LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request.&nbsp;

“Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”

During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation.&nbsp;

“This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.”&nbsp;

Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR.&nbsp; He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment.&nbsp;

“By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”

Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game &amp; Parks Commission.&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request.&nbsp;“Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation.&nbsp;“This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.”&nbsp;Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR.&nbsp; He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment.&nbsp;“By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game &amp; Parks Commission.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-rural-hospitals">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement&nbsp;models so that they can have&nbsp;greater financial sustainability.

Currently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.S

enator Fischer’s legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility&nbsp;requirements. The bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities. U.S. Representatives&nbsp;Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced identical companion legislation&nbsp;in the House.

“Rural community hospitals ensure that every Nebraskan can access the health services they rely on, regardless of their zip code. Our legislation will help rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my Nebraska delegation colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the Senate and the House,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;

“Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood.“Hospitals serving rural populations in Nebraska and across the country should operate under the Medicare reimbursement designations which best fit their needs and circumstances. This bill provides for commonsense regulatory flexibility ensuring such rural hospitals can best serve Nebraskans. I thank Rep. Flood and Sen. Fischer for working with me to advance this legislative solution,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.

The full text of the legislation can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d6004ae-27a7-41ee-9ee7-4a55ec83ccbe/supporting-access-to-rural-community-hospitals-act-2025-signed-.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-rural-hospitals">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement&nbsp;models so that they can have&nbsp;greater financial sustainability.Currently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.Senator Fischer’s legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility&nbsp;requirements. The bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities. U.S. Representatives&nbsp;Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced identical companion legislation&nbsp;in the House.“Rural community hospitals ensure that every Nebraskan can access the health services they rely on, regardless of their zip code. Our legislation will help rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my Nebraska delegation colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the Senate and the House,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;“Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood.“Hospitals serving rural populations in Nebraska and across the country should operate under the Medicare reimbursement designations which best fit their needs and circumstances. This bill provides for commonsense regulatory flexibility ensuring such rural hospitals can best serve Nebraskans. I thank Rep. Flood and Sen. Fischer for working with me to advance this legislative solution,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.The full text of the legislation can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d6004ae-27a7-41ee-9ee7-4a55ec83ccbe/supporting-access-to-rural-community-hospitals-act-2025-signed-.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support Rural Hospitals

This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.

Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739468534690.png" alt="Image igloo" />
 <figcaption>Image igloo</figcaption>
 </figure>This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

Igloo recall: Cooler handle hazard causes fingertip amputation injuries

JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.

The stores that will close include the locations at&nbsp;10521 S. 15th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska and three locations in Kansas: 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg in Wichita will remain open for now.

"This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."

In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring.

"JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."

<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739470367752.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.The stores that will close include the locations at&nbsp;10521 S. 15th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska and three locations in Kansas: 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg in Wichita will remain open for now."This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring."JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

Fabric stores in Neb., Kan. among 100s to close nationwide

Lincoln, Ne -&nbsp;

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/bui" target="_blank">Business and Labor Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a bill Feb. 10 that seeks to provide public benefits to work-authorized immigrants in Nebraska.

<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB299&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB299</a>, introduced by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, would grant access to public employment and retirement benefits — including unemployment insurance benefits, deferred compensation and educational financial aid — to all work-eligible Nebraskans regardless of immigration status. The bill also would extend eligible benefits to a qualified employee’s family members and dependents.

Ibach said Nebraska is the only state in which work-authorized immigrants, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status recipients, cannot access the unemployment benefits they have earned and that their employers have paid for.

The individuals the bills seek to benefit are not criminals or undocumented immigrants, Ibach said, they are “good people” who work hard, pay taxes and contribute to society.

“We, as a state, financially benefit from them being here,” she said. “I fully believe the least we can do is treat them equally.”

Speaking in support of the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, Matt Williams said the biggest challenge Nebraska businesses face is workforce. It’s a problem throughout the state, he said, and one that LB299 could help resolve.

“Over the last decade, 100% of our state’s population increase has come from immigration,” Williams said. “Positive immigration solutions will create strong Nebraska communities, families and workforce all across our state.”

Several DACA recipients also testified in support of the proposal, including Zayra Navarrete. She said work authorization has allowed her to contribute to a pension and life insurance, but without unemployment benefits she would be forced to take out a loan or sell her assets if faced with an unexpected job loss.

“The contribution of DACA recipients in many work fields is substantial, but the care and respect [we receive] is minimal,” Navarrete said.

Tom Venzor of the Nebraska Catholic Conference also testified in support of the proposal. He said the current prohibition on unemployment benefits for work-authorized immigrants is an injustice for Nebraskans who have worked hard to support their families, contribute to local communities and grow the state economy.

“We have an opportunity through LB299 to adjust our state’s public policy and provide work-authorized migrants the same benefits their coworkers receive,” Venzor said. “This legislation makes not only economic sense … but it also makes moral sense as the just thing to do.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Omaha Chamber and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Traynor also testified in favor, calling the proposal a “no nonsense” way to ensure a strong labor force.

Opposing the bill was interim Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. LB299 essentially creates a new definition of “eligible alien,” she said, which is broad enough to potentially provide benefits even if an immigrant lost their work authorization.

Thurber said the department has been advised by the federal government that the bill could jeopardize federal funds if the language causes the state to be out of conformity with federal regulations. The result could be the loss of nearly $400 million in federal unemployment tax credits, she said.

Thurber also noted that maintaining conformity becomes “particularly concerning” given current uncertainties surrounding the future of the DACA program.

Lincoln, Ne -&nbsp;

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/bui" target="_blank">Business and Labor Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a bill Feb. 10 that seeks to provide public benefits to work-authorized immigrants in Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739452306972.jpeg" alt="Sumner Senator Teresa Ibach" />
 <figcaption>Sumner Senator Teresa Ibach</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB299&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB299</a>, introduced by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, would grant access to public employment and retirement benefits — including unemployment insurance benefits, deferred compensation and educational financial aid — to all work-eligible Nebraskans regardless of immigration status. The bill also would extend eligible benefits to a qualified employee’s family members and dependents.Ibach said Nebraska is the only state in which work-authorized immigrants, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status recipients, cannot access the unemployment benefits they have earned and that their employers have paid for.The individuals the bills seek to benefit are not criminals or undocumented immigrants, Ibach said, they are “good people” who work hard, pay taxes and contribute to society.“We, as a state, financially benefit from them being here,” she said. “I fully believe the least we can do is treat them equally.”Speaking in support of the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, Matt Williams said the biggest challenge Nebraska businesses face is workforce. It’s a problem throughout the state, he said, and one that LB299 could help resolve.“Over the last decade, 100% of our state’s population increase has come from immigration,” Williams said. “Positive immigration solutions will create strong Nebraska communities, families and workforce all across our state.”Several DACA recipients also testified in support of the proposal, including Zayra Navarrete. She said work authorization has allowed her to contribute to a pension and life insurance, but without unemployment benefits she would be forced to take out a loan or sell her assets if faced with an unexpected job loss.“The contribution of DACA recipients in many work fields is substantial, but the care and respect [we receive] is minimal,” Navarrete said.Tom Venzor of the Nebraska Catholic Conference also testified in support of the proposal. He said the current prohibition on unemployment benefits for work-authorized immigrants is an injustice for Nebraskans who have worked hard to support their families, contribute to local communities and grow the state economy.“We have an opportunity through LB299 to adjust our state’s public policy and provide work-authorized migrants the same benefits their coworkers receive,” Venzor said. “This legislation makes not only economic sense … but it also makes moral sense as the just thing to do.”Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Omaha Chamber and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Traynor also testified in favor, calling the proposal a “no nonsense” way to ensure a strong labor force.Opposing the bill was interim Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. LB299 essentially creates a new definition of “eligible alien,” she said, which is broad enough to potentially provide benefits even if an immigrant lost their work authorization.Thurber said the department has been advised by the federal government that the bill could jeopardize federal funds if the language causes the state to be out of conformity with federal regulations. The result could be the loss of nearly $400 million in federal unemployment tax credits, she said.Thurber also noted that maintaining conformity becomes “particularly concerning” given current uncertainties surrounding the future of the DACA program.

Legislative Bill would extend unemployment, other benefits to DACA recipients

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike.

"The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike."The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

U.S. forces help with deadly attack on ISIS operatives

Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 11 to a bill intended to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates without the use of general fund dollars. Modeled on a proposal approved by lawmakers last year to levy an assessment on all Nebraska hospitals, LB527, introduced by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, would use a similar mechanism to levy an assessment on the state’s health maintenance organizations.

Under the bill, the state Department of Health and Human Services would be required to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Aug. 1, 2025.

If approved, the state plan amendment would authorize collection of a 6% tax on all non-Medicare premiums written in Nebraska under an HMO certificate of authority, to be collected by the state Department of Insurance.

Revenue generated by the tax would be remitted to a newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund. DHHS would use the fund to leverage federal matching dollars to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services, with an emphasis on evaluation and management, labor and delivery and rural health services.

The fund also would be used to pay a monthly per-member fee of at least $75 to qualified primary care providers who meet criteria to serve as a primary care medical home for target populations. Any remaining funds would be used within the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs.

Jacobson said the bill, when combined with federal matching funds, would generate approximately $115 million to enhance rates for providers. Those enhanced rates would help increase access to health care services, he said, noting that more than half of Nebraska counties currently are defined as maternity care deserts.

“This bill is incredibly important to the future of health care in our state, especially in rural areas and especially for pregnant women and Nebraska children,” Jacobson said.

Following adoption of a technical amendment from the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, senators voted 39-0 to advance LB527 from general file.

Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 11 to a bill intended to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates without the use of general fund dollars. Modeled on a proposal approved by lawmakers last year to levy an assessment on all Nebraska hospitals, LB527, introduced by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, would use a similar mechanism to levy an assessment on the state’s health maintenance organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739378841299.jpeg" alt="Mike Jacobsen - Nebraska Senator-District 42" />
 <figcaption>Mike Jacobsen - Nebraska Senator-District 42</figcaption>
 </figure>Under the bill, the state Department of Health and Human Services would be required to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Aug. 1, 2025.If approved, the state plan amendment would authorize collection of a 6% tax on all non-Medicare premiums written in Nebraska under an HMO certificate of authority, to be collected by the state Department of Insurance.Revenue generated by the tax would be remitted to a newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund. DHHS would use the fund to leverage federal matching dollars to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services, with an emphasis on evaluation and management, labor and delivery and rural health services.The fund also would be used to pay a monthly per-member fee of at least $75 to qualified primary care providers who meet criteria to serve as a primary care medical home for target populations. Any remaining funds would be used within the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs.Jacobson said the bill, when combined with federal matching funds, would generate approximately $115 million to enhance rates for providers. Those enhanced rates would help increase access to health care services, he said, noting that more than half of Nebraska counties currently are defined as maternity care deserts.“This bill is incredibly important to the future of health care in our state, especially in rural areas and especially for pregnant women and Nebraska children,” Jacobson said.Following adoption of a technical amendment from the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, senators voted 39-0 to advance LB527 from general file.

NE Lawmakers give First-Round Yes to Bill to Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates without General Fund Dollars

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Witkoff left Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia since 2021, according to a statement from the White House.

President Trump, Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from Russia and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the burtal and terrible war in Ukraine.

"Since President Trump's swearing-in, he has successfully secured the released of Americans around the world and he will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States."

Marc Fogel is expected to be back on American soil and reunited with family and loved ones tonight, according to the release.

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Witkoff left Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia since 2021, according to a statement from the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WELCOME HOME, MARC!🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/0b2Igcqudp">pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1889529852757201368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WELCOME HOME, MARC!🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/0b2Igcqudp">pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1889529852757201368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MARC FOGEL IS BACK!!! 🇺🇸 PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ZMceoU0OfA">pic.twitter.com/ZMceoU0OfA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1889505612792258637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739304767115.png" alt="Marc Fogel on the flight home from Russia on Tuesday-photo by Adam Boehler, United States Envoy for Hostages. " />
 <figcaption>Marc Fogel on the flight home from Russia on Tuesday-photo by Adam Boehler, United States Envoy for Hostages. </figcaption>
 </figure>President Trump, Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from Russia and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the burtal and terrible war in Ukraine."Since President Trump's swearing-in, he has successfully secured the released of Americans around the world and he will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States."Marc Fogel is expected to be back on American soil and reunited with family and loved ones tonight, according to the release.

White House: American teacher freed from Russian prison is home

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/nebraska-lawmakers-hear-support-for-opening-unemployment-insurance-to-immigrant-dreamers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would put the state in sync with nearly all, if not all, other states in allowing access to unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants who have permission to work in the U.S. but who lack permanent residency.

The state’s current prohibition on the benefits applies to certain authorized immigrant workers despite the fact their employers pay unemployment insurance taxes on their behalf.

So-called “Dreamers,” who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here illegally as minors by their parents, are a primary population excluded from such benefits.

Nebraska Dreamers, legally in the U.S. as recipients of the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, were among the 10 people in the majority that testified Monday in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB299.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 299</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Capitol.

LB 299, the topic of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee, has bipartisan sponsorship. It was introduced by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, a Republican, and by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a Democrat.

We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws.

– State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln

Zayra Navarrete, who has had DACA status since 2013 and works as a financial advisor in Hastings, told the committee she contributes to a pension, life insurance and unemployment benefits. She said she lives in fear that if unforeseen circumstances led to a job loss, she would not have the same lifeline as co-workers.

“I am constantly preparing alternatives for an emergency crisis,” Navarrete said, figuring out backup strategies that include taking out loans or selling personal assets.

She said the question of unemployment benefits for workers in her situation came to the forefront during COVID-19 — when some workers who were laid-off were not provided the same help to get by during the crescendo of the pandemic.

Said Navarrete: “Why is a state that is benefiting over $14 million in state and local taxes from DACA recipients not allowing us to access those funds?”

The National Immigration Law Center did not have a current comprehensive inventory of states with policies akin to LB 299. But Tanya Broder, senior counsel, said that most, if not all states, offer unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants in similar situations.

Nick Grandgenett, an attorney with Nebraska Appleseed, said the proposed legislation would benefit DACA recipients as well as asylum-seekers who have been granted work authorization while their requests are reviewed and others with Temporary Protected Status that is granted when returning to a person’s home country is unsafe due to natural disaster, extraordinary conditions or war.

The only person to testify in opposition to LB 299 on Monday was interim Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber, who noted that the measure essentially creates a new state definition for “eligible alien.”

She said that more than $400 million in tax credits is at stake.

For Nebraska to receive federal funds to help administer its unemployment program, the state must meet certain federal conformity requirements, Thurber said.

She said Nebraska has been given an advanced warning by the U.S. Department of Labor that, as drafted, LB 299 likely creates a conformity issue. She said her understanding is that the language is too broad, allowing benefits even if the immigrant lost legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Maintaining conformity under LB 299, she said, “becomes particularly concerning” given the uncertain future of DACA, depending on the results of an ongoing court battle.

Thurber’s objections prompted a firm challenge from committee member State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln.

“You know, Nebraska does have a conformity issue — a nonconformity issue,” Raybould said. “We were the very last state in the entire United States to allow our DACA qualified people to have a driver’s license. … We were the last state in the entire union to recognize the degrees they have achieved through their hard work at our own universities.”

Raybould said it is her understanding that Nebraska is the only state that does not allow DACA and certain other authorized immigrant workers access to unemployment benefits that their employers contribute to.

Thurber said she was not saying there aren’t “ways around” the nonconformity language, and noted that the Labor Department worked with State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha on similar 2021 legislation that was never enacted.

She said, however, that as currently drafted, LB 299 could cost Nebraska employers more than $400 million in federal tax credits unless conformity questions are resolved.

Backing the proposed legislation Monday were groups such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/more-than-60-ne-entities-show-unified-front-to-update-laws-state-policies-that-help-immigrants/">Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities</a>&nbsp;and business organizations including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Omaha and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce.

“We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws,” said Raybould. “I find it really hard to believe that we in the state of Nebraska can not get it right like all the other 49 states have done to make sure we are in conformity … What are we doing wrong?”

Thurber, at the end of the back-and-forth, said she has offered assistance to Ibach to address the conformity issue.

State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, chair of the Business and Labor Committee, said 46 people wrote in support of the proposed legislation and eight were opposed.

The committee took no action on whether to advance the bill to debate by the full Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739297179070.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, a coalition of labor unions, hospitals, banks, cattlemen and pork producers gather in September at the Capitol to proclaim that certain immigration policies and laws should be updated, partly to help address Nebraska’s workforce shortage. The alliance supported Legislative Bill 299, which was the topic of a public hearing Monday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, a coalition of labor unions, hospitals, banks, cattlemen and pork producers gather in September at the Capitol to proclaim that certain immigration policies and laws should be updated, partly to help address Nebraska’s workforce shortage. The alliance supported Legislative Bill 299, which was the topic of a public hearing Monday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/nebraska-lawmakers-hear-support-for-opening-unemployment-insurance-to-immigrant-dreamers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would put the state in sync with nearly all, if not all, other states in allowing access to unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants who have permission to work in the U.S. but who lack permanent residency.The state’s current prohibition on the benefits applies to certain authorized immigrant workers despite the fact their employers pay unemployment insurance taxes on their behalf.So-called “Dreamers,” who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here illegally as minors by their parents, are a primary population excluded from such benefits.Nebraska Dreamers, legally in the U.S. as recipients of the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, were among the 10 people in the majority that testified Monday in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB299.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 299</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Capitol.<h2>Bipartisan support</h2>LB 299, the topic of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee, has bipartisan sponsorship. It was introduced by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, a Republican, and by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a Democrat.We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws.– State Sen. Jane Raybould of LincolnZayra Navarrete, who has had DACA status since 2013 and works as a financial advisor in Hastings, told the committee she contributes to a pension, life insurance and unemployment benefits. She said she lives in fear that if unforeseen circumstances led to a job loss, she would not have the same lifeline as co-workers.“I am constantly preparing alternatives for an emergency crisis,” Navarrete said, figuring out backup strategies that include taking out loans or selling personal assets.She said the question of unemployment benefits for workers in her situation came to the forefront during COVID-19 — when some workers who were laid-off were not provided the same help to get by during the crescendo of the pandemic.Said Navarrete: “Why is a state that is benefiting over $14 million in state and local taxes from DACA recipients not allowing us to access those funds?”The National Immigration Law Center did not have a current comprehensive inventory of states with policies akin to LB 299. But Tanya Broder, senior counsel, said that most, if not all states, offer unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants in similar situations.Nick Grandgenett, an attorney with Nebraska Appleseed, said the proposed legislation would benefit DACA recipients as well as asylum-seekers who have been granted work authorization while their requests are reviewed and others with Temporary Protected Status that is granted when returning to a person’s home country is unsafe due to natural disaster, extraordinary conditions or war.<h2>Labor Department objects</h2>The only person to testify in opposition to LB 299 on Monday was interim Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber, who noted that the measure essentially creates a new state definition for “eligible alien.”She said that more than $400 million in tax credits is at stake.For Nebraska to receive federal funds to help administer its unemployment program, the state must meet certain federal conformity requirements, Thurber said.She said Nebraska has been given an advanced warning by the U.S. Department of Labor that, as drafted, LB 299 likely creates a conformity issue. She said her understanding is that the language is too broad, allowing benefits even if the immigrant lost legal authorization to work in the U.S.Maintaining conformity under LB 299, she said, “becomes particularly concerning” given the uncertain future of DACA, depending on the results of an ongoing court battle.Thurber’s objections prompted a firm challenge from committee member State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln.“You know, Nebraska does have a conformity issue — a nonconformity issue,” Raybould said. “We were the very last state in the entire United States to allow our DACA qualified people to have a driver’s license. … We were the last state in the entire union to recognize the degrees they have achieved through their hard work at our own universities.”Raybould said it is her understanding that Nebraska is the only state that does not allow DACA and certain other authorized immigrant workers access to unemployment benefits that their employers contribute to.Thurber said she was not saying there aren’t “ways around” the nonconformity language, and noted that the Labor Department worked with State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha on similar 2021 legislation that was never enacted.She said, however, that as currently drafted, LB 299 could cost Nebraska employers more than $400 million in federal tax credits unless conformity questions are resolved.<h2>Business support</h2>Backing the proposed legislation Monday were groups such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/more-than-60-ne-entities-show-unified-front-to-update-laws-state-policies-that-help-immigrants/">Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities</a>&nbsp;and business organizations including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Omaha and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce.“We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws,” said Raybould. “I find it really hard to believe that we in the state of Nebraska can not get it right like all the other 49 states have done to make sure we are in conformity … What are we doing wrong?”Thurber, at the end of the back-and-forth, said she has offered assistance to Ibach to address the conformity issue.State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, chair of the Business and Labor Committee, said 46 people wrote in support of the proposed legislation and eight were opposed.The committee took no action on whether to advance the bill to debate by the full Legislature.

Nebraska Lawmakers Hear Support for Opening Unemployment Insurance to Immigrant ‘Dreamers’

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/11/face-to-face-nsea-president-school-choice-laws-author-debate-future-of-nebraska-education/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Months after a tense election cycle to repeal the state’s two latest school choice laws, the former state senator who wrote those bills and the current president of the state teacher’s union spent Saturday debating the future of education policy, with a focus on Nebraska students in need.

Lou Ann Linehan, the former state senator for the Elkhorn area, and Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, sat side by side for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nelegisbrief.org/" target="_blank">50th annual Nebraska Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day</a>&nbsp;at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln.

They debated school choice and more for about an hour, offering competing visions for what the next steps should be to change the “status quo.”

The pair have crossed paths in and out of the Legislature, often clashing in recent years in Linehan’s two committees: Revenue and Education. Royers was past president of the Millard Education Association, and Linehan chaired the Revenue Committee for six years.

Beyond policy disagreements, the two have found common ground in Linehan-led and teacher-backed efforts to increase support for students struggling with reading, including dyslexia, which Linehan has, and to increase state funding for schools, largely to offset the amount of school spending relying on property taxes.

Linehan also assisted Royers, a civics and government teacher for Millard before ascending to the top NSEA post last fall, by personally replying in writing to students or otherwise engaging with them on assignments and presentations that Royers devised.

Most recently, Linehan and Royers were among the public faces of Nebraska’s school choice “battle,” as Linehan described it Saturday, hosting&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/29/not-in-nebraska-public-school-advocates-rally-against-opportunity-scholarship-bill/">dueling</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/lawmakers-public-school-advocates-spar-over-ads-against-using-state-funds-for-ne-private-schools/">rallies</a>&nbsp;for and against Linehan’s past laws.

It was a fight that sometimes got personal, including Linehan questioning whether the union had the best interests of children or families at heart and the union pointing out Linehan’s familial connection to the American Federation for Children. Her daughter works for the group.

Linehan, who was term-limited last month after eight years, led the passage of two laws in her final two years to help Nebraska families cover the costs of attending a private K-12 school, after multiple earlier attempts.

“I’ve always been able to choose and pick [what was best for my children] because I had the financial ability and the knowledge to do so, and I don’t think that choice should be limited to just those with means,” Linehan said Saturday.

NSEA-backed Support Our Schools and Linehan-backed Keep Kids First raised and spent more than $9 million combined, for and against the referendum measures in 2023 and 2024. Support Our Schools accounted for 83% of that total fundraising and spending. A key reason for the imbalance: Linehan and her supporters largely declined to fight the 2024 referendum.

Royers said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/07/lawmakers-probe-special-education-option-enrollment-among-nebraska-school-districts/">option enrollment</a>, which allows parents to apply and possibly move their child to a different district or school than the one they live closest to, gives parents a choice in public schools, which Linehan supports.&nbsp;

However, she has criticized option enrollment for leaving some students behind, particularly those receiving special education or those who can’t afford transportation to a different school or district.

If there’s an issue with a neighborhood school, those should be resolved first, Royers said. He said he and Linehan have a “philosophical disagreement” on how best to meet the needs of Nebraska students.

“All of those kids deserve to have the education they should need,” Royers said. “It shouldn’t just be that we provide a lifeboat to a handful of kids to go somewhere else.”

The annual Ecumenical Briefing Day focuses on the assumption that part of living under God’s grace means “fighting for justice for those oppressed or in need whose voices go unheard.”

Linehan and Royers also weighed in on how to best support underperforming schools, what possible ramifications could come of federal calls to abolish the U.S. Department of Education and whether chaplains should be allowed to serve as school counselors.

Among NSEA’s main concerns that Royers voiced Saturday:

“Does that mean if we removed ‘approved’ and it was just ‘accredited,’ that you would support it?” Linehan asked Royers.

“I would be more comfortable with it, how about that,” he said.

Royers said the laws also come as some attempt to privatize the education system and profit off of it. However, he said, he doesn’t think that is Linehan’s goal.

“Even though I fundamentally disagree with the solution she’s advocating for, I fundamentally do believe that she believes this is in the best interest of kids,” Royers said.

About 57% of voters rejected Linehan’s latest school choice law in November, Legislative Bill 1402, an annual $10 million appropriation to the State Treasurer’s office to distribute funds to families to offset private school attendance costs. It was the fourth time Nebraska voters have rejected school choice proposals at the ballot box.

Her successor, State Sen. Tony Sorrentino, has introduced a bill to revive the 2023 version of Linehan’s school choice law, LB 753, which set aside $25 million in dollar-for-dollar income tax credits to offset private donations to organizations funding scholarships for students seeking to attend private K-12 schools. Linehan repealed the 2023 version in favor of the direct scholarship or voucher program last year.

Sorrentino’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59783" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 509</a>&nbsp;is joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59768" target="_blank">LB 624</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk, which would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/hope-omaha-mother-daughters-call-to-revive-nebraska-school-choice-law/">revive the new scholarship or voucher program</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">voters repealed in November</a>. Both are among&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/nebraska-school-choice-supporters-opponents-ready-for-another-rematch/">at least seven school choice bills</a>&nbsp;in the 2025 legislative session.

Much of the union’s hesitation and pushback has less to do with what the proposal is now, Royers said, and more to do with what it could become and “the door that could open.” He said that concern grows with Linehan no longer in the Legislature because he understands Linehan’s intent with her legislation. Similar laws in other states have started at a similar scale, scope and focus and have grown, he explained.&nbsp;

I’ve always been able to choose and pick (what was best for my children) because I had the financial ability and the knowledge to do so, and I don’t think that choice should be limited to just those with means.

– Former State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan

Linehan said that if students are leaving any school in droves, it should raise questions.&nbsp;<a href="http://v/" target="_blank">Some families can’t afford to leave</a>&nbsp;and might not feel like they have the power to demand change, she said, pointing to parts of the Omaha Public Schools, where she said some schools have underperformed “for two or three generations.”

“If you are poor and you are afraid somebody might come and take your kids away from you, you don’t go to school and demand answers,” Linehan said.

Asked by an audience member about the next steps for underperforming schools, Royers agreed with Linehan that many decisions reside in the Nebraska Department of Education.

Linehan said it is up to the department and the State Board of Education to accredit schools, but she said it’s right to question why schools that are failing are still being accredited or receiving more state aid per-student aid than others that are performing better.

“It’s not always just money,” Linehan said of solutions.

Royers said he needs to do better in voicing alternatives to Linehan’s approach, which he said Saturday is the “<a href="https://www.nea.org/student-success/great-public-schools/community-schools/what-are-they" target="_blank">community school model</a>.” It seeks to tailor services and supports specifically for each neighborhood, decentralizing decision-making and bringing in parents with a voting voice to “help steer the school in the right direction to meet the needs of their kids.”

“It’s not a cookie cutter answer, because the fundamental principle is it should be tailored to whatever the needs of the community are,” Royers said.

All of those kids deserve to have the education they should need. It shouldn’t just be that we provide a lifeboat to a handful of kids to go somewhere else.

– Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association

Linehan said she is “so proud” of Sorrentino, who she said “just ran in there” and said, “I’m going to do this.” She said it takes a lot of nerve and is very hard to take on the teacher’s union.

“The Education Committee in the Legislature is one of the most important committees there is. And if you’re a Republican, a conservative, and you’re for choice, and you put yourself on that committee, you’re putting a bull’s-eye on your back, and it’s not right,” Linehan said. “We can help all kids, and I’ve always wanted to help all kids.”

Royers said that while the two disagree on how, he and Linehan are united in wanting to help students.

“Where I think we do have common ground is both of us are unhappy with the status quo,” Royers said. “We just fundamentally disagree on what the solution is to the status quo.”

Both Royers and Linehan bristled at the suggestion of having chaplains serve as school counselors, a proposal advanced by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City in 2024 and proposed again in LB 549 in 2025. The new bill would allow a clergy member to serve at a school in a volunteer capacity, such as providing academic, career, emotional or behavioral health support.

Royers said that while he’s had important pastors in his life, they’re not trained to be counselors.&nbsp;

“To imply that those two are the same, candidly, in my mind is insulting to both counselors and religious leaders,” Royers said.

Counselors also take up coordination of federal Section 504 support plans for students, Royers said. It is a second tier of special education services with a lower qualifying threshold than individualized education plans (IEPs).

Linehan said she hasn’t read the new bill, but she remembers part of the 2024 push was for schools without counselors or other needed teachers in rural Nebraska, which could be helpful. She said she didn’t disagree with Royers’ concerns.

“If you’re going to be a counselor, you need education that says you’re a counselor,” Linehan said.

Some of the biggest cheers for both debaters came from an audience question on the possible ramifications to Nebraska schools of President Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk “and their kind” who have pushed ideas including the abolishment of the U.S. Department of Education.

Royers said if anybody tried to give a definitive answer right now “they’re wrong,” because while there is a lot of rhetoric that sounds alarming, it “really doesn’t have a lot of teeth behind it.” For example, he said, eliminating the federal department would require an act of Congress.&nbsp;

He predicted that once people realize the department’s role as a distributor of resources with little influence on curriculum, abolishing it will face bipartisan opposition, as it did last year. Royers said eliminating the department would diminish certain financial accountability measures in place for federal dollars, such as requiring compliance with federal special education laws.

“Right now, it just feels overwhelming and you have to play almost a sense of policy triage, otherwise you mentally won’t get through these next four years, just to be candid with you,” Royers said. “You have to prioritize what’s the most immediate concern.”

Linehan said she had breakfast Thursday with a very conservative friend who similarly questioned federal actions in recent weeks and called it “crazy.”

“It is crazy, and I agree with Tim,” Linehan said. “The president of the United States can’t just do things. He can’t just fire people. He can’t just do away with departments. He’s got to deal with Congress.”

Linehan worked in Washington, D.C., for 12 years, including as campaign manager and later chief of staff for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/nebraska-leads-with-new-veteran-justice-program-aiming-to-steer-veterans-back-to-hero-status/">former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel</a>, R-Neb. She later worked in the U.S. Department of State in various roles, including deputy assistant secretary. She said it’s hard to get anything done in Washington.&nbsp;

Linehan said Trump is “showboating a bit” to let people feel like he’ll get something done.&nbsp;

With a flood of information, she also offered her personal solution: “I do not listen to the blah, blah, blah on TV … It’s not healthy.”

Linehan also earned a laugh when she said at one point, “I am never running again, you can tell by some of my answers.”

Royers similarly suggested self-reflection on reactions to political developments, noting that negativity draws more attention. He said more people engaged with the NSEA on social media posts regarding school choice than when the union discussed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/28/nsea-lawmakers-outline-2025-priorities-after-survey-of-nearly-10000-nebraska-teachers/">priorities of its teachers</a>. He said getting engagement on those other issues is “like pulling teeth.”

“We’ve gotten very good at getting fired up about something we don’t like,” Royers said.&nbsp;

He continued: “It’s a choice to always focus on things that get you fired up in the wrong way, and we still need to be vigilant about these things, don’t get me wrong, but at a certain point, we’re just eating ourselves up.”

Most recent ‘school choice’ laws and latest proposals

LB 753 (2023)&nbsp;—&nbsp;The “Opportunity Scholarships Act” from State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. It created dollar-for-dollar income tax credits for individuals who donated to newly established scholarship granting organizations. The annual cap was $25 million in credits, which could grow to $100 million each year over time, if there was high demand. Passed 33-11 in May 2023. The Support Our Schools campaign gathered enough signatures to place a repeal of the law on the November 2024 ballot, raising and spending more than $1.8 million to do so. The Keep Kids First campaign, backed by Linehan, raised and spent more than $1.4 million against the signature-gathering effort.

LB 1402 (2024)&nbsp;—&nbsp;The second similar school choice law from Linehan. It created an annual $10 million program in the State Treasurer’s Office for $10 million in education scholarships or vouchers. The bill repealed LB 753, ending the active repeal efforts. Passed 32-15 in April 2024. The Support Our Schools campaign gathered enough signatures to place a repeal of the law on the November 2024 ballot, raising and spending more than $5.6 million to do so. The Linehan-backed Keep Kids First campaign raised about $86,000 and spent $127,000 opposing the referendum effort. The repeal passed at the ballot box with about 57% support, receiving majority support in 45 of the state’s 49 legislative districts.

LB 509 (2025) and LB 624 (2025)&nbsp;—&nbsp;LB 509, from State Sen. Tony Sorrentino, Linehan’s successor, would nearly word-for-word revive the Opportunity Scholarships Act. LB 624, from State Sen. Rob Dover, would revive LB 1402 in the State Treasurer’s Office. Other bills in 2025 seek to enact school choice policies, such as through option enrollment (LB 557, State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha; LB 633, State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair), educational savings accounts (LB 131, Sorrentino; LB 427, State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha) or limiting such state support for foster care youths (LB 481, State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln).

Face to face: NSEA president, School Choice Laws Author Debate Future of Nebraska Education

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in favor of LB303 which aims to provide Nebraskans with additional property tax relief by altering the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Senator Jana Hughes introduced LB303 at the Governor’s request.

TEEOSA has been Nebraska’s school funding formula since 1990. Its primary function is to provide state equalization aid to those schools where the needs exceed budget resources. During his testimony, Gov. Pillen pointed out that since 2000, school district taxes have increased from $1 billion to over $3 billion, and in that same time frame, the number of equalized school districts has dropped significantly, from 226 to just 60.

“Nebraska’s students and taxpayers need stability in funding. School districts often live under uncertain budget circumstances. It is difficult to project the amount of dollars that will come from the TEEOSA formula as property tax valuations continue to rise across the state,” said Gov. Pillen. “Providing stability to the TEEOSA formula is necessary and will require constant review and consideration. We must start managing the formula and not allowing the formula to manage us.”

Among the proposed changes to TEEOSA in LB303:

Both Sen. Hughes and Gov. Pillen emphasized that ensuring local control among school districts was paramount to this legislation.

“During the current fiscal year, 111 schools have seen a decrease in state aid. Modeling from the Nebraska Department of Education shows that LB303 will provide just over $62 million more in state aid to schools,” said Sen. Hughes. “While this doesn’t fully compensate for the loss due to rising valuations, it will lessen the impact on property taxpayers next year. Without the increase in funds provided to schools through LB303, the entire loss in state aid to these districts will fall to taxpayers.”

Organizations testifying in favor of LB 303 included the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), Greater Nebraska Schools Association (GNSA), Educational Service Units (ESUs), Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Open Sky Policy Institute, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children's Education (STANCE), Nebraska Farmers Union and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, representing a working group of ag organizations.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in favor of LB303 which aims to provide Nebraskans with additional property tax relief by altering the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Senator Jana Hughes introduced LB303 at the Governor’s request.TEEOSA has been Nebraska’s school funding formula since 1990. Its primary function is to provide state equalization aid to those schools where the needs exceed budget resources. During his testimony, Gov. Pillen pointed out that since 2000, school district taxes have increased from $1 billion to over $3 billion, and in that same time frame, the number of equalized school districts has dropped significantly, from 226 to just 60.“Nebraska’s students and taxpayers need stability in funding. School districts often live under uncertain budget circumstances. It is difficult to project the amount of dollars that will come from the TEEOSA formula as property tax valuations continue to rise across the state,” said Gov. Pillen. “Providing stability to the TEEOSA formula is necessary and will require constant review and consideration. We must start managing the formula and not allowing the formula to manage us.”Among the proposed changes to TEEOSA in LB303:<ul>
 <li>Dropping the maximum levy from $1.05 to $1.02</li><li>Increasing the minimum amount of state aid for each public-school student (Foundation Aid) by 6%, from $1500 to $1590 per student</li><li>Prohibiting school districts with a base levy adjustment of lower than $.30 from receiving state aid</li><li>Creating a commission to review the TEEOSA formula every year and provide feedback to elected officials on potential improvements</li>
 </ul>Both Sen. Hughes and Gov. Pillen emphasized that ensuring local control among school districts was paramount to this legislation.“During the current fiscal year, 111 schools have seen a decrease in state aid. Modeling from the Nebraska Department of Education shows that LB303 will provide just over $62 million more in state aid to schools,” said Sen. Hughes. “While this doesn’t fully compensate for the loss due to rising valuations, it will lessen the impact on property taxpayers next year. Without the increase in funds provided to schools through LB303, the entire loss in state aid to these districts will fall to taxpayers.”Organizations testifying in favor of LB 303 included the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), Greater Nebraska Schools Association (GNSA), Educational Service Units (ESUs), Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Open Sky Policy Institute, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children's Education (STANCE), Nebraska Farmers Union and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, representing a working group of ag organizations.

Gov. Pillen Advocates for Property Tax Relief Through TEEOSA Adjustments

WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.

While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739228935257.png" alt="Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10" />
 <figcaption>Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HAPPY GULF OF AMERICA DAY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/hFGMBRKh4S">pic.twitter.com/hFGMBRKh4S</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888707846000570775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊&quot;Air Force One is currently in international waters, the first time in history flying over the recently renamed Gulf of America.&quot; 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/XHXXrvtYzf">pic.twitter.com/XHXXrvtYzf</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888705072562929894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

Google officially changes maps from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

Lincoln - Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/1iZKKPoGXdk">led 23 states</a>&nbsp;in pushing back against dietary recommendations made by a committee appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration. Every five years, the federal government publishes the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” The Biden-Harris committee recommended that the new guidelines list beans, peas, and lentils as the best source of protein and move meat, poultry, and eggs to last on the list of recommended sources of protein.

“As common-sense Americans know, animal-based protein like beef and eggs has been and continues to be a staple in a healthy diet. The Biden-Harris Administration’s radical recommendation to get protein from beans instead of beef shows why the federal government should stay out telling Americans what to eat. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to correct these out-of-touch ideas and to help Americans make science-based dietary choices,” said Attorney General Hilgers.

The benefits of animal-based proteins, like beef, for a healthy diet are well known. No other food has as much protein, calorie for calorie, as beef and other meats. Sufficient protein consumption is linked to satiety, proper childhood development, combating anemia, and building and maintaining muscle. Beef is also an excellent source of micronutrients, which contribute to metabolic functioning, cognitive development, and hormone regulation. In addition to pointing out the necessity of beef and other animal-based sources of protein for a balanced diet, the comment also criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration for making dietary recommendations based on “health equity” considerations.

Nebraska Cattlemen President-elect Craig Uden stated, “If the goal of the Dietary Guidelines is to make Americans healthier, we should consider not only the essential nutrients in beef, but also the opportunity beef provides to lower American’s caloric intake. It takes about twice the calories of beans, peas, and/or lentils to get the same amount of protein from beef. If we’re working together to keep America Healthy, there is no better protein source than beef.”

“The dietary guidelines have failed Americans. Since the federal government injected itself into our dietary choices fifty years ago, obesity rates have skyrocketed, and our Nation’s health has declined,” said Hilgers. “We are proud to lead our sister states in this effort to turn back the radical recommendations of the Biden-Harris Administration and reassure the public that beef and other animal-based proteins should play an important role in eating a healthy diet.”

Joining Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers on the comment are attorneys general from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Nebraska Attorney General OfficeLincoln - Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/1iZKKPoGXdk">led 23 states</a>&nbsp;in pushing back against dietary recommendations made by a committee appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration. Every five years, the federal government publishes the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” The Biden-Harris committee recommended that the new guidelines list beans, peas, and lentils as the best source of protein and move meat, poultry, and eggs to last on the list of recommended sources of protein.“As common-sense Americans know, animal-based protein like beef and eggs has been and continues to be a staple in a healthy diet. The Biden-Harris Administration’s radical recommendation to get protein from beans instead of beef shows why the federal government should stay out telling Americans what to eat. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to correct these out-of-touch ideas and to help Americans make science-based dietary choices,” said Attorney General Hilgers.The benefits of animal-based proteins, like beef, for a healthy diet are well known. No other food has as much protein, calorie for calorie, as beef and other meats. Sufficient protein consumption is linked to satiety, proper childhood development, combating anemia, and building and maintaining muscle. Beef is also an excellent source of micronutrients, which contribute to metabolic functioning, cognitive development, and hormone regulation. In addition to pointing out the necessity of beef and other animal-based sources of protein for a balanced diet, the comment also criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration for making dietary recommendations based on “health equity” considerations.Nebraska Cattlemen President-elect Craig Uden stated, “If the goal of the Dietary Guidelines is to make Americans healthier, we should consider not only the essential nutrients in beef, but also the opportunity beef provides to lower American’s caloric intake. It takes about twice the calories of beans, peas, and/or lentils to get the same amount of protein from beef. If we’re working together to keep America Healthy, there is no better protein source than beef.”“The dietary guidelines have failed Americans. Since the federal government injected itself into our dietary choices fifty years ago, obesity rates have skyrocketed, and our Nation’s health has declined,” said Hilgers. “We are proud to lead our sister states in this effort to turn back the radical recommendations of the Biden-Harris Administration and reassure the public that beef and other animal-based proteins should play an important role in eating a healthy diet.”Joining Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers on the comment are attorneys general from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Attorney General Hilgers Leads 23 State Coalition in Criticizing Biden-Harris Dietary Recommendations   

LINCOLN – For the third time in as many years, supporters of Nebraska public schools are coming together to remind state legislators that voters have already settled the issue and said NO to using public funds to pay for private schools.&nbsp;

LB509, a repeat of a 2023 voucher scheme that would hand out lavish income tax credits to benefit private schools, is in front of state senators this session and many taxpayers are frustrated that time is being taken up by an issue that only months ago was rejected by a large majority of Nebraska voters.&nbsp;

“Nebraskans have strongly rejected using public funds to pay for private schools,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “It’s time for our state leaders to listen to the voters and to focus on important issues – including efforts to address the teacher shortage in our state.”&nbsp;

Over the past two years, more than 200,000 Nebraskans signed petitions to repeal legislation using public funds for private schools. In 2023, the referendum petition to repeal LB753’s private school voucher scheme far exceeded the number of signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot. In a widely criticized move, the sponsor of LB753 bill then introduced LB1402 to take away Nebraskans’ right to vote on LB753. Both bills would have imposed a costly new private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royers said that some of those pushing voucher scheme bills have also “sought to demean hundreds of citizen volunteers and the intelligence of more than 200,000 petition signers by fabricating tales accusing Nebraska voters of ignorance, of not comprehending what they signed, and worse, of falsely accusing hundreds of educated volunteers of lying to gain signatures.”&nbsp;

One of those volunteers, Jean McGuire, Lincoln, confirmed that petition signers knew what they were signing and what they wanted.&nbsp;

“Over the past two years, I stood outside our public libraries to collect petition signatures to put the repeal of both LB753 and 1402 on the ballot,” said McGuire. “Voters sought out those of us collecting signatures and asked to sign the petition. We didn’t go to them – they came to us. The claims from voucher supporters that Nebraska voters did not know or understand what the petition was about is not true. Nebraskans knew what they were doing and the message they wanted to send to legislators was and remains clear: Do not divert public funds to pay for private schools.”&nbsp;

Dr. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, said the bill also presents budget concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Nebraska Legislature is currently undertaking the unenviable task of constructing a budget with a projected $432 million deficit for the biennium,” Firestone said. “With so many important programs and budget line items to consider, there is no fiscal space for a $25 million expense for private school scholarships that could accelerate to $100 million over time. The budget should reflect the will and values of Nebraskans. LB 509 proposes new government spending with no measures of accountability, and it does not respect the will of the voters."&nbsp;

Polls by the Holland Children’s Movement show Nebraskans are opposed to giving public dollars to private schools. Indeed, Nebraska voters have rejected public funds for private schools at the ballot box on four separate occasions since 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Public opinion research results of the Holland Children’s Institute continually demonstrate major opposition to utilizing taxpayer dollars to subsidize private schools (most recently 67% “opposed”) and these policies were rejected by voters (57%) on the November ballot,” said Hadley Richters of the Holland Children’s Movement. “The Legislature should spend less time attempting to ignore the will of the people and more time encouraging the highest-quality public school systems for the future of Nebraska’s children.”&nbsp;

"Nebraska voters made clear less than 100 days ago how they felt about public dollars being used to fund private schools. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHGd686K_gjFc8jgY4FrW5Fc1TYo_7ZH/view?emci=683d9f1e-e2e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=bcabfd4d-f1e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;ceid=14445458" target="_blank">LB 509</a> is yet another attempt to institute a voucher scheme and disregard the will of Nebraska voters,” said Dr. Ferial Pearson, Board President of Stand For Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska. “Looking across the country, we know these programs have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective at delivering improved academic outcomes. We will continue to fight for the public schools that serve 9 out of 10 Nebraska students."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Support Our Schools Press ReleaseLINCOLN – For the third time in as many years, supporters of Nebraska public schools are coming together to remind state legislators that voters have already settled the issue and said NO to using public funds to pay for private schools.&nbsp;LB509, a repeat of a 2023 voucher scheme that would hand out lavish income tax credits to benefit private schools, is in front of state senators this session and many taxpayers are frustrated that time is being taken up by an issue that only months ago was rejected by a large majority of Nebraska voters.&nbsp;“Nebraskans have strongly rejected using public funds to pay for private schools,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “It’s time for our state leaders to listen to the voters and to focus on important issues – including efforts to address the teacher shortage in our state.”&nbsp;Over the past two years, more than 200,000 Nebraskans signed petitions to repeal legislation using public funds for private schools. In 2023, the referendum petition to repeal LB753’s private school voucher scheme far exceeded the number of signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot. In a widely criticized move, the sponsor of LB753 bill then introduced LB1402 to take away Nebraskans’ right to vote on LB753. Both bills would have imposed a costly new private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Royers said that some of those pushing voucher scheme bills have also “sought to demean hundreds of citizen volunteers and the intelligence of more than 200,000 petition signers by fabricating tales accusing Nebraska voters of ignorance, of not comprehending what they signed, and worse, of falsely accusing hundreds of educated volunteers of lying to gain signatures.”&nbsp;One of those volunteers, Jean McGuire, Lincoln, confirmed that petition signers knew what they were signing and what they wanted.&nbsp;“Over the past two years, I stood outside our public libraries to collect petition signatures to put the repeal of both LB753 and 1402 on the ballot,” said McGuire. “Voters sought out those of us collecting signatures and asked to sign the petition. We didn’t go to them – they came to us. The claims from voucher supporters that Nebraska voters did not know or understand what the petition was about is not true. Nebraskans knew what they were doing and the message they wanted to send to legislators was and remains clear: Do not divert public funds to pay for private schools.”&nbsp;Dr. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, said the bill also presents budget concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Nebraska Legislature is currently undertaking the unenviable task of constructing a budget with a projected $432 million deficit for the biennium,” Firestone said. “With so many important programs and budget line items to consider, there is no fiscal space for a $25 million expense for private school scholarships that could accelerate to $100 million over time. The budget should reflect the will and values of Nebraskans. LB 509 proposes new government spending with no measures of accountability, and it does not respect the will of the voters."&nbsp;Polls by the Holland Children’s Movement show Nebraskans are opposed to giving public dollars to private schools. Indeed, Nebraska voters have rejected public funds for private schools at the ballot box on four separate occasions since 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Public opinion research results of the Holland Children’s Institute continually demonstrate major opposition to utilizing taxpayer dollars to subsidize private schools (most recently 67% “opposed”) and these policies were rejected by voters (57%) on the November ballot,” said Hadley Richters of the Holland Children’s Movement. “The Legislature should spend less time attempting to ignore the will of the people and more time encouraging the highest-quality public school systems for the future of Nebraska’s children.”&nbsp;"Nebraska voters made clear less than 100 days ago how they felt about public dollars being used to fund private schools. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHGd686K_gjFc8jgY4FrW5Fc1TYo_7ZH/view?emci=683d9f1e-e2e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=bcabfd4d-f1e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;ceid=14445458" target="_blank">LB 509</a> is yet another attempt to institute a voucher scheme and disregard the will of Nebraska voters,” said Dr. Ferial Pearson, Board President of Stand For Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska. “Looking across the country, we know these programs have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective at delivering improved academic outcomes. We will continue to fight for the public schools that serve 9 out of 10 Nebraska students."&nbsp;&nbsp;A near carbon-copy of LB 753 from 2023, LB509 would give a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute money to private school tuition for some students – up to half that person or corporation's income tax liability, a more lucrative incentive than the state offers for any other type of charitable giving, including churches, food banks, and cancer research.&nbsp;For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org" target="_blank">Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org</a> 402-432-7776 or <a href="mailto:Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org" target="_blank">Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org</a> 402-762-5402&nbsp;