LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen took another step in protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources. Speaking to executive-level members, he kicked off the first meeting of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force.

“We have tremendous opportunity through this group to initiate actions that will impact Nebraska for generations to come,” said Gov. Pillen. “For years, water policy in this state has been largely reactive. Now, we have the knowledge and technology in place to be proactive in how we approach issues that impact our farmers, our industries and our communities.”

These core members, appointed by the Governor, represent a cross-section of interests and industries:

Jesse Bradley, Interim Director, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environment and Energy (DEE)

Matt Manning, Engineer, Department of Natural Resources

Marty Stange, Environmental Supervisor, City of Hastings

Brandon Hunnicutt, Chairman, Nebraska Corn Board

Don Batie, Past-President of the Natural Resources Commission and farmer

Dean Settje, Founder &amp; President, Settje Agri-Services

Scott Schaneman, General Manager of the North Platte Natural Resources District

Additional members will be added in the coming weeks, creating a team of about 20 – 25 people. In addition to water quality and quantity, an inter-related issue is education. Members of the group say they want to encourage increased adoption of technologies and solutions for handling water issues, especially in agriculture.

Over the next 12 to 15 months, the group will meet to identify short, mid, and long-term goals and accompanying action items to be pursued. To better focus on specific issues, members may break down into smaller subgroups.

“Our water is our holy grail because of the Ogallala Aquifer,” noted Gov. Pillen. “We must be smart about how we use our water and keep it as clean and contaminate free as possible. Only then, will we be able to meet all necessary demands.”

Gov. Pillen announced the creation of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force when he testified on LB317. That bill, brought on his behalf by Senator Tom Brandt, calls for the merger of the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in part, to bring more meaningful and streamlined oversight around water use.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen took another step in protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources. Speaking to executive-level members, he kicked off the first meeting of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force.“We have tremendous opportunity through this group to initiate actions that will impact Nebraska for generations to come,” said Gov. Pillen. “For years, water policy in this state has been largely reactive. Now, we have the knowledge and technology in place to be proactive in how we approach issues that impact our farmers, our industries and our communities.”These core members, appointed by the Governor, represent a cross-section of interests and industries:Jesse Bradley, Interim Director, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environment and Energy (DEE)Matt Manning, Engineer, Department of Natural ResourcesMarty Stange, Environmental Supervisor, City of HastingsBrandon Hunnicutt, Chairman, Nebraska Corn BoardDon Batie, Past-President of the Natural Resources Commission and farmerDean Settje, Founder &amp; President, Settje Agri-ServicesScott Schaneman, General Manager of the North Platte Natural Resources DistrictAdditional members will be added in the coming weeks, creating a team of about 20 – 25 people. In addition to water quality and quantity, an inter-related issue is education. Members of the group say they want to encourage increased adoption of technologies and solutions for handling water issues, especially in agriculture.Over the next 12 to 15 months, the group will meet to identify short, mid, and long-term goals and accompanying action items to be pursued. To better focus on specific issues, members may break down into smaller subgroups.“Our water is our holy grail because of the Ogallala Aquifer,” noted Gov. Pillen. “We must be smart about how we use our water and keep it as clean and contaminate free as possible. Only then, will we be able to meet all necessary demands.”Gov. Pillen announced the creation of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force when he testified on LB317. That bill, brought on his behalf by Senator Tom Brandt, calls for the merger of the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in part, to bring more meaningful and streamlined oversight around water use.

Gov. Pillen Kicks Off First Water Quality & Quantity Task Force Meeting

Lincoln – Attorney General Hilgers&nbsp;is urging consumers to check their eligibility for compensation for certain generic drug purchases as Nebraska&nbsp;joins 50 states and territories in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Apotex over conspiracy to inflate prices and limit competition.

Attorney General Hilgers and the multistate coalition previously announced the settlement in principle with Apotex last fall along with a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. At the time of that announcement, the settlement with Apotex was conditioned on the signatures of all necessary states and territories. Those signatures have been obtained, and the coalition filed the settlement in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford.

If you purchased a generic prescription drug&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.aggenericdrugs.com/Portals/0/Document*20Files/documents/HeritageDrugList.pdf__;JQ!!Ke5ujdWW74OM!9CLeJCJimOOSJXjNPv0abM-OPbie0J892tX431LerjhuI3wFnLYY29xVPh0w9DSt_31ajuI5ZEFvJBs--XSKwiytvHjsEGs$">listed here&nbsp;</a>between&nbsp;May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@AGGenericDrugs.com">info@AGGenericDrugs.com</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.aggenericdrugs.com/__;!!Ke5ujdWW74OM!9CLeJCJimOOSJXjNPv0abM-OPbie0J892tX431LerjhuI3wFnLYY29xVPh0w9DSt_31ajuI5ZEFvJBs--XSKwiyt0Z_OdBM$">www.AGGenericDrugs.com</a>.

The settlement agreements resolve allegations that both Apotex and Heritage engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs.

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico joined in the announcement.

Attorney General's officeLincoln – Attorney General Hilgers&nbsp;is urging consumers to check their eligibility for compensation for certain generic drug purchases as Nebraska&nbsp;joins 50 states and territories in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Apotex over conspiracy to inflate prices and limit competition.Attorney General Hilgers and the multistate coalition previously announced the settlement in principle with Apotex last fall along with a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. At the time of that announcement, the settlement with Apotex was conditioned on the signatures of all necessary states and territories. Those signatures have been obtained, and the coalition filed the settlement in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford.If you purchased a generic prescription drug&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.aggenericdrugs.com/Portals/0/Document*20Files/documents/HeritageDrugList.pdf__;JQ!!Ke5ujdWW74OM!9CLeJCJimOOSJXjNPv0abM-OPbie0J892tX431LerjhuI3wFnLYY29xVPh0w9DSt_31ajuI5ZEFvJBs--XSKwiytvHjsEGs$">listed here&nbsp;</a>between&nbsp;May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@AGGenericDrugs.com">info@AGGenericDrugs.com</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.aggenericdrugs.com/__;!!Ke5ujdWW74OM!9CLeJCJimOOSJXjNPv0abM-OPbie0J892tX431LerjhuI3wFnLYY29xVPh0w9DSt_31ajuI5ZEFvJBs--XSKwiyt0Z_OdBM$">www.AGGenericDrugs.com</a>.The settlement agreements resolve allegations that both Apotex and Heritage engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs.Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico joined in the announcement.

Attorney General Hilgers Urges Consumers to Check Eligibility for Compensation for Inflated Generic Drug Prices

Lincoln - Today, Attorney General Hilgers joined numerous leaders and statewide organizations to announce the launch of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://securethegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">SecureTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>,&nbsp;a website designed to help recruit talent for law enforcement and prosecution offices across Nebraska.

Since taking office, Attorney General Hilgers traveled across the state to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-december-column-miles-across-nebraska-what-i-learned-visiting-law">all 93 counties</a>,&nbsp;meeting with law enforcement and county attorneys. In 2024, he and his staff hosted regional roundtable discussions. During these meetings, many agencies expressed challenges in recruiting across Greater Nebraska. Secure The Good Life is designed to answer those expressed needs.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers seeks to amplify the high calling of those serving in law enforcement and cast a vision for those who would consider public service.

“Today’s launch of the Secure The&nbsp;Good Life site is exciting. People are craving the opportunity for professional and personal fulfillment, where they can make a difference and spend quality time with their families or in the outdoors. Serving in law enforcement in Greater Nebraska is a great way to do both. We have amazing public servants making a real difference, and we have opportunities for others to join them. The Secure the Good Life site will help elevate their stories and show others how they can do it too,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “This effort will be an important part of our strategic, statewide effort to recruit the next generation of law enforcement professionals.”

This website shares real stories of the hometown heroes serving our Greater Nebraska communities. Narratives told by county attorneys, police chiefs, and sheriffs voicing what they love about their communities and why they choose to serve in Nebraska. The next generation of those called to serve in Nebraska will be inspired by hearing the personal stories shared.

Secure The Good Life also links to available job openings in law enforcement and prosecution careers through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ncc.nebraska.gov/law-enforcement-job-listings">Nebraska Crime Commission</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://necaa.org/jobs/">Nebraska County Attorneys Association</a>.

The Attorney General’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/">website</a>,&nbsp;alongside many partnering agencies and organizations, will promote the website with a unified logo, helping to drive traffic from the public to the recruiting website.

Statements from Nebraska’s Federal Delegation

“Nebraska is a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who keep our communities safe; however, staffing shortages across our state have made that harder. I look forward to seeing ‘Secure the Good Life’ celebrate our hometown heroes while encouraging others to help make the ‘Good Life’ even better.”&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s law enforcement officers are the backbone of our communities. We must do all we can to recruit and support those who protect us. This resource will connect dedicated individuals with opportunities to serve across our state. It will help showcase the Good Life so we can keep the Good Life secure.”

“Recently, our law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices have had a difficult time recruiting new hires and this website is a much-needed tool to recruit the best of the best. Our law enforcement officers and county attorney staff are vital to the safety and security of our communities, and we must find ways to support them as they continue to do their duties and protect us all.”

“Nebraska is working to get the word out that we’re the best place in the nation to work as a law enforcement officer. Thanks to Attorney General Hilgers to launching this new effort to fill vacant law enforcement jobs across the state. Recruiting the next generation of peace officers will take all hands on&nbsp;deck, and this Secure the Good Life initiative is a great step towards achieving this goal.”

“Communities across Nebraska are not only great places to live, they&nbsp;provide promising opportunities for professionals with a calling to public service. I commend Attorney General Hilgers for this effort to reinforce the indispensable work of local law enforcement and prosecutorial offices in our state. Ensuring talented young people are aware of the benefits of living and working in such roles in Nebraska is critical for our future.”

Partnering Organizations and Agencies

Nebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry

General Attorney OfficeLincoln - Today, Attorney General Hilgers joined numerous leaders and statewide organizations to announce the launch of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://securethegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">SecureTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>,&nbsp;a website designed to help recruit talent for law enforcement and prosecution offices across Nebraska.Since taking office, Attorney General Hilgers traveled across the state to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-december-column-miles-across-nebraska-what-i-learned-visiting-law">all 93 counties</a>,&nbsp;meeting with law enforcement and county attorneys. In 2024, he and his staff hosted regional roundtable discussions. During these meetings, many agencies expressed challenges in recruiting across Greater Nebraska. Secure The Good Life is designed to answer those expressed needs.Attorney General Mike Hilgers seeks to amplify the high calling of those serving in law enforcement and cast a vision for those who would consider public service.“Today’s launch of the Secure The&nbsp;Good Life site is exciting. People are craving the opportunity for professional and personal fulfillment, where they can make a difference and spend quality time with their families or in the outdoors. Serving in law enforcement in Greater Nebraska is a great way to do both. We have amazing public servants making a real difference, and we have opportunities for others to join them. The Secure the Good Life site will help elevate their stories and show others how they can do it too,” stated Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “This effort will be an important part of our strategic, statewide effort to recruit the next generation of law enforcement professionals.”This website shares real stories of the hometown heroes serving our Greater Nebraska communities. Narratives told by county attorneys, police chiefs, and sheriffs voicing what they love about their communities and why they choose to serve in Nebraska. The next generation of those called to serve in Nebraska will be inspired by hearing the personal stories shared.Secure The Good Life also links to available job openings in law enforcement and prosecution careers through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ncc.nebraska.gov/law-enforcement-job-listings">Nebraska Crime Commission</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://necaa.org/jobs/">Nebraska County Attorneys Association</a>.The Attorney General’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/">website</a>,&nbsp;alongside many partnering agencies and organizations, will promote the website with a unified logo, helping to drive traffic from the public to the recruiting website.Statements from Nebraska’s Federal DelegationSenator Deb Fischer“Nebraska is a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who keep our communities safe; however, staffing shortages across our state have made that harder. I look forward to seeing ‘Secure the Good Life’ celebrate our hometown heroes while encouraging others to help make the ‘Good Life’ even better.”&nbsp;Senator Pete Ricketts“Nebraska’s law enforcement officers are the backbone of our communities. We must do all we can to recruit and support those who protect us. This resource will connect dedicated individuals with opportunities to serve across our state. It will help showcase the Good Life so we can keep the Good Life secure.”Congressman Don Bacon“Recently, our law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices have had a difficult time recruiting new hires and this website is a much-needed tool to recruit the best of the best. Our law enforcement officers and county attorney staff are vital to the safety and security of our communities, and we must find ways to support them as they continue to do their duties and protect us all.”Congressman Mike Flood“Nebraska is working to get the word out that we’re the best place in the nation to work as a law enforcement officer. Thanks to Attorney General Hilgers to launching this new effort to fill vacant law enforcement jobs across the state. Recruiting the next generation of peace officers will take all hands on&nbsp;deck, and this Secure the Good Life initiative is a great step towards achieving this goal.”Congressman Adrian Smith“Communities across Nebraska are not only great places to live, they&nbsp;provide promising opportunities for professionals with a calling to public service. I commend Attorney General Hilgers for this effort to reinforce the indispensable work of local law enforcement and prosecutorial offices in our state. Ensuring talented young people are aware of the benefits of living and working in such roles in Nebraska is critical for our future.”Partnering Organizations and AgenciesNebraska Association of County OfficialsNebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; IndustryNebraska County Attorneys AssociationNebraska League of MunicipalitiesNebraska Sheriff's AssociationPolice Chiefs Association of NebraskaPolice Officers Association of Nebraska

Attorney General Hilgers Joins with Statewide Leaders to Launch Website to Support Law Enforcement and Prosecution Recruitment Efforts

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

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced a sweeping plan Thursday to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services by cutting an additional 10,000 workers and closing down half of its 10 regional offices.

The overhaul will affect many of the agencies that make up HHS, including the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS overall will be downsized from a full-time workforce of 82,000 to 62,000, including those who took early retirement or a buyout offer.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. released a written statement along with the announcement, saying the changes would benefit Americans.

“We aren’t just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said. “This Department will do more — a lot more — at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">voted to confirm Kennedy</a>&nbsp;as the nation’s top public health official in mid-February.

Democrats immediately reacted with deep concern.

Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., said that she was “stunned at the lack of thought about what they are doing to the American public and their health.”

Murray said the committee, which controls about one-third of all federal spending, “absolutely” has an oversight role to play in tracking HHS actions.

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS, said she believes HHS has overstepped its authority and expects the panel will look into its actions.

“These individuals who are going to be terminated under this plan play vital roles in the health of Wisconsinites and people nationally,” Baldwin said. “And I believe that they do not have the authority, the Trump administration does not have the authority to do this wholesale reorganization without working with Congress.”

Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, whose constituents in suburban Washington likely hold many of the jobs in question, wrote in a statement the HHS’ restructuring plans are “dangerous and deadly.”

“I warned America that confirming RFK Jr. would be a mistake,” Alsobrooks wrote. “His blatant distrust of science and disregard for research and advancement makes him completely unqualified.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/hhs-restructuring-doge.html" target="_blank">announcement</a>&nbsp;says reorganizing HHS will cut its $1.7 trillion annual budget by about $1.8 billion, in part, by lowering overall staff levels.

Staffing cuts will be spread out over HHS and several of the agencies it oversees. The restructuring plans to eliminate 3,500 full-time workers at the FDA, 2,400 employees at the CDC, 1,200 staff at the NIH and 300 workers at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“The consolidation and cuts are designed not only to save money, but to make the organization more efficient and more responsive to Americans’ needs, and to implement the Make America Healthy Again goal of ending the chronic disease epidemic,” according to a fact sheet.

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., wrote in a statement that he looks “forward to hearing how this reorganization furthers these goals.”

“I am interested in HHS working better, such as lifesaving drug approval more rapidly, and Medicare service improved,” Cassidy wrote.

HHS did not immediately respond to a request from States Newsroom about which five of its 10 regional offices would shutter or when those closures would take effect.

Its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/regional-offices/index.html" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;shows the offices are located in Boston; New York City; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver; San Francisco; and Seattle.

HHS plans to reduce its divisions from 28 to 15 while also establishing the Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA.

That new entity will combine the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

That change will “improve coordination of health resources for low-income Americans and will focus on areas including, Primary Care, Maternal and Child Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, HIV/AIDS, and Workforce development. Transferring SAMHSA to AHA will increase operational efficiency and assure programs are carried out because it will break down artificial divisions between similar programs,” according to the announcement.

HHS will roll the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response into the CDC.

The department plans to create a new assistant secretary for enforcement, who will be responsible for work within the Departmental Appeals Board, Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals and Office for Civil Rights.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., posted on social media that he fully backed the changes in store for HHS.

​​”HHS is one of the most bureaucratic and bloated government agencies,” Johnson wrote. “@SecKennedy is bringing new, much-needed ideas to the department by returning HHS to its core mission while maintaining the critical programs it provides Americans.”

Advocates shared Democrats’ concern about the staff cutbacks.

Stella Dantas, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released a statement saying the organization was “alarmed by the sudden termination of thousands of dedicated HHS employees, whose absence compounds the loss of thousands of fellow employees who have already been forced to leave U.S. health agencies.”

“Thanks to collaboration with HHS, ACOG has been able to contribute to advances in the provision of maternal health care, broadened coverage of critical preventive care, increased adoption of vaccines, raised awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome, strengthened STI prevention efforts, and more,” Dantas wrote. “This attack on public health—and HHS’ ability to advance it—will hurt people across the United States every single day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743090245316.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Marshall met with RFK, Jr. on Thursday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Marshall met with RFK, Jr. on Thursday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced a sweeping plan Thursday to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services by cutting an additional 10,000 workers and closing down half of its 10 regional offices.The overhaul will affect many of the agencies that make up HHS, including the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS overall will be downsized from a full-time workforce of 82,000 to 62,000, including those who took early retirement or a buyout offer.HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. released a written statement along with the announcement, saying the changes would benefit Americans.“We aren’t just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said. “This Department will do more — a lot more — at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">voted to confirm Kennedy</a>&nbsp;as the nation’s top public health official in mid-February.Democrats immediately reacted with deep concern.Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., said that she was “stunned at the lack of thought about what they are doing to the American public and their health.”Murray said the committee, which controls about one-third of all federal spending, “absolutely” has an oversight role to play in tracking HHS actions.Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS, said she believes HHS has overstepped its authority and expects the panel will look into its actions.“These individuals who are going to be terminated under this plan play vital roles in the health of Wisconsinites and people nationally,” Baldwin said. “And I believe that they do not have the authority, the Trump administration does not have the authority to do this wholesale reorganization without working with Congress.”Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, whose constituents in suburban Washington likely hold many of the jobs in question, wrote in a statement the HHS’ restructuring plans are “dangerous and deadly.”“I warned America that confirming RFK Jr. would be a mistake,” Alsobrooks wrote. “His blatant distrust of science and disregard for research and advancement makes him completely unqualified.”<h2>Cuts across department</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/hhs-restructuring-doge.html" target="_blank">announcement</a>&nbsp;says reorganizing HHS will cut its $1.7 trillion annual budget by about $1.8 billion, in part, by lowering overall staff levels.Staffing cuts will be spread out over HHS and several of the agencies it oversees. The restructuring plans to eliminate 3,500 full-time workers at the FDA, 2,400 employees at the CDC, 1,200 staff at the NIH and 300 workers at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.“The consolidation and cuts are designed not only to save money, but to make the organization more efficient and more responsive to Americans’ needs, and to implement the Make America Healthy Again goal of ending the chronic disease epidemic,” according to a fact sheet.Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., wrote in a statement that he looks “forward to hearing how this reorganization furthers these goals.”“I am interested in HHS working better, such as lifesaving drug approval more rapidly, and Medicare service improved,” Cassidy wrote.<h2>Regional offices, divisions affected</h2>HHS did not immediately respond to a request from States Newsroom about which five of its 10 regional offices would shutter or when those closures would take effect.Its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/regional-offices/index.html" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;shows the offices are located in Boston; New York City; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver; San Francisco; and Seattle.HHS plans to reduce its divisions from 28 to 15 while also establishing the Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA.That new entity will combine the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.That change will “improve coordination of health resources for low-income Americans and will focus on areas including, Primary Care, Maternal and Child Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, HIV/AIDS, and Workforce development. Transferring SAMHSA to AHA will increase operational efficiency and assure programs are carried out because it will break down artificial divisions between similar programs,” according to the announcement.HHS will roll the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response into the CDC.The department plans to create a new assistant secretary for enforcement, who will be responsible for work within the Departmental Appeals Board, Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals and Office for Civil Rights.<h2>House speaker says HHS is ‘bloated’</h2>U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., posted on social media that he fully backed the changes in store for HHS.​​”HHS is one of the most bureaucratic and bloated government agencies,” Johnson wrote. “@SecKennedy is bringing new, much-needed ideas to the department by returning HHS to its core mission while maintaining the critical programs it provides Americans.”Advocates shared Democrats’ concern about the staff cutbacks.Stella Dantas, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released a statement saying the organization was “alarmed by the sudden termination of thousands of dedicated HHS employees, whose absence compounds the loss of thousands of fellow employees who have already been forced to leave U.S. health agencies.”“Thanks to collaboration with HHS, ACOG has been able to contribute to advances in the provision of maternal health care, broadened coverage of critical preventive care, increased adoption of vaccines, raised awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome, strengthened STI prevention efforts, and more,” Dantas wrote. “This attack on public health—and HHS’ ability to advance it—will hurt people across the United States every single day.”

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services to slash 10,000 jobs, close 5 regional offices

Omaha, NE: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation (NBAF) is awarding $1,000.00 scholarships to four Nebraska high school seniors with plans to earn a broadcasting-related degree and aspirations to work in broadcasting.&nbsp; Applications were reviewed by a panel of NBA board members resulting in the following students earning a scholarship:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brody Heidemann, Gretna East High School.&nbsp; Brody will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Sports Media &amp; Communication;&nbsp;

George Knockenhauer, Creighton Preparatory School.&nbsp; George will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a major in Sports Media &amp; Communication;&nbsp;

Grace Vidlak, Millard North High School.&nbsp; Grace will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Broadcasting;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samuel Whittaker, Millard West High School.&nbsp; Samuel will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Sports Media &amp; Communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NBAF Board Chairperson Jessie Johnson, Vice President of News Channel Nebraska Tri-Cities/General Manager – Kearney, said: “Today, we celebrate our scholarship winners, whose talent and ambition promise to illuminate the future of our industry. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are the driving forces that will shape a brighter tomorrow for broadcasting. From all of us on the NBA Board of Directors, congratulations to each of you!”&nbsp;

The NBAF also offers scholarships to assist students enrolled in radio and/or television broadcasting or broadcast journalism educational programs at designated colleges and universities in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over $300,000 in scholarships have been awarded by the NBA and NBAF since the NBA first began a scholarship program in 1977.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705610071408.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Omaha, NE: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation (NBAF) is awarding $1,000.00 scholarships to four Nebraska high school seniors with plans to earn a broadcasting-related degree and aspirations to work in broadcasting.&nbsp; Applications were reviewed by a panel of NBA board members resulting in the following students earning a scholarship:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brody Heidemann, Gretna East High School.&nbsp; Brody will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Sports Media &amp; Communication;&nbsp;George Knockenhauer, Creighton Preparatory School.&nbsp; George will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a major in Sports Media &amp; Communication;&nbsp;Grace Vidlak, Millard North High School.&nbsp; Grace will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Broadcasting;&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel Whittaker, Millard West High School.&nbsp; Samuel will attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue a degree in Sports Media &amp; Communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;NBAF Board Chairperson Jessie Johnson, Vice President of News Channel Nebraska Tri-Cities/General Manager – Kearney, said: “Today, we celebrate our scholarship winners, whose talent and ambition promise to illuminate the future of our industry. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are the driving forces that will shape a brighter tomorrow for broadcasting. From all of us on the NBA Board of Directors, congratulations to each of you!”&nbsp;The NBAF also offers scholarships to assist students enrolled in radio and/or television broadcasting or broadcast journalism educational programs at designated colleges and universities in Nebraska.&nbsp; Over $300,000 in scholarships have been awarded by the NBA and NBAF since the NBA first began a scholarship program in 1977.

NBA Foundation Announces 2025 High School Senior Scholarship Recipients

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/new-program-to-bring-more-pediatric-nurses-to-growing-childrens-nebraska-campus/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — As thrilled as they are about a $114 million pediatric mental health care facility rising in Omaha, local health care officials expect challenges, including assembling the necessary workforce during the current nursing shortage.

Helping to address such demand is a new partnership between Children’s Nebraska and the Creighton University College of Nursing, which is designed to bring additional skilled pediatric nurses to the Children’s campus.

Buoyed by the Omaha-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryan.foundation/" target="_blank">Ryan Foundation</a>, 40 full-tuition scholarships will be available in Creighton’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.creighton.edu/academics/programs/accelerated-bsn" target="_blank">(ABSN) program.</a>&nbsp;In exchange for the free schooling, recipients, who already must have a bachelor’s degree, will commit to two years of work at Children’s Nebraska.

Jessica Clark, dean of Creighton’s College of Nursing, said she’s talked to many professionals interested in pursuing nursing as a different career choice but who are deterred by cost, especially if mired in student debt. She says tuition and fees for the program run about $55,000. The new scholarship is designed to help break down the financial barrier.

Clark said the 12-month accelerated program — now in its 50th year — typically draws older students and professionals with more life experience.&nbsp;

“They make phenomenal workers when they hit the workforce,” she said.

Marcie Peterson, vice president and associate chief nursing officer at Children’s, said she expects the initiative to produce nurses who “really have a calling to nursing.”

“What we find is they bring a lot of value to the workforce because of those experiences they already have and they know what they want,” Peterson said. She said they provide “a lot more bang for our buck.”

The scholarship idea emerged as various factors collided, Clark said, including the planned 2026 opening of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/114m-omaha-mental-health-center-for-kids-on-track-for-2026-opening/">Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center</a>&nbsp;at the Children’s Omaha headquarters site. Of that facility’s total price tag, $16 million comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding earmarked by the Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a study by state health care entities showed Nebraska on pace to be short nearly 5,500 nurses this year. In the backdrop, Clark said, conversations with nurse wannabes working in other professions explained that the top barrier to a nursing career was financial.

Clark said she met with representatives at Children’s, who talked to the Ryan Foundation. They hoped for 10 scholarships — and received funding for 40.

Peterson and Clark expect that nurses who go through the program will stay at Children’s beyond the promised two-year commitment. Peterson said Children’s has a track record of high nurse retention rates.

She said that Children’s provides an environment to expand one’s career. Her own ascent is an example. Peterson started as a receptionist at Children’s right out of high school, 26 years ago. She entered nursing school and said in an interview this week that along the way to her current position she was helped by mentors and colleagues to reach her goals.

The scholarship program, beginning this fall and supporting five cohorts, will help students as they develop pediatric skills and prepare to serve in one of 89 pediatric subspecialties across multiple Children’s Nebraska facilities.

&nbsp;“We are building a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of children and families across our region,” said Pam Johnson-Carlson, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Children’s. “This partnership ensures that highly skilled pediatric nurses will be ready to deliver exceptional care in both acute and specialized settings for years to come.”

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/new-program-to-bring-more-pediatric-nurses-to-growing-childrens-nebraska-campus/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — As thrilled as they are about a $114 million pediatric mental health care facility rising in Omaha, local health care officials expect challenges, including assembling the necessary workforce during the current nursing shortage.Helping to address such demand is a new partnership between Children’s Nebraska and the Creighton University College of Nursing, which is designed to bring additional skilled pediatric nurses to the Children’s campus.Buoyed by the Omaha-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryan.foundation/" target="_blank">Ryan Foundation</a>, 40 full-tuition scholarships will be available in Creighton’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.creighton.edu/academics/programs/accelerated-bsn" target="_blank">(ABSN) program.</a>&nbsp;In exchange for the free schooling, recipients, who already must have a bachelor’s degree, will commit to two years of work at Children’s Nebraska.Jessica Clark, dean of Creighton’s College of Nursing, said she’s talked to many professionals interested in pursuing nursing as a different career choice but who are deterred by cost, especially if mired in student debt. She says tuition and fees for the program run about $55,000. The new scholarship is designed to help break down the financial barrier.Clark said the 12-month accelerated program — now in its 50th year — typically draws older students and professionals with more life experience.&nbsp;“They make phenomenal workers when they hit the workforce,” she said.<h2>Call to nursing</h2>Marcie Peterson, vice president and associate chief nursing officer at Children’s, said she expects the initiative to produce nurses who “really have a calling to nursing.”“What we find is they bring a lot of value to the workforce because of those experiences they already have and they know what they want,” Peterson said. She said they provide “a lot more bang for our buck.”The scholarship idea emerged as various factors collided, Clark said, including the planned 2026 opening of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/114m-omaha-mental-health-center-for-kids-on-track-for-2026-opening/">Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center</a>&nbsp;at the Children’s Omaha headquarters site. Of that facility’s total price tag, $16 million comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding earmarked by the Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a study by state health care entities showed Nebraska on pace to be short nearly 5,500 nurses this year. In the backdrop, Clark said, conversations with nurse wannabes working in other professions explained that the top barrier to a nursing career was financial.Clark said she met with representatives at Children’s, who talked to the Ryan Foundation. They hoped for 10 scholarships — and received funding for 40.Peterson and Clark expect that nurses who go through the program will stay at Children’s beyond the promised two-year commitment. Peterson said Children’s has a track record of high nurse retention rates.She said that Children’s provides an environment to expand one’s career. Her own ascent is an example. Peterson started as a receptionist at Children’s right out of high school, 26 years ago. She entered nursing school and said in an interview this week that along the way to her current position she was helped by mentors and colleagues to reach her goals.The scholarship program, beginning this fall and supporting five cohorts, will help students as they develop pediatric skills and prepare to serve in one of 89 pediatric subspecialties across multiple Children’s Nebraska facilities.&nbsp;“We are building a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of children and families across our region,” said Pam Johnson-Carlson, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Children’s. “This partnership ensures that highly skilled pediatric nurses will be ready to deliver exceptional care in both acute and specialized settings for years to come.”

New program to bring more pediatric nurses to growing Children’s Nebraska campus

LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Jim Pillen has declared April as Financial Awareness Month.

During a March 25 ceremony at the State Capitol, the governor signed a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zKIVXmJOD4RR3dpd6vZlAlXuWNZQS7QB/view?usp=sharing">proclamation</a>&nbsp;to spotlight the importance of financial awareness and how it affects Nebraskans. In attendance were approximately 80 school children who participate in Nebraska’s in-school savings program, which is being implemented by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://business.unl.edu/outreach/econ-ed/nebraska-council-on-economic-education/student-programs/in-school-savings-program/#:~:text=71%20In%20School%20Savings%20Programs%20Operate%20in%20Nebraska">more than 70 schools</a>&nbsp;statewide.

<a>Coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance&nbsp;</a>(<a target="_blank" href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/">NDBF</a>) and Nebraska Council on Economic Education (<a target="_blank" href="https://business.unl.edu/outreach/econ-ed/nebraska-council-on-economic-education/">NCEE</a>), Financial Awareness Month spotlights activities in schools, workplaces, and communities to enhance the knowledge of money-related topics. Throughout April, NDBF and NCEE will distribute financial awareness updates and information via social media and traditional media outlets.

“Helping Nebraskans build financial awareness — so they can save, invest, and protect their hard-earned dollars — is a worthwhile pursuit of state government,” Gov. Pillen said. “Financial Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that Nebraska’s future prosperity depends on the financial well-being of our residents.”

During the proclamation ceremony at the Capitol, Tanner Ellis of Ravenna Public Schools was recognized as the 2025 economic educator of the year. Gov. Pillen honored Ellis by making him an admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska – the state’s highest civic award.

Later in the day, Nebraska’s bestselling children's author Julia Cook spent time with the students who participated in the proclamation ceremony. Cook’s “I Am Money” is an acclaimed book that teaches younger students the principles of financial literacy. A hardback copy of “I Am Money” has been mailed to each of Nebraska’s 680 elementary school libraries.

<a>NDBF Director Kelly Lammers said: “Financial awareness is about ensuring that we, as individuals, make wise decisions with our money. The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is proud to support Financial Awareness Month and provide information to help Nebraskans secure their future.”</a>

<a>Dr. Jennifer Davidson, NCEE President, said: “As president of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, I’ve seen firsthand how economic and financial literacy can change lives. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about empowerment.”</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Jim Pillen has declared April as Financial Awareness Month.During a March 25 ceremony at the State Capitol, the governor signed a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zKIVXmJOD4RR3dpd6vZlAlXuWNZQS7QB/view?usp=sharing">proclamation</a>&nbsp;to spotlight the importance of financial awareness and how it affects Nebraskans. In attendance were approximately 80 school children who participate in Nebraska’s in-school savings program, which is being implemented by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://business.unl.edu/outreach/econ-ed/nebraska-council-on-economic-education/student-programs/in-school-savings-program/#:~:text=71%20In%20School%20Savings%20Programs%20Operate%20in%20Nebraska">more than 70 schools</a>&nbsp;statewide.<a>Coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance&nbsp;</a>(<a target="_blank" href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/">NDBF</a>) and Nebraska Council on Economic Education (<a target="_blank" href="https://business.unl.edu/outreach/econ-ed/nebraska-council-on-economic-education/">NCEE</a>), Financial Awareness Month spotlights activities in schools, workplaces, and communities to enhance the knowledge of money-related topics. Throughout April, NDBF and NCEE will distribute financial awareness updates and information via social media and traditional media outlets.“Helping Nebraskans build financial awareness — so they can save, invest, and protect their hard-earned dollars — is a worthwhile pursuit of state government,” Gov. Pillen said. “Financial Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that Nebraska’s future prosperity depends on the financial well-being of our residents.”During the proclamation ceremony at the Capitol, Tanner Ellis of Ravenna Public Schools was recognized as the 2025 economic educator of the year. Gov. Pillen honored Ellis by making him an admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska – the state’s highest civic award.Later in the day, Nebraska’s bestselling children's author Julia Cook spent time with the students who participated in the proclamation ceremony. Cook’s “I Am Money” is an acclaimed book that teaches younger students the principles of financial literacy. A hardback copy of “I Am Money” has been mailed to each of Nebraska’s 680 elementary school libraries.<a>NDBF Director Kelly Lammers said: “Financial awareness is about ensuring that we, as individuals, make wise decisions with our money. The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is proud to support Financial Awareness Month and provide information to help Nebraskans secure their future.”</a><a>Dr. Jennifer Davidson, NCEE President, said: “As president of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, I’ve seen firsthand how economic and financial literacy can change lives. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about empowerment.”</a>

Governor Pillen: April Is Financial Awareness Month

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

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Tuesday signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/preserving-and-protecting-the-integrity-of-american-elections/" target="_blank">sweeping executive order</a>&nbsp;that overhauls the administration of U.S. elections, including requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.

It’s likely to face legal challenges from voting rights groups and Democratic state attorneys general.

The order is an extension of the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/05/06/though-noncitizens-can-vote-in-few-local-elections-gop-goes-big-to-make-it-illegal/" target="_blank">rhetoric on the campaign trail</a>&nbsp;about noncitizens voting in federal elections and his crackdown on immigration since returning to office.

Trump has often pushed back against other issues in elections administration, railing against early voting and vote-by-mail. He falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him through voter fraud.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s order aligns with&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/12/trump-supports-u-s-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-in-joint-appearance/" target="_blank">a priority for House Republicans</a>&nbsp;to pass the&nbsp;Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/22" target="_blank">&nbsp;SAVE, Act</a>&nbsp;that would require proof of citizenship in federal elections. That bill, if signed into law, would codify parts of the executive order.

States are responsible for administering elections&nbsp;—&nbsp;even those at the federal level&nbsp;— but the order uses federal funding to compel states to follow it. Those&nbsp;that do not comply with the order will have federal funds revoked, according to the order.

The order directs the federal&nbsp;Election Assistance Commission, which distributes grants to states, within 30 days to start requiring people registering to vote to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport or state-issued identification that indicates citizenship.

The order also prohibits the counting of absentee or mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day. States set their own rules for ballot counting and many allow those that arrive after Election Day but postmarked before.

The order also instructs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, along with Trump megadonor Elon Musk’s&nbsp;U.S. DOGE Service, to gain access to state voter rolls in order to ensure the voter lists are up to date. Those entities will also have access to immigration databases and states will be allowed to request DHS to verify if any noncitizen is on the state’s list of voters.

The Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department, has come under scrutiny for the access it has been given to Americans’ private data housed in other federal departments.

The order instructs DHS Secretary Kristi Noem within 90 days to provide the attorney general “information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.”

While noncitizens are not allowed to vote in federal elections,&nbsp;certain municipalities in California, Maryland and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia, allow noncitizens to participate in local elections. If someone who is not a U.S. citizen votes, it could lead to a felony charge and subject that person to deportation.

Congressional Republicans and the president have taken aim at noncitizen voting, even though it’s extremely rare. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heritage.org/voterfraud/search?combine=citizenship&amp;state=All&amp;year=&amp;case_type=All&amp;fraud_type=24491&amp;page=0" target="_blank">conducted an analysis of election conduct</a>&nbsp;from 2003 to 2023 and found 29 instances of noncitizens voting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742940038269.png" alt="Image from White House video of the signing during a Tuesday cabinet meeting" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video of the signing during a Tuesday cabinet meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Tuesday signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/preserving-and-protecting-the-integrity-of-american-elections/" target="_blank">sweeping executive order</a>&nbsp;that overhauls the administration of U.S. elections, including requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.It’s likely to face legal challenges from voting rights groups and Democratic state attorneys general.The order is an extension of the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/05/06/though-noncitizens-can-vote-in-few-local-elections-gop-goes-big-to-make-it-illegal/" target="_blank">rhetoric on the campaign trail</a>&nbsp;about noncitizens voting in federal elections and his crackdown on immigration since returning to office.Trump has often pushed back against other issues in elections administration, railing against early voting and vote-by-mail. He falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him through voter fraud.&nbsp;Tuesday’s order aligns with&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/12/trump-supports-u-s-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-in-joint-appearance/" target="_blank">a priority for House Republicans</a>&nbsp;to pass the&nbsp;Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/22" target="_blank">&nbsp;SAVE, Act</a>&nbsp;that would require proof of citizenship in federal elections. That bill, if signed into law, would codify parts of the executive order.States are responsible for administering elections&nbsp;—&nbsp;even those at the federal level&nbsp;— but the order uses federal funding to compel states to follow it. Those&nbsp;that do not comply with the order will have federal funds revoked, according to the order.The order directs the federal&nbsp;Election Assistance Commission, which distributes grants to states, within 30 days to start requiring people registering to vote to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport or state-issued identification that indicates citizenship.The order also prohibits the counting of absentee or mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day. States set their own rules for ballot counting and many allow those that arrive after Election Day but postmarked before.The order also instructs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, along with Trump megadonor Elon Musk’s&nbsp;U.S. DOGE Service, to gain access to state voter rolls in order to ensure the voter lists are up to date. Those entities will also have access to immigration databases and states will be allowed to request DHS to verify if any noncitizen is on the state’s list of voters.The Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department, has come under scrutiny for the access it has been given to Americans’ private data housed in other federal departments.The order instructs DHS Secretary Kristi Noem within 90 days to provide the attorney general “information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.”While noncitizens are not allowed to vote in federal elections,&nbsp;certain municipalities in California, Maryland and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia, allow noncitizens to participate in local elections. If someone who is not a U.S. citizen votes, it could lead to a felony charge and subject that person to deportation.Congressional Republicans and the president have taken aim at noncitizen voting, even though it’s extremely rare. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heritage.org/voterfraud/search?combine=citizenship&amp;state=All&amp;year=&amp;case_type=All&amp;fraud_type=24491&amp;page=0" target="_blank">conducted an analysis of election conduct</a>&nbsp;from 2003 to 2023 and found 29 instances of noncitizens voting.

Trump signs broad elections order requiring proof of citizenship

Omaha, Neb&nbsp;–<a></a>&nbsp;Nebraska Medical Center is among impressive company in earning a spot on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025. In addition, the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center earned a spot on Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2025, the only hospital in the region to make the list.&nbsp;

The lists were announced on Feb. 26th, 2025, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.&nbsp;

“This is an achievement that everyone who works at Nebraska Medicine can be proud of,” says Nebraska Medicine CEO James Linder, MD. “Having Nebraska Medical Center and the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center named to these lists reinforces what we already know—that patients will receive world-class care when they walk through our doors.”&nbsp;

"Being recognized on Newsweek's World's Best Specialized Hospitals list is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team at the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” says Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “This honor reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care and advancing cancer research for the benefit of our patients and the state of Nebraska.”&nbsp;

Nebraska Medical Center was the only Nebraska hospital in the top 100 of American hospitals listed. The Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the only Nebraska cancer center on the worldwide list.&nbsp;

The World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries: USA, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, India, Spain, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Colombia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Israel, and Singapore. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on four data sources:&nbsp;

Based on the above four pillars and their respective weights, a final score was calculated for each hospital.&nbsp;

UNMCOmaha, Neb&nbsp;–<a></a>&nbsp;Nebraska Medical Center is among impressive company in earning a spot on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025. In addition, the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center earned a spot on Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2025, the only hospital in the region to make the list.&nbsp;The lists were announced on Feb. 26th, 2025, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.&nbsp;“This is an achievement that everyone who works at Nebraska Medicine can be proud of,” says Nebraska Medicine CEO James Linder, MD. “Having Nebraska Medical Center and the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center named to these lists reinforces what we already know—that patients will receive world-class care when they walk through our doors.”&nbsp;"Being recognized on Newsweek's World's Best Specialized Hospitals list is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team at the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” says Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “This honor reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care and advancing cancer research for the benefit of our patients and the state of Nebraska.”&nbsp;Nebraska Medical Center was the only Nebraska hospital in the top 100 of American hospitals listed. The Fred &amp; Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the only Nebraska cancer center on the worldwide list.&nbsp;The World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries: USA, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, India, Spain, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Colombia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Israel, and Singapore. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on four data sources:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Recommendations from Medical Experts:&nbsp;Online survey among tens of thousands of doctors, health care professionals and hospital managers in 30 countries&nbsp;</li><li>Results from Patient Surveys:&nbsp;Survey of patient satisfaction with hospitalization&nbsp;</li><li>Hospital Quality Metrics: Medical indicators e.g., data on quality of care for treatments, hygiene measures, patient safety and waiting times.&nbsp;</li><li>Statista PROMs Implementation Survey:&nbsp;Optional online survey on the implementation and use of PROMs in hospitals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Based on the above four pillars and their respective weights, a final score was calculated for each hospital.&nbsp;

Nebraska Medical Center named to Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals List  

Lincoln, NE – March 25, 2025 – Starting with the April 8 drawing, Mega Millions players will see changes that include larger jackpots, better odds of winning and a built-in multiplier that increases non-jackpot prizes.

Mega Millions drawings will still consist of five white balls and one gold Mega Ball®, for a total of six winning numbers. Under a new matrix, the number of white balls will stay at 70 and the number of gold balls (the Mega Ball) will decrease from 25 to 24. The result will be improved odds of winning the jackpot prize (1 in 290 million) and many other prize levels. The starting Mega Millions jackpot will also increase from $20 million to $50 million.

“We anticipate that the larger Mega Millions jackpots and new features will appeal to our players,” said Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery Director. “The Mega Millions Consortium that sets the game rules does not include Nebraska, but under a licensing arrangement we’ve offered Mega Millions since 2010. It’s produced several Nebraska millionaires along with millions in proceeds for good causes across our state.”

Here are some of the other enhancements that players will see:

The price of each Mega Millions play will be $5. The overall odds of winning any prize will be 1 in 23.07. Tickets for the enhanced game will go on sale beginning April 5.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March 2010 after a cross-selling agreement was implemented between the members of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and Mega Millions member lotteries. Mega Millions is a national game with tickets sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 10 p.m. Central Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. Profits from every Mega Millions ticket sold remain in the state in which the ticket was sold. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUp6vkLeMz9xWWk2usNlOONp-2BuquvHcFVHm7ECXtG2yet1GtQ0_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnLi-2F6IURvEG0oh8wQWbMaC4D8WCDVBM9HcZij-2BIFQChdn8a-2BVUZDhFZrPbJvtGHAGzu-2Bk5nBy-2FiWmhX9QNFGo824G0mX-2BY0kHWqWHhtEW2rVSQbXr2Np8KHNT231f6-2B6jldchAl3lqdMj-2B5l5iS7Kyy2JzCrUUKHEHX6Uao-2FN83eqAnJuihSHdsW7-2BX44ulcMlJduEZkyhLAvTFAygK0O9Pcd6tdDxPcV3hYLtjcS41EpJUKucTUP1Dmr9itlSedW6zy-2FnkEAY87XTA7cdYjtHg-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.megamillions.com</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.015 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – March 25, 2025 – Starting with the April 8 drawing, Mega Millions players will see changes that include larger jackpots, better odds of winning and a built-in multiplier that increases non-jackpot prizes.Mega Millions drawings will still consist of five white balls and one gold Mega Ball®, for a total of six winning numbers. Under a new matrix, the number of white balls will stay at 70 and the number of gold balls (the Mega Ball) will decrease from 25 to 24. The result will be improved odds of winning the jackpot prize (1 in 290 million) and many other prize levels. The starting Mega Millions jackpot will also increase from $20 million to $50 million.“We anticipate that the larger Mega Millions jackpots and new features will appeal to our players,” said Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery Director. “The Mega Millions Consortium that sets the game rules does not include Nebraska, but under a licensing arrangement we’ve offered Mega Millions since 2010. It’s produced several Nebraska millionaires along with millions in proceeds for good causes across our state.”Here are some of the other enhancements that players will see:<ul>
 <li>Bigger jackpots more frequently</li><li>Faster growing jackpots</li><li>A built-in multiplier on every play, automatically improving every non-jackpot prize by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X – up to $10 million for matching the five white balls</li><li>No breakeven prizes, meaning when a player wins, they’ll always win more than the cost of a play</li>
 </ul>The price of each Mega Millions play will be $5. The overall odds of winning any prize will be 1 in 23.07. Tickets for the enhanced game will go on sale beginning April 5.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March 2010 after a cross-selling agreement was implemented between the members of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and Mega Millions member lotteries. Mega Millions is a national game with tickets sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 10 p.m. Central Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. Profits from every Mega Millions ticket sold remain in the state in which the ticket was sold. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.iAuI3qUyZqtRffZQ3zfUp6vkLeMz9xWWk2usNlOONp-2BuquvHcFVHm7ECXtG2yet1GtQ0_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnLi-2F6IURvEG0oh8wQWbMaC4D8WCDVBM9HcZij-2BIFQChdn8a-2BVUZDhFZrPbJvtGHAGzu-2Bk5nBy-2FiWmhX9QNFGo824G0mX-2BY0kHWqWHhtEW2rVSQbXr2Np8KHNT231f6-2B6jldchAl3lqdMj-2B5l5iS7Kyy2JzCrUUKHEHX6Uao-2FN83eqAnJuihSHdsW7-2BX44ulcMlJduEZkyhLAvTFAygK0O9Pcd6tdDxPcV3hYLtjcS41EpJUKucTUP1Dmr9itlSedW6zy-2FnkEAY87XTA7cdYjtHg-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.megamillions.com</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.015 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Mega Millions® Enhancements Start April 5

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Planning is underway to burn 1,094 acres of land east of the park’s headquarters this April. Timing for the fire will depend on fuel moisture, weather forecasts, and crew availability.“

The primary objectives of the Lookout Flats fire are to reduce fuel loading, decrease encroachment of young ponderosa pine onto the prairie, and increase cover of native forbs,” said Acting Park Superintendent Milton Haar. “Prescribed fires help decrease the intensities of future fires and mimic the natural fire regimes of a mixed-grass prairie.”

The primary vegetation within the project area is short grass. Ignition will take place through the utilization of ground resources. Assisting with the fire will be National Park Service firefighters with support from other interagency resources.

During the day of the burn, smoke from the fire may be heavy at times along Highways 385 and 87 and visible from the surrounding region. The highways might be closed intermittently for safety reasons. Unless there is significant precipitation, smoke might be seen in the area for several days following the burn.

The Lookout Point, Highland Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon Trails will be closed during fire operations and possibly for the two weeks following the burn. Other impacts to Park operations are expected but efforts will be made to minimize visitor impacts.

This fire represents a continuation of the park's prescribed fire program which began in 1972. Sections of the park are burned, under favorable conditions, to simulate natural fires. Prescribed fires maintain the balance between forest and prairie, removes the build-up of dead fuels which reduces the chance of a catastrophic wildfire, and rejuvenates the native prairie grasses.&nbsp;Prescribed fires are carefully conducted under identified and approved prescription conditions.&nbsp; Factors such as humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and short and long-range weather patterns are all considered in establishing the acceptable conditions for conducting a prescribed fire. If the prescribed set of conditions cannot be met on a specific day, the planned fire is postponed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Planning is underway to burn 1,094 acres of land east of the park’s headquarters this April. Timing for the fire will depend on fuel moisture, weather forecasts, and crew availability.“The primary objectives of the Lookout Flats fire are to reduce fuel loading, decrease encroachment of young ponderosa pine onto the prairie, and increase cover of native forbs,” said Acting Park Superintendent Milton Haar. “Prescribed fires help decrease the intensities of future fires and mimic the natural fire regimes of a mixed-grass prairie.”The primary vegetation within the project area is short grass. Ignition will take place through the utilization of ground resources. Assisting with the fire will be National Park Service firefighters with support from other interagency resources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742912026787.png" alt="Wind Cave National Park plans to burn 1,094 acres of land east of park headquarters this April if weather conditions permit." />
 <figcaption>Wind Cave National Park plans to burn 1,094 acres of land east of park headquarters this April if weather conditions permit.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the day of the burn, smoke from the fire may be heavy at times along Highways 385 and 87 and visible from the surrounding region. The highways might be closed intermittently for safety reasons. Unless there is significant precipitation, smoke might be seen in the area for several days following the burn.The Lookout Point, Highland Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon Trails will be closed during fire operations and possibly for the two weeks following the burn. Other impacts to Park operations are expected but efforts will be made to minimize visitor impacts.This fire represents a continuation of the park's prescribed fire program which began in 1972. Sections of the park are burned, under favorable conditions, to simulate natural fires. Prescribed fires maintain the balance between forest and prairie, removes the build-up of dead fuels which reduces the chance of a catastrophic wildfire, and rejuvenates the native prairie grasses.&nbsp;Prescribed fires are carefully conducted under identified and approved prescription conditions.&nbsp; Factors such as humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and short and long-range weather patterns are all considered in establishing the acceptable conditions for conducting a prescribed fire. If the prescribed set of conditions cannot be met on a specific day, the planned fire is postponed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wind Cave National Park prepares for prescribed fire

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/24/committee-advances-bill-with-57-salary-hikes-for-nebraska-constitutional-officers-except-governor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A legislative committee has narrowly advanced a bill that would provide all Nebraska constitutional officers, except the governor, a roughly 57% salary raise effective in 2027.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59243&amp;docnum=LB345&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 345</a>, introduced by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, includes no specific dollar amounts as introduced. However, the committee unanimously adopted an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AM-710-to-LB-345-Amendment.pdf">amendment</a>&nbsp;to the bill, advanced in a 5-1 vote, offering the raises effective Jan. 7, 2027, if passed by the full Legislature and signed into law by the governor.

The proposed 57% raise was calculated by a committee staffer who compared inflationary increases compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor between Jan. 4, 2007, and earlier this month.&nbsp;That was the last time the offices got a salary bump.

“As we know, a 2025 dollar is not worth what a 2007 dollar was worth,” State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, chair of the committee, said at the bill’s Feb. 5 hearing.

The changes would affect the following&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-721" target="_blank">salaries</a>:

The governor would remain at $105,000. It would be the first time the governor was paid the least among this set of constitutional officers since at least 1987, according to a review by the Nebraska Examiner.

Sanders told the Examiner last month that if the bill increased the governor’s salary, Pillen had promised to veto it.

In a Feb. 7 statement to the Examiner, Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said “being a public servant requires sacrifice.”

“Governor Pillen is humbled to serve the people of Nebraska,” she said in an email. “He does not support a pay increase for himself or other elected officials.”

Salary changes must come at the start of an officeholder’s term, so January 2027, after the November 2026 elections. If LB 345 or a version of it doesn’t pass, a raise is prohibited until January 2031 at the earliest.

If passed at the amended amounts, LB 345 would require an additional $456,000 each fiscal year&nbsp;to cover the raised salaries.

Sanders, who leads the bill as chair of the Government Committee, said the constitutional officers oversee essential state functions full time. She said that if lawmakers want Nebraskans with families to be able to serve in the roles, they must consider “appropriate” salary levels.&nbsp;She has said it’s also about attracting candidates, noting current officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LB345-Exh-2-Mike-Foley-Auditor.pdf">paid less than their counterparts in all six surrounding states</a>.

Former State Treasurer John Murante left his post in September 2023 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/21/nebraska-state-treasurer-to-exit-elected-role-to-head-state-retirement-agency/">head the agency overseeing state retirement plans,</a>&nbsp;going from a salary of $85,000 to $205,000. He left that role&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/06/former-nebraska-state-treasurer-john-murante-leaves-state-retirement-job-to-lobby/">at the end of last year</a>&nbsp;for a local lobbying firm.

“No one should get rich from a career in public service,” Sanders told her colleagues. “I’m not even advocating for salaries that are equivalent to similar responsibility levels in private industry. It is an honor to serve, and it is appropriate for elected officials to make some personal sacrifices as part of their service.”

She continued: “At some point, however, we do have an obligation to adjust the salary levels to make sure the best candidates can afford to serve.”

State Sens. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, Dan Lonowski of Hastings and Dan McKeon of Amherst joined Sanders in advancing the bill. State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha was the lone “no” vote.

State Sens. John Cavanaugh of Omaha and Dave Wordekemper of Fremont took no position and were “present, not voting.”

Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley, now in his 11th year in the role, was the only person to speak on the bill in February, where he was described as an “invited guest.” He indicated he’d support whatever the committee decided.

His lengthy tenure in state government began in 2001, stretching six years as a Lincoln state senator, eight years as auditor and eight years as lieutenant governor to former Gov. Pete Ricketts. He returned to the auditor spot in 2023, where Foley, a longtime Republican, is often praised by senators regardless of party for&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">his office’s dogged work</a>.

For example, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a pragmatic Democrat now in her 11th year as a state senator in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, has filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/MO40.pdf" target="_blank">motion to kill the bill</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM337.pdf" target="_blank">amendment to limit the salary increase to Foley alone</a>.

LB 345 likely has no viable path as a standalone bill this year, but committee staff said it could be attached to a bill from Speaker John Arch of La Vista,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58836" target="_blank">LB 346</a>, which was introduced at Gov. Jim Pillen’s request to eliminate various boards and commissions.

Previous salary bills, at least to 1973, have all passed as stand-alone proposals and have most recently faced opposition from the governor.

Pillen would not be alone if he vetoed the bill, though lawmakers have a history of overriding vetoes on the raises, such as in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/83/PDF/Slip/LB246.pdf" target="_blank">1973</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. James Exon) and each of the last three approved bills, in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/91/PDF/Slip/LB503.pdf" target="_blank">1990</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Kay Orr),&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/96/PDF/Slip/LB956.pdf" target="_blank">2000</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Mike Johanns) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Slip/LB817.pdf" target="_blank">2006</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Dave Heineman). Each veto came in the respective governor’s first term.

Bills in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/85/PDF/Slip/LB541.pdf" target="_blank">1978</a>&nbsp;(Exon) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/89/PDF/Slip/LB43.pdf" target="_blank">1986</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Bob Kerrey) were not vetoed. Exon was term-limited and Kerrey didn’t run for reelection.

Each governor that used their veto pen cited budget constraints or,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1597" target="_blank">in the case of Heineman</a>, said the raises did not “represent a spending priority.”

Orr said in 1990 that she was vetoing “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/91/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1999" target="_blank">worthwhile programs</a>” due to budget constraints and that officials “must share in these efforts to keep state spending to a minimum.” Johanns said in 2000 that he appreciated lawmakers’ willingness to examine the constitutional officer salaries compared to other states.&nbsp;

“At a time, however, when I have vetoed many meritorious proposals due to our current budget constraints, I cannot in good conscience agree to raise my salary, along with those of other constitutional officers,” Johanns wrote in his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/96/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1748" target="_blank">April 11, 2000, veto letter</a>.

The very next day, lawmakers in a 45-1 vote — the largest margin of the override motions — rebuffed Johanns. He then got the 31% pay bump after he won reelection in 2002.

Exon in 1973 said he appreciated lawmakers not raising the governor’s salary. However, he cautioned that “substantial increases to only a few constitutional officers is not the only point” and that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/83/PDF/Journal/r1journal.pdf#page=1906" target="_blank">assistants traditionally also see large increases</a>, “and a chain reaction sets in.”

Asked whether Pillen would veto the bill if passed, Strimple said “we will not speculate on hypotheticals in the legislative process.”

Pillen has eyed a second term but has not yet announced reelection for 2026. He ran in 2022 alongside Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, who presides over the Legislature.

This time around, lawmakers face a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/decrease-in-federal-share-of-nebraska-medicaid-costs-increases-state-budget-shortfall/">projected $457 million budget shortfall over the next two fiscal years</a>, prior to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">any legislative action</a>. The next state budget must pass by mid-May.

Conrad, a former member of the Appropriations Committee during all eight of Foley’s first eight years as auditor, echoed budget concerns. She’s also been&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/ag-hilgers-issues-opinion-that-threatens-new-felon-voter-registrations-in-nebraska/">highly critical</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/16/improving-oversight-eyed-as-a-hallmark-issue-of-2025-legislative-session/">other officers’ job performance</a>, namely Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Pillen.

“My bottom line is I don’t think we should raise salaries for highly paid politicians amid a budget crisis, and it’s highly hypocritical to seek such as many of these same leaders seek to undermine the will of the voters and undercut working families’ access to minimum wage and sick leave,” Conrad said in a Thursday email.

Lawmakers just last week also moved away from a conversation about changing their own compensation levels, which haven’t been raised since 1988, and parked a proposal for a nonpartisan, independent compensation review commission at the end of 2025 priorities, including after the state budget.&nbsp;

Any changes to lawmaker compensation would require a constitutional amendment, and state senator salaries have been more rigid because they are locked in the Nebraska Constitution, unlike salaries for constitutional officers or judges, the latter of whom almost always get salaries adjusted each July 1.

Foley told the Government Committee last month that it is appropriate to review and perhaps update compensation from time to time, but he didn’t have “any particular number in mind.”

“That’s your call, not mine,” he testified. “Whatever compensation figures you determine to be correct, that’s the right number. You’ll hear no quibbling from me.”

Foley confirmed that stance again in a Thursday email, telling the Examiner: “Whatever number the committee decides is fine with me.”

A spokesperson for Attorney General Mike Hilgers said he hadn’t weighed in on the proposal “and believes that he should not advocate for any changes to his own salary. He trusts that the body will make an appropriate decision that is right for the State of Nebraska.”

A spokesperson for the Public Service Commission said the commission hadn’t taken a position and would not speak on pending legislation. A spokesperson for Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator appointed to the role in November 2023, said the office had no comment.

A spokesperson for Evnen said by email after reviewing the amended bill: “The secretary indicated that no one had discussed the figures … with him. The proposal was not made at his behest, and this is a legislative determination.” Of current constitutional officers, Evnen was the first to announce a&nbsp;<a href="https://klin.com/2025/03/06/secretary-of-state-evnen-to-seek-re-election-in-2026/" target="_blank">reelection bid for 2026</a>.

Foley was in the Legislature in 2006 when former State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha led the last bill to raise the salaries, which also included the governor.

“My philosophy is that we should look past the individuals who happen to be occupying the office and annex to that office a salary commensurate with the duties entailed and the dignity that the office should be cloaked with,” Chambers said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/transcripts/view_page.php?leg=99&amp;bill=LB%20817&amp;key=3&amp;pages=7541%208319%209438%2010665-10668%2010795%2010829%2010909%2011208%2011464%2012710%2012752-12753%2012968%2013118%2013120%2013297%2013367%2013553-13554%2013587" target="_blank">March 14, 2006, floor speech regarding his bill</a>.

Foley was in the middle of his campaign for auditor and was “present, not voting” when Chambers’ bill came for a final vote that year.

“I think it’s the right thing to do, every 20 years or so, to revise the salaries for the constitutional officers of the State of Nebraska,” Foley said last month. “That’s why we’re here: to simply do the right thing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742823738627.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the November 2024 general election results on Dec. 2, 2024. From left: State Auditor Mike Foley, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Treasurer Tom Briese. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the November 2024 general election results on Dec. 2, 2024. From left: State Auditor Mike Foley, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Treasurer Tom Briese. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/24/committee-advances-bill-with-57-salary-hikes-for-nebraska-constitutional-officers-except-governor/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A legislative committee has narrowly advanced a bill that would provide all Nebraska constitutional officers, except the governor, a roughly 57% salary raise effective in 2027.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59243&amp;docnum=LB345&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 345</a>, introduced by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, includes no specific dollar amounts as introduced. However, the committee unanimously adopted an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AM-710-to-LB-345-Amendment.pdf">amendment</a>&nbsp;to the bill, advanced in a 5-1 vote, offering the raises effective Jan. 7, 2027, if passed by the full Legislature and signed into law by the governor.The proposed 57% raise was calculated by a committee staffer who compared inflationary increases compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor between Jan. 4, 2007, and earlier this month.&nbsp;That was the last time the offices got a salary bump.“As we know, a 2025 dollar is not worth what a 2007 dollar was worth,” State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, chair of the committee, said at the bill’s Feb. 5 hearing.The changes would affect the following&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-721" target="_blank">salaries</a>:<ul>
 <li>Attorney general, from $95,000 to $149,000.</li><li>Secretary of state, from $85,000 to $133,000.</li><li>Auditor of public accounts, from $85,000 to $133,000.</li><li>State treasurer, from $85,000 to $133,000.</li><li>Lieutenant governor, from $75,000 to $118,000.</li><li>Five members of the Public Service Commission, from $75,000 to $118,000 each.</li>
 </ul>The governor would remain at $105,000. It would be the first time the governor was paid the least among this set of constitutional officers since at least 1987, according to a review by the Nebraska Examiner.Sanders told the Examiner last month that if the bill increased the governor’s salary, Pillen had promised to veto it.In a Feb. 7 statement to the Examiner, Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said “being a public servant requires sacrifice.”“Governor Pillen is humbled to serve the people of Nebraska,” she said in an email. “He does not support a pay increase for himself or other elected officials.”Salary changes must come at the start of an officeholder’s term, so January 2027, after the November 2026 elections. If LB 345 or a version of it doesn’t pass, a raise is prohibited until January 2031 at the earliest.If passed at the amended amounts, LB 345 would require an additional $456,000 each fiscal year&nbsp;to cover the raised salaries.<h2>Setting an ‘appropriate’ salary</h2>Sanders, who leads the bill as chair of the Government Committee, said the constitutional officers oversee essential state functions full time. She said that if lawmakers want Nebraskans with families to be able to serve in the roles, they must consider “appropriate” salary levels.&nbsp;She has said it’s also about attracting candidates, noting current officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LB345-Exh-2-Mike-Foley-Auditor.pdf">paid less than their counterparts in all six surrounding states</a>.Former State Treasurer John Murante left his post in September 2023 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/21/nebraska-state-treasurer-to-exit-elected-role-to-head-state-retirement-agency/">head the agency overseeing state retirement plans,</a>&nbsp;going from a salary of $85,000 to $205,000. He left that role&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/06/former-nebraska-state-treasurer-john-murante-leaves-state-retirement-job-to-lobby/">at the end of last year</a>&nbsp;for a local lobbying firm.“No one should get rich from a career in public service,” Sanders told her colleagues. “I’m not even advocating for salaries that are equivalent to similar responsibility levels in private industry. It is an honor to serve, and it is appropriate for elected officials to make some personal sacrifices as part of their service.”She continued: “At some point, however, we do have an obligation to adjust the salary levels to make sure the best candidates can afford to serve.”<h2>The bill’s path forward</h2>State Sens. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, Dan Lonowski of Hastings and Dan McKeon of Amherst joined Sanders in advancing the bill. State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha was the lone “no” vote.State Sens. John Cavanaugh of Omaha and Dave Wordekemper of Fremont took no position and were “present, not voting.”Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley, now in his 11th year in the role, was the only person to speak on the bill in February, where he was described as an “invited guest.” He indicated he’d support whatever the committee decided.His lengthy tenure in state government began in 2001, stretching six years as a Lincoln state senator, eight years as auditor and eight years as lieutenant governor to former Gov. Pete Ricketts. He returned to the auditor spot in 2023, where Foley, a longtime Republican, is often praised by senators regardless of party for&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">his office’s dogged work</a>.For example, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a pragmatic Democrat now in her 11th year as a state senator in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, has filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/MO40.pdf" target="_blank">motion to kill the bill</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM337.pdf" target="_blank">amendment to limit the salary increase to Foley alone</a>.LB 345 likely has no viable path as a standalone bill this year, but committee staff said it could be attached to a bill from Speaker John Arch of La Vista,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58836" target="_blank">LB 346</a>, which was introduced at Gov. Jim Pillen’s request to eliminate various boards and commissions.Previous salary bills, at least to 1973, have all passed as stand-alone proposals and have most recently faced opposition from the governor.<h2>Governor vetoes are common</h2>Pillen would not be alone if he vetoed the bill, though lawmakers have a history of overriding vetoes on the raises, such as in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/83/PDF/Slip/LB246.pdf" target="_blank">1973</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. James Exon) and each of the last three approved bills, in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/91/PDF/Slip/LB503.pdf" target="_blank">1990</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Kay Orr),&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/96/PDF/Slip/LB956.pdf" target="_blank">2000</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Mike Johanns) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Slip/LB817.pdf" target="_blank">2006</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Dave Heineman). Each veto came in the respective governor’s first term.Bills in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/85/PDF/Slip/LB541.pdf" target="_blank">1978</a>&nbsp;(Exon) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/89/PDF/Slip/LB43.pdf" target="_blank">1986</a>&nbsp;(former Gov. Bob Kerrey) were not vetoed. Exon was term-limited and Kerrey didn’t run for reelection.Each governor that used their veto pen cited budget constraints or,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1597" target="_blank">in the case of Heineman</a>, said the raises did not “represent a spending priority.”Orr said in 1990 that she was vetoing “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/91/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1999" target="_blank">worthwhile programs</a>” due to budget constraints and that officials “must share in these efforts to keep state spending to a minimum.” Johanns said in 2000 that he appreciated lawmakers’ willingness to examine the constitutional officer salaries compared to other states.&nbsp;“At a time, however, when I have vetoed many meritorious proposals due to our current budget constraints, I cannot in good conscience agree to raise my salary, along with those of other constitutional officers,” Johanns wrote in his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/96/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=1748" target="_blank">April 11, 2000, veto letter</a>.The very next day, lawmakers in a 45-1 vote — the largest margin of the override motions — rebuffed Johanns. He then got the 31% pay bump after he won reelection in 2002.Exon in 1973 said he appreciated lawmakers not raising the governor’s salary. However, he cautioned that “substantial increases to only a few constitutional officers is not the only point” and that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/83/PDF/Journal/r1journal.pdf#page=1906" target="_blank">assistants traditionally also see large increases</a>, “and a chain reaction sets in.”Asked whether Pillen would veto the bill if passed, Strimple said “we will not speculate on hypotheticals in the legislative process.”Pillen has eyed a second term but has not yet announced reelection for 2026. He ran in 2022 alongside Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, who presides over the Legislature.<h2>‘Highly hypocritical’</h2>This time around, lawmakers face a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/decrease-in-federal-share-of-nebraska-medicaid-costs-increases-state-budget-shortfall/">projected $457 million budget shortfall over the next two fiscal years</a>, prior to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">any legislative action</a>. The next state budget must pass by mid-May.Conrad, a former member of the Appropriations Committee during all eight of Foley’s first eight years as auditor, echoed budget concerns. She’s also been&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/ag-hilgers-issues-opinion-that-threatens-new-felon-voter-registrations-in-nebraska/">highly critical</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/16/improving-oversight-eyed-as-a-hallmark-issue-of-2025-legislative-session/">other officers’ job performance</a>, namely Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Pillen.“My bottom line is I don’t think we should raise salaries for highly paid politicians amid a budget crisis, and it’s highly hypocritical to seek such as many of these same leaders seek to undermine the will of the voters and undercut working families’ access to minimum wage and sick leave,” Conrad said in a Thursday email.Lawmakers just last week also moved away from a conversation about changing their own compensation levels, which haven’t been raised since 1988, and parked a proposal for a nonpartisan, independent compensation review commission at the end of 2025 priorities, including after the state budget.&nbsp;Any changes to lawmaker compensation would require a constitutional amendment, and state senator salaries have been more rigid because they are locked in the Nebraska Constitution, unlike salaries for constitutional officers or judges, the latter of whom almost always get salaries adjusted each July 1.Foley told the Government Committee last month that it is appropriate to review and perhaps update compensation from time to time, but he didn’t have “any particular number in mind.”“That’s your call, not mine,” he testified. “Whatever compensation figures you determine to be correct, that’s the right number. You’ll hear no quibbling from me.”<h2>‘Look past the individuals’</h2>Foley confirmed that stance again in a Thursday email, telling the Examiner: “Whatever number the committee decides is fine with me.”A spokesperson for Attorney General Mike Hilgers said he hadn’t weighed in on the proposal “and believes that he should not advocate for any changes to his own salary. He trusts that the body will make an appropriate decision that is right for the State of Nebraska.”A spokesperson for the Public Service Commission said the commission hadn’t taken a position and would not speak on pending legislation. A spokesperson for Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator appointed to the role in November 2023, said the office had no comment.A spokesperson for Evnen said by email after reviewing the amended bill: “The secretary indicated that no one had discussed the figures … with him. The proposal was not made at his behest, and this is a legislative determination.” Of current constitutional officers, Evnen was the first to announce a&nbsp;<a href="https://klin.com/2025/03/06/secretary-of-state-evnen-to-seek-re-election-in-2026/" target="_blank">reelection bid for 2026</a>.Foley was in the Legislature in 2006 when former State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha led the last bill to raise the salaries, which also included the governor.“My philosophy is that we should look past the individuals who happen to be occupying the office and annex to that office a salary commensurate with the duties entailed and the dignity that the office should be cloaked with,” Chambers said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/transcripts/view_page.php?leg=99&amp;bill=LB%20817&amp;key=3&amp;pages=7541%208319%209438%2010665-10668%2010795%2010829%2010909%2011208%2011464%2012710%2012752-12753%2012968%2013118%2013120%2013297%2013367%2013553-13554%2013587" target="_blank">March 14, 2006, floor speech regarding his bill</a>.Foley was in the middle of his campaign for auditor and was “present, not voting” when Chambers’ bill came for a final vote that year.“I think it’s the right thing to do, every 20 years or so, to revise the salaries for the constitutional officers of the State of Nebraska,” Foley said last month. “That’s why we’re here: to simply do the right thing.”

Committee advances bill with 57% salary hikes for Nebraska constitutional officers, except governor

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly say they are encouraged that the pursuit for justice for Sarah Root and her family is taking another significant step forward. Wanted fugitive Eswin Mejia will be extradited to Nebraska to face charges for her death in a 2016 crash. Mejia, who was in the U.S. illegally, disappeared after posting bail. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly say they are encouraged that the pursuit for justice for Sarah Root and her family is taking another significant step forward. Wanted fugitive Eswin Mejia will be extradited to Nebraska to face charges for her death in a 2016 crash. Mejia, who was in the U.S. illegally, disappeared after posting bail. &nbsp;&nbsp;