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

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

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

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

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

Pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle in Kearney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Harris joins a decades-old tradition for vice presidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska lawmakers adopt resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter

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

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

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

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

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

Key contours of the Pillen-led plan include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another key component of the budget would have the state take on more K-12 school operational expenses, albeit at a much smaller amount than Pillen proposed for the 2024 summer special session.

Rather than taking on the entirety of school operational expenses —&nbsp;about 80% of the portion of property taxes that go toward local K-12 schools —&nbsp;Pillen is partnering with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to cover a smaller amount.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58984" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 303</a>, introduced by Hughes at Pillen’s request, would reduce maximum general fund school property tax rates from $1.05 to $1.02, per $100 of property valuations.

That’s down from a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">previous Pillen plan</a>&nbsp;last summer to take the maximum tax rate from $1.05 down to 15 cents in the first year. The maximum rate would have gone down to 0 cents, with the state taking over the operational expenses, in the third year.

Hughes had proposed a slower,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">10-year plan</a>&nbsp;to go down to 25 cents as the maximum property tax rate for schools, keeping some local “skin in the game,” an idea that received backing from many educational leaders.&nbsp;

The new $1.02 plan is flexible, depending on available state funds.

For example, one proposed potential revenue source to help Hughes possibly drop the maximum school tax rate further is from State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and Dorn to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/first-time-homebuyer-savings-account-new-sales-taxes-proposed-by-nebraska-senators/">broaden the sales tax</a>&nbsp;to about two dozen currently exempt goods and services.

Hughes, a former school board member, said she was “really happy” that Pillen was partnering with her on funding stability, which is at will to rising valuations. The state’s “equalization aid” is projected to decrease by $17.6 million in the next fiscal year before increasing $8.6 million.

“I’m pleased that the governor and his staff have seen merit in our past work and that we’re collaborating together to do what’s best for Nebraska,” Hughes said. “They see it as a trajectory for years to come, not just a one-time ‘fix.’”

Under Hughes’ LB 303, state foundation aid to schools, established in 2023, would increase by 6% to about $1,590 roughly per each student.

Dorn said he also appreciated increased property tax funding to match increased taxes because of those rising valuations.

“It would put it so that people aren’t now going to have to end up paying more than what they are today, which we haven’t had any concept like that the last few years,” Dorn said.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, the longest-tenured member in the body, said governor’s proposals are often seen as a “good start,” but she hadn’t yet dived into the budget proposal.

Conrad, who is working with Hughes, Brandt, Dorn and others on school finance reform, said lawmakers need to be honest that the shortfall is projected not because of an economic recession or because of a natural disaster but because of Pillen-led tax cuts.

She said postsecondary institutions, such as the University of Nebraska, might have to raise tuition to stay afloat. Regents last summer&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/docs/board/agendas/Agenda%208-8-24%20with%20Materials.pdf" target="_blank">raised tuition rates</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/nebraska-regents-to-consider-multimillion-dollar-health-project-programs-for-ai-and-esports/">requested an increase in state dollars</a>&nbsp;to help grow research and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-officially-expands-full-ride-scholarships-to-nebraska-students-who-score-32-35-on-act/">expand a new Pillen-led scholarship program</a>&nbsp;for top students.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Appropriations Committee, described Pillen’s recommendations as part of a “balanced approach” that doesn’t include drastic cuts to agencies or heavily tap into cash reserves. He noted it also preserves pay increases for state employees.

Clements noted that the latest projection of a state shortfall included “very flat” revenues and was “very conservative.” He and others hope that a revised forecast at the end of February might narrow the projected shortfall, aided by strong receipts in December.

Pillen budget staffers said that if the state doesn’t see as much of a shortfall, it might lead to investments in more tax relief or school finance reform rather than preserving programs slated to be cut.

Clements, who joined the Legislature in February 2017, said the budget will be a challenge, but lawmakers will go day by day.

“It’s not easy,” Clements said. “Feeling like we’ll take it one day at a time and try not to look ahead too far, just one day at a time and prioritize the items that, as we look through the budget, what’s most important.”

The ins and outs of the governor’s proposed 2025-27 budget

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

Gov. Pillen Proposes His Answer to $432 Million Projected Budget Shortfall

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Doubling down on efforts to ‘clean out the closets’ and create efficiencies across state government, Governor Jim Pillen expressed appreciation to Speaker of the Legislature John Arch for introducing LB346 on his behalf.&nbsp; The measure will terminate or reassign the duties of over 40 different boards, commissions, committees, or councils.

Currently, there are more than 225 legislatively prescribed entities.

“They were well intended when they were created, but now is the time to take a look and see if all these entities are serving their stated purposes and should remain on the books,” said Gov. Pillen. &nbsp;

In some cases, state agencies have assumed the duties carried out by the entities. In other situations, the efforts across those entities have become duplicative.

A copy of LB346 can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskalegislature.gov%2FFloorDocs%2F109%2FPDF%2FIntro%2FLB346.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb9d83c12a14493683208dd366487f7%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638726527576989633%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=cOcHA0vCpbQSCjIkoplnZKf8DqeZMP65Y8OT%2FSgy5%2Fs%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>, which includes the entities considered for termination or reassignment.&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Doubling down on efforts to ‘clean out the closets’ and create efficiencies across state government, Governor Jim Pillen expressed appreciation to Speaker of the Legislature John Arch for introducing LB346 on his behalf.&nbsp; The measure will terminate or reassign the duties of over 40 different boards, commissions, committees, or councils.Currently, there are more than 225 legislatively prescribed entities.“They were well intended when they were created, but now is the time to take a look and see if all these entities are serving their stated purposes and should remain on the books,” said Gov. Pillen. &nbsp;In some cases, state agencies have assumed the duties carried out by the entities. In other situations, the efforts across those entities have become duplicative.A copy of LB346 can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskalegislature.gov%2FFloorDocs%2F109%2FPDF%2FIntro%2FLB346.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb9d83c12a14493683208dd366487f7%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638726527576989633%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=cOcHA0vCpbQSCjIkoplnZKf8DqeZMP65Y8OT%2FSgy5%2Fs%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>, which includes the entities considered for termination or reassignment.&nbsp;

LB346 Introduced on Governor’s Behalf; Creates Efficiencies across Boards, Commissions and Other Entities

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Faced with rising state health care expenses and an end to “bushel baskets” of federal pandemic dollars, Gov. Jim Pillen said he resorted to shaking the “pillowcases” to balance his recommended state budget — and slashing some programs he signed into law just last year.

In a move several lawmakers called atypical, Pillen targeted nearly 50 programs approved over the past five years by both the governor and the Legislature.

Those cost-cutting measures range from clawing back nearly $23 million set aside for the next fiscal year to encourage workers and businesses to relocate to Nebraska to slicing $60,000 earmarked for tax exemptions on livestock twine.

On the cutting board as well are dozens of boards and commissions formed to provide citizen input into government affairs.

“To shrink government we must eliminate its obsolete parts and clean out its closets,” Pillen said Wednesday in his annual State of the State speech. “Especially at a time when we must tighten our belt … we must continually assess which parts of government are still of use to the people.”

In a half-hour speech before lawmakers and friends in the Capitol, Pillen laid out his fiscal, philosophical and political roadmap for the year.

Not only did he tout his effort to shrink state spending, he promoted social and political goals —&nbsp; including a renewed push to change Nebraska’s unique way of assigning Electoral College votes for president to a “winner-take-all” system.&nbsp;

Perhaps the most emotional moments of the annual event — known also for pageantry, energy and bipartisan handshakes — was Pillen’s account of getting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/03/nebraska-gov-jim-pillen-talks-about-his-injuries-recovery-and-getting-back-to-work/">bucked off of a horse</a>&nbsp;and landing in an operating room with injuries including seven broken ribs, fractured back vertebra and a lacerated spleen.&nbsp;

Choking up, Pillen said he was thankful for a “second shot at life” and the “renewed commitment” to fighting for Nebraskans. He got a standing ovation before pivoting to his talking points with the quip: “OK, no more horsing around.”

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln called the governor’s recovery a highlight of the day. She said the Legislature and friends were excited to see Pillen doing well.

Conrad said she was disappointed but not surprised that the governor went on to spend so much attention on “divisive social issues.”

Conrad cited, for example, Pillen’s promotion in his speech of the<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">&nbsp;Stand With Women Act</a>&nbsp;by State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, which aims to define “male” and “female” in state law. Pointing to his granddaughters in the audience, Pillen said that he found it hard to understand how some think it is acceptable to allow “biological boys” to share bathrooms and playing fields with girls.&nbsp;

“This is unfair, unconscionable and a recipe for predatory behavior,” the governor said, causing Republicans on the legislative floor to clap and some Democrats to squirm.

State Sen. Margo Juarez said later that she would be among those opposing the Pillen-endorsed Kauth effort, and she also bristled at the governor’s pledge to fight for a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">winner-take-all system</a>.&nbsp;

A bill requested by Pillen and led by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City seeks to do away with allocating three of Nebraska’s five Electoral College votes by the winner in each congressional district. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that parcel out some of their electoral votes by district. The approach, adopted in Nebraska in 1991, has led to Democrats claiming a single electoral vote from the Omaha-based 2nd District three times since 2008 and, in this past election cycle, stoking the “blue dot” momentum.&nbsp;

“I find it fascinating that the governor recognizes the importance of everyone having a voice yet he wants to cut out certain voices, including the ‘blue dot’ voices,” said the freshman lawmaker representing South Omaha.

To be sure, there was plenty of applause by the Republican majority in the officially nonpartisan Legislature when Pillen promoted his priorities that have or will be introduced as bills by various senators, including: a bill to<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/14/pillen-some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-to-banish-lab-grown-meat/">&nbsp;ban lab-grown meat</a>&nbsp;and “beef up” consumer protections and false labeling, as well as legislative proposals seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/">outlaw youths’ access to social media</a>&nbsp;unless they have parental consent and to restrict student use of cell phones on school property and school functions.&nbsp;

“Very good speech,” said State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, a member of the nine-member Appropriations Committee that will balance Pillen’s recommendations and lawmakers’ proposals and present a new proposal this spring. “Now we get down to work.”

Pillen, whose family owns a hog operation based in Columbus, also pushed for the consolidation of two Nebraska state agencies, the Departments of Environment and Energy and of Natural Resources, saying: “It will save costs, eliminate duplicative overhead, and streamline the mission of stewarding and protecting our natural resources and environment.”

Bipartisan support flowed for certain proposals, including Pillen’s announcement of an expert commission tasked with recommending fixes to Nebraska’s 30-year formula for school funding that the governor said was broken and burdensome to taxpayers in districts with limited resources. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward is helping to lead that and other school financing reform efforts.

“I applaud the governor for focusing on that,” said Conrad, a Democrat.

Said Hughes: “This is a really good path forward. I’m thrilled.”

However, Conrad was critical of the Pillen administration’s role in reaching today’s budgetary circumstance, a projected two-year budget gap of $432 million.

Pillen said the projected shortfall is exacerbated by a drop in annual funding from the federal government for mandated Medicaid and health service costs. The state’s annual share of those costs are expected to rise, the governor said, by about $200 million in the next fiscal year and about $352 million over the biennium.

He said the state no longer has available to it the millions of dollars of pandemic relief funds that flowed when he first took office two years ago.

Conrad says the projected shortfall has more to do with the governor and some in the Legislature promoting income and corporate tax cuts that Conrad said benefitted the wealthiest Nebraskans and corporations. She called it “reckless financial decision-making and leadership.”

Looking for cost savings, Pillen said he examined the “unprecedented” number of laws passed in the last five years that included expansion of state incentives and “Christmas tree bills” that sometimes “crammed” up to 30 bills into one package, along with related funding.

Such piling up of bills has got to stop, Pillen said. But he acknowledged to reporters that he had signed the bills into law and that in some cases made a mistake.

“Maybe the most disappointing thing I have experienced since being governor is all these Christmas bills,” he said.

Conrad, who is the current Legislature’s most seasoned senator, took issue with the so-called “legislative bill reductions” — which the governor’s office said would reverse about $120 million a year in appropriated funds and recently passed changes that had cut revenue — as an unfamiliar term in the budget process that she said sounds like “buyer’s remorse or going back on your words.”

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha said the slate of reversals is something he’s not seen during his tenure. They include small business assistance grant dollars, an Internet Access Tower exemption, sports arena financing, reverse osmosis tax credits and more.

“My questions are: ‘Why did you sign the bills? Why did you make these commitments?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737046324329.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen is greeted by members of the Nebraska Legislature during his annual State of the State speech on Wednesday. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen is greeted by members of the Nebraska Legislature during his annual State of the State speech on Wednesday. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Faced with rising state health care expenses and an end to “bushel baskets” of federal pandemic dollars, Gov. Jim Pillen said he resorted to shaking the “pillowcases” to balance his recommended state budget — and slashing some programs he signed into law just last year.In a move several lawmakers called atypical, Pillen targeted nearly 50 programs approved over the past five years by both the governor and the Legislature.Those cost-cutting measures range from clawing back nearly $23 million set aside for the next fiscal year to encourage workers and businesses to relocate to Nebraska to slicing $60,000 earmarked for tax exemptions on livestock twine.On the cutting board as well are dozens of boards and commissions formed to provide citizen input into government affairs.“To shrink government we must eliminate its obsolete parts and clean out its closets,” Pillen said Wednesday in his annual State of the State speech. “Especially at a time when we must tighten our belt … we must continually assess which parts of government are still of use to the people.”<h2>Emotional moment</h2>In a half-hour speech before lawmakers and friends in the Capitol, Pillen laid out his fiscal, philosophical and political roadmap for the year.Not only did he tout his effort to shrink state spending, he promoted social and political goals —&nbsp; including a renewed push to change Nebraska’s unique way of assigning Electoral College votes for president to a “winner-take-all” system.&nbsp;Perhaps the most emotional moments of the annual event — known also for pageantry, energy and bipartisan handshakes — was Pillen’s account of getting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/03/nebraska-gov-jim-pillen-talks-about-his-injuries-recovery-and-getting-back-to-work/">bucked off of a horse</a>&nbsp;and landing in an operating room with injuries including seven broken ribs, fractured back vertebra and a lacerated spleen.&nbsp;Choking up, Pillen said he was thankful for a “second shot at life” and the “renewed commitment” to fighting for Nebraskans. He got a standing ovation before pivoting to his talking points with the quip: “OK, no more horsing around.”State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln called the governor’s recovery a highlight of the day. She said the Legislature and friends were excited to see Pillen doing well.Conrad said she was disappointed but not surprised that the governor went on to spend so much attention on “divisive social issues.”Conrad cited, for example, Pillen’s promotion in his speech of the<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">&nbsp;Stand With Women Act</a>&nbsp;by State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, which aims to define “male” and “female” in state law. Pointing to his granddaughters in the audience, Pillen said that he found it hard to understand how some think it is acceptable to allow “biological boys” to share bathrooms and playing fields with girls.&nbsp;“This is unfair, unconscionable and a recipe for predatory behavior,” the governor said, causing Republicans on the legislative floor to clap and some Democrats to squirm.<h2>Cutting out the ‘blue dot’</h2>State Sen. Margo Juarez said later that she would be among those opposing the Pillen-endorsed Kauth effort, and she also bristled at the governor’s pledge to fight for a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/09/its-back-winner-take-all-bill-in-first-wave-of-2025-proposed-nebraska-laws/">winner-take-all system</a>.&nbsp;A bill requested by Pillen and led by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City seeks to do away with allocating three of Nebraska’s five Electoral College votes by the winner in each congressional district. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that parcel out some of their electoral votes by district. The approach, adopted in Nebraska in 1991, has led to Democrats claiming a single electoral vote from the Omaha-based 2nd District three times since 2008 and, in this past election cycle, stoking the “blue dot” momentum.&nbsp;“I find it fascinating that the governor recognizes the importance of everyone having a voice yet he wants to cut out certain voices, including the ‘blue dot’ voices,” said the freshman lawmaker representing South Omaha.To be sure, there was plenty of applause by the Republican majority in the officially nonpartisan Legislature when Pillen promoted his priorities that have or will be introduced as bills by various senators, including: a bill to<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/14/pillen-some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-to-banish-lab-grown-meat/">&nbsp;ban lab-grown meat</a>&nbsp;and “beef up” consumer protections and false labeling, as well as legislative proposals seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/">outlaw youths’ access to social media</a>&nbsp;unless they have parental consent and to restrict student use of cell phones on school property and school functions.&nbsp;“Very good speech,” said State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, a member of the nine-member Appropriations Committee that will balance Pillen’s recommendations and lawmakers’ proposals and present a new proposal this spring. “Now we get down to work.”Pillen, whose family owns a hog operation based in Columbus, also pushed for the consolidation of two Nebraska state agencies, the Departments of Environment and Energy and of Natural Resources, saying: “It will save costs, eliminate duplicative overhead, and streamline the mission of stewarding and protecting our natural resources and environment.”Bipartisan support flowed for certain proposals, including Pillen’s announcement of an expert commission tasked with recommending fixes to Nebraska’s 30-year formula for school funding that the governor said was broken and burdensome to taxpayers in districts with limited resources. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward is helping to lead that and other school financing reform efforts.“I applaud the governor for focusing on that,” said Conrad, a Democrat.Said Hughes: “This is a really good path forward. I’m thrilled.”<h2>‘Reckless financial decision-making’</h2>However, Conrad was critical of the Pillen administration’s role in reaching today’s budgetary circumstance, a projected two-year budget gap of $432 million.Pillen said the projected shortfall is exacerbated by a drop in annual funding from the federal government for mandated Medicaid and health service costs. The state’s annual share of those costs are expected to rise, the governor said, by about $200 million in the next fiscal year and about $352 million over the biennium.He said the state no longer has available to it the millions of dollars of pandemic relief funds that flowed when he first took office two years ago.Conrad says the projected shortfall has more to do with the governor and some in the Legislature promoting income and corporate tax cuts that Conrad said benefitted the wealthiest Nebraskans and corporations. She called it “reckless financial decision-making and leadership.”Looking for cost savings, Pillen said he examined the “unprecedented” number of laws passed in the last five years that included expansion of state incentives and “Christmas tree bills” that sometimes “crammed” up to 30 bills into one package, along with related funding.Such piling up of bills has got to stop, Pillen said. But he acknowledged to reporters that he had signed the bills into law and that in some cases made a mistake.“Maybe the most disappointing thing I have experienced since being governor is all these Christmas bills,” he said.Conrad, who is the current Legislature’s most seasoned senator, took issue with the so-called “legislative bill reductions” — which the governor’s office said would reverse about $120 million a year in appropriated funds and recently passed changes that had cut revenue — as an unfamiliar term in the budget process that she said sounds like “buyer’s remorse or going back on your words.”State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha said the slate of reversals is something he’s not seen during his tenure. They include small business assistance grant dollars, an Internet Access Tower exemption, sports arena financing, reverse osmosis tax credits and more.“My questions are: ‘Why did you sign the bills? Why did you make these commitments?”

Gov. Pillen Touts ‘Second Shot at Life,’ Need to Shrink Spending in State of State Speech

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Sean Duffy at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Transportation.

During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Duffy if he supports electric vehicles contributing to the Highway Trust Fund and how revenues can sustain highway spending moving forward. She also questioned him on his plans to ensure that all state Departments of Transportation receive clear, consistent guidance from the Federal Highway Administration over&nbsp;funding requests and on the implementation of new crash test dummy rules.

Senator Fischer questions Sean Duffy:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Welcome, Mr. Duffy, and welcome to your family. We're very excited you're here, and&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on your nomination. Regardless of anybody's opinions that we may have on EVs, the fact remains that we now have more electric vehicles on the roads of this country. They are 30 percent heavier on average than gas powered cars, and because of that, they crash with up to 50 percent more impact on the vehicle and the roadway infrastructure.

Despite this wear and tear that we're seeing on our infrastructure, EVs do not pay into the Highway Trust Fund—a trust fund that, as you know, is already woefully inadequate. It's facing a shortfall, and last Congress, I introduced a bill to remedy this by requiring EVs to pay their fair share. Do you think that EVs should be paying into the Highway Trust Fund? And would you work to figure out a way to make this feasible?

Sean Duffy:&nbsp;Absolutely. Senator, I think you brought that up in the office in our conversation. They should pay for use of our roads. How to do that, I think, is a little more challenging, but I'd love to work with you and the committee to make that happen.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;As you look long term, how would you, as the Secretary of Transportation, be able to ensure that the revenues are going to be there, so that we can continue to manage a Highway Trust Fund that has been so vital in the growth of commerce across this country, and so that we can continue to have a road system that works?

Sean Duffy:&nbsp;You know, I think there's been three scenarios talked about. You can increase the gas tax, which, I'm not going to join you in that effort. But there's the gas tax, we could increase tolling, or there's a mile-driven formula that could be used as well. My concern with that, though, is the privacy around the American citizens. So, I think that's a conversation that will fall within the purview of this committee. But I'd be happy to work with you.

I do think, and I think Senator Cantwell brought this up, we can be far more efficient with our dollars. We can streamline the approach, and get dollars into projects quicker. I think we would go a long way to shoring up the trust fund—not all the way, but a long way to making sure there's more available dollars, not for studies and consultants, but more for turning dirt.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I would agree with you on that. When we look at the length of projects, what it takes from planning to be able to be shovel-ready takes years in some cases, and every single year the cost increases for those projects. So, if we can shorten that time period, I'd be thrilled to work with you on that.

As we look at the FHWA, they have struggled to provide, I think, clear, consistent guidance across their division offices. For example, I've heard from state Departments of Transportation that there's a lack of consistent guidance from the U.S. DOT regarding the requirements needed for states to justify building back better after a disaster.

If confirmed, how do you think you would be able to work across the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that division offices in regions all across this country, that they're consistent, that they are clear in their guidance to our state departments?

Sean Duffy:&nbsp;I think that's a great question. So, I would work with the divisional heads in each state, get their feedback, hear their complaints, and take the best advice about how we can actually be clearer and streamline the process. I think one of the many complaints is often the rules and regulations that come from the department. And if we can—not diminish safety—but also improve efficiency, I'd like to work with you and the committee on that.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I recently introduced the She DRIVES Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would require NHTSA to update its testing devices for female and male crash test dummies. And this legislation was necessary because the agency has taken over ten years to move the rulemaking forward. If confirmed, how will you ensure that NHTSA is going to see some progress on rulemaking and safety priorities that we as a Congress, have directed them to implement in a timely manner?

Sean Duffy:&nbsp;Senator, I didn't know this was an issue until you brought it up in your office. I think there's only male crash test dummies. Obviously men and women are different, and there's not crash test dummies for females. So, I would like to work with you. I will have a conversation with NHTSA, and loop you into that conversation and see what we can do to move that forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Sean Duffy at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Transportation.During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Duffy if he supports electric vehicles contributing to the Highway Trust Fund and how revenues can sustain highway spending moving forward. She also questioned him on his plans to ensure that all state Departments of Transportation receive clear, consistent guidance from the Federal Highway Administration over&nbsp;funding requests and on the implementation of new crash test dummy rules.Senator Fischer questions Sean Duffy:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Welcome, Mr. Duffy, and welcome to your family. We're very excited you're here, and&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on your nomination. Regardless of anybody's opinions that we may have on EVs, the fact remains that we now have more electric vehicles on the roads of this country. They are 30 percent heavier on average than gas powered cars, and because of that, they crash with up to 50 percent more impact on the vehicle and the roadway infrastructure.Despite this wear and tear that we're seeing on our infrastructure, EVs do not pay into the Highway Trust Fund—a trust fund that, as you know, is already woefully inadequate. It's facing a shortfall, and last Congress, I introduced a bill to remedy this by requiring EVs to pay their fair share. Do you think that EVs should be paying into the Highway Trust Fund? And would you work to figure out a way to make this feasible?Sean Duffy:&nbsp;Absolutely. Senator, I think you brought that up in the office in our conversation. They should pay for use of our roads. How to do that, I think, is a little more challenging, but I'd love to work with you and the committee to make that happen.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;As you look long term, how would you, as the Secretary of Transportation, be able to ensure that the revenues are going to be there, so that we can continue to manage a Highway Trust Fund that has been so vital in the growth of commerce across this country, and so that we can continue to have a road system that works?Sean Duffy:&nbsp;You know, I think there's been three scenarios talked about. You can increase the gas tax, which, I'm not going to join you in that effort. But there's the gas tax, we could increase tolling, or there's a mile-driven formula that could be used as well. My concern with that, though, is the privacy around the American citizens. So, I think that's a conversation that will fall within the purview of this committee. But I'd be happy to work with you.I do think, and I think Senator Cantwell brought this up, we can be far more efficient with our dollars. We can streamline the approach, and get dollars into projects quicker. I think we would go a long way to shoring up the trust fund—not all the way, but a long way to making sure there's more available dollars, not for studies and consultants, but more for turning dirt.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I would agree with you on that. When we look at the length of projects, what it takes from planning to be able to be shovel-ready takes years in some cases, and every single year the cost increases for those projects. So, if we can shorten that time period, I'd be thrilled to work with you on that.As we look at the FHWA, they have struggled to provide, I think, clear, consistent guidance across their division offices. For example, I've heard from state Departments of Transportation that there's a lack of consistent guidance from the U.S. DOT regarding the requirements needed for states to justify building back better after a disaster.If confirmed, how do you think you would be able to work across the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that division offices in regions all across this country, that they're consistent, that they are clear in their guidance to our state departments?Sean Duffy:&nbsp;I think that's a great question. So, I would work with the divisional heads in each state, get their feedback, hear their complaints, and take the best advice about how we can actually be clearer and streamline the process. I think one of the many complaints is often the rules and regulations that come from the department. And if we can—not diminish safety—but also improve efficiency, I'd like to work with you and the committee on that.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I recently introduced the She DRIVES Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would require NHTSA to update its testing devices for female and male crash test dummies. And this legislation was necessary because the agency has taken over ten years to move the rulemaking forward. If confirmed, how will you ensure that NHTSA is going to see some progress on rulemaking and safety priorities that we as a Congress, have directed them to implement in a timely manner?Sean Duffy:&nbsp;Senator, I didn't know this was an issue until you brought it up in your office. I think there's only male crash test dummies. Obviously men and women are different, and there's not crash test dummies for females. So, I would like to work with you. I will have a conversation with NHTSA, and loop you into that conversation and see what we can do to move that forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Questions Sean Duffy at Confirmation Hearing

JAN 16, 2025 (LINCOLN, NEB.) - The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division, reminds owners, lessees, and managers of any aircraft hangar or land upon which is parked or located any aircraft that the Nebraska Aircraft Information Report (Report) must be filed on or before February 1 with the county assessor in the county where the hangar or land is located. 

For tax year 2025, February 1 is on a weekend, which allows for the filing of the report on the next business day, which is Monday, February 3, 2025. 

A Report must be filed for all aircraft parked or located in the hangar or on the land as of January 1, 12:01 a.m. of each year. 

Any owner, lessee, or manager (as described above) who fails to file the Report accurately listing all aircraft involved may be subject to fines. 

The Nebraska Aircraft Information Report is available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD then hover over&nbsp; “Property Assessment” to “Forms and Calendars” then click on “Forms” and select “Miscellaneous” and locate “Aircraft Information Report.” 

County assessor contact information is available by hovering “Property Assessment”, then click on “Assessor/ Parcel Search.”

JAN 16, 2025 (LINCOLN, NEB.) - The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division, reminds owners, lessees, and managers of any aircraft hangar or land upon which is parked or located any aircraft that the Nebraska Aircraft Information Report (Report) must be filed on or before February 1 with the county assessor in the county where the hangar or land is located. For tax year 2025, February 1 is on a weekend, which allows for the filing of the report on the next business day, which is Monday, February 3, 2025. A Report must be filed for all aircraft parked or located in the hangar or on the land as of January 1, 12:01 a.m. of each year. Any owner, lessee, or manager (as described above) who fails to file the Report accurately listing all aircraft involved may be subject to fines. The Nebraska Aircraft Information Report is available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD then hover over&nbsp; “Property Assessment” to “Forms and Calendars” then click on “Forms” and select “Miscellaneous” and locate “Aircraft Information Report.” County assessor contact information is available by hovering “Property Assessment”, then click on “Assessor/ Parcel Search.”

Nebraska Aircraft Information Report Due On or Before February 1, 2025 

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (<a target="_blank" href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/">NDBF</a>) is part of an $80 million&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.csbs.org/newsroom/state-regulators-issue-80-million-penalty-block-inc-cash-app-bsaaml-violations">multi-state enforcement action</a>&nbsp;against Block Inc. for&nbsp;violations of the federal Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as well as anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.&nbsp;

More than 50 million U.S. consumers use Cash App, which is Block’s mobile payment service, to spend, send, store, and invest money. Block cooperated with the states in the settlement.

Block has agreed to pay a combined $80 million penalty to the participating state agencies, hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program, and submit a report to the states within nine months. Block then will have a year to correct any deficiencies.&nbsp;

NDBF Director Kelly Lammers said: “This is another example of our staff’s work with multi-state coalitions to protect Nebraskans and maintain confidence in the financial services industry. In just the last few weeks, the Department has participated in three multi-state settlements that have returned more than $1.5 million to Nebraska and ensured our regulated financial institutions are complying with Nebraska law.”

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 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (<a target="_blank" href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/">NDBF</a>) is part of an $80 million&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.csbs.org/newsroom/state-regulators-issue-80-million-penalty-block-inc-cash-app-bsaaml-violations">multi-state enforcement action</a>&nbsp;against Block Inc. for&nbsp;violations of the federal Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as well as anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.&nbsp;More than 50 million U.S. consumers use Cash App, which is Block’s mobile payment service, to spend, send, store, and invest money. Block cooperated with the states in the settlement.Block has agreed to pay a combined $80 million penalty to the participating state agencies, hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program, and submit a report to the states within nine months. Block then will have a year to correct any deficiencies.&nbsp;NDBF Director Kelly Lammers said: “This is another example of our staff’s work with multi-state coalitions to protect Nebraskans and maintain confidence in the financial services industry. In just the last few weeks, the Department has participated in three multi-state settlements that have returned more than $1.5 million to Nebraska and ensured our regulated financial institutions are complying with Nebraska law.”Under BSA/AML rules, financial services firms must perform due diligence on customers, including verifying customer identities, reporting suspicious activity, and applying appropriate controls for high-risk accounts. State regulators found that Block was not in compliance with certain requirements, creating the potential for its services to be used to support money laundering, terrorism financing, or other illegal activities.&nbsp;State financial regulators – like the NDBF – license and serve as the primary supervisor of money transmitters. In fiscal year 2023-24, the NDBF oversaw 185 money transmitters with combined assets of $735.2 billion.Additional information on the state regulatory framework for money transmission can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.csbs.org/reality-money-transmission-secure-convenient-and-trusted-under-state-supervision">here.</a>&nbsp;Nebraska residents with questions regarding the settlement may call the NDBF at (402) 471-2171 or send an email via the NDBF’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/contact-us">contact page</a>&nbsp;at ndbf.nebraska.gov.