<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker hopes the third time will be the charm in letting voters decide whether to prohibit future state-created unfunded or underfunded mandates on local governments.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58087" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1CA</a>, a constitutional amendment proposed by State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, would prohibit future lawmakers from passing on the cost of a new program to local governments, or increase existing levels of service, without full reimbursement from the state. That would include counties, municipalities and school districts.

It is Blood’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47007" target="_blank">third</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50026" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;to push the idea and, as with her earlier proposals, the current legislation was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/CS/LR1CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">unanimously voted</a>&nbsp;out of the eight-member Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“It isn’t that a lot of these programs are not necessary that have been passed down,” Blood said last week. “It’s that, instead of trying to find a creative way to generate revenue to pay for it, they’ve just passed that cost down and said, ‘Bite the bullet.’”

Without matching state resources, local governments often must raise taxes, usually through property taxes, to take on such unfunded or underfunded mandates, Blood said.

Legislative Resolution 1CA, a constitutional amendment, could let voters prohibit future mandates on local governments without full state reimbursement. It would not prohibit federal mandates, though it would prevent lawmakers from passing on unfunded requirements.

The following organizations have compiled documents summarizing some unfunded or underfunded mandates:

Local political subdivisions are also subject to placing public meeting notices in local newspapers and responding to records requests.

“No single drop believes it causes the flood, and so when you pile these things on over time, it leads to an increased cost of government,” Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, told the Nebraska Examiner this summer.

He and other local government representatives voiced their support for Blood’s legislation, while cautioning that an “unfunded mandate” doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary.

Tim Gay, registered lobbyist for Sarpy County and a former county commissioner, testified in support of LR 1CA at its hearing. He said his county calculated it must pay for about $15 million in annual unfunded or underfunded mandates.

Gay said the change could improve cooperation with lawmakers in getting accurate fiscal estimates for legislation and ironing out spending details sooner.

Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said the federal government sometimes gives mandates to the state, but lawmakers or the executive branch pass on those requirements to local governments “without giving them a dime.”

Multiple studies have examined the impact of unfunded mandates going back to the 1990s, when Ben Nelson was governor, Blood said. Other lawmakers have taken up that mantle, too: State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and former State Sens. Deb Fischer and Sue Crawford.

Gov. Jim Pillen also voiced support this summer for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">getting rid of unfunded mandates</a>, although he didn’t have lawmakers introduce legislation on his behalf to do that during the special session.

Over time, the state rolled back other aid to counties and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-History-of-State-Aid-Cuts-to-Municipalities-updated-03-21.pdf">municipalities</a>, Rex said, particularly in hard budgeting times. Lawmakers also narrowed the local base for sales and property taxes, to be competitive with other states.

Just one of those shifts led to a reimbursement, Rex said: In 1977, the state exempted livestock, farm equipment and business inventory from property taxes.

By 2011, that $17.9 million allocation to municipalities “was totally eliminated,” Rex&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">told the Revenue Committee last week</a>.

“Every time there was a fiscal crisis it was cut, cut and cut, and ‘We will reimburse you as soon as the state recovers,’” she said. “That never happened. Not once. Not ever.”

LR 1CA would require a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58120" target="_blank">companion bill</a>&nbsp;to appear on the 2024 ballot — the current deadline is four months before the election. If passed alone, the issue would go on the 2026 ballot. If voters approve, future lawmakers would get to refine the policy, including exemptions.

Though LR 1CA was the first piece of legislation voted out of committee last week, Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s schedule, has said it will have to wait to be considered. First on the debate docket will be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58115" target="_blank">session expenses</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">core property tax proposals</a>&nbsp;that will come from the Revenue and Appropriations Committees.

Should lawmakers choose to stay in session, LR 1CA could be debated, but it’s not guaranteed.

Blood said LR 1CA is her “last hurrah” in her eighth and final year in the Legislature. She said it’s “time that we put on our big girl pants” and “do the right thing.”

“I’m puzzled,” Blood said of the delay. “I’m disappointed, and I encourage people to reach out to their senators and say, ‘I want to vote on this.’ I’m appalled that this has never been taken to a vote for the people. What are they scared of?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723055200968.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. July 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. July 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska lawmaker hopes the third time will be the charm in letting voters decide whether to prohibit future state-created unfunded or underfunded mandates on local governments.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58087" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 1CA</a>, a constitutional amendment proposed by State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, would prohibit future lawmakers from passing on the cost of a new program to local governments, or increase existing levels of service, without full reimbursement from the state. That would include counties, municipalities and school districts.It is Blood’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47007" target="_blank">third</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50026" target="_blank">attempt</a>&nbsp;to push the idea and, as with her earlier proposals, the current legislation was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/CS/LR1CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">unanimously voted</a>&nbsp;out of the eight-member Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.“It isn’t that a lot of these programs are not necessary that have been passed down,” Blood said last week. “It’s that, instead of trying to find a creative way to generate revenue to pay for it, they’ve just passed that cost down and said, ‘Bite the bullet.’”<h2>Snowball effect</h2>Without matching state resources, local governments often must raise taxes, usually through property taxes, to take on such unfunded or underfunded mandates, Blood said.<h2>Local unfunded mandates</h2>Legislative Resolution 1CA, a constitutional amendment, could let voters prohibit future mandates on local governments without full state reimbursement. It would not prohibit federal mandates, though it would prevent lawmakers from passing on unfunded requirements.The following organizations have compiled documents summarizing some unfunded or underfunded mandates:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NACO-mandate-list_2024.pdf">Nebraska Association of County Officials</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-mandate-list_2024.pdf">League of Nebraska Municipalities</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NASB-mandate-list_2024.pdf">Nebraska Association of School Boards</a>.</li>
 </ul>Some examples include:<ul>
 <li>Counties —&nbsp;Administering elections, providing indigent defense (for people who can’t afford private attorneys) and conducting an autopsy or calling a grand jury after the death of a state prisoner.</li><li>Municipalities — Storing DNA and body camera evidence, conducting health monitoring, overseeing building codes, overseeing regulations to license various occupations and retirement pensions.</li><li>School districts — Enforcing student vaccine requirements, making curriculum changes, providing suicide awareness and prevention training, assuring graduation requirements and providing student health exams.</li>
 </ul>Local political subdivisions are also subject to placing public meeting notices in local newspapers and responding to records requests.“No single drop believes it causes the flood, and so when you pile these things on over time, it leads to an increased cost of government,” Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, told the Nebraska Examiner this summer.He and other local government representatives voiced their support for Blood’s legislation, while cautioning that an “unfunded mandate” doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary.Tim Gay, registered lobbyist for Sarpy County and a former county commissioner, testified in support of LR 1CA at its hearing. He said his county calculated it must pay for about $15 million in annual unfunded or underfunded mandates.Gay said the change could improve cooperation with lawmakers in getting accurate fiscal estimates for legislation and ironing out spending details sooner.<h2>History has shown impacts</h2>Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said the federal government sometimes gives mandates to the state, but lawmakers or the executive branch pass on those requirements to local governments “without giving them a dime.”Multiple studies have examined the impact of unfunded mandates going back to the 1990s, when Ben Nelson was governor, Blood said. Other lawmakers have taken up that mantle, too: State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and former State Sens. Deb Fischer and Sue Crawford.Gov. Jim Pillen also voiced support this summer for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">getting rid of unfunded mandates</a>, although he didn’t have lawmakers introduce legislation on his behalf to do that during the special session.Over time, the state rolled back other aid to counties and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/League-History-of-State-Aid-Cuts-to-Municipalities-updated-03-21.pdf">municipalities</a>, Rex said, particularly in hard budgeting times. Lawmakers also narrowed the local base for sales and property taxes, to be competitive with other states.Just one of those shifts led to a reimbursement, Rex said: In 1977, the state exempted livestock, farm equipment and business inventory from property taxes.By 2011, that $17.9 million allocation to municipalities “was totally eliminated,” Rex&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">told the Revenue Committee last week</a>.“Every time there was a fiscal crisis it was cut, cut and cut, and ‘We will reimburse you as soon as the state recovers,’” she said. “That never happened. Not once. Not ever.”<h2>‘Do the right thing’</h2>LR 1CA would require a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58120" target="_blank">companion bill</a>&nbsp;to appear on the 2024 ballot — the current deadline is four months before the election. If passed alone, the issue would go on the 2026 ballot. If voters approve, future lawmakers would get to refine the policy, including exemptions.Though LR 1CA was the first piece of legislation voted out of committee last week, Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s schedule, has said it will have to wait to be considered. First on the debate docket will be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58115" target="_blank">session expenses</a>&nbsp;and then&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">core property tax proposals</a>&nbsp;that will come from the Revenue and Appropriations Committees.Should lawmakers choose to stay in session, LR 1CA could be debated, but it’s not guaranteed.Blood said LR 1CA is her “last hurrah” in her eighth and final year in the Legislature. She said it’s “time that we put on our big girl pants” and “do the right thing.”“I’m puzzled,” Blood said of the delay. “I’m disappointed, and I encourage people to reach out to their senators and say, ‘I want to vote on this.’ I’m appalled that this has never been taken to a vote for the people. What are they scared of?”

Third attempt made to prohibit state-led ‘unfunded mandates’ on Nebraska’s local governments

Update: The Nebraska Department of Transportation stated on social media that all lanes are clear and that I-80 eastbound is open.

Elm Creek, Neb. - I-80 eastbound is closed from Elm Creek to Kearney due to disabled vehicles according to NE 511. The disabled vehicle is located at MM 262. Traffic is being diverted to U.S. HWY 30. Traffic can access I-80 eastbound from the Kearney exit. The Kearney Police Department posted on social media shortly after the closure that I-80 eastbound was closed due to an accident.

Early afternoon on Sunday, I-80 closed both directions around the same area due to an accident. The accident left I-80 closed for a couple of hours and traffic was backed up and at times at a standstill from Lexington to Kearney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723047601014.jpeg" alt="I-80 traffic exiting at Elm Creek due to disabled vehicles (NE 511)" />
 <figcaption>I-80 traffic exiting at Elm Creek due to disabled vehicles (NE 511)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostUpdate: The Nebraska Department of Transportation stated on social media that all lanes are clear and that I-80 eastbound is open.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: Crash has cleared. All lanes are now open. <a href="https://t.co/h6VLuex4pn">https://t.co/h6VLuex4pn</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1821221341757923563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>-----Elm Creek, Neb. - I-80 eastbound is closed from Elm Creek to Kearney due to disabled vehicles according to NE 511. The disabled vehicle is located at MM 262. Traffic is being diverted to U.S. HWY 30. Traffic can access I-80 eastbound from the Kearney exit. The Kearney Police Department posted on social media shortly after the closure that I-80 eastbound was closed due to an accident.Early afternoon on Sunday, I-80 closed both directions around the same area due to an accident. The accident left I-80 closed for a couple of hours and traffic was backed up and at times at a standstill from Lexington to Kearney.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElmCreek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElmCreek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odessa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odessa</a> I-80 EB at MM 257 is closed to due to disable vehicle at MM 262.2. Please use alt route. <a href="https://t.co/vCpMfmEgId">https://t.co/vCpMfmEgId</a> <a href="https://t.co/cm8SAEcGvq">pic.twitter.com/cm8SAEcGvq</a>&mdash; Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nebraska511/status/1821214444745003352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

I-80 eastbound now open at Elm Creek

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $384 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;key U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing, and other national security priorities&nbsp;in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense Appropriations Bill.

The legislation, which must still be reconciled with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and voted upon by the U.S. Senate, was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“This legislation will provide funding for our military and help us stay prepared for any future conflicts. In a world where global threats are constantly evolving, we need to modernize our forces and leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Nebraska is at the forefront of that mission,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Provisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured&nbsp;over $384 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;key U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing, and other national security priorities&nbsp;in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense Appropriations Bill.The legislation, which must still be reconciled with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and voted upon by the U.S. Senate, was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“This legislation will provide funding for our military and help us stay prepared for any future conflicts. In a world where global threats are constantly evolving, we need to modernize our forces and leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Nebraska is at the forefront of that mission,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.Provisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:<ul>
 <li>$252 million in research funding for the development of a nuclear-armed, submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM)</li><li>$10 million for STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s network sensor demonstration</li><li>$10 million for STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) program</li><li>$7.5 million for&nbsp;research on the development&nbsp;of Mark 41 Vertical Launching System’s hatches</li><li>$1 million in research funding for a test range for Department of Defense cyber programs</li><li>$2 million in research funding for improving the Weather Wing’s sensing and modeling capabilities in the stratosphere</li><li>$4 million in research funding for the Weather Wing’s flood mapping and forecasting tool</li><li>$19.1 million for RC-135 sensor modernization</li><li>$3 million in&nbsp;research funding for onshoring a niobium mine-to-oxide supply chain for aerospace critical superalloys</li><li>$2.5 million in research funding for shaping metallic surfaces for thermal system management</li><li>$1.5 million in research funding for advanced energetics</li><li>$2.5 million in research funding for enhancing musculoskeletal performance (specifically in cold weather)</li><li>$1 million in research funding for the Weather Wing’s data migration</li><li>$3 million in research funding to help the Department of Defense prepare for potential extreme health crises</li><li>$15 million for the Joint Civilian-Military Medical Surge Pilot Program</li><li>An increase of $47.5 million for collaborative defense technology projects with Israel</li>
 </ul>

Fischer Secures $384 Million for Key Defense Programs 

Lincoln, NE - August 7, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, August 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $60,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $60,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Trotter's Whoa &amp; Go Express, 1251 Hwy 92, in Loup City. The winning numbers from Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 05, 12, 13, 21, 34.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE - August 7, 2024 - One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Tuesday, August 6 drawing is holding a ticket worth $60,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $60,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Trotter's Whoa &amp; Go Express, 1251 Hwy 92, in Loup City. The winning numbers from Tuesday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 05, 12, 13, 21, 34.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$60,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Central Nebraska

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint

“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”

“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;

“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”

“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats

“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”

According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;

In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;

At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;

Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;

Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;

Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990788867.png" alt="Merchant photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Merchant photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990871698.png" alt="&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.The FBI is investigating the case.

‘Iranian agent’ tried to hire hitmen for assassination of Trump, other gov't officials

CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaint

Frank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.

“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.

“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”

FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.

In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”

Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.

On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966189254.png" alt="Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail" />
 <figcaption>Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaintFrank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966333633.png" alt="A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

Read charging docs: Man made online threat to kill Kamala Harris

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.

Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;

Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.

He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.

People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;

People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.

Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.

The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;

New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;

Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;

Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.

Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;

“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”

The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722973917437.jpeg" alt="Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.<h2>No tally of postcards statewide</h2>The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.<h2>Don’t wait for deadline</h2>The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

Nebraska early voting applications hitting mailboxes this week

Lincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.

“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”

By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”

A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Deb CollinsPSCLincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Kansas Grain Dealer No Longer Licensed in Nebraska

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.

Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.

The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;

As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.

The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.

A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.

The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;

It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.

Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;

It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.

Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.

“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”

Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.

Pillen’s original LB 1 and the new version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">LB 9</a>&nbsp;include hard caps on local government property tax collections, with few exceptions. The original proposal sought to carve out funding for new public safety services and vacant positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and other firefighter and police union leaders backed the new plan, which would remove state caps on public safety personnel, equipment and training.

Waugh said he feared that under the original proposal, the state could backslide from recent efforts to increase funding to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent. Hanson agreed.

“The original language — very well-intentioned,” Hanson said. “But it was more narrow … in terms of the pathway to achieve or exceed spending when needed.”

Pillen had no direct answer for why city councils and county boards could be trusted to handle spending on public safety, which makes up half or more of many local budgets, yet school boards and NRD boards wouldn’t be given the same latitude.

He said people have been clear that property taxes need to be reduced so they can stay in their homes, but they also need to feel safe.

The governor has staked his political reputation and future on steering the Legislature toward addressing rising property taxes. He held months of town halls across the state, pitching his own proposal.

Pillen started the conversation in December by arguing that Nebraska might need to increase the sales tax rate and broaden the sales tax base, a big-picture plan that lawmakers shot down.

He has pointed to research by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who concluded that the states growing the fastest have higher sales tax rates and lower property tax burdens.

Pillen has faced resistance from the left and right, with Democrats concerned about local government and school needs and Republicans worried about raising sales taxes to offset property taxes.

But his willingness to shift again, shown Monday, reinforces that he was more interested in swift action by lawmakers to make changes than in the specific shifts from property taxes to other revenue sources.&nbsp;

Linehan introduced LB 1 at the beginning of the special session on behalf of Pillen. It will be one of several property tax relief bills that are expected to be combined into LB 9 on Tuesday afternoon.

That measure, as proposed by Hughes, sought to phase in the maximum amount a school district could tax for its operational expenses to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation over a decade.

The current state cap on school levies is $1.05 per $100 of valuation. Hughes’ original proposal and the revised version would&nbsp;have the state replace those local funds with state tax dollars.&nbsp;

The Revenue Committee’s new version of LB 9 would reduce the levy lid much quicker, in year two instead of year 10. And property taxpayers would feel the relief in year one.

Linehan said the bill would include a proposed property tax relief credit that would use state funds to buy down the effective cost to property taxpayers in the first year.

Pillen had earlier floated capping the school district tax rate authority at 15 cents in the first year, followed by 7.5 cents in year two, before having the state take over all school operational expenses in year three.

Linehan said Hughes and others were right when they cautioned that schools needed to “have some skin in the game.” Linehan sought an acceptable tax rate during multiple public hearings on various proposals.

Hughes, reached Monday by text, said she was “happy that the Revenue Committee chose LB 9” for a way forward and called it “the right way to push state funding toward our schools.”

A bipartisan group of senators helped her craft LB 9: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Myron Dorn of Adams and Lynne Walz of Fremont.

At least one of those crafting LB 9 opposes the new plan.&nbsp;

Conrad, in a text, criticized “procedural shenanigans” that she said Pillen’s supporters have engaged in to “hijack other bills and cobble together a Frankenstein version of the same reverse Robin Hood scheme.” She said Nebraskans “will not be fooled.”

Conrad said she looks forward to stopping “one of the largest tax increases in history” while fighting to expand other relief programs, such as homestead exemptions.&nbsp;

She said she would also advocate for legalizing and taxing online gambling and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;

Taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">online sports betting</a>, proposed by Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, in two constitutional amendments, are estimated to generate about $30 million in tax revenue annually if approved by voters at the ballot box, while taxing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/hearing-airs-views-on-legalizing-marijuana-to-offset-nebraska-property-taxes/">recreational marijuana</a>, proposed by Wayne and Sen. Terrell McKinney in Omaha in two bills, could generate more than $100 million each year.

Linehan said the committee’s new plan would not include expanding&nbsp;gambling for tax revenue or legalizing and taxing marijuana.

She said the committee amendment to LB 9 is based on feedback during dozens of Revenue Committee hearings hosted last week on 67 bills or constitutional amendments.

She said she would not call the overall plan a “tax shift.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Consumers, she said, have control over how much they pay in sales taxes, based on what they choose to purchase, unlike with property taxes.

“We’re taking a tax off people’s backs that they have no choice but to pay or they lose their home,” Linehan said Monday night.

People would prove the plan’s critics were wrong, she said.&nbsp;

“By the time we get to Friday,” she said, “I’m pretty sure a lot of Nebraska is going to think it’s a very good idea.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722970991632.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford and Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.<h2>Changes from Pillen’s plan</h2>A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”<h2>Law enforcement pushback answered</h2>Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.Pillen’s original LB 1 and the new version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">LB 9</a>&nbsp;include hard caps on local government property tax collections, with few exceptions. The original proposal sought to carve out funding for new public safety services and vacant positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and other firefighter and police union leaders backed the new plan, which would remove state caps on public safety personnel, equipment and training.Waugh said he feared that under the original proposal, the state could backslide from recent efforts to increase funding to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent. Hanson agreed.“The original language — very well-intentioned,” Hanson said. “But it was more narrow … in terms of the pathway to achieve or exceed spending when needed.”Pillen had no direct answer for why city councils and county boards could be trusted to handle spending on public safety, which makes up half or more of many local budgets, yet school boards and NRD boards wouldn’t be given the same latitude.He said people have been clear that property taxes need to be reduced so they can stay in their homes, but they also need to feel safe.<h2>Pillen’s political gamble</h2>The governor has staked his political reputation and future on steering the Legislature toward addressing rising property taxes. He held months of town halls across the state, pitching his own proposal.Pillen started the conversation in December by arguing that Nebraska might need to increase the sales tax rate and broaden the sales tax base, a big-picture plan that lawmakers shot down.He has pointed to research by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who concluded that the states growing the fastest have higher sales tax rates and lower property tax burdens.Pillen has faced resistance from the left and right, with Democrats concerned about local government and school needs and Republicans worried about raising sales taxes to offset property taxes.But his willingness to shift again, shown Monday, reinforces that he was more interested in swift action by lawmakers to make changes than in the specific shifts from property taxes to other revenue sources.&nbsp;<h2>The committee’s next steps</h2>Linehan introduced LB 1 at the beginning of the special session on behalf of Pillen. It will be one of several property tax relief bills that are expected to be combined into LB 9 on Tuesday afternoon.That measure, as proposed by Hughes, sought to phase in the maximum amount a school district could tax for its operational expenses to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation over a decade.The current state cap on school levies is $1.05 per $100 of valuation. Hughes’ original proposal and the revised version would&nbsp;have the state replace those local funds with state tax dollars.&nbsp;The Revenue Committee’s new version of LB 9 would reduce the levy lid much quicker, in year two instead of year 10. And property taxpayers would feel the relief in year one.Linehan said the bill would include a proposed property tax relief credit that would use state funds to buy down the effective cost to property taxpayers in the first year.Pillen had earlier floated capping the school district tax rate authority at 15 cents in the first year, followed by 7.5 cents in year two, before having the state take over all school operational expenses in year three.Linehan said Hughes and others were right when they cautioned that schools needed to “have some skin in the game.” Linehan sought an acceptable tax rate during multiple public hearings on various proposals.Hughes, reached Monday by text, said she was “happy that the Revenue Committee chose LB 9” for a way forward and called it “the right way to push state funding toward our schools.”A bipartisan group of senators helped her craft LB 9: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Myron Dorn of Adams and Lynne Walz of Fremont.<h2>Not all LB 9 coauthors pleased</h2>At least one of those crafting LB 9 opposes the new plan.&nbsp;Conrad, in a text, criticized “procedural shenanigans” that she said Pillen’s supporters have engaged in to “hijack other bills and cobble together a Frankenstein version of the same reverse Robin Hood scheme.” She said Nebraskans “will not be fooled.”Conrad said she looks forward to stopping “one of the largest tax increases in history” while fighting to expand other relief programs, such as homestead exemptions.&nbsp;She said she would also advocate for legalizing and taxing online gambling and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;Taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">online sports betting</a>, proposed by Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, in two constitutional amendments, are estimated to generate about $30 million in tax revenue annually if approved by voters at the ballot box, while taxing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/hearing-airs-views-on-legalizing-marijuana-to-offset-nebraska-property-taxes/">recreational marijuana</a>, proposed by Wayne and Sen. Terrell McKinney in Omaha in two bills, could generate more than $100 million each year.Linehan said the committee’s new plan would not include expanding&nbsp;gambling for tax revenue or legalizing and taxing marijuana.She said the committee amendment to LB 9 is based on feedback during dozens of Revenue Committee hearings hosted last week on 67 bills or constitutional amendments.She said she would not call the overall plan a “tax shift.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumers, she said, have control over how much they pay in sales taxes, based on what they choose to purchase, unlike with property taxes.“We’re taking a tax off people’s backs that they have no choice but to pay or they lose their home,” Linehan said Monday night.People would prove the plan’s critics were wrong, she said.&nbsp;“By the time we get to Friday,” she said, “I’m pretty sure a lot of Nebraska is going to think it’s a very good idea.”

Pillen pivots from his own property tax plan to embrace emerging legislative plan

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.

Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.

Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.

Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.

Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.

“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”

Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.

But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.

“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.

“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”

Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.

Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.

“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”

Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.

“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.

As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.

But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.

That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.

Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.

“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”

The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722955203655.jpeg" alt="Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”<h2>Communicating rural values</h2>Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.<h2>Working-class message</h2>As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Nebraska Native, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said to be picked by Harris as her running mate

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.

The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.

Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:

Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration

Project Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000

Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000

Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility Study

Project Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel RestorationProject Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000Offutt Ditch Pump StationProject Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility StudyProject Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000Papillion Creek BasinProject Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Advances $4 Million for Nebraska Water Resource Improvement Projects

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.

State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.

“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.

Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.

He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.

Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.

Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”

“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722883192855.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.<h2>‘Truly a stopgap’</h2>Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”Pillen has remained firm that he believes the property tax “crisis” is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">not a valuation problem</a>&nbsp;but a spending problem.<h2>Residential, owner-occupied housing</h2>Omaha State Sens. Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh and Kathleen Kauth, along with Brandt, have more targeted legislation to address or exempt property based on valuations.McDonnell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58177" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 24CA</a>&nbsp;would carve out residential property for a different method of taxation, similar to valuing agricultural land 75% of its market value. A companion bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58182" target="_blank">LB 72</a>, would lock the top annual increases on residential valuations at 5%, including improvements.&nbsp;Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">LR 2CA</a>&nbsp;would let voters carve out owner-occupied housing for a different valuation process, which would be more narrow than McDonnell’s proposal. The Legislature would then set that rate.“Because there’s so many owner-occupied houses and that affects so much valuation in the state, you got to be careful,” Brandt said.Two other McDonnell bills would exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">homeowners</a>&nbsp;from school taxes after 10 years in the same home (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>) and would exempt all property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in the state (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">LB 75</a>).Cavanaugh introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58113" target="_blank">LB 22</a>, which would exempt the first $100,000 of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-3502#:~:text=Homestead%20shall%20mean%20either%20(1,on%20land%20leased%20by%20the" target="_blank">homestead’s</a>&nbsp;valuation from taxation. He described the expanded homestead exemption as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">universal</a>” relief.<h2>A California model</h2>Kauth’s constitutional amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58104" target="_blank">LR 6CA</a>, was patterned after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/proposition-13-40-years-later/" target="_blank">Proposition 13</a>&nbsp;in California, which passed in 1978.&nbsp;Nebraska’s version would lock in property values for tax purposes at no more than 1.5% above its “full cash value,” or the initial purchase or construction value of a property after 2025. Valuations for existing properties would be locked in at the 2025 level.Annual increases in “full cash value” could increase at the rate of inflation for that area, but by no more than 2%. Valuations could also decrease based on the rate of deflation.Kauth said her proposal would give new homeowners a “choice” that they can plan for.“You go in with your eyes wide open and you have a choice, whereas with property valuations you have no choice&nbsp;— you wait for that little postcard in the mail and you have no idea what you’re going to get,” Kauth said. “It’s always better to have a choice.”Kauth’s constitutional amendment would also set new accountability requirements for school or community college bonds and would require any new bonds to receive 55% voter approval.<h2>‘Reform’ over ‘relief’</h2>Brandt said there are multiple other “backup plans,” including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, which he worked on with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward and three other lawmakers. Unlike Pillen’s LB 1, the “alternative” proposal would reduce maximum school tax rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">over a decade</a>, by 80 cents.The Revenue Committee spent last week considering 67 bills and constitutional amendments. Kauth, a member of the committee, said she’s looking for reform, not just relief.“When I think of relief, I think, OK, it’s that Band-Aid,” Kauth said. “We need reform so that we don’t have to keep coming back here.”The Revenue Committee is scheduled to meet Monday and Tuesday to comb through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">various proposals</a>&nbsp;in its hopper. It will determine what to advance to the full Legislature, and debate is expected to start Thursday on that product.