as such,” Pillen said Tuesday. “Having the flag at full staff symbolizes the respect to that office and our nation’s newly elected leader.”

Nebraska lawmakers adopt resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter

Zach Wendling <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-proposes-his-answer-to-432-million-projected-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen presented his first answers Wednesday to a projected two-year $432 million budget shortfall that key Nebraska lawmakers said they’re ready to dive into.

Pillen unveiled the&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">proposal</a>&nbsp;as part of his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">annual State of the State speech</a>&nbsp;to the Legislature, put together a&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetPresentation2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">budget request</a>&nbsp;for the two fiscal years between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027.&nbsp;

The request to lawmakers would close the projected shortfall with more than $62.4 million in the other direction,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/03/legislative-leaders-optimistic-about-nebraskas-fiscal-health-after-careful-spending/">filling the projected hole</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://statespending.nebraska.gov/CurrentFiscalYearBudget" target="_blank">more than $17.5 billion</a>&nbsp;budget.

Read the full 2025-27 budget proposal from Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

Key contours of the Pillen-led plan include:

“We must balance the budget, we must reduce spending to offset these costs and we must have the courage to say, ‘No,’” Pillen wrote in a Wednesday letter to the Legislature. “We have to use what we have before we ask for more.”

Pillen’s proposal would still grow property tax relief programs by more than $400 million over the next two years and take incremental steps toward a long-term goal to stabilize state aid to public schools.

Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the daily agenda for the Legislature, has described the state budget and closing the shortfall as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/07/speaker-arch-nebraska-budget-without-a-doubt-biggest-issue-of-2025-session/">without a doubt</a>” the biggest issue of the 2025 session.&nbsp;

He has noted part of the hole comes from some “pretty big swings in the last couple of sessions,” including income tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Nebraskans that won’t be fully implemented until Jan. 1, 2027.

Estimates show that the state budget hole could grow to $1.13 billion by the middle of 2029 if the budget is left unchanged, a circumstance that State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, an Appropriations Committee member, said would be more of a challenge to address.

Pillen’s proposal would close that hole with more than $5 million to spare.

“We didn’t get here by COVID, overspending or by inflation or recession,” said State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, a new member of the Appropriations Committee. “We got here by aggressive tax cuts that were short-sighted, and I think we need to revisit some of those tax cuts.”

Cavanaugh joins the nine-member committee that will balance Pillen’s recommendations with lawmakers’ proposals and agency requests and propose its own budget this spring.&nbsp;

She said her priority will be ensuring that funding is preserved to continue providing high-quality services and access to health care for vulnerable populations. That includes protecting essential government services — behavioral health, developmental disabilities and child welfare.

Among the recently adopted laws Pillen plans to cut are incentive tax credit programs to offset relocation expenses for businesses that hire out-of-state workers, which was led by Pillen); film or TV expenditures for in-state productions; qualified shortline rail maintenance and food donations by grocery stores, restaurants or agricultural producers.

His budget proposal also would claw back $528,352 annually from a yet-to-be-enacted&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/13/nebraska-lawmaker-looks-to-partner-with-iowas-prescription-drug-donation-program/">prescription drug donation program</a>&nbsp;for low-income or uninsured Nebraskans, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/24/nebraska-lawmaker-seeks-federal-waiver-for-prescription-drug-donation-program-with-iowa-nonprofit/#:~:text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20A%20Nebraska%20lawmaker%20will,partner%20with%20SafeNetRx%20in%20Iowa.">delayed</a>&nbsp;due to a newly enforced federal rule.

Pillen also recommended rejecting a Nebraska Supreme Court request for $4.5 million to implement a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/nebraska-leads-with-new-veteran-justice-program-aiming-to-steer-veterans-back-to-hero-status/">veterans justice program</a>&nbsp;to complement Veterans Treatment Courts and further improve outcomes. It was slated to begin July 1; it didn’t include legislatively authorized funds.

The push for that 2024 law was led by former State Sens. Tom Brewer, Lou Ann Linehan and Justin Wayne, with support from former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a former U.S. Department of Defense Secretary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737061288463.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen talks with reporters after his annual State of the State speech to the Nebraska Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen talks with reporters after his annual State of the State speech to the Nebraska Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-proposes-his-answer-to-432-million-projected-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen presented his first answers Wednesday to a projected two-year $432 million budget shortfall that key Nebraska lawmakers said they’re ready to dive into.Pillen unveiled the&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">proposal</a>&nbsp;as part of his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">annual State of the State speech</a>&nbsp;to the Legislature, put together a&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetPresentation2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">budget request</a>&nbsp;for the two fiscal years between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027.&nbsp;The request to lawmakers would close the projected shortfall with more than $62.4 million in the other direction,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/03/legislative-leaders-optimistic-about-nebraskas-fiscal-health-after-careful-spending/">filling the projected hole</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://statespending.nebraska.gov/CurrentFiscalYearBudget" target="_blank">more than $17.5 billion</a>&nbsp;budget.<h2>The governor’s budget proposal</h2>Read the full 2025-27 budget proposal from Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications/docs/2025-2027/2025/ExecutiveBudgetinBrief2025-2027Biennium.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.Key contours of the Pillen-led plan include:<ul>
 <li>Repealing recently passed state laws that included new spending or cost the state significant revenue, totaling $120 million, some of which were passed back in 2020 while others haven’t yet taken effect.</li><li>Holding&nbsp;<a href="https://das-nebs.ne.gov/public/faces/brdDetail.jsp" target="_blank">many state agencies</a>&nbsp;flat for spending and implementing key cuts in others, the largest proposed cut of which was $14.3 million from the University of Nebraska system where Pillen previously served as a regent.</li><li>Tapping into more federal dollars, particularly in health care programs, as mandated Medicaid and health costs rise and as a continued change from his predecessors.</li><li>Increasing “sin” taxes on cigarettes, vaping, consumable hemp products, spirits, fantasy sports and gambling cash devices.</li><li>Adding new taxes on candy, soft drinks, alternative nicotine products and electricity rates for cryptocurrency data-mining facilities while adding back sales taxes to net wrap and twine, which were recently exempted.</li>
 </ul>“We must balance the budget, we must reduce spending to offset these costs and we must have the courage to say, ‘No,’” Pillen wrote in a Wednesday letter to the Legislature. “We have to use what we have before we ask for more.”Pillen’s proposal would still grow property tax relief programs by more than $400 million over the next two years and take incremental steps toward a long-term goal to stabilize state aid to public schools.<h2>Impact of tax cuts</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the daily agenda for the Legislature, has described the state budget and closing the shortfall as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/07/speaker-arch-nebraska-budget-without-a-doubt-biggest-issue-of-2025-session/">without a doubt</a>” the biggest issue of the 2025 session.&nbsp;He has noted part of the hole comes from some “pretty big swings in the last couple of sessions,” including income tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Nebraskans that won’t be fully implemented until Jan. 1, 2027.Estimates show that the state budget hole could grow to $1.13 billion by the middle of 2029 if the budget is left unchanged, a circumstance that State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, an Appropriations Committee member, said would be more of a challenge to address.Pillen’s proposal would close that hole with more than $5 million to spare.“We didn’t get here by COVID, overspending or by inflation or recession,” said State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, a new member of the Appropriations Committee. “We got here by aggressive tax cuts that were short-sighted, and I think we need to revisit some of those tax cuts.”Cavanaugh joins the nine-member committee that will balance Pillen’s recommendations with lawmakers’ proposals and agency requests and propose its own budget this spring.&nbsp;She said her priority will be ensuring that funding is preserved to continue providing high-quality services and access to health care for vulnerable populations. That includes protecting essential government services — behavioral health, developmental disabilities and child welfare.<h2>Spending and program cuts</h2>Among the recently adopted laws Pillen plans to cut are incentive tax credit programs to offset relocation expenses for businesses that hire out-of-state workers, which was led by Pillen); film or TV expenditures for in-state productions; qualified shortline rail maintenance and food donations by grocery stores, restaurants or agricultural producers.His budget proposal also would claw back $528,352 annually from a yet-to-be-enacted&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/13/nebraska-lawmaker-looks-to-partner-with-iowas-prescription-drug-donation-program/">prescription drug donation program</a>&nbsp;for low-income or uninsured Nebraskans, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/24/nebraska-lawmaker-seeks-federal-waiver-for-prescription-drug-donation-program-with-iowa-nonprofit/#:~:text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20A%20Nebraska%20lawmaker%20will,partner%20with%20SafeNetRx%20in%20Iowa.">delayed</a>&nbsp;due to a newly enforced federal rule.Pillen also recommended rejecting a Nebraska Supreme Court request for $4.5 million to implement a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/nebraska-leads-with-new-veteran-justice-program-aiming-to-steer-veterans-back-to-hero-status/">veterans justice program</a>&nbsp;to complement Veterans Treatment Courts and further improve outcomes. It was slated to begin July 1; it didn’t include legislatively authorized funds.The push for that 2024 law was led by former State Sens. Tom Brewer, Lou Ann Linehan and Justin Wayne, with support from former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a former U.S. Department of Defense Secretary.<h2>School finance reform</h2>Another key component of the budget would have the state take on more K-12 school operational expenses, albeit at a much smaller amount than Pillen proposed for the 2024 summer special session.Rather than taking on the entirety of school operational expenses —&nbsp;about 80% of the portion of property taxes that go toward local K-12 schools —&nbsp;Pillen is partnering with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to cover a smaller amount.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58984" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 303</a>, introduced by Hughes at Pillen’s request, would reduce maximum general fund school property tax rates from $1.05 to $1.02, per $100 of property valuations.That’s down from a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">previous Pillen plan</a>&nbsp;last summer to take the maximum tax rate from $1.05 down to 15 cents in the first year. The maximum rate would have gone down to 0 cents, with the state taking over the operational expenses, in the third year.Hughes had proposed a slower,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">10-year plan</a>&nbsp;to go down to 25 cents as the maximum property tax rate for schools, keeping some local “skin in the game,” an idea that received backing from many educational leaders.&nbsp;The new $1.02 plan is flexible, depending on available state funds.For example, one proposed potential revenue source to help Hughes possibly drop the maximum school tax rate further is from State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and Dorn to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/first-time-homebuyer-savings-account-new-sales-taxes-proposed-by-nebraska-senators/">broaden the sales tax</a>&nbsp;to about two dozen currently exempt goods and services.Hughes, a former school board member, said she was “really happy” that Pillen was partnering with her on funding stability, which is at will to rising valuations. The state’s “equalization aid” is projected to decrease by $17.6 million in the next fiscal year before increasing $8.6 million.“I’m pleased that the governor and his staff have seen merit in our past work and that we’re collaborating together to do what’s best for Nebraska,” Hughes said. “They see it as a trajectory for years to come, not just a one-time ‘fix.’”Under Hughes’ LB 303, state foundation aid to schools, established in 2023, would increase by 6% to about $1,590 roughly per each student.Dorn said he also appreciated increased property tax funding to match increased taxes because of those rising valuations.“It would put it so that people aren’t now going to have to end up paying more than what they are today, which we haven’t had any concept like that the last few years,” Dorn said.<h2>‘One day at a time,</h2>State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, the longest-tenured member in the body, said governor’s proposals are often seen as a “good start,” but she hadn’t yet dived into the budget proposal.Conrad, who is working with Hughes, Brandt, Dorn and others on school finance reform, said lawmakers need to be honest that the shortfall is projected not because of an economic recession or because of a natural disaster but because of Pillen-led tax cuts.She said postsecondary institutions, such as the University of Nebraska, might have to raise tuition to stay afloat. Regents last summer&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/docs/board/agendas/Agenda%208-8-24%20with%20Materials.pdf" target="_blank">raised tuition rates</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/nebraska-regents-to-consider-multimillion-dollar-health-project-programs-for-ai-and-esports/">requested an increase in state dollars</a>&nbsp;to help grow research and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-officially-expands-full-ride-scholarships-to-nebraska-students-who-score-32-35-on-act/">expand a new Pillen-led scholarship program</a>&nbsp;for top students.State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Appropriations Committee, described Pillen’s recommendations as part of a “balanced approach” that doesn’t include drastic cuts to agencies or heavily tap into cash reserves. He noted it also preserves pay increases for state employees.Clements noted that the latest projection of a state shortfall included “very flat” revenues and was “very conservative.” He and others hope that a revised forecast at the end of February might narrow the projected shortfall, aided by strong receipts in December.Pillen budget staffers said that if the state doesn’t see as much of a shortfall, it might lead to investments in more tax relief or school finance reform rather than preserving programs slated to be cut.Clements, who joined the Legislature in February 2017, said the budget will be a challenge, but lawmakers will go day by day.“It’s not easy,” Clements said. “Feeling like we’ll take it one day at a time and try not to look ahead too far, just one day at a time and prioritize the items that, as we look through the budget, what’s most important.”<h2>The ins and outs of the governor’s proposed 2025-27 budget</h2>WHAT IS INCLUDED:<ul>
 <li>$67.6 million to ensure the state can continue to reimburse local school districts for 80% of special education costs.</li><li>$30 million to invest in a Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Enterprise Center as part of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base.</li><li>$23.6 million as federal “clawback” payments to reimburse the federal government for Medicaid/Medicare dual-eligible prescription drug costs.</li><li>$6.4 million, and $10.6 million in federal funds, for mandated coverage of new high-cost drugs entering the market.</li><li>$5.5 million to the Nebraska Corn Board for local, regional and international marketing.</li><li>$4.5 million for operational improvements at the Lincoln Regional Center.</li><li>$4 million to continue high-priority infrastructure and maintenance in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.</li><li>$2.5 million to upgrade security systems in Correctional Services.</li><li>$512,300 for a Wildland Incident Response Assistance Team (WIRAT) coordinator for local and state wildfire responses.</li><li>$250,000 to carry out a pilot program for distributing menstrual products in select K-12 school districts next school year.</li>
 </ul>WHAT IS OUT:<ul>
 <li>$44.5 million from income tax exemptions for Nebraska businesses that recruit out-of-state workers, which was led by the governor.</li><li>$42 million from the Broadband Bridge and Precision Agricultural Incentive programs that the governor’s budget proposal said are “redundant” to the $405 million federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.</li><li>$15 million to award grants to a federally recognized Indian tribe to construct, develop and manage a Standing Bear Museum and Visitor Center.</li><li>$11 million in additional dual enrollment funding for Nebraska community colleges.</li><li>$9.4 million requested by the Nebraska Supreme Court to administer a veterans court program to complement Veterans Treatment Courts and further help justice-impacted veterans.&nbsp;</li><li>$5.5 million in 2020 and 2021 increases in local public health department aid and “return to a normal pre-pandemic spending level.”</li><li>$1.5 million for income tax credits for in-state film or TV production expenses and $1.5 million for shortline rail maintenance.</li><li>$1.1 million to partner with Iowa nonprofit SafeNetRx to begin distributing donated and safe prescription drugs to low-income and uninsured Nebraskans.</li><li>$1 million in income tax credits for 50% of food donations from grocery stores, restaurants or agricultural producers to food banks, food pantries or food rescues.</li><li>$500,000 from the University of Nebraska designed to provide legal services to low-income families facing eviction (under Nebraska Supreme Court precedent, NU does not receive specific cash fund appropriations).</li>
 </ul>