<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/06/labor-groups-ring-alarms-over-proposed-changes-to-nebraska-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Labor activists stood in the Capitol&nbsp;Rotunda&nbsp;during Thursday morning’s agenda and criticized a pair of legislative bills seeking to weaken voter-approved minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, which keep marching&nbsp;on in the Nebraska statehouse.&nbsp;

Worker advocates and union leaders spoke out against the proposed changes as attempts to undermine the will of Nebraska voters, who over the past three years have approved increasing wages and&nbsp;paid leave for all workers&nbsp;via ballot measure.&nbsp;

Nebraska voters&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">approved a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;last November to establish a minimum level of paid sick leave for all workers. The initiative mandates that Nebraska businesses provide employees up to seven days of paid sick leave for businesses with at least 20 employees and five days a year for those with fewer than 20 employees. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/following-national-trends-nebraskans-vote-to-increase-the-states-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">Nebraska voters passed a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;to increase the state minimum wage to&nbsp;$15 per hour starting next year. The measure’s design raised the minimum wage by&nbsp;increments to reach that point.&nbsp;

Legislative Bill 258, by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would limit who can get a wage increase in 2027. The proposed change to the initiative would cap the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for Nebraskans younger than 16 years old, except for those legally free from parental control and responsibility.&nbsp;

LB 698, proposed by State Sen. Paul Strommen of&nbsp;Sidney, would raise the minimum number of employees a business must have to be obligated to provide paid sick leave from one to at least 11 employees instead of 10. His bill would make workers under age 15 and&nbsp;temporary and seasonal agricultural workers ineligible for the mandatory paid sick leave. It also would remove a section that allows workers to sue businesses if they violated the new paid sick leave law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59447&amp;docnum=LB258&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 258</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59344&amp;docnum=LB698&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 698</a>&nbsp;both advanced from the&nbsp;Legislature’s&nbsp;Business and Labor Committee.

Raybould proposed changes in LB 258 that also would cap the annual minimum wage increase at a lesser rate of one and one-half percent instead of being linked to the Consumer Price Index to keep up with inflation, which was what voters approved. Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to “75% of the minimum wage” in 2027. The youngest someone can work in Nebraska is&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/WorkerRights/EmploymentOfMinors#:~:text=Nebraska%20Hour%20Restrictions%20for%2014%20and%2015%20year%20olds%3A&amp;text=Not%20before%206%20a.m.%20nor%20after%2010%20p.m.&amp;text=The%20Nebraska%20Department%20of%20Labor,school%20scheduled%20the%20next%20day." target="_blank">14 years old, with hour restrictions</a>.

“LB 258 does not reflect the will of Nebraska citizens who voted overwhelmingly for stepped increases to minimum wage,” said Anahí Salazar,&nbsp;Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska.

Raybould, whose family owns grocery stores “throughout the state of Nebraska” wrote in her conflict of interest form filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission that “providing a youth and training wage would benefit our company with some savings. The cap on the increases in 2027 would also keep the projected minimum wage increase to a more reasonable and predictable one. This would also benefit our company.”&nbsp;

She explained in the form why she won’t abstain from voting on LB 258 despite the conflict of interest, because, “this legislation would impact more businesses besides our grocery stores, including, but not limited to, all retailers, restaurants, detasselers, day care facilities and other small and independent businesses in our state.”

Raybould has made LB 258 her priority bill this session.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/03/some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-exemptions-in-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law-as-others-protest/">Strommen described his sick leave measure during its hearing</a>&nbsp;as an attempt to “clean up” initiative language and shield workers from “unintended consequences.” Some business owners and groups that testified for the bill referred to it as a “lifeline” and said costs could rise and be passed along to the consumer. Others said they welcomed the initiative’s original language.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also said the Legislature with LB 698 must determine a balance between what voters supporting the paid sick leave initiative want and what the state can provide.&nbsp;Student activist Sam Washburn said both bills disappointed him as a young person in the workforce, because they aim to “undermine protection for workers at small businesses” for young workers.

“I don’t understand how democratically elected senators can so easily go against these democratically supported initiatives,” said Washburn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741366219872.jpeg" alt="Anahí Salazar, policy coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, spoke at the Nebraska statehouse on Mar. 6, 2025, about bills seeking to soften voter-approved ballot measures on requiring paid sick leave and increasing the minimum wage. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Anahí Salazar, policy coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, spoke at the Nebraska statehouse on Mar. 6, 2025, about bills seeking to soften voter-approved ballot measures on requiring paid sick leave and increasing the minimum wage. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Juan Salinas II<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/06/labor-groups-ring-alarms-over-proposed-changes-to-nebraska-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Labor activists stood in the Capitol&nbsp;Rotunda&nbsp;during Thursday morning’s agenda and criticized a pair of legislative bills seeking to weaken voter-approved minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, which keep marching&nbsp;on in the Nebraska statehouse.&nbsp;Worker advocates and union leaders spoke out against the proposed changes as attempts to undermine the will of Nebraska voters, who over the past three years have approved increasing wages and&nbsp;paid leave for all workers&nbsp;via ballot measure.&nbsp;Nebraska voters&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraskans-vote-yes-to-requiring-employers-to-provide-earned-paid-sick-leave/">approved a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;last November to establish a minimum level of paid sick leave for all workers. The initiative mandates that Nebraska businesses provide employees up to seven days of paid sick leave for businesses with at least 20 employees and five days a year for those with fewer than 20 employees. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/following-national-trends-nebraskans-vote-to-increase-the-states-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">Nebraska voters passed a ballot measure</a>&nbsp;to increase the state minimum wage to&nbsp;$15 per hour starting next year. The measure’s design raised the minimum wage by&nbsp;increments to reach that point.&nbsp;<h2>What the bills would do</h2>Legislative Bill 258, by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would limit who can get a wage increase in 2027. The proposed change to the initiative would cap the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for Nebraskans younger than 16 years old, except for those legally free from parental control and responsibility.&nbsp;LB 698, proposed by State Sen. Paul Strommen of&nbsp;Sidney, would raise the minimum number of employees a business must have to be obligated to provide paid sick leave from one to at least 11 employees instead of 10. His bill would make workers under age 15 and&nbsp;temporary and seasonal agricultural workers ineligible for the mandatory paid sick leave. It also would remove a section that allows workers to sue businesses if they violated the new paid sick leave law.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59447&amp;docnum=LB258&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 258</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59344&amp;docnum=LB698&amp;leg=109" target="_blank">LB 698</a>&nbsp;both advanced from the&nbsp;Legislature’s&nbsp;Business and Labor Committee.Raybould proposed changes in LB 258 that also would cap the annual minimum wage increase at a lesser rate of one and one-half percent instead of being linked to the Consumer Price Index to keep up with inflation, which was what voters approved. Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to “75% of the minimum wage” in 2027. The youngest someone can work in Nebraska is&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/WorkerRights/EmploymentOfMinors#:~:text=Nebraska%20Hour%20Restrictions%20for%2014%20and%2015%20year%20olds%3A&amp;text=Not%20before%206%20a.m.%20nor%20after%2010%20p.m.&amp;text=The%20Nebraska%20Department%20of%20Labor,school%20scheduled%20the%20next%20day." target="_blank">14 years old, with hour restrictions</a>.“LB 258 does not reflect the will of Nebraska citizens who voted overwhelmingly for stepped increases to minimum wage,” said Anahí Salazar,&nbsp;Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska.<h2>Potential conflicts</h2>Raybould, whose family owns grocery stores “throughout the state of Nebraska” wrote in her conflict of interest form filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission that “providing a youth and training wage would benefit our company with some savings. The cap on the increases in 2027 would also keep the projected minimum wage increase to a more reasonable and predictable one. This would also benefit our company.”&nbsp;She explained in the form why she won’t abstain from voting on LB 258 despite the conflict of interest, because, “this legislation would impact more businesses besides our grocery stores, including, but not limited to, all retailers, restaurants, detasselers, day care facilities and other small and independent businesses in our state.”Raybould has made LB 258 her priority bill this session.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/03/some-nebraska-lawmakers-seek-exemptions-in-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law-as-others-protest/">Strommen described his sick leave measure during its hearing</a>&nbsp;as an attempt to “clean up” initiative language and shield workers from “unintended consequences.” Some business owners and groups that testified for the bill referred to it as a “lifeline” and said costs could rise and be passed along to the consumer. Others said they welcomed the initiative’s original language.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair also said the Legislature with LB 698 must determine a balance between what voters supporting the paid sick leave initiative want and what the state can provide.&nbsp;Student activist Sam Washburn said both bills disappointed him as a young person in the workforce, because they aim to “undermine protection for workers at small businesses” for young workers.“I don’t understand how democratically elected senators can so easily go against these democratically supported initiatives,” said Washburn.

Labor groups ring alarms over proposed changes to Nebraska minimum wage, paid sick leave laws

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been classified as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, placing it among an elite group of institutions recognized for significant research activity.

UNK is one of just 216 colleges and universities nationwide – and one of only 127 public institutions – to receive this new classification, which acknowledges research efforts at schools that do not fit the traditional R1 or R2 research university model.

“This designation affirms what we already know: that impactful, high-level research is happening right here at UNK,” said Kim Carlson, assistant vice chancellor for research and creative activity. “Our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges, securing major research grants and making meaningful contributions across a wide range of disciplines.”

The RCU designation was introduced to highlight colleges and universities that invest heavily in research but may not have been historically recognized for it. Schools must spend at least $2.5 million annually on research to qualify.

UNK exceeds that threshold, with 31 federal research grants secured in the last four years, totaling $8.7 million in funding. These grants support research across multiple fields, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business.

“Our research enterprise has grown tremendously, and this recognition signals to our peers, partners and prospective students that UNK is a serious research institution,” Carlson added. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to fostering innovation, expanding research opportunities and making a real impact in Nebraska and beyond.”

The Carnegie Foundation evaluates 3,941 higher education institutions nationwide, but only 542 – or 13.8% – receive a research classification.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741295903372.jpeg" alt="UNK faculty and students are making meaningful research contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business. (UNK Communications)" />
 <figcaption>UNK faculty and students are making meaningful research contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business. (UNK Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been classified as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, placing it among an elite group of institutions recognized for significant research activity.UNK is one of just 216 colleges and universities nationwide – and one of only 127 public institutions – to receive this new classification, which acknowledges research efforts at schools that do not fit the traditional R1 or R2 research university model.“This designation affirms what we already know: that impactful, high-level research is happening right here at UNK,” said Kim Carlson, assistant vice chancellor for research and creative activity. “Our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges, securing major research grants and making meaningful contributions across a wide range of disciplines.”The RCU designation was introduced to highlight colleges and universities that invest heavily in research but may not have been historically recognized for it. Schools must spend at least $2.5 million annually on research to qualify.UNK exceeds that threshold, with 31 federal research grants secured in the last four years, totaling $8.7 million in funding. These grants support research across multiple fields, including health sciences, agriculture, education and business.“Our research enterprise has grown tremendously, and this recognition signals to our peers, partners and prospective students that UNK is a serious research institution,” Carlson added. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to fostering innovation, expanding research opportunities and making a real impact in Nebraska and beyond.”The Carnegie Foundation evaluates 3,941 higher education institutions nationwide, but only 542 – or 13.8% – receive a research classification.

UNK’s research impact earns national recognition from Carnegie Foundation

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order banning the use or download of applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices.&nbsp;

“This is about protecting Nebraska. We need to continue identifying and eliminating threats that come from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Gov. Pillen. “They don’t mean well, and we must ensure that America's adversaries can’t hack our state’s data or critical digital infrastructure. This is important, ongoing work and commonsense governance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's action will expand on Gov. Pillen’s March 2023 executive order by including new technology developed by and affiliated with the CCP. That order banned communications equipment and services produced by CCP-controlled companies that were also on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order banning the use or download of applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices.&nbsp;“This is about protecting Nebraska. We need to continue identifying and eliminating threats that come from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Gov. Pillen. “They don’t mean well, and we must ensure that America's adversaries can’t hack our state’s data or critical digital infrastructure. This is important, ongoing work and commonsense governance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday's action will expand on Gov. Pillen’s March 2023 executive order by including new technology developed by and affiliated with the CCP. That order banned communications equipment and services produced by CCP-controlled companies that were also on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741281294528.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741281306004.jpeg" alt=" " />
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Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Banning More CCP Tech

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

WASHINGTON — The National Institutes of Health won’t be able to implement an across-the-board cap on how much it pays research universities and medical schools for indirect costs, under a federal court order released Wednesday in cases brought by Democratic attorneys general and university associations.

Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case, blocking the proposed 15% cap on Facilities and Administrative fees from taking effect while three lawsuits advance.

Those costs cover the expenses that go along with research, but that aren’t directly associated with one specific project. They can include construction, maintenance, equipment purchases, utilities and administrative staff.

Kelley wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.280590/gov.uscourts.mad.280590.105.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">76-page decision</a>&nbsp;that a preliminary injunction would prevent the NIH from bringing about “immediate, devastating, and irreparable” harm to research institutions.

“First, the suspension of ongoing clinical trials and the resulting threats to patients’ lives represents a dire risk of a quintessentially irreparable nature. Second, the threats to non-human, yet still essential, research subjects similarly rings in irreparability,” Kelley wrote, referring to research animals. “Finally, the potential loss of human capital and talent to virtually every Plaintiff poses yet another harm incapable of run-of-the-mill legal relief.”

Kelley wrote that the “Court is hard pressed to think of a loss more irreparable than the loss of a life, let alone the thousands of people who are counting on clinical trials as their last hope.”

The NIH&nbsp;<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-068.html" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;on a Friday in early February that it would no longer pay research universities and medical colleges the indirect cost percentage that each had negotiated with the federal government over the course of years.

Instead, NIH said it would cap Facilities and Administrative fees at 15% for every institution receiving funds from the NIH, producing an outcry from medical colleges and universities.

Three lawsuits were quickly filed, challenging the NIH’s decision: Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health, Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health &amp; Human Services.

All three were filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and assigned to Kelley, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 following a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1171/vote_117_1_00364.htm" target="_blank">52-44 vote.</a>

Kelley quickly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-catastrophic-trump-administration-cut-nih-grant-funding" target="_blank">blocked the NIH from implementing the percentage change</a>&nbsp;in the 22 states whose Democratic attorneys general filed one of the lawsuits, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-nationwide-ruling-blocks-trump-administration-cut-nih-research-grants" target="_blank">entering a nationwide temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;in the case brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Kelley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-extends-order-blocking-devastating-nih-cap-research-payments" target="_blank">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;in late February to hear from the organizations that filed the three lawsuits and the Trump administration’s attorney over whether to issue a preliminary injunction.

The ruling released Wednesday notes that in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, he sent Congress a budget request that asked lawmakers to set the NIH’s indirect cost rate at 10%.

Lawmakers, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump’s proposal and instead added language to the NIH’s annual spending bill that barred it from changing the percentage across the board. The language has been kept in the annual funding bill ever since.

“Congress’ rebuke of the first Trump Administration’s proposal to slash and cap was patently clear,” Kelley wrote. “This rider contains three, overlapping provisions meant to restrict NIH’s ability to enact an across-the-board rate reduction.”

Kelley wrote the preliminary injunction would “preserve public health, and by extension, serve the public interest.” She also wrote that the ruling would require the NIH “to abide by existing law and regulations.”

“It is impossible to accurately measure or compensate humans who lose their lives from a pause in research. It is impossible to measure the value of lost research animals—representing years of study central to medical breakthrough—that will be euthanized,” Kelley wrote. “It is impossible to measure the value of discovery from scientists who choose to leave, or of the potential students who now never become scientists at all.

“Even for those harms (that) can be measured in dollars and cents, the losses are compounding and will result in even greater disruption to ongoing research and clinical trials. As a result, failure to grant a preliminary injunction would certainly result in irreparable harm.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630165275617.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — The National Institutes of Health won’t be able to implement an across-the-board cap on how much it pays research universities and medical schools for indirect costs, under a federal court order released Wednesday in cases brought by Democratic attorneys general and university associations.Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case, blocking the proposed 15% cap on Facilities and Administrative fees from taking effect while three lawsuits advance.Those costs cover the expenses that go along with research, but that aren’t directly associated with one specific project. They can include construction, maintenance, equipment purchases, utilities and administrative staff.Kelley wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.280590/gov.uscourts.mad.280590.105.0_2.pdf" target="_blank">76-page decision</a>&nbsp;that a preliminary injunction would prevent the NIH from bringing about “immediate, devastating, and irreparable” harm to research institutions.“First, the suspension of ongoing clinical trials and the resulting threats to patients’ lives represents a dire risk of a quintessentially irreparable nature. Second, the threats to non-human, yet still essential, research subjects similarly rings in irreparability,” Kelley wrote, referring to research animals. “Finally, the potential loss of human capital and talent to virtually every Plaintiff poses yet another harm incapable of run-of-the-mill legal relief.”Kelley wrote that the “Court is hard pressed to think of a loss more irreparable than the loss of a life, let alone the thousands of people who are counting on clinical trials as their last hope.”<h2>How suit came about</h2>The NIH&nbsp;<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-068.html" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;on a Friday in early February that it would no longer pay research universities and medical colleges the indirect cost percentage that each had negotiated with the federal government over the course of years.Instead, NIH said it would cap Facilities and Administrative fees at 15% for every institution receiving funds from the NIH, producing an outcry from medical colleges and universities.Three lawsuits were quickly filed, challenging the NIH’s decision: Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health, Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health &amp; Human Services.All three were filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and assigned to Kelley, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 following a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1171/vote_117_1_00364.htm" target="_blank">52-44 vote.</a>Kelley quickly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-catastrophic-trump-administration-cut-nih-grant-funding" target="_blank">blocked the NIH from implementing the percentage change</a>&nbsp;in the 22 states whose Democratic attorneys general filed one of the lawsuits, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-nationwide-ruling-blocks-trump-administration-cut-nih-research-grants" target="_blank">entering a nationwide temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;in the case brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges.Kelley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-extends-order-blocking-devastating-nih-cap-research-payments" target="_blank">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;in late February to hear from the organizations that filed the three lawsuits and the Trump administration’s attorney over whether to issue a preliminary injunction.<h2>Congress rejected earlier cap</h2>The ruling released Wednesday notes that in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, he sent Congress a budget request that asked lawmakers to set the NIH’s indirect cost rate at 10%.Lawmakers, on a bipartisan basis, rejected Trump’s proposal and instead added language to the NIH’s annual spending bill that barred it from changing the percentage across the board. The language has been kept in the annual funding bill ever since.“Congress’ rebuke of the first Trump Administration’s proposal to slash and cap was patently clear,” Kelley wrote. “This rider contains three, overlapping provisions meant to restrict NIH’s ability to enact an across-the-board rate reduction.”Kelley wrote the preliminary injunction would “preserve public health, and by extension, serve the public interest.” She also wrote that the ruling would require the NIH “to abide by existing law and regulations.”“It is impossible to accurately measure or compensate humans who lose their lives from a pause in research. It is impossible to measure the value of lost research animals—representing years of study central to medical breakthrough—that will be euthanized,” Kelley wrote. “It is impossible to measure the value of discovery from scientists who choose to leave, or of the potential students who now never become scientists at all.“Even for those harms (that) can be measured in dollars and cents, the losses are compounding and will result in even greater disruption to ongoing research and clinical trials. As a result, failure to grant a preliminary injunction would certainly result in irreparable harm.”

Trump administration’s ‘irreparable’ cut in NIH research funds blocked by judge

DES MOINES, MARCH 6, 2025&nbsp;— Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they&nbsp;turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have&nbsp;about two minutes to safely get out,”&nbsp;said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and&nbsp;the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.&nbsp;When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

In 2024, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,900 people in Iowa affected by 610 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS&nbsp;When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy8FuwyAMgOGngRsRNnYgBw699DUqgp0WLW02Ei17_KnTrt-vXzKmSn60miESYExT8vaRuS4cg7IwyBhlngWqR2AF9oUh2pbHWKeqC0NF9Dcg8OyDTzRVQ35voh_tyz1LW7XvLo0yC8uSokvyQ8vwDnbNj-P4NOFi8Grwep7n0FVq3_Z92Prd4HVpXe1TpRXXddWyq2uS_-D2DyZcRg7EtudaXttr6OV4GPJa7qv2Im0bXnrY_eiqz_cdZBZQJKck0RGgdyVRdBMyCUaEMEX7nfE3AAD__6i7VfQ">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family,&nbsp;or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least&nbsp;2,284&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0Fu6yAQgOHTwA5rGMYGL1hkY71bRJgZEvTsuAWr7vGrVN1-v36OGDLBpCVaTxZ9mAPoZ1wpFUicLRWYBFaYvE-BV8dckPOsa5x8nrOU0WZEuFuyMIKDQHNWBL2y_K-fZk91k9ZNmHjlkUvwJvA3leEd9Baf5_mh3E3honC5rmtowrkdvQ9Heyhc_h27LLVJ17twTabJJqmLqRx_4f4Hyt2m0dGoW8zpdbyGls6nIpD02KQlrsfwklP3s4ns79vxylaQjBB7QxbBpEDezDgSo0frZq-_Iv4EAAD__2EuWMA">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER&nbsp;State Farm® has renewed its pledge of $1 million to the Red Cross in support of&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;efforts to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm® has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm® is committed to helping even more individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;for the second year.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA4LhsHAgkU2uUZEmCFG9U8LVt3jV6m6_Z4eJQgF9Sw5GY8GfIhByyXpwMVnLC6QrTVmy9Hp2RZAqM5WJ1uafYmFqzMFQD8MGu201QFjEahHI_5oX2rLbeU-VJjpSY5q8CrQD9bpHeSalvP8FPYm4C7gfl3X1JlKP8aYjv6SG1PLqvPKebBqlP7g8Q_C3mZn0cmeSt6Pfer5XARqzq-Ve6Z2TDufcpydeXvflp5kGFAxkldoQKsc0KsIDgk8GBu9_E7wGwAA__9l21PK">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WDMOPFyyyyWtEE2ZIuNeJW-zWVZ--StXtd3S4QK5oo5biEjpIec5W3wtF15LEwNKCDcFD4JiTUGzYZu9J9xJTnau04CqAvTh0NlhvM85Vod06y__-bh7UFxmbyZGvHLjlZDJ_YZteQS_lvu9vyp8UnBWcj-OYhnAd67ZN67gpONfx8W3G-o_0Q7iTGbIIbWI6l1-4_IHypxg8Bj1Kpef6nAbtd4VW6LbIIO7r9JRdb_sQebxuz1d2AmgEORl0YA1lTGaGgAwJnJ-T_izwEwAA__-lD1gK">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687900222536.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossDES MOINES, MARCH 6, 2025&nbsp;— Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they&nbsp;turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have&nbsp;about two minutes to safely get out,”&nbsp;said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and&nbsp;the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.&nbsp;When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”In 2024, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,900 people in Iowa affected by 610 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.SMOKE ALARMS&nbsp;When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy8FuwyAMgOGngRsRNnYgBw699DUqgp0WLW02Ei17_KnTrt-vXzKmSn60miESYExT8vaRuS4cg7IwyBhlngWqR2AF9oUh2pbHWKeqC0NF9Dcg8OyDTzRVQ35voh_tyz1LW7XvLo0yC8uSokvyQ8vwDnbNj-P4NOFi8Grwep7n0FVq3_Z92Prd4HVpXe1TpRXXddWyq2uS_-D2DyZcRg7EtudaXttr6OV4GPJa7qv2Im0bXnrY_eiqz_cdZBZQJKck0RGgdyVRdBMyCUaEMEX7nfE3AAD__6i7VfQ">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family,&nbsp;or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.<ul>
 <li>Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.</li><li>Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.</li>
 </ul>HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least&nbsp;2,284&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0Fu6yAQgOHTwA5rGMYGL1hkY71bRJgZEvTsuAWr7vGrVN1-v36OGDLBpCVaTxZ9mAPoZ1wpFUicLRWYBFaYvE-BV8dckPOsa5x8nrOU0WZEuFuyMIKDQHNWBL2y_K-fZk91k9ZNmHjlkUvwJvA3leEd9Baf5_mh3E3honC5rmtowrkdvQ9Heyhc_h27LLVJ17twTabJJqmLqRx_4f4Hyt2m0dGoW8zpdbyGls6nIpD02KQlrsfwklP3s4ns79vxylaQjBB7QxbBpEDezDgSo0frZq-_Iv4EAAD__2EuWMA">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER&nbsp;State Farm® has renewed its pledge of $1 million to the Red Cross in support of&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;efforts to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm® has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm® is committed to helping even more individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring&nbsp;Sound the Alarm&nbsp;for the second year.About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA4LhsHAgkU2uUZEmCFG9U8LVt3jV6m6_Z4eJQgF9Sw5GY8GfIhByyXpwMVnLC6QrTVmy9Hp2RZAqM5WJ1uafYmFqzMFQD8MGu201QFjEahHI_5oX2rLbeU-VJjpSY5q8CrQD9bpHeSalvP8FPYm4C7gfl3X1JlKP8aYjv6SG1PLqvPKebBqlP7g8Q_C3mZn0cmeSt6Pfer5XARqzq-Ve6Z2TDufcpydeXvflp5kGFAxkldoQKsc0KsIDgk8GBu9_E7wGwAA__9l21PK">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WDMOPFyyyyWtEE2ZIuNeJW-zWVZ--StXtd3S4QK5oo5biEjpIec5W3wtF15LEwNKCDcFD4JiTUGzYZu9J9xJTnau04CqAvTh0NlhvM85Vod06y__-bh7UFxmbyZGvHLjlZDJ_YZteQS_lvu9vyp8UnBWcj-OYhnAd67ZN67gpONfx8W3G-o_0Q7iTGbIIbWI6l1-4_IHypxg8Bj1Kpef6nAbtd4VW6LbIIO7r9JRdb_sQebxuz1d2AmgEORl0YA1lTGaGgAwJnJ-T_izwEwAA__-lD1gK">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media

 Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms  as you TURN your clocks forward this weekend

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kenner (Louisiana) Police Department, and the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children announced on Wednesday the recovery of a 14-year-old boy who had been missing for more than seven years, according to a media release.

Abdul Aziz Khan was successfully located and recovered thanks to the sharp instincts and diligent work of Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a trespass call. 

At approximately 3:37 p.m. on February 23, 2025, Douglas County deputies were dispatched to a home on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to investigate a burglary in progress.

 Two individuals allegedly illegally entered the property, which was vacant and listed for sale. The homeowner, monitoring security cameras, observed the suspicious activity and immediately alerted authorities. Deputies arrived on the scene and made contact with two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. 

Shortly thereafter, a male and female exited the house, claiming to be associated with a realtor. Their story began to unravel as the deputies and dispatchers worked for four hours to verify their identities. The female was finally identified as 40-year-old Rabia Khalid, who had an active warrant for kidnapping. Continued research verified the older child on scene was the victim of the kidnapping and is currently 14 years old. 

The investigation revealed that on November 27, 2017, Khalid, as a non-custodial parent, allegedly abducted her son, Aziz, from Atlanta, Georgia. Khalid was charged with felony kidnapping, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service became involved in the investigation, working diligently to locate Khalid and Aziz. Khalid and 42-year-old Elliot Blake Bourgeois were arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges including Second Degree Kidnapping, Forgery, Identity Theft, Providing False Information to Authorities, and Trespassing. Bond was set at one million dollars each. 

The children were taken into protective custody. The identity of the younger child is not being released at this time. Decisions about where the children will be placed are made by the Court. The victim’s family is asking for privacy at this time. 

The family of Abdul Aziz Khan provided this statement: “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We specifically want to recognize the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their exceptional work in solving this case. 

Now, as we navigate the next steps, we ask for privacy so that we can move forward as a family and heal together.”“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth. Their ability to recognize the discrepancies in the suspects’ story and to follow the leads, even when the situation seemed unclear, ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years. I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by our team; this case highlights the commitment of our officers to seek justice and protect the most vulnerable. 

It’s a reminder of the incredible difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.&nbsp; “This significant development follows a lengthy seven-year search,” said U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

“I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved in the recovery effort, especially the authorities in Douglas County, Colorado for their swift and effective actions. Also, we would like to thank NCMEC, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Crimestoppers GNO for directing the public’s attention to this matter.” “The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children has worked closely with law enforcement and Aziz’s family since his disappearance, always believing he could be found. In family abduction cases, it can be difficult to garner public attention, but we knew that national media coverage was crucial—Aziz could have been anywhere. Thanks to the deputies’ keen instincts and the attention of both law enforcement and the public, Aziz is now safe. We know family reunifications can be challenging."

"As Aziz and his family reconnect and heal, NCMEC will continue to support them.” John Bischoff III, Vice President Missing Children Division, NCMEC.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I commend the training and professionalism of the deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and am proud that law enforcement worked collaboratively to bring resolve and closure to this family,” said Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley.&nbsp; The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information to fully resolve this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741266830025.png" alt="Khalid-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Khalid-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kenner (Louisiana) Police Department, and the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children announced on Wednesday the recovery of a 14-year-old boy who had been missing for more than seven years, according to a media release.Abdul Aziz Khan was successfully located and recovered thanks to the sharp instincts and diligent work of Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a trespass call. At approximately 3:37 p.m. on February 23, 2025, Douglas County deputies were dispatched to a home on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to investigate a burglary in progress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741266807592.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Two individuals allegedly illegally entered the property, which was vacant and listed for sale. The homeowner, monitoring security cameras, observed the suspicious activity and immediately alerted authorities. Deputies arrived on the scene and made contact with two children in a vehicle parked in the driveway. Shortly thereafter, a male and female exited the house, claiming to be associated with a realtor. Their story began to unravel as the deputies and dispatchers worked for four hours to verify their identities. The female was finally identified as 40-year-old Rabia Khalid, who had an active warrant for kidnapping. Continued research verified the older child on scene was the victim of the kidnapping and is currently 14 years old. The investigation revealed that on November 27, 2017, Khalid, as a non-custodial parent, allegedly abducted her son, Aziz, from Atlanta, Georgia. Khalid was charged with felony kidnapping, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service became involved in the investigation, working diligently to locate Khalid and Aziz. Khalid and 42-year-old Elliot Blake Bourgeois were arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges including Second Degree Kidnapping, Forgery, Identity Theft, Providing False Information to Authorities, and Trespassing. Bond was set at one million dollars each. The children were taken into protective custody. The identity of the younger child is not being released at this time. Decisions about where the children will be placed are made by the Court. The victim’s family is asking for privacy at this time. The family of Abdul Aziz Khan provided this statement: “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We specifically want to recognize the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their exceptional work in solving this case. Now, as we navigate the next steps, we ask for privacy so that we can move forward as a family and heal together.”“Our deputies responded to what initially seemed like a routine trespass call, but through sharp attention to detail and tenacity, they uncovered the truth. Their ability to recognize the discrepancies in the suspects’ story and to follow the leads, even when the situation seemed unclear, ultimately led to the safe recovery of a child who had been missing for seven long years. I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by our team; this case highlights the commitment of our officers to seek justice and protect the most vulnerable. It’s a reminder of the incredible difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.&nbsp; “This significant development follows a lengthy seven-year search,” said U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved in the recovery effort, especially the authorities in Douglas County, Colorado for their swift and effective actions. Also, we would like to thank NCMEC, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Crimestoppers GNO for directing the public’s attention to this matter.” “The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children has worked closely with law enforcement and Aziz’s family since his disappearance, always believing he could be found. In family abduction cases, it can be difficult to garner public attention, but we knew that national media coverage was crucial—Aziz could have been anywhere. Thanks to the deputies’ keen instincts and the attention of both law enforcement and the public, Aziz is now safe. We know family reunifications can be challenging.""As Aziz and his family reconnect and heal, NCMEC will continue to support them.” John Bischoff III, Vice President Missing Children Division, NCMEC.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I commend the training and professionalism of the deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and am proud that law enforcement worked collaboratively to bring resolve and closure to this family,” said Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley.&nbsp; The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information to fully resolve this case.

Boy missing 7 years found after appearing on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries’

LINCOLN – Scammers are getting smarter, but so are Nebraskans. This National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Mike Hilgers is empowering consumers with the tools they need to recognize fraud, avoid scams, and protect their hard-earned money.

Throughout the week, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will share quick, practical fraud prevention tips on X (formerly Twitter) via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>—because learning to outsmart scammers can take five minutes or less!

Nebraska’s Top 10 Scams of 2024

Scammers target people in many ways, but these were the most reported fraud categories in Nebraska this year:

As scammers develop more sophisticated schemes, staying informed is your best defense. The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office offers free resources to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 for assistance.

Want to take fraud prevention a step further? Organizations and schools can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/request-presentation">request free, in-person presentations</a>&nbsp;on consumer protection topics by visiting our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">website</a>&nbsp;or calling (402) 471-3878.

Follow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>&nbsp;for essential scam prevention tips all week long.

Nebraska Attorney General OfficeLINCOLN – Scammers are getting smarter, but so are Nebraskans. This National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Mike Hilgers is empowering consumers with the tools they need to recognize fraud, avoid scams, and protect their hard-earned money.Throughout the week, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will share quick, practical fraud prevention tips on X (formerly Twitter) via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>—because learning to outsmart scammers can take five minutes or less!Nebraska’s Top 10 Scams of 2024Scammers target people in many ways, but these were the most reported fraud categories in Nebraska this year:<ol>
 <li>Imposter Scams</li><li>Online Shopping</li><li>Home Improvement</li><li>Auto Scams</li><li>Health/Medical Fraud</li><li>Banks &amp; Lenders</li><li>Travel Scams</li><li>Phone Scams</li><li>Identity Theft</li><li>Credit Card Fraud</li>
 </ol>As scammers develop more sophisticated schemes, staying informed is your best defense. The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office offers free resources to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 for assistance.Want to take fraud prevention a step further? Organizations and schools can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/request-presentation">request free, in-person presentations</a>&nbsp;on consumer protection topics by visiting our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/">website</a>&nbsp;or calling (402) 471-3878.Follow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ProtectNE">@ProtectNE</a>&nbsp;for essential scam prevention tips all week long.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers Urges Nebraskans to Stay Ahead of Scammers During  National Consumer Protection Week

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner

One of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s priorities advanced to the second round of debate with a vote on Monday, as a statewide cell phone ban in schools inched closer to becoming law. 

The bill would ban student use of personal electronic devices, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips. But it would leave school districts wide latitude in approving student cellphone use, including some exceptions. 

Senators advanced Legislative Bill 140 Monday with bipartisan support, 44-0, with five lawmakers not voting or excused. 

The proposed law moved out of the Education Committee 7-0, with one member absent. Pillen said during its public hearing last month that the bill focuses on student mental health and that he should have pushed the legislation earlier in his term as governor.  

“The evidence, in my view, is crystal clear: Our kids are being harmed by their constant exposure to these things,” Pillen said at the time. 

Several other states have pushed for similar legislation on students’ cell phones with similar bipartisan support, but some experts warn that these types of restrictions could be outdated or challenging for classroom teachers and schools to enforce. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha echoed similar concerns. 

“Most schools already have these policies, which are good,” McKinney said on the floor. “The only thing I think about is how these school districts will enforce this.” 

McKinney added that there might be an uptick in classroom discipline issues because kids will be kids. During the same hearing at which Pillen testified, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha voiced caution about whether students could quickly access phones in emergencies, such as during school shootings.

The bill addresses such concerns with exceptions. LB 140 would allow students to use cellphones at school in the following circumstances:

If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.

When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.

In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”

When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.

When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.

Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would have to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools. Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the guidelines, if any, would be left up to individual school districts

“It’s time to prioritize student success by eliminating unnecessary distractions,” said State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the sponsor of LB 140.

In a possible hint of tension within the Legislature, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha used her time to speak during the debate as a “shot across the bow” because the Nebraska Legislature has shown her that it’s “going to screw over the poorest people in the state for just pettiness.” 

“I’m going to make this body fight like hell for the things that don’t benefit low-income people,” Cavanaugh said. “You’re going to have to fight like hell for it, not this bill, even though it had some opposition, I’m not opposed to it.”

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a>&nbsp;Nebraska ExaminerOne of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s priorities advanced to the second round of debate with a vote on Monday, as a statewide cell phone ban in schools inched closer to becoming law. The bill would ban student use of personal electronic devices, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips. But it would leave school districts wide latitude in approving student cellphone use, including some exceptions. Senators advanced Legislative Bill 140 Monday with bipartisan support, 44-0, with five lawmakers not voting or excused. The proposed law moved out of the Education Committee 7-0, with one member absent. Pillen said during its public hearing last month that the bill focuses on student mental health and that he should have pushed the legislation earlier in his term as governor. “The evidence, in my view, is crystal clear: Our kids are being harmed by their constant exposure to these things,” Pillen said at the time. Several other states have pushed for similar legislation on students’ cell phones with similar bipartisan support, but some experts warn that these types of restrictions could be outdated or challenging for classroom teachers and schools to enforce. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha echoed similar concerns. “Most schools already have these policies, which are good,” McKinney said on the floor. “The only thing I think about is how these school districts will enforce this.” McKinney added that there might be an uptick in classroom discipline issues because kids will be kids. During the same hearing at which Pillen testified, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha voiced caution about whether students could quickly access phones in emergencies, such as during school shootings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741195119600.jpeg" alt="Marley Helvey, center, and her mother, Sarah Helvey, middle right, join with State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Dan Lonowski of Hastings, from left. Marley Helvey, a 15-year-old freshman at Omaha’s Westside High School, was among supporters of a bill from Sanders and Gov. Jim Pillen to ban cellphones during the school day. Feb. 4, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Marley Helvey, center, and her mother, Sarah Helvey, middle right, join with State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Dan Lonowski of Hastings, from left. Marley Helvey, a 15-year-old freshman at Omaha’s Westside High School, was among supporters of a bill from Sanders and Gov. Jim Pillen to ban cellphones during the school day. Feb. 4, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill addresses such concerns with exceptions. LB 140 would allow students to use cellphones at school in the following circumstances:If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would have to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools. Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the guidelines, if any, would be left up to individual school districts“It’s time to prioritize student success by eliminating unnecessary distractions,” said State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the sponsor of LB 140.In a possible hint of tension within the Legislature, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha used her time to speak during the debate as a “shot across the bow” because the Nebraska Legislature has shown her that it’s “going to screw over the poorest people in the state for just pettiness.” “I’m going to make this body fight like hell for the things that don’t benefit low-income people,” Cavanaugh said. “You’re going to have to fight like hell for it, not this bill, even though it had some opposition, I’m not opposed to it.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s Cellphone Ban in Schools Advances

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.

Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.

“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”

But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.

Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.

The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.

In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.

Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.

“America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that,” Slotkin said.

In his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half, Trump touted his array of executive orders including his ban on transgender women and girls from competing in sports that match their gender, as well as his order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within the federal government.

The House floor was split in half as Trump’s Republican supporters rose from their seats and cheered as he rattled off the actions of his early days in office, and Democrats largely sat solemnly, holding signs decrying his speech as false.

Democracy is at risk when the president pits Americans against Americans, Slotkin said, when he “demonizes” individuals for being different and tells his followers some people should not be included.

“Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We’re a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied,” Slotkin said “That is America’s super power.”

Slotkin&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/06/by-a-whisker-slotkin-keeps-michigans-u-s-senate-seat-in-democratic-hands/" target="_blank">narrowly won her Senate seat in November&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;against Republican and former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP was eager to fill the seat that former Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow had held since 2001 before&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/01/05/stabenow-announces-she-wont-run-again-in-2024-sets-off-speculation-on-possible-successors/" target="_blank">retiring</a>. Slotkin at 48 is the youngest Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She previously served three terms representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2018 when she&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2021/08/12/why-arent-dems-targeting-any-michigan-u-s-reps-in-2022/" target="_blank">flipped a congressional district that had been historically Republican</a>.

Ending her speech, she used that relative youth to engage in a time of constant connection on smart phones. Don’t doomscroll, she said, but get involved with a causes that motivate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Thank you tonight for caring about your country, just by watching you qualify as engaged citizens,” Slotkin said. “I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741168407482.png" alt="Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Complete Democratic Response from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin <a href="https://t.co/luPxKm02DB">pic.twitter.com/luPxKm02DB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897154192327761952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.“America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that,” Slotkin said.In his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half, Trump touted his array of executive orders including his ban on transgender women and girls from competing in sports that match their gender, as well as his order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within the federal government.The House floor was split in half as Trump’s Republican supporters rose from their seats and cheered as he rattled off the actions of his early days in office, and Democrats largely sat solemnly, holding signs decrying his speech as false.Democracy is at risk when the president pits Americans against Americans, Slotkin said, when he “demonizes” individuals for being different and tells his followers some people should not be included.“Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We’re a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied,” Slotkin said “That is America’s super power.”Slotkin&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/06/by-a-whisker-slotkin-keeps-michigans-u-s-senate-seat-in-democratic-hands/" target="_blank">narrowly won her Senate seat in November&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;against Republican and former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP was eager to fill the seat that former Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow had held since 2001 before&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/01/05/stabenow-announces-she-wont-run-again-in-2024-sets-off-speculation-on-possible-successors/" target="_blank">retiring</a>. Slotkin at 48 is the youngest Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She previously served three terms representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2018 when she&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2021/08/12/why-arent-dems-targeting-any-michigan-u-s-reps-in-2022/" target="_blank">flipped a congressional district that had been historically Republican</a>.Ending her speech, she used that relative youth to engage in a time of constant connection on smart phones. Don’t doomscroll, she said, but get involved with a causes that motivate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thank you tonight for caring about your country, just by watching you qualify as engaged citizens,” Slotkin said. “I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.”

US Sen. Slotkin urges engagement, not doomscrolling, in Dems’ response to Trump

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741138448346.png" alt="President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress, March 4, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK">https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1897105699085410663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump depart White House for Joint Session to Congress. <a href="https://t.co/wZB3z6yGyb">pic.twitter.com/wZB3z6yGyb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897098872415019263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Lady <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a> arrives in U.S. House Chamber. <a href="https://t.co/RmVFSqPvWZ">pic.twitter.com/RmVFSqPvWZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897105948726198755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Democrats holds a sign reading &quot;This is NOT Normal.&quot; A Republican grabs and thrown the sign. <a href="https://t.co/n37tjET1Zn">pic.twitter.com/n37tjET1Zn</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897109504283525182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;America is back!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eegvl8fz8A">pic.twitter.com/eegvl8fz8A</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897110908947566936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAlGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAlGreen</a> (D-TX) is removed from the Joint Session of Congress. <a href="https://t.co/GJVHJpZHGc">pic.twitter.com/GJVHJpZHGc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897112970221531409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House Democrats holding up signs during President Trump&#39;s address to a Joint Session of Congress. <a href="https://t.co/eR0PfYJIN5">pic.twitter.com/eR0PfYJIN5</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897114510177325511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAlGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAlGreen</a> after being removed from Joint Session of Congress: &quot;I&#39;ll accept the punishment. It&#39;s worth it to let people know that there&#39;s some of us who are going to stand up to against this president&#39;s desire to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T32rj1OitB">pic.twitter.com/T32rj1OitB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897117558500700644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump recognizes Elon Musk and DOGE. <a href="https://t.co/pGoqQmKRac">pic.twitter.com/pGoqQmKRac</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897118244370059487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation, we must have have legislation to secure the border. But it turned that all we really needed was a new president.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BO5mGN13ml">pic.twitter.com/BO5mGN13ml</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897124950768595086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;Tonight, DJ, we&#39;re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially make you an agent of the United State Secret Service.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LcTssvyJRk">pic.twitter.com/LcTssvyJRk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897130318110310608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Some highlights from President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

The Executive Board heard joint testimony Feb. 27 on two proposals that would extend term limits for members of the Nebraska Legislature.

The identical measures —&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LR19CA&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LR19CA</a>, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Robert Dover, and LR27CA, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt — would extend the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms for state senators to three consecutive four-year terms.

If approved by the Legislature, the proposals would be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot. If approved by voters, the measures would take effect in 2028.

Dover said that while he supports term limits, they come with challenges. Inexperienced lawmakers are forced to rely more heavily on other branches of government and long-term lobbyists to fill in the gaps in their institutional knowledge, he said.

“By the time a senator finally feels somewhat comfortable, they are termed out,” Dover said.

Hunt, on the other hand, said she opposes term limits and is concerned that the process limits voter choice. Given that term limits are a reality in Nebraska, however, the state would be better served by allowing senators an additional term, she said.

In addition, Hunt said, the idea that state senators are “fat cats” who want to stay in office to line their pockets is not the reality for Nebraska lawmakers. Senators’ $12,000 annual salary means that no one is in the job for the money, she said, and even before term limits Nebraska did not see the kind of “career politicians” that are common in Congress.

“I think this is something that a lot of Nebraskans don’t really understand,” Hunt said.

Geoff Lorenz, an assistant professor of Political Science at UNL echoed those sentiments. Testifying on his own behalf, Lorenz spoke in support of both measures.

He said only about one quarter of lawmakers served three or more terms before Nebraska instituted term limits in 2006. Adding a third term would put legislative careers closer to the institution’s historical norms, he said, while also offering a buffer against escalating polarization.

“Term-limited bodies tend to exert less influence on policy outcomes [and] are less innovative and more polarized, as members have less time to develop policy expertise and long-term working relationships,” Lorenz said.

Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bryan Slone also spoke in favor of both proposals. Nebraska’s unique one-house system means that lawmakers cannot run for a seat in another chamber, he said, so the expertise that senators gain during their time in office is lost when they must leave office due to term limits.

“In any state [with] term limits, it’s in the best interest of the voters that term limits be periodically reconsidered to see if they’re actually achieving the goals that were sought,” Slone said.

No one testified in opposition to the proposals and the committee took no immediate action on them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741018523781.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Unicameral Update)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Unicameral Update)</figcaption>
 </figure>Unicameral UpdateThe Executive Board heard joint testimony Feb. 27 on two proposals that would extend term limits for members of the Nebraska Legislature.The identical measures —&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LR19CA&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LR19CA</a>, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Robert Dover, and LR27CA, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt — would extend the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms for state senators to three consecutive four-year terms.If approved by the Legislature, the proposals would be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot. If approved by voters, the measures would take effect in 2028.Dover said that while he supports term limits, they come with challenges. Inexperienced lawmakers are forced to rely more heavily on other branches of government and long-term lobbyists to fill in the gaps in their institutional knowledge, he said.“By the time a senator finally feels somewhat comfortable, they are termed out,” Dover said.Hunt, on the other hand, said she opposes term limits and is concerned that the process limits voter choice. Given that term limits are a reality in Nebraska, however, the state would be better served by allowing senators an additional term, she said.In addition, Hunt said, the idea that state senators are “fat cats” who want to stay in office to line their pockets is not the reality for Nebraska lawmakers. Senators’ $12,000 annual salary means that no one is in the job for the money, she said, and even before term limits Nebraska did not see the kind of “career politicians” that are common in Congress.“I think this is something that a lot of Nebraskans don’t really understand,” Hunt said.Geoff Lorenz, an assistant professor of Political Science at UNL echoed those sentiments. Testifying on his own behalf, Lorenz spoke in support of both measures.He said only about one quarter of lawmakers served three or more terms before Nebraska instituted term limits in 2006. Adding a third term would put legislative careers closer to the institution’s historical norms, he said, while also offering a buffer against escalating polarization.“Term-limited bodies tend to exert less influence on policy outcomes [and] are less innovative and more polarized, as members have less time to develop policy expertise and long-term working relationships,” Lorenz said.Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bryan Slone also spoke in favor of both proposals. Nebraska’s unique one-house system means that lawmakers cannot run for a seat in another chamber, he said, so the expertise that senators gain during their time in office is lost when they must leave office due to term limits.“In any state [with] term limits, it’s in the best interest of the voters that term limits be periodically reconsidered to see if they’re actually achieving the goals that were sought,” Slone said.No one testified in opposition to the proposals and the committee took no immediate action on them.

Potential Third Term Proposed for Legislators

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Lincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Economic Assistance (OEA), Child Care and Development Fund Program is issuing round two of the Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

This program provides a one-time startup grant of up to $100,000 per facility to nursing homes or assisted living facilities to develop Intergenerational Child Care Services. Applications for this grant are due March 14, 2025.

These funds can be used for structural modifications, outdoor campus improvements, the purchase of child care equipment and supplies, or any combination of such purposes. By fostering intergenerational connections, the initiative enhances the well-being of both elderly residents and young children while addressing service gaps under the Medical Assistance Act.

This funding opportunity is open to “non-federal entities" as outlined in 45 CFR § 75.2 or 2 CFR § 200.69. A “non-federal entity" is limited to local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit&nbsp;organizations. Facilities operating in Nebraska are eligible to apply, with preference given to those in rural communities as described in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-1288. Individuals may not apply for this grant funding.

All entities that apply for this funding&nbsp;must&nbsp;meet the following requirements:

Until final grants are signed, a&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RFA%20R-3891%20Intergenerational%20Childcare%20%20Repost%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">copy of the RFA&nbsp;</a>, amendments or addenda, and other information about this RFA is posted at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx</a>&nbsp;under Grant Funding Opportunity Announcements.&nbsp;

Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesLincoln, NE&nbsp;– The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Economic Assistance (OEA), Child Care and Development Fund Program is issuing round two of the Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.This program provides a one-time startup grant of up to $100,000 per facility to nursing homes or assisted living facilities to develop Intergenerational Child Care Services. Applications for this grant are due March 14, 2025.These funds can be used for structural modifications, outdoor campus improvements, the purchase of child care equipment and supplies, or any combination of such purposes. By fostering intergenerational connections, the initiative enhances the well-being of both elderly residents and young children while addressing service gaps under the Medical Assistance Act.This funding opportunity is open to “non-federal entities" as outlined in 45 CFR § 75.2 or 2 CFR § 200.69. A “non-federal entity" is limited to local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit&nbsp;organizations. Facilities operating in Nebraska are eligible to apply, with preference given to those in rural communities as described in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-1288. Individuals may not apply for this grant funding.All entities that apply for this funding&nbsp;must&nbsp;meet the following requirements:<ol>
 <li>Must provide documentation that the applicant is a nursing home as defined in&nbsp;Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2421&nbsp;or an assisted living facility as&nbsp;defined in&nbsp;Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-5903.</li><li>Must provide documentation the facility has not been cited for substandard quality of care during its most recent survey.</li><li>Must provide certification to participate in Medicare or Medicaid.</li><li>Must provide a plan describing how the grantee plans to participate in the quality rating and improvement system described in&nbsp;Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-1956&nbsp;within three years after the date the grant is awarded.</li>
 </ol>Until final grants are signed, a&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Grants%20and%20Contract%20Opportunity%20Docs/RFA%20R-3891%20Intergenerational%20Childcare%20%20Repost%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">copy of the RFA&nbsp;</a>, amendments or addenda, and other information about this RFA is posted at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities.aspx</a>&nbsp;under Grant Funding Opportunity Announcements.&nbsp;

Intergenerational Child Care Request for Applications

Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 28 to a bill that would require Nebraska schools to notify parents, guardians and educational decisionmakers before conducting non-anonymous surveys that ask for sensitive student information.

<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB428&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB428</a>, introduced by Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman, would require schools to give parents, guardians and education decisionmakers 30 days’ notice before conducting a survey that collects sensitive information from students, such as details about sex, religion, politics and health-risks or medical information.

The notice would include the purpose of the survey, who survey results might be shared with and how student privacy would be protected.

Under the bill, parents could request to review a copy of a survey and could choose to exempt their child from participating. LB428 also would prohibit sexual questions in surveys given to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Murman said data collection poses risks to personal privacy and parents have the right to know how their child’s data will be stored, secured or shared.

“This bill asks that parents are informed and given the ability to make decisions they feel are best for their child,” Murman said.

Lawmakers voted 34-1 to adopt a&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>&nbsp;amendment that would shorten the period for schools to inform parents about upcoming surveys from 30 days to 15.

Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln spoke in support of the measure. Parents already have the right to opt their children out of school curricula or activities they find objectionable, she said, and should have the ability to do the same for surveys that may cover sensitive topics.

“There is no doubt important results come from conducting thoughtful research, but when government entities are facilitating this kind of research, it can run afoul of parents’ rights otherwise to guide and control their children’s education,” Conrad said.

After adopting the committee amendment, senators voted 34-1 to advance LB428 to select file.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741018374566.jpeg" alt="Senator Dave Murman (Courtesy of Unicameral Update)" />
 <figcaption>Senator Dave Murman (Courtesy of Unicameral Update)</figcaption>
 </figure>Unicameral UpdateLawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 28 to a bill that would require Nebraska schools to notify parents, guardians and educational decisionmakers before conducting non-anonymous surveys that ask for sensitive student information.<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB428&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB428</a>, introduced by Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman, would require schools to give parents, guardians and education decisionmakers 30 days’ notice before conducting a survey that collects sensitive information from students, such as details about sex, religion, politics and health-risks or medical information.The notice would include the purpose of the survey, who survey results might be shared with and how student privacy would be protected.Under the bill, parents could request to review a copy of a survey and could choose to exempt their child from participating. LB428 also would prohibit sexual questions in surveys given to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.Murman said data collection poses risks to personal privacy and parents have the right to know how their child’s data will be stored, secured or shared.“This bill asks that parents are informed and given the ability to make decisions they feel are best for their child,” Murman said.Lawmakers voted 34-1 to adopt a&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud" target="_blank">Judiciary Committee</a>&nbsp;amendment that would shorten the period for schools to inform parents about upcoming surveys from 30 days to 15.Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln spoke in support of the measure. Parents already have the right to opt their children out of school curricula or activities they find objectionable, she said, and should have the ability to do the same for surveys that may cover sensitive topics.“There is no doubt important results come from conducting thoughtful research, but when government entities are facilitating this kind of research, it can run afoul of parents’ rights otherwise to guide and control their children’s education,” Conrad said.After adopting the committee amendment, senators voted 34-1 to advance LB428 to select file.

Parental notification for student surveys advanced

In its final meeting before legislative debate begins on the state’s two-year budget, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board voted Feb. 28 to raise revenue projections for the current fiscal year.

The board provides an advisory forecast of general fund receipts used by the Legislature to craft the state’s budget.

Revenue projections for the current fiscal year were raised based on an anticipated increase of $175 million in corporate income tax receipts, offset by projected decreases in miscellaneous and individual income tax receipts.

Total projected revenue receipts for FY2024-25 were set at $6.435 billion, an overall increase of $100 million above the previous projection.

The board also set the forecast for projected total revenue receipts for FY2025-26 at $6.955 billion, leaving that forecast largely unchanged. Projections were set at $7.250 billion for FY2026-27, an increase of $28.5 million.

The next board meeting is scheduled for April 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741018283433.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Unicameral Update)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Unicameral Update)</figcaption>
 </figure>Unicameral UpdateIn its final meeting before legislative debate begins on the state’s two-year budget, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board voted Feb. 28 to raise revenue projections for the current fiscal year.The board provides an advisory forecast of general fund receipts used by the Legislature to craft the state’s budget.Revenue projections for the current fiscal year were raised based on an anticipated increase of $175 million in corporate income tax receipts, offset by projected decreases in miscellaneous and individual income tax receipts.Total projected revenue receipts for FY2024-25 were set at $6.435 billion, an overall increase of $100 million above the previous projection.The board also set the forecast for projected total revenue receipts for FY2025-26 at $6.955 billion, leaving that forecast largely unchanged. Projections were set at $7.250 billion for FY2026-27, an increase of $28.5 million.The next board meeting is scheduled for April 25.

Economic forecasting board raises short-term revenue projections

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board (NEFAB) voted to add $100 million to current fiscal year revenue projections for General Fund receipts.

Additionally, the Forecasting Board increased projected revenue receipts by $5 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and by $60 million for the following Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Together, these increases account for an additional $165 million that can be leveraged, along with necessary spending decreases, to support a balanced state budget that delivers critical investments in education and property tax relief.

“The Forecasting Board delivered good news today,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “This is a sign of Nebraska’s strong and resilient economy. There is still work to be done to ensure we are delivering the fiscally conservative budget that Nebraskans expect and deserve.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board (NEFAB) voted to add $100 million to current fiscal year revenue projections for General Fund receipts.Additionally, the Forecasting Board increased projected revenue receipts by $5 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and by $60 million for the following Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Together, these increases account for an additional $165 million that can be leveraged, along with necessary spending decreases, to support a balanced state budget that delivers critical investments in education and property tax relief.“The Forecasting Board delivered good news today,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “This is a sign of Nebraska’s strong and resilient economy. There is still work to be done to ensure we are delivering the fiscally conservative budget that Nebraskans expect and deserve.”

Gov. Jim Pillen Comments on Good News from Forecasting Board

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-cybersecurity-liability-bill-moves-closer-to-becoming-law/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska State Sen.&nbsp;Bob Hallstrom’s&nbsp;bill to provide private entities with immunity from liability for data breaches is one step closer to becoming state law.&nbsp;

After an hour-long floor debate Friday and a failed attempt to amend the bill, the legislation advanced to the final round in a 29-9 vote.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59155" target="_blank">The proposed law</a>&nbsp;would make it harder to sue a business in the event of a hack,&nbsp;unless caused by the “willful, wanton or gross negligence” of a business.&nbsp;Hallstrom, of Syracuse, said during the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.tv/news/legislature/lincoln-neb-nebraskas-lb241-bill-advances-amid-cybersecurity-lawsuit-concerns" target="_blank">bill’s committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that many&nbsp;lawsuits have been filed in which the plaintiffs did not suffer monetary harm.

Some lawmakers have said the bill could weaken consumer protections and would give businesses unnecessary and special legal protections if hacked.&nbsp;

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM474.pdf" target="_blank">an amendment</a>&nbsp;to LB 241 that would have ensured it “does not undermine or impede the rights of anyone under the Nebraska data privacy act.”&nbsp;

“I don’t like this bill … but again, I’m asking for your green vote on AM47, because all it says is that we are not intentionally repealing or undermining the data privacy act,” Cavanaugh said.&nbsp;

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of&nbsp;North Platte&nbsp;said the amendment was a tactic to stall the bill.&nbsp;

“It’s time to move on, get the bill passed, do the people’s business and move on to the agenda,” Jacobson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741017327727.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Juan Salinas II<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-cybersecurity-liability-bill-moves-closer-to-becoming-law/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska State Sen.&nbsp;Bob Hallstrom’s&nbsp;bill to provide private entities with immunity from liability for data breaches is one step closer to becoming state law.&nbsp;After an hour-long floor debate Friday and a failed attempt to amend the bill, the legislation advanced to the final round in a 29-9 vote.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59155" target="_blank">The proposed law</a>&nbsp;would make it harder to sue a business in the event of a hack,&nbsp;unless caused by the “willful, wanton or gross negligence” of a business.&nbsp;Hallstrom, of Syracuse, said during the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.tv/news/legislature/lincoln-neb-nebraskas-lb241-bill-advances-amid-cybersecurity-lawsuit-concerns" target="_blank">bill’s committee hearing</a>&nbsp;that many&nbsp;lawsuits have been filed in which the plaintiffs did not suffer monetary harm.Some lawmakers have said the bill could weaken consumer protections and would give businesses unnecessary and special legal protections if hacked.&nbsp;State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM474.pdf" target="_blank">an amendment</a>&nbsp;to LB 241 that would have ensured it “does not undermine or impede the rights of anyone under the Nebraska data privacy act.”&nbsp;“I don’t like this bill … but again, I’m asking for your green vote on AM47, because all it says is that we are not intentionally repealing or undermining the data privacy act,” Cavanaugh said.&nbsp;The amendment failed 26-9.&nbsp;State Sen. Mike Jacobson of&nbsp;North Platte&nbsp;said the amendment was a tactic to stall the bill.&nbsp;“It’s time to move on, get the bill passed, do the people’s business and move on to the agenda,” Jacobson said.

Nebraska Cybersecurity Liability Bill Moves Closer to Becoming Law

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/28/new-nebraska-economic-forecast-spurs-cautious-optimism-shrinks-state-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;An updated Nebraska economic forecast on Friday offered the Legislature up to $165 million in potential new revenue to help shrink the state’s anticipated budget shortfall.

Roughly $65 million of that additional revenue would be generated over the next two fiscal years, largely from projected increases in corporate tax collections. Those funds, plus recent budget tweaks&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">recommended by the Legislature’s</a>&nbsp;Appropriations Committee, have narrowed the state’s formerly $432 million budget shortfall to just&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Budget/status.pdf" target="_blank">under $200 million.</a>

The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board also increased, for the current fiscal year, how much it expects the state to collect in tax receipts by another $100 million.&nbsp;

If the Legislature pulls that money from the cash reserve, the remaining&nbsp; budget hole for the state to plug would fall to roughly $100 million.

That matters because the Legislature still has to close any gap to balance the biennial budget by its mid-May deadline.

Gov. Jim Pillen, in a statement, called the update good news: “A sign of Nebraska’s strong and resilient economy.”

He said the increases could help deliver “critical investments in education and property tax relief.”

Pillen and others noted, however, that months of wrangling still lie ahead as lawmakers and the Pillen administration seek to balance the budget while retaining funds for various agencies and operations affecting Nebraskans.&nbsp;

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said she remains worried about<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">&nbsp;Pillen’s efforts</a>&nbsp;to shift dollars from cash funds and slash other programs — including several the state had already directed funding toward.

“I’m glad the deficit is smaller today than yesterday,” said the Omaha legislator. “I still think we’re not approaching the budget in a thoughtful manner.”

Cavanaugh said she remains concerned with the apparent “singular focus” by the Pillen administration on property tax relief, when, she said, the state doesn’t even set property taxes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741017239557.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board updated its revenue projections on Friday. Shown is the State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board updated its revenue projections on Friday. Shown is the State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/28/new-nebraska-economic-forecast-spurs-cautious-optimism-shrinks-state-budget-shortfall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;An updated Nebraska economic forecast on Friday offered the Legislature up to $165 million in potential new revenue to help shrink the state’s anticipated budget shortfall.Roughly $65 million of that additional revenue would be generated over the next two fiscal years, largely from projected increases in corporate tax collections. Those funds, plus recent budget tweaks&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/18/preliminary-appropriations-committee-budget-unveiled-includes-pillen-cuts-to-nu/">recommended by the Legislature’s</a>&nbsp;Appropriations Committee, have narrowed the state’s formerly $432 million budget shortfall to just&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Budget/status.pdf" target="_blank">under $200 million.</a>The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board also increased, for the current fiscal year, how much it expects the state to collect in tax receipts by another $100 million.&nbsp;If the Legislature pulls that money from the cash reserve, the remaining&nbsp; budget hole for the state to plug would fall to roughly $100 million.That matters because the Legislature still has to close any gap to balance the biennial budget by its mid-May deadline.<h2>Wrangling ahead</h2>Gov. Jim Pillen, in a statement, called the update good news: “A sign of Nebraska’s strong and resilient economy.”He said the increases could help deliver “critical investments in education and property tax relief.”Pillen and others noted, however, that months of wrangling still lie ahead as lawmakers and the Pillen administration seek to balance the budget while retaining funds for various agencies and operations affecting Nebraskans.&nbsp;State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said she remains worried about<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/15/gov-pillen-touts-second-shot-at-life-need-to-shrink-spending-in-state-of-state-speech/">&nbsp;Pillen’s efforts</a>&nbsp;to shift dollars from cash funds and slash other programs — including several the state had already directed funding toward.“I’m glad the deficit is smaller today than yesterday,” said the Omaha legislator. “I still think we’re not approaching the budget in a thoughtful manner.”Cavanaugh said she remains concerned with the apparent “singular focus” by the Pillen administration on property tax relief, when, she said, the state doesn’t even set property taxes.She sees current budget difficulties as a result of Pillen administration-led reductions in income and corporate taxes passed two years ago but that won’t be completely implemented for two more years.Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, attended Friday’s meeting of the forecasting board and reacted with cautious optimism.“We are pleased with positive developments, but advise caution as the budget process continues since we can’t rely on economic growth alone to resolve state budget challenges,” she said.The watchdog organization said Nebraska’s budget needs to withstand “unprecedented pressure” as the federal government considers cuts, including to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP, which comprise a sizable portion of the state budget.“Economic opportunity for all Nebraskans depends on sustainable revenue for things like health care, food security, education and housing,” Firestone said. “We are concerned that a revenue shortfall will make it difficult for working families to make ends meet, especially with the looming threat of deep cuts to the federal contribution.”<h2>Forecast breakdown</h2>The bump in revenue projections announced Friday in the Capitol were largely due to corporate income tax revenues coming in higher than expected.I'm glad the deficit is smaller today than yesterday. I still think we’re not approaching the budget in a thoughtful manner.– State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, member of Legislature's Appropriations CommitteeThe Nebraska Legislature’s Fiscal Office helped prepare the latest state economic data for the board and helped break down the current budget situation:Pillen’s biennial proposal, which he released in January, was built off the previous forecasting board projections from October, which showed a $432 million shortfall for the two fiscal years through 2027.The Appropriations Committee earlier this month, as part of the lengthy budget-making process, took a stab at closing the hole — releasing the committee’s preliminary biennial budget recommendations that reduced the shortfall to about $262 million.Friday’s economic forecast updated tax revenues for the next two fiscal years, increasing them by about $65 million (though about 3% of that would go to cash reserves). This updates the budget’s yet-to-be-filled&nbsp;<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ogbl#search/strimple/FMfcgzQZTVpCHbBQzpbvqsTldCfQgcJF" target="_blank">hole to about $198.8 million.</a>The forecasting board also increased its estimate for how much tax revenue the state would collect in the current fiscal year by $100 million. The Fiscal Office notes that state law requires excess revenue to be sent to the cash reserve, boosting the state’s rainy day fund. The Legislature, however, could vote to move the money back into the general fund.<h2>Board discusses local economies</h2>Members of the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board offered a few thoughts Friday on local economic conditions:Leslie Andersen, president and CEO of Bennington Bank, said the Omaha area continues to grow, with commercial construction bustling, buoyed by what appear to be more available workers. But she said a challenge is a shortage of housing that is affordable to lower- and middle-income “workforce” residents.Chad Meisgeier, chief financial officer with Millard Public Schools, said he hasn’t “yet” seen an economic slowdown. “You are hearing a little more concern, maybe, on the capital side of where things are going with tariffs on steel and things like that.”According to Thomas Henning, a Kearney-based food industry executive: “As far as development is concerned up the Platte Valley, I think it’s good.” He said the area is excited about the University of Nebraska Medical Center&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/unmc-takes-another-step-to-grow-health-care-workforce-in-rural-nebraska/">medical school</a>&nbsp;soon to open in Kearney. ”We’re going to be teaching doctors here next year. We’ll have a program for physicians.”Richard McGinnis, a Kearney banker, said the housing shortage remains an issue in the area.&nbsp;“It’s not that Kearney is experiencing a downside economically right now. I would say its growth has slowed down.”John Kuehn, of Sand Creek Strategy Group in Heartwell, said he is concerned about rural and smaller communities getting closer to a “tipping point.” “It’s like a rubber band and it has been stretched by high interest prices and consumer prices,” he said. “We’re at a point where for many communities a singular event can cause that to snap and (prompt) a series of downstream effects.”