Nebraska Department of Transportation

&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.) — With the second of three consecutive night games for Nebraska football this Saturday, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to expect to see an increase in traffic, especially late at night. 

When traveling to Lincoln, fans need to continue to plan for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and prepare for more than normal traffic on the roadways during evening hours. NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:

• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.

• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit.

• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln 

The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone. Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180). Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians throughout the evening and expect traffic to travel slower in this area as game time approaches. 

With another kickoff slated for evening hours, NDOT encourages people to designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday activities include drinking. Just as importantly, remember to buckle up before you leave and put the phone down. Before setting out for your destination, set your favorite navigation app with your destination, this is a great resource for traffic updates. 

For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check 511 Nebraska and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities website, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726085172585.jpeg" alt="Construction zone outside of Lincoln (NE 511)" />
 <figcaption>Construction zone outside of Lincoln (NE 511)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.) — With the second of three consecutive night games for Nebraska football this Saturday, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds drivers to expect to see an increase in traffic, especially late at night. When traveling to Lincoln, fans need to continue to plan for heavier traffic and road construction along the way. Drivers should allow more time to get to their destination and prepare for more than normal traffic on the roadways during evening hours. NDOT reminds travelers that construction is active for the following areas:• I-80 from the Elm Creek interchange (MM 252) to the Odessa interchange (MM 264). This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.• I-80 from the Lexington interchange (MM 237) to the Overton interchange (MM 248). This is reduced to one lane, each direction, with a 65 miles per hour speed limit, zipper merge when necessary.• Hwy 77 and Hwy 109 Junction near Wahoo. This is a one lane, head-to-head traffic pattern with a reduced speed limit.• I-80 from the Pleasant Dale interchange (MM 388) to NW 48th Street interchange (MM 395) in Lincoln The speed limit is 65 miles per hour in this construction zone. Additionally, use caution when coming into Lincoln on Interstate 180 (I-180). Due to hotel construction near Memorial Stadium, I-180 will have lane restrictions to accommodate pedestrian traffic as you arrive in downtown Lincoln. Watch for pedestrians throughout the evening and expect traffic to travel slower in this area as game time approaches. With another kickoff slated for evening hours, NDOT encourages people to designate a sober driver or ride if their gameday activities include drinking. Just as importantly, remember to buckle up before you leave and put the phone down. Before setting out for your destination, set your favorite navigation app with your destination, this is a great resource for traffic updates. For more information about construction projects and lane closures, check 511 Nebraska and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities website, Facebook or X. For gameday information, visit the Husker’s website.

Another night game brings heavy nighttime traffic

September 11, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— A Nebraska State Trooper and K9 have received a national honor for their work with the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team.

Trooper Austin Donner and K9 Tilt were awarded the K9 SWAT Deployment Award by the National Tactical Officers Association. The NTOA made the presentation Monday at their annual conference, held this year in Kansas City.

“Our Police Service Dog handlers and K9s provide tremendous value for our SWAT Team,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of NSP Special Operations. “The skill these teams demonstrate on a regular basis is outstanding, no matter the situation. Trooper Donner and Tilt are well deserving of this recognition.”

Trooper Donner has been a K9 handler for six years and has been a member of the NSP SWAT Team for seven years. Tilt has been assigned to Trooper Donner for three years. Tilt is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, named in honor of decorated U.S. Army Special Forces MACV-SOG veteran John Stryker “Tilt” Meyer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084752883.jpeg" alt="9-9-Trooper Donner Award (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>9-9-Trooper Donner Award (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolSeptember 11, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— A Nebraska State Trooper and K9 have received a national honor for their work with the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team.Trooper Austin Donner and K9 Tilt were awarded the K9 SWAT Deployment Award by the National Tactical Officers Association. The NTOA made the presentation Monday at their annual conference, held this year in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084786014.jpeg" alt="9-9-Tilt (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>9-9-Tilt (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our Police Service Dog handlers and K9s provide tremendous value for our SWAT Team,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of NSP Special Operations. “The skill these teams demonstrate on a regular basis is outstanding, no matter the situation. Trooper Donner and Tilt are well deserving of this recognition.”Trooper Donner has been a K9 handler for six years and has been a member of the NSP SWAT Team for seven years. Tilt has been assigned to Trooper Donner for three years. Tilt is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, named in honor of decorated U.S. Army Special Forces MACV-SOG veteran John Stryker “Tilt” Meyer.

Trooper and K9 Receive National Recognition

LINCOLN, NEB. – Lower health insurance cost to Nebraska individuals and families is a high priority to Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.

“The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue NEFB president. “Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska&nbsp;<a>Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs.&nbsp;</a>Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska will exclusively sell these plans to NEFB members. For more information go to our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbhp.com/" target="_blank">www.nefbhp.com</a>.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm BureauLINCOLN, NEB. – Lower health insurance cost to Nebraska individuals and families is a high priority to Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.“The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue NEFB president. “Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” Scheer said.The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska&nbsp;<a>Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs.&nbsp;</a>Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska will exclusively sell these plans to NEFB members. For more information go to our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbhp.com/" target="_blank">www.nefbhp.com</a>.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Launches New Health Plans to Lower Costs of Healthcare for Individuals and Families

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/10/nebraska-supreme-court-probes-whether-school-choice-law-is-subject-to-repeal-by-ballot-initiative/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to protect a new school voucher program for private K-12 education from repeal by ballot measure.

The court must decide by the Friday deadline for Secretary of State Bob Evnen to finalize the Nov. 5 ballot. Evnen’s brief asked justices to decide the constitutional question, not punt.

The question is whether Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution applies to a possible repeal of Legislative Bill 1402, the latest version of the state’s school choice law.&nbsp;

That provision of the constitution prohibits referendums from repealing “appropriations for the expense of the state government” or an existing state institution.

Several justices questioned whether LB 1402, which created the voucher program, counts as an appropriation without its related-but-separate appropriations bill, LB 1402A.

One reason: The referendum pushed by Support Our Schools and those opposing spending public money on private schools purposefully avoided repealing the separate appropriations bill.

“If the A bill didn’t exist, would any money be forthcoming?” Justice Stephanie Stacy asked, repeating a question asked by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Justice Jonathan Papik pressed the attorneys seeking to toss the measure on whether the appropriations bill would lack purpose without LB 1402.

“Are they the same act?” Papik asked.

Attorney Tom Venzor argued the two bills are tied together. He spoke for representatives of Latasha Collar, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/05/lawsuit-filed-seeks-to-stop-vote-on-future-of-nebraskas-school-voucher-program/">mother of a Douglas County student</a>&nbsp;who received an “Opportunity Scholarship” for private education, which was granted under the predecessor of the school choice law currently being challenged.

Venzor argued that because LB 1402 changed the funding for the scholarship program from a tax credit to a direct state appropriation, it can’t be repealed by ballot measure.&nbsp;

Venzor, who is known for his work as executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, argued that funding education is a core function of state government and should be treated as such, leaving any potential repeal to the people’s elected representatives.

He later admitted under judicial questioning that the measure did not directly target LB 1402’s separate appropriations bill, but argued that the referendum was at minimum an indirect attack on the separate appropriation, which he said also would be constitutionally questionable.&nbsp;

“LB 1402 is an appropriation for the expense of state government, and … those are the types of legislative bills that don’t belong on the ballot,” he said in an interview after the hearing.

On the other side was Daniel Gutman, one of the attorneys defending the referendum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gutman, representing Support Our Schools, the group that wants to reserve public school funding for public K-12 schools, argued LB 1402 was not an appropriation. He said LB 1402A, which contained a $10 million appropriation, was voted on separately from LB 1402 and would still exist if voters rejected LB 1402.

Gutman said the restriction on what could be voted on had never been so narrowly applied to the people’s right to petition as Venzor sought for the court to rule.

Gutman raised constitutional questions of his own about the school choice law, arguing that it might direct state funds to private institutions. That’s prohibited by Article VII, Section 11.

He argued that LB 1402 ultimately benefits private schools.

Venzor said the state already funds scholarships for private college and technical education and has a history of funding projects for private colleges and universities.

He criticized Gutman for “framing shifts.” Venzor said LB 1402 does not represent state funding of private schools. He said it is funding for individuals to use for K-12 education.

His case received support from a brief filed by LB 1402’s sponsor, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, along with State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and State Treasurer Tom Briese.

The brief argued that the Legislature’s majority viewed LB 1402 as an appropriation and that even legislative critics such as State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln had acknowledged as much.

The Nebraska Supreme Court has been buried in lawsuits this month contesting high-profile measure that Evnen has certified for the November ballot.

Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers complicated the lawsuit involving LB 1402 by filing a pledge to force another lawsuit if the court sidesteps the key legal question and instead rules on a technicality.

Nebraska Solicitor General Eric Hamilton confirmed Tuesday that Evnen plans to decertify the voucher-related ballot measure if the court allows it to move forward because of a technical issue.

If the ballot measure was decertified, Support Our Schools and other backers of the petition would sue, with an extremely tight deadline, and might risk the measure being removed from the ballot, supporters said.

Among the technicalities Evnen’s office hoped to avoid was that the Collar lawsuit was filed before Evnen formally certified the measure for the ballot.

Another was an issue Gutman raised, that a notary for at least one filing in the lawsuit came from Texas, not Nebraska. Justices’ questions on Tuesday seemed to leave room for overlooking that.

Hamilton said Evnen’s office and the Attorney General’s Office would follow the court’s decision if&nbsp; rules that the referendum qualifies for the ballot under the Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp;

Evnen argued in the brief that he might no longer believe the measure qualifies for the ballot. His position largely echoed Venzor’s argument that LB 1402 is an appropriation and therefore not subject to a ballot measure.&nbsp;

Gutman argued Evnen might lack the authority to decertify a ballot issue once he has certified it. Gutman asked for “a decision on the merits,” saying he feared his clients might otherwise run out of time to sue.

“I don’t see how the government will be crippled by a repeal of this enactment,” Gutman said.

After the hearing, Tim Royers, the new president of the Nebraska State Education Association, criticized Evnen and Hilgers for their latest pushes to avoid letting citizens vote on the school choice law.

“They’re doing everything they can to make it as difficult as possible for us to get on the ballot,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726066339761.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Supreme Court bench. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Supreme Court bench. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/10/nebraska-supreme-court-probes-whether-school-choice-law-is-subject-to-repeal-by-ballot-initiative/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to protect a new school voucher program for private K-12 education from repeal by ballot measure.The court must decide by the Friday deadline for Secretary of State Bob Evnen to finalize the Nov. 5 ballot. Evnen’s brief asked justices to decide the constitutional question, not punt.The question is whether Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution applies to a possible repeal of Legislative Bill 1402, the latest version of the state’s school choice law.&nbsp;That provision of the constitution prohibits referendums from repealing “appropriations for the expense of the state government” or an existing state institution.Several justices questioned whether LB 1402, which created the voucher program, counts as an appropriation without its related-but-separate appropriations bill, LB 1402A.One reason: The referendum pushed by Support Our Schools and those opposing spending public money on private schools purposefully avoided repealing the separate appropriations bill.“If the A bill didn’t exist, would any money be forthcoming?” Justice Stephanie Stacy asked, repeating a question asked by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman.Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Justice Jonathan Papik pressed the attorneys seeking to toss the measure on whether the appropriations bill would lack purpose without LB 1402.“Are they the same act?” Papik asked.<h2>Venzor argues bills tied together</h2>Attorney Tom Venzor argued the two bills are tied together. He spoke for representatives of Latasha Collar, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/05/lawsuit-filed-seeks-to-stop-vote-on-future-of-nebraskas-school-voucher-program/">mother of a Douglas County student</a>&nbsp;who received an “Opportunity Scholarship” for private education, which was granted under the predecessor of the school choice law currently being challenged.Venzor argued that because LB 1402 changed the funding for the scholarship program from a tax credit to a direct state appropriation, it can’t be repealed by ballot measure.&nbsp;Venzor, who is known for his work as executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, argued that funding education is a core function of state government and should be treated as such, leaving any potential repeal to the people’s elected representatives.He later admitted under judicial questioning that the measure did not directly target LB 1402’s separate appropriations bill, but argued that the referendum was at minimum an indirect attack on the separate appropriation, which he said also would be constitutionally questionable.&nbsp;“LB 1402 is an appropriation for the expense of state government, and … those are the types of legislative bills that don’t belong on the ballot,” he said in an interview after the hearing.<h2>Gutman argues the bills are separate</h2>On the other side was Daniel Gutman, one of the attorneys defending the referendum.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gutman, representing Support Our Schools, the group that wants to reserve public school funding for public K-12 schools, argued LB 1402 was not an appropriation. He said LB 1402A, which contained a $10 million appropriation, was voted on separately from LB 1402 and would still exist if voters rejected LB 1402.Gutman said the restriction on what could be voted on had never been so narrowly applied to the people’s right to petition as Venzor sought for the court to rule.“It shouldn’t start now,” he said.Gutman raised constitutional questions of his own about the school choice law, arguing that it might direct state funds to private institutions. That’s prohibited by Article VII, Section 11.He argued that LB 1402 ultimately benefits private schools.Venzor said the state already funds scholarships for private college and technical education and has a history of funding projects for private colleges and universities.He criticized Gutman for “framing shifts.” Venzor said LB 1402 does not represent state funding of private schools. He said it is funding for individuals to use for K-12 education.His case received support from a brief filed by LB 1402’s sponsor, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, along with State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and State Treasurer Tom Briese.The brief argued that the Legislature’s majority viewed LB 1402 as an appropriation and that even legislative critics such as State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln had acknowledged as much.The Nebraska Supreme Court has been buried in lawsuits this month contesting high-profile measure that Evnen has certified for the November ballot.<h2>Evnen pushes to avoid technicalities</h2>Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers complicated the lawsuit involving LB 1402 by filing a pledge to force another lawsuit if the court sidesteps the key legal question and instead rules on a technicality.Nebraska Solicitor General Eric Hamilton confirmed Tuesday that Evnen plans to decertify the voucher-related ballot measure if the court allows it to move forward because of a technical issue.If the ballot measure was decertified, Support Our Schools and other backers of the petition would sue, with an extremely tight deadline, and might risk the measure being removed from the ballot, supporters said.Among the technicalities Evnen’s office hoped to avoid was that the Collar lawsuit was filed before Evnen formally certified the measure for the ballot.Another was an issue Gutman raised, that a notary for at least one filing in the lawsuit came from Texas, not Nebraska. Justices’ questions on Tuesday seemed to leave room for overlooking that.Hamilton said Evnen’s office and the Attorney General’s Office would follow the court’s decision if&nbsp; rules that the referendum qualifies for the ballot under the Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp;Evnen argued in the brief that he might no longer believe the measure qualifies for the ballot. His position largely echoed Venzor’s argument that LB 1402 is an appropriation and therefore not subject to a ballot measure.&nbsp;Gutman argued Evnen might lack the authority to decertify a ballot issue once he has certified it. Gutman asked for “a decision on the merits,” saying he feared his clients might otherwise run out of time to sue.“I don’t see how the government will be crippled by a repeal of this enactment,” Gutman said.After the hearing, Tim Royers, the new president of the Nebraska State Education Association, criticized Evnen and Hilgers for their latest pushes to avoid letting citizens vote on the school choice law.“They’re doing everything they can to make it as difficult as possible for us to get on the ballot,” he said.

Nebraska Supreme Court probes whether school choice law can be repealed by ballot measure

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen continues to monitor developments in the aftermath of an altercation between two students that led to a shooting inside Northwest High School in Omaha. Based on the latest police reports, the incident was isolated to the two students, one of whom was critically injured.

Governor Pillen and his wife Suzanne shared their prayers for everyone impacted by today’s incident.

“Based on initial information, everyone at the school responded in an appropriate way. We are especially grateful for the swift action by local and state law enforcement to get to the scene and also secure a suspect,” said Gov. Pillen. “We know this was traumatic for everyone at the school and the parents of students at Northwest.”

The Nebraska State Patrol is supporting the ongoing investigation and will ensure that all responders have the requisite assistance they need.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen continues to monitor developments in the aftermath of an altercation between two students that led to a shooting inside Northwest High School in Omaha. Based on the latest police reports, the incident was isolated to the two students, one of whom was critically injured.Governor Pillen and his wife Suzanne shared their prayers for everyone impacted by today’s incident.“Based on initial information, everyone at the school responded in an appropriate way. We are especially grateful for the swift action by local and state law enforcement to get to the scene and also secure a suspect,” said Gov. Pillen. “We know this was traumatic for everyone at the school and the parents of students at Northwest.”The Nebraska State Patrol is supporting the ongoing investigation and will ensure that all responders have the requisite assistance they need.

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Following a Shooting Inside Omaha School

PHILADELPHIA&nbsp; — For over 90 minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump faced off on Tuesday in their first presidential debate. Below are some of the highlights.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726016863083.png" alt="Image courtesy ABC via CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy ABC via CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA&nbsp; — For over 90 minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump faced off on Tuesday in their first presidential debate. Below are some of the highlights.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE --&gt; ABC Presidential Debate Simulcast <a href="https://t.co/hNTcMAdx1e">https://t.co/hNTcMAdx1e</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833656962824978933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Handshake between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the ABC News Presidential Debate begins. <a href="https://t.co/p0UO3sZUds">pic.twitter.com/p0UO3sZUds</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833673429964247202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;She has no policy. Everything that she believed...is out the window. She&#39;s going to my philosophy now. In fact I was going to send her a MAGA hat...If she ever got elected she&#39;d change it...She&#39;s a Marxist. Everyone knows she&#39;s s Marxist.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PnSmAkOxJH">pic.twitter.com/PnSmAkOxJH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833677387348709584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CLIP: Former President Trump and VP Harris on abortion and IVF at ABC News Presidential Debate. <a href="https://t.co/jKFFf0oPBf">pic.twitter.com/jKFFf0oPBf</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833681436898992364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP Harris: &quot;People start leaving his rallies early out of exhausting and boredom.&quot; Former President Trump: &quot;People don&#39;t go to her rallies...people don&#39;t leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MbUWFmTA21">pic.twitter.com/MbUWFmTA21</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833681793255436767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP Kamala Harris on endorsements from Republicans: &quot;If you want to really know the inside track on who the former president is...just ask people who have worked with him...&quot; Former President Trump: &quot;I fired most of those people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nIEAKl5ReN">pic.twitter.com/nIEAKl5ReN</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833683283323855317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump to Vice President Harris: &quot;Wait a minute. I&#39;m talking now. If you don&#39;t mind. Please. Does that sound familiar?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0muInrNeT9">pic.twitter.com/0muInrNeT9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833684182305759366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on January 6th: &quot;I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech.&quot; VP Harris: &quot;On that day the president of the United States incited a violent mob...the former president has been indicted and impeached exactly for that reason.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/TlOOP1CSAK">pic.twitter.com/TlOOP1CSAK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833687269271568768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;She hates Israel. If she&#39;s president I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now. VP Harris: &quot;He&#39;s trying to again divide and distract from the reality...he admire dictators, wants to be a dictator on day one according to himself.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BdpYpM6V7v">pic.twitter.com/BdpYpM6V7v</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833690931477852379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">David Muir: &quot;Do you want Ukraine to win this war? Former President Trump: &quot;I want this war to stop. I want to save lives...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rcM8DOGICi">pic.twitter.com/rcM8DOGICi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833692540551274992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Harris: &quot;You&#39;re not running against Joe Biden. You&#39;re running against me...If Donald Trump were president right not, Putin would be sitting in Kiev right now.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/aX3WdHTToh">pic.twitter.com/aX3WdHTToh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833692662873890842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;You said she went to went to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. Vice President Harris have you ever met Vladimir Putin? Can you clarify?&quot; VP Harris: &quot;I said at the beginning of this debate, you&#39;re going to hear a bunch of lies coming from this fella, and that is another one.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/gttiose1qR">pic.twitter.com/gttiose1qR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833693206476939641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President Kamala Harris: &quot;This business about taking everyone&#39;s guns away; Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We&#39;re not taking anybody&#39;s guns away so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/I7Kc1KIdZR">pic.twitter.com/I7Kc1KIdZR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833696590701162496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

🎥 Highlights from Harris, Trump Presidential debate

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today awarded $251 million to 27 grantees across the country who are working to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to in-demand, good-paying jobs of the 21st century. These five-year grants, under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://t1.info.ed.gov/r/?id=h1369dae,13ad8d8,13bd57b">Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) program</a>, will continue to promote competitive, integrated employment (CIE) so that youth and adults with disabilities are paid real wages for real jobs, while creating pathways to some of today’s most in-demand fields.

“Today, more than 60 million adults live with a disability – each with unique talents and strengths. In our 21st century economy, we must provide more opportunities for these individuals to achieve their goals for competitive integrated employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Through the Disability Innovation Fund and today’s announcement, we’ll make progress to overcome historic barriers to employment, while ensuring the varied needs, preferences, and goals of individuals with disabilities remain at the center of our vision for a strong, inclusive workforce.”

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) received more than 200 applications in response to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://t1.info.ed.gov/r/?id=h1369dae,13ad8d8,13bd57c">notice inviting applications</a>. Applications focused on one of the following topics:

Grant recipients will develop, implement, evaluate, refine, and disseminate new or substantially improved model strategies or programs to transition youth and adults with disabilities to CIE. Additionally, the grant recipients should design the model demonstration projects for easy adoption by others.

Recipients come from 16 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and they represent 13 institutions of higher education, nine nonprofits, four state agencies, and one institution of higher education/special institution.

 U.S. Department of Education Awards More Than $251 Million to Improve Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

OMAHA —At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Northwest High was placed on lockdown following a shooting on campus with one victim reported, according to a media release from the school district.

 Law enforcement and first responders assisted immediately, and our thoughts are with the young person who was hurt and their family.

We have completed the reunification process. Wednesday, Sept. 11 will be a non-student day for Northwest High only. Omaha Public Schools communicated throughout the day with staff and families.

Northwest High Principal Kimberly Jackson, Ed.D., shared the following message with staff, students and families:

Dear Northwest High staff, students and families,&nbsp;

Our school is our second home. It is where we learn together and build a community that unites families and spans generations. Northwest students, staff and families are so incredibly dear to me.&nbsp;

I cannot adequately express my gratitude to everyone who responded today. Our students and staff followed the Standard Response Protocol, showing incredible strength and courage. Omaha Police and Omaha Fire rushed to campus and secured our school. District staff and safety teams coordinated our reunification process. Families showed patience and grace through what must have been an agonizing wait to hold their loved one again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our hearts are with our young person who was hurt today and their family.&nbsp;

Having completed our reunification process and students at home, evening activities will be canceled. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, will be a non-student day at Northwest High. We will welcome students back on Thursday, Sept. 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We will have supports available for students and staff. It will take time to process what happened today. It is okay to struggle. To be upset. To be angry. We will be here for one another.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Open communication is important to us. We have shared updates every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon, and this will mark the final communication in that series of updates.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, students and families can call 1-833-980-7233 24/7. Staff may access Employee Assistance Program resources in OneOPS.&nbsp;

Please take care through the time to come. We are here for you.

OMAHA —Police are actively investigating a shooting that occurred at or near Omaha Northwest High School, according to a social media report from Omaha Police. There is reported to be one victim at this time.&nbsp;

An individual believed to be the suspect in the shooting has been taken into custody. Police will remain in the area for follow up to the investigation and for reunification with parents. 

The school is officially in a hold and will begin moving students to the football stadium for reunification.

Students who ride buses will be transported from campus first.

Once that is complete, students who do not ride the bus each day will be released to families who are on site. 

Students who walk or drive themselves to school each day will then be released.&nbsp;This process will take time so please be patient. We understand families want to be with their students as soon as possible.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726003807260.png" alt="Omaha Public School Superintendent Matthew Ray during a press conference Tuesday afternoon-photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Omaha Public School Superintendent Matthew Ray during a press conference Tuesday afternoon-photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA —At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Northwest High was placed on lockdown following a shooting on campus with one victim reported, according to a media release from the school district. Law enforcement and first responders assisted immediately, and our thoughts are with the young person who was hurt and their family.We have completed the reunification process. Wednesday, Sept. 11 will be a non-student day for Northwest High only. Omaha Public Schools communicated throughout the day with staff and families.Northwest High Principal Kimberly Jackson, Ed.D., shared the following message with staff, students and families:Dear Northwest High staff, students and families,&nbsp;Our school is our second home. It is where we learn together and build a community that unites families and spans generations. Northwest students, staff and families are so incredibly dear to me.&nbsp;I cannot adequately express my gratitude to everyone who responded today. Our students and staff followed the Standard Response Protocol, showing incredible strength and courage. Omaha Police and Omaha Fire rushed to campus and secured our school. District staff and safety teams coordinated our reunification process. Families showed patience and grace through what must have been an agonizing wait to hold their loved one again.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our hearts are with our young person who was hurt today and their family.&nbsp;Having completed our reunification process and students at home, evening activities will be canceled. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, will be a non-student day at Northwest High. We will welcome students back on Thursday, Sept. 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will have supports available for students and staff. It will take time to process what happened today. It is okay to struggle. To be upset. To be angry. We will be here for one another.&nbsp;&nbsp;Open communication is important to us. We have shared updates every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon, and this will mark the final communication in that series of updates.&nbsp;If you or someone you know needs immediate support, students and families can call 1-833-980-7233 24/7. Staff may access Employee Assistance Program resources in OneOPS.&nbsp;Please take care through the time to come. We are here for you.-------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725994247485.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA —Police are actively investigating a shooting that occurred at or near Omaha Northwest High School, according to a social media report from Omaha Police. There is reported to be one victim at this time.&nbsp;An individual believed to be the suspect in the shooting has been taken into custody. Police will remain in the area for follow up to the investigation and for reunification with parents. There is no threat to the community.The school is officially in a hold and will begin moving students to the football stadium for reunification.Students who ride buses will be transported from campus first.Once that is complete, students who do not ride the bus each day will be released to families who are on site. Students who walk or drive themselves to school each day will then be released.&nbsp;This process will take time so please be patient. We understand families want to be with their students as soon as possible.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Suspect in custody after teen wounded in shooting at Omaha high school

Sept. 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announces the overnight closure of westbound I-80 between Kearney (Exit 272) and Elm Creek (Exit 257) on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 11. The westbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night but will remain open during the day.

Westbound traffic will be detoured from Kearney to Holdrege.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725994994456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Department of TransportationSept. 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announces the overnight closure of westbound I-80 between Kearney (Exit 272) and Elm Creek (Exit 257) on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 11. The westbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night but will remain open during the day.Eastbound lanes will remain open.Westbound traffic will be detoured from Kearney to Holdrege.

NDOT Announces I-80 Westbound Overnight Closure Between Elm Creek and Kearney

<a>September 10, 2024 (Lincoln, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a summer-long awareness and enforcement effort focusing on drunk and drug-impaired driving. Troopers and dispatchers worked overtime, conducting high-visibility patrols in recreational areas around Troop H as part of the initiative.

During the campaign, which ran from May 25th&nbsp;through August 25th, troopers issued citations for speeding (17), no seat belt (2), no park permit (2), possession of less than 1-ounce of marijuana (1), improper child restraint (1), and use of handheld wireless communication device (1).

The effort included a focus on occupant protection and impaired driving. Nebraska State Patrol’s portion to this effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Mikayla HallNebraska State Patrol<a>September 10, 2024 (Lincoln, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a summer-long awareness and enforcement effort focusing on drunk and drug-impaired driving. Troopers and dispatchers worked overtime, conducting high-visibility patrols in recreational areas around Troop H as part of the initiative.During the campaign, which ran from May 25th&nbsp;through August 25th, troopers issued citations for speeding (17), no seat belt (2), no park permit (2), possession of less than 1-ounce of marijuana (1), improper child restraint (1), and use of handheld wireless communication device (1).The effort included a focus on occupant protection and impaired driving. Nebraska State Patrol’s portion to this effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers End Impaired Driving & Occupant Protection Enforcement

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take the stage next week in the only planned debate between the respective Democratic and GOP presidential candidates between now and November.

It’s the first presidential debate since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following his own disastrous debate performance in late June against Trump. Biden, who faced mounting calls to resign,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pass-torch-biden-addresses-nation-why-he-wont-seek-second-term" target="_blank">passed the torch</a>&nbsp;to Harris back in July.

The veep has embarked on an unprecedented and expedited campaign as she and Trump vie for the Oval Office. The election is just two months away.

Though the Harris and Trump campaigns clashed over debate procedures in recent weeks, both candidates have agreed to the finalized rules. ABC News, host of the debate, released the rules Wednesday.

The debate will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. Eastern time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The debate will be 90 minutes long and include two commercial breaks,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc.com/news/5e38600c-4732-4cd2-a99c-3dedfa81beb0/category/1138628" target="_blank">according to ABC</a>.

The Keystone State — where both Harris and Trump have spent a lot of time campaigning — could determine the outcome of the presidential election. The battleground state has narrowly flip-flopped in recent elections, with Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">turning Pennsylvania blue</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">secured a red win</a>&nbsp;in 2016.

The debate will air live on ABC News and will also be streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate.

Harris and Trump will each have two minutes to answer questions and two minutes to give rebuttals. They will also be granted one additional minute to clarify or follow up on anything.

Microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, just like the previous debate between Biden and Trump in June.

The candidates will not give opening statements. Trump won a coin flip to determine the order of closing statements and podium placement. Trump, who selected the statement order, will give the final closing statement.

Each closing statement will be two minutes long.

Harris and Trump are not allowed to bring any props or prewritten notes to the debate stage. They will each receive a pen, a pad of paper and a water bottle.

There will be no live audience at the National Constitution Center, as was the case in the last presidential debate.

Harris and Trump are not permitted to interact with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks.

Trump went on the attack over the details of the debate, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/town-hall-no-questions-trump-grouses-about-polls-attacks-debate-host" target="_blank">Fox News’ Sean Hannity</a>&nbsp;during an interview Wednesday in Pennsylvania that “ABC is the worst network in terms of fairness” and “the most dishonest network, the meanest, the nastiest.”

He accused the network of releasing poor polls on purpose ahead of a previous election to drive down voter turnout.

Trump also claimed, without evidence, that Harris would get the questions in advance of the debate. ABC’s debate rules state that no candidates or campaigns will receive any topics or questions ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance will battle it out at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">vice presidential debate</a>&nbsp;hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724867447394.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take the stage next week in the only planned debate between the respective Democratic and GOP presidential candidates between now and November.It’s the first presidential debate since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following his own disastrous debate performance in late June against Trump. Biden, who faced mounting calls to resign,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pass-torch-biden-addresses-nation-why-he-wont-seek-second-term" target="_blank">passed the torch</a>&nbsp;to Harris back in July.The veep has embarked on an unprecedented and expedited campaign as she and Trump vie for the Oval Office. The election is just two months away.Though the Harris and Trump campaigns clashed over debate procedures in recent weeks, both candidates have agreed to the finalized rules. ABC News, host of the debate, released the rules Wednesday.<h2>When and where is the debate?</h2>The debate will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. Eastern time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The debate will be 90 minutes long and include two commercial breaks,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc.com/news/5e38600c-4732-4cd2-a99c-3dedfa81beb0/category/1138628" target="_blank">according to ABC</a>.The Keystone State — where both Harris and Trump have spent a lot of time campaigning — could determine the outcome of the presidential election. The battleground state has narrowly flip-flopped in recent elections, with Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">turning Pennsylvania blue</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">secured a red win</a>&nbsp;in 2016.<h2>How can I watch the debate?</h2>The debate will air live on ABC News and will also be streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate.Harris and Trump will each have two minutes to answer questions and two minutes to give rebuttals. They will also be granted one additional minute to clarify or follow up on anything.<h2>Will the mics be muted?</h2>Microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, just like the previous debate between Biden and Trump in June.The candidates will not give opening statements. Trump won a coin flip to determine the order of closing statements and podium placement. Trump, who selected the statement order, will give the final closing statement.Each closing statement will be two minutes long.Harris and Trump are not allowed to bring any props or prewritten notes to the debate stage. They will each receive a pen, a pad of paper and a water bottle.<h2>Will there be a live audience?</h2>There will be no live audience at the National Constitution Center, as was the case in the last presidential debate.Harris and Trump are not permitted to interact with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks.<h2>Trump slams ABC ahead of debate</h2>Trump went on the attack over the details of the debate, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/town-hall-no-questions-trump-grouses-about-polls-attacks-debate-host" target="_blank">Fox News’ Sean Hannity</a>&nbsp;during an interview Wednesday in Pennsylvania that “ABC is the worst network in terms of fairness” and “the most dishonest network, the meanest, the nastiest.”He accused the network of releasing poor polls on purpose ahead of a previous election to drive down voter turnout.Trump also claimed, without evidence, that Harris would get the questions in advance of the debate. ABC’s debate rules state that no candidates or campaigns will receive any topics or questions ahead of the event.Meanwhile, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance will battle it out at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">vice presidential debate</a>&nbsp;hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City.

5 things to know about the Harris-Trump presidential debate  

Lincoln, NE – September 9, 2024 – The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing for over three months. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to set spending and time limits.

A string of drawings without a jackpot winner has grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since May. There have been 27 consecutive drawings since June 7 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, September 10 drawing to $800 million or $401.8 million with the cash option selected. This is the 7th largest jackpot in the history of the game.

The jackpot run has produced some large Nebraska winners.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.

Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2FqipgdhZLyD2cmoNUHZNZ9y-L7_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn1JsUlm2hbbYLQ68mJEmIGF2v4epcc4sdScAK-2FH9KBhxdWOkJOMdDb5DnpYUY8-2FuCKutBnPtDiX14ac8SVyT-2Ba-2BebaxH86t2k4-2FTeCei7zvtjgH4cGWE3j1NxFpfTMwJvpybH7nRG6c2HDy1q4q4BCCWhSbw5B77thsXRVQ-2FEFFePX2gdbs3-2BM9OfQv-2BxxjO-2Fw53qM-2FXWXyZ1Jd5fHV8hU3lMTz0HWaoFsIpJ07-2FHc1xnlOEGUS2xOgdZvwRmjMMg" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.

If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv5klcXlRRej62RghdJLZz1rPKFF_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn1JsUlm2hbbYLQ68mJEmIGF2v4epcc4sdScAK-2FH9KBhxdWOkJOMdDb5DnpYUY8-2FuCKutBnPtDiX14ac8SVyT-2Ba-2BebaxH86t2k4-2FTeCei7zvtfM4PKPk6lERvMSap7wCX-2BfLZezL2Z7An1-2BEa8nb7LBA6TLxUYu-2FiYowZ-2BnthQwv47O0k75Pz8R6zojQy0M6Xloj8ibZ63Brq2SmeBDhLmj0SNU42osBcswXZ-2B9uvXfXRa4wn2Rnnrk2l8-2FuVN7ECf" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

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

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – September 9, 2024 – The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing for over three months. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to set spending and time limits.A string of drawings without a jackpot winner has grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since May. There have been 27 consecutive drawings since June 7 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, September 10 drawing to $800 million or $401.8 million with the cash option selected. This is the 7th largest jackpot in the history of the game.The jackpot run has produced some large Nebraska winners.<ul>
 <li>A $10,000 Mega Millions winning ticket for the July 12 drawing was sold at Hy-Vee Fast &amp; Fresh, 1030 W 25th St, South Sioux City.</li><li>A $10,000 Mega Millions winning ticket for the July 30 drawing was sold at Mega Saver, 10780 Q Street, Omaha</li>
 </ul>The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.Know Your LimitBecause of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVCGW7ZFoOjGhEOuDYk17Wg-2FqipgdhZLyD2cmoNUHZNZ9y-L7_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn1JsUlm2hbbYLQ68mJEmIGF2v4epcc4sdScAK-2FH9KBhxdWOkJOMdDb5DnpYUY8-2FuCKutBnPtDiX14ac8SVyT-2Ba-2BebaxH86t2k4-2FTeCei7zvtjgH4cGWE3j1NxFpfTMwJvpybH7nRG6c2HDy1q4q4BCCWhSbw5B77thsXRVQ-2FEFFePX2gdbs3-2BM9OfQv-2BxxjO-2Fw53qM-2FXWXyZ1Jd5fHV8hU3lMTz0HWaoFsIpJ07-2FHc1xnlOEGUS2xOgdZvwRmjMMg" target="_blank">nelottery.com/knowyourlimit</a>&nbsp;for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVNHPTLOEvuBuA89teB3GDv5klcXlRRej62RghdJLZz1rPKFF_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJn1JsUlm2hbbYLQ68mJEmIGF2v4epcc4sdScAK-2FH9KBhxdWOkJOMdDb5DnpYUY8-2FuCKutBnPtDiX14ac8SVyT-2Ba-2BebaxH86t2k4-2FTeCei7zvtfM4PKPk6lERvMSap7wCX-2BfLZezL2Z7An1-2BEa8nb7LBA6TLxUYu-2FiYowZ-2BnthQwv47O0k75Pz8R6zojQy0M6Xloj8ibZ63Brq2SmeBDhLmj0SNU42osBcswXZ-2B9uvXfXRa4wn2Rnnrk2l8-2FuVN7ECf" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Record Mega Millions® Jackpot to Win Tuesday; Know Your Limit

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/08/a-missing-year-no-income-tax-credits-for-nebraskans-to-offset-school-property-taxes-paid-in-2024/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s refundable income tax credit program for K-12 school property taxes is officially off the books, and new revisions will close the door for most taxpayers to get such relief on taxes paid in 2024.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11379" target="_blank">passed 40-3</a>&nbsp;at the end of the Legislature’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/#:~:text=Legislative%20Bill%2034%2C%20which%20passed,property%20taxes%20collected%20in%202023.">summer special session on property taxes</a>&nbsp;last month, revised the existing tax credit program first established in 2020 by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=41565" target="_blank">LB 1107</a>. The earlier process required taxpayers to apply for an income tax deduction the year after paying their property taxes.&nbsp;Tax statements are sent to taxpayers each December and are typically paid in two installments over the following year.

Now, the LB 34 credit will appear first on that property tax statement. While the changes make the process of returning funds to taxpayers upfront and automatic, some officials have discovered what they say will&nbsp;hurt some taxpayers because of the legislation.

​​“It is a retroactive property tax increase for ‘23 [assessed taxes],” State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard told the Nebraska Examiner.

Erdman, one of three senators to oppose LB 34, said his opposition was vindicated when he discovered that the expedited process skips over providing a credit for taxes paid in 2024, moving straight to the 2025 cycle.

“You can go on forever and never make up that loss,” Erdman said. “The question I have is, ‘Whose money is it?’ It’s the people’s money.”

LB 34 increased the funds allocated for the tax credit program to $750 million, an increase of $185 million over the amount previously budgeted for the income tax credit. That leaves at least $565 million that could have gone to taxpayers on their 2025 tax returns but now won’t, Erdman said. The difference will be paid when taxpayers file their returns in April 2025.

Elkhorn State Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Brad von Gillern, the chair and vice chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, defended LB 34 as getting needed relief to more taxpayers through more advantageous timing. They said the state didn’t have enough funds for what would have been duplicate tax credits.

About&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/ndr/LB_34_News_Release_Final.pdf" target="_blank">45% of Nebraskans</a>&nbsp;hadn’t been claiming the LB 1107 refundable credits, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

“LB 34 provides equitable property tax relief to all Nebraskans,” the department said in a statement. “It is critical that Nebraskans automatically receive this credit rather than loaning government funds for a full year.”

Linehan and von Gillern said the cash flow to taxpayers will be improved because relief still comes in 2025, but at the direct point that taxpayers are paying, rather than a year later. von Gillern said there will be “no net difference.”

“There’s no panic about people not getting their credit, that’s all I can say really,” von Gillern said Friday. “I’ve looked at this thing forwards and backwards trying to find a problem, and the problem that Senator Erdman is talking about is not a problem.”

Linehan added the state had “only one $750 million,” which was paid for&nbsp;in part&nbsp;through state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/14/nebraska-legislature-sidesteps-filibuster-on-cuts-to-hhs-legislative-council/">budget cuts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/second-budget-bill-advances-after-another-filibuster/">cash transfers</a>.

“People are calling it ‘a skipped year.’ You can’t get a credit and pay less, too,” Linehan said. “You could, but that would cost $1.5 billion.”

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office declined to comment for this story.

Erdman was joined by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and organizations representing county officials and certified public accountants in arguing that the “missing year” will never be made up.

Taxpayers who had been claiming the credit “would have been far better off if we didn’t have a special session,” Erdman said.

“This is backwards. To say that over time we’re going to make up the loss of your credit for ‘23 is not telling the truth,” Erdman said. “It’s an increase in property tax for ‘23. Plain and simple retroactive property tax increase.”

Linehan had tried to usher through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">greater relief on behalf of Pillen</a>. She initially introduced LB 1 during the special session. It was projected to increase total property tax relief up to 50%, largely through imposing new sales taxes on more than 100 currently exempt goods and services.

Erdman also reintroduced his “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/03/epic-consumption-tax-nebraska-petition-falls-short-will-have-to-find-another-way/">EPIC Option</a>” proposals,&nbsp;which would eliminate property, income and corporate taxes in favor of a consumption and excise tax base.

But both approaches were quickly swatted down during the session.

Wayne, Erdman, Linehan and 12 other senators wanted to pause the session until after the November election, contending that more options needed to be considered to provide more relief. But 29 of their colleagues disagreed, voting to end the session after 17 days.

Erdman said that had senators listened to the appeal, the Legislature could have provided “meaningful” relief and “we wouldn’t be in this position.”

“We jammed it through, and now we have the result that we have,” Erdman said.

Wayne has said the session “could have been an email” based on how it ended. He said there were other revenue options, such as legalizing and taxing online sports betting or recreational marijuana. Both proposals were offered during the session but were not debated.

Erdman said the unused credits from years past should have been used to pay for both the “front-loaded” credit and one more year of the income tax credits.

Wayne directed criticism over the session’s “failure” at many people, including state senators of all political stripes who are running this year for the Legislature or Congress and who supported LB 34. Wayne said they “voted for a property tax increase, and there’s no way around it.”

“They either didn’t read the bill or they knew what they were doing, and I think that’s a huge problem,” Wayne said. “It was a rush to get something done and do something mediocre, and we were actually hurting people in the process.”

Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, said county officials are particularly sensitive to property tax concerns, since they oversee property valuations, budget requests and tax statements.

“We are the whole process, and we get all the complaints,” Cannon said. “We have a vested interest in property tax relief or reform being delivered to our taxpayers. If there’s a missing year or if there’s something that’s going to affect our taxpayers, we’re going to hear about it.”

Asked whether local governments could make up the funds through cuts, Cannon said there isn’t $600 million sitting around that officials “could just go ahead and set on fire.”

“That’s $600 million of roads and bridges for our part of the property tax ask,” Cannon said. “That $600 million is paying for something that we think is a public good.”

Bryan Klintworth, chair-elect of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, said some taxpayers will see a tax credit for the taxes assessed in 2023 if they paid their taxes by Dec. 31, 2023. If so, they could have claimed the credit when filing their tax returns in 2024.

“That’s where there’s this kind of weird dichotomy,” Klintworth said.

Erdman said people will notice when they file their income taxes next year and will ask why the credit isn’t available. He says that is when it will “hit the fan.”

Cannon and Klintworth said the issue might be argued by some as “semantics” but that the end result is a lost year or “missing year” of tax relief.

“Even though you come out the same in the calendar year, it does affect the timing of it, too, in those installment payments,” Klintworth said, such as in monthly mortgage escrow accounts.

Erdman said he is disappointed that state leaders won’t own up to “confiscating” taxpayer dollars. He said he first thought it was an unintentional result but now sees it as an intentional “sleight of hand.”&nbsp;

He pointed to a “<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/ndr/LB_34_News_Release_Final.pdf" target="_blank">comparative analysis</a>” from the Revenue Department that outlines the credit timing under LB 1107 as “property taxes paid” and LB 34 as “property taxes assessed.”

The explainer leaves out “2023 property taxes assessed” in December 2023 statements.

“Don’t look at what I’m doing here, look over here at this,” Erdman said.

Wayne said middle class and working class taxpayers, as well as anyone who has a mortgage and pays in installments, will be the ones sorting through an&nbsp;immediate tax increase in exchange for a potential decrease in future years.&nbsp;

“We can say none of it matters, but it does matter to those who are struggling right now with increased property taxes to pay to stay in their home,” Wayne said.

Erdman and Wayne said the $185 million in new tax relief, which amounts to about 3.5% of the $5.3 billion in property taxes paid in 2023, will also be eaten away by inflation or general increases in property taxes before tangible benefits of LB 34 are realized.

State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator from Albion, joined Pillen, Linehan and von Gillern in celebrating LB 34 and for amending LB 1107, which Briese and Linehan championed in 2020. Briese said “one of the biggest stumbling blocks” in property tax relief consistently is finding new revenue streams to replace the local tax burdens.

“You have many folks on the left unwilling to do that, and you have a slice of folks on the far right unwilling to do that,” Briese said. “But those of us that are serious about property tax relief, serious about solving the property tax issue, are willing to do that.”

Briese said he is still optimistic lawmakers can find a long-term solution to property tax relief.

“I guess in this business you take what you can get, and that’s what the Legislature did,” Briese said. “I commend the Legislature for that.”

Erdman said he’s not sure the Legislature will have the “intestinal fortitude” to bring an amendment in January to correct the issues he has raised. He sees two fixes: Let Nebraskans collect the credit when they file their tax returns in 2025 or double the credit for one year.

“The Legislature and the governor had planned for this to be a decrease in property tax when in reality it’s actually an increase,” Erdman said. “We have to have an increase so we can give you a decrease. Think about that. We have to increase your taxes so we can give you a decrease for next year. How strange is that? Yeah, that’s crazy.”

State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar said the first bill introduced in 2025 should come at Pillen’s request and distribute the relief for 2024 taxes paid. She said funding should be through existing state resources, not other increased taxes.

“This is either malicious incompetence from the Pillen administration at best, or straight-up malicious at worst,” Slama said in a text message.

Erdman, Wayne, Linehan and State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, the third lawmaker to oppose LB 34, won’t return next year due to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/15/term-limited-nebraska-lawmakers-mount-what-could-be-last-push-for-more-property-tax-relief/">term limits</a>. Slama declined to seek reelection.

Von Gillern, who is in his second year as a lawmaker, will return and confirmed there is nothing to prevent senators from introducing legislation in January if they see any issues with LB 34, but they’ll need to find the funding.

“Bring it in January if you want to do it,” von Gillern said, “along with the fiscal note.”

Taxpayers in Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties pay half of their property taxes by April 1 and the rest by Aug. 1; all other taxpayers pay by May 1 and Sept. 1. Some taxpayers choose to pay by Dec. 31 as soon as they receive their statements, changing when the credit is available. Tax returns are usually due by April 15.

More tax credits were available for taxes paid in 2022 and 2023 than legislatively appropriated. That’s because the Nebraska Department of Revenue increased the credit percentage in an attempt to repurpose previously unused credits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725911652217.jpeg" alt="State Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha, Steve Erdman of Bayard, Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, from left. (Photos by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha, Steve Erdman of Bayard, Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, from left. (Photos by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/08/a-missing-year-no-income-tax-credits-for-nebraskans-to-offset-school-property-taxes-paid-in-2024/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s refundable income tax credit program for K-12 school property taxes is officially off the books, and new revisions will close the door for most taxpayers to get such relief on taxes paid in 2024.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11379" target="_blank">passed 40-3</a>&nbsp;at the end of the Legislature’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/20/legislature-passes-slimmed-down-property-tax-relief-package-ends-nebraskas-special-session/#:~:text=Legislative%20Bill%2034%2C%20which%20passed,property%20taxes%20collected%20in%202023.">summer special session on property taxes</a>&nbsp;last month, revised the existing tax credit program first established in 2020 by&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=41565" target="_blank">LB 1107</a>. The earlier process required taxpayers to apply for an income tax deduction the year after paying their property taxes.&nbsp;Tax statements are sent to taxpayers each December and are typically paid in two installments over the following year.Now, the LB 34 credit will appear first on that property tax statement. While the changes make the process of returning funds to taxpayers upfront and automatic, some officials have discovered what they say will&nbsp;hurt some taxpayers because of the legislation.​​“It is a retroactive property tax increase for ‘23 [assessed taxes],” State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard told the Nebraska Examiner.Erdman, one of three senators to oppose LB 34, said his opposition was vindicated when he discovered that the expedited process skips over providing a credit for taxes paid in 2024, moving straight to the 2025 cycle.“You can go on forever and never make up that loss,” Erdman said. “The question I have is, ‘Whose money is it?’ It’s the people’s money.”LB 34 increased the funds allocated for the tax credit program to $750 million, an increase of $185 million over the amount previously budgeted for the income tax credit. That leaves at least $565 million that could have gone to taxpayers on their 2025 tax returns but now won’t, Erdman said. The difference will be paid when taxpayers file their returns in April 2025.<h2>‘No net difference’</h2>Elkhorn State Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Brad von Gillern, the chair and vice chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, defended LB 34 as getting needed relief to more taxpayers through more advantageous timing. They said the state didn’t have enough funds for what would have been duplicate tax credits.About&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/ndr/LB_34_News_Release_Final.pdf" target="_blank">45% of Nebraskans</a>&nbsp;hadn’t been claiming the LB 1107 refundable credits, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.“LB 34 provides equitable property tax relief to all Nebraskans,” the department said in a statement. “It is critical that Nebraskans automatically receive this credit rather than loaning government funds for a full year.”Linehan and von Gillern said the cash flow to taxpayers will be improved because relief still comes in 2025, but at the direct point that taxpayers are paying, rather than a year later. von Gillern said there will be “no net difference.”“There’s no panic about people not getting their credit, that’s all I can say really,” von Gillern said Friday. “I’ve looked at this thing forwards and backwards trying to find a problem, and the problem that Senator Erdman is talking about is not a problem.”<h2>Credit timing changes</h2>Before, in LB 1107 (2020)<ul>
 <li>December 2019 assessed taxes paid in 2020, with income tax credits available in 2021.</li><li>December 2020 assessed taxes paid in 2021, with income tax credits available in 2022.</li><li>December 2021 assessed taxes paid in 2022, with income tax credits available in 2023.</li><li>December 2022 assessed taxes paid in 2023, with income tax credits available in 2024.</li><li>December 2023 assessed taxes paid in 2024, with income tax credits available in 2025.</li>
 </ul>After, in LB 34 (2024)<ul>
 <li>December 2023 assessed taxes, with no tax credits available (unless the taxes were paid by Dec. 31, 2023).</li><li>December 2024 assessed taxes, with discount automatically applied upon payment, typically in 2025.</li><li>December 2025 assessed taxes, with discount automatically applied upon payment, typically in 2026.</li>
 </ul>Linehan added the state had “only one $750 million,” which was paid for&nbsp;in part&nbsp;through state&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/14/nebraska-legislature-sidesteps-filibuster-on-cuts-to-hhs-legislative-council/">budget cuts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/second-budget-bill-advances-after-another-filibuster/">cash transfers</a>.“People are calling it ‘a skipped year.’ You can’t get a credit and pay less, too,” Linehan said. “You could, but that would cost $1.5 billion.”Gov. Jim Pillen’s office declined to comment for this story.<h2>‘Retroactive property tax increase’</h2>Erdman was joined by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and organizations representing county officials and certified public accountants in arguing that the “missing year” will never be made up.Taxpayers who had been claiming the credit “would have been far better off if we didn’t have a special session,” Erdman said.“This is backwards. To say that over time we’re going to make up the loss of your credit for ‘23 is not telling the truth,” Erdman said. “It’s an increase in property tax for ‘23. Plain and simple retroactive property tax increase.”Linehan had tried to usher through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">greater relief on behalf of Pillen</a>. She initially introduced LB 1 during the special session. It was projected to increase total property tax relief up to 50%, largely through imposing new sales taxes on more than 100 currently exempt goods and services.Erdman also reintroduced his “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/03/epic-consumption-tax-nebraska-petition-falls-short-will-have-to-find-another-way/">EPIC Option</a>” proposals,&nbsp;which would eliminate property, income and corporate taxes in favor of a consumption and excise tax base.But both approaches were quickly swatted down during the session.<h2>‘We were actually hurting people’</h2>Wayne, Erdman, Linehan and 12 other senators wanted to pause the session until after the November election, contending that more options needed to be considered to provide more relief. But 29 of their colleagues disagreed, voting to end the session after 17 days.Erdman said that had senators listened to the appeal, the Legislature could have provided “meaningful” relief and “we wouldn’t be in this position.”“We jammed it through, and now we have the result that we have,” Erdman said.Wayne has said the session “could have been an email” based on how it ended. He said there were other revenue options, such as legalizing and taxing online sports betting or recreational marijuana. Both proposals were offered during the session but were not debated.Erdman said the unused credits from years past should have been used to pay for both the “front-loaded” credit and one more year of the income tax credits.Wayne directed criticism over the session’s “failure” at many people, including state senators of all political stripes who are running this year for the Legislature or Congress and who supported LB 34. Wayne said they “voted for a property tax increase, and there’s no way around it.”“They either didn’t read the bill or they knew what they were doing, and I think that’s a huge problem,” Wayne said. “It was a rush to get something done and do something mediocre, and we were actually hurting people in the process.”<h2>Counties, accountants brace for impact</h2>Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, said county officials are particularly sensitive to property tax concerns, since they oversee property valuations, budget requests and tax statements.“We are the whole process, and we get all the complaints,” Cannon said. “We have a vested interest in property tax relief or reform being delivered to our taxpayers. If there’s a missing year or if there’s something that’s going to affect our taxpayers, we’re going to hear about it.”Asked whether local governments could make up the funds through cuts, Cannon said there isn’t $600 million sitting around that officials “could just go ahead and set on fire.”“That’s $600 million of roads and bridges for our part of the property tax ask,” Cannon said. “That $600 million is paying for something that we think is a public good.”Bryan Klintworth, chair-elect of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, said some taxpayers will see a tax credit for the taxes assessed in 2023 if they paid their taxes by Dec. 31, 2023. If so, they could have claimed the credit when filing their tax returns in 2024.“That’s where there’s this kind of weird dichotomy,” Klintworth said.Erdman said people will notice when they file their income taxes next year and will ask why the credit isn’t available. He says that is when it will “hit the fan.”Cannon and Klintworth said the issue might be argued by some as “semantics” but that the end result is a lost year or “missing year” of tax relief.“Even though you come out the same in the calendar year, it does affect the timing of it, too, in those installment payments,” Klintworth said, such as in monthly mortgage escrow accounts.<h2>A ‘sleight of hand’</h2>Erdman said he is disappointed that state leaders won’t own up to “confiscating” taxpayer dollars. He said he first thought it was an unintentional result but now sees it as an intentional “sleight of hand.”&nbsp;He pointed to a “<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-release/ndr/LB_34_News_Release_Final.pdf" target="_blank">comparative analysis</a>” from the Revenue Department that outlines the credit timing under LB 1107 as “property taxes paid” and LB 34 as “property taxes assessed.”The explainer leaves out “2023 property taxes assessed” in December 2023 statements.“Don’t look at what I’m doing here, look over here at this,” Erdman said.Wayne said middle class and working class taxpayers, as well as anyone who has a mortgage and pays in installments, will be the ones sorting through an&nbsp;immediate tax increase in exchange for a potential decrease in future years.&nbsp;“We can say none of it matters, but it does matter to those who are struggling right now with increased property taxes to pay to stay in their home,” Wayne said.Erdman and Wayne said the $185 million in new tax relief, which amounts to about 3.5% of the $5.3 billion in property taxes paid in 2023, will also be eaten away by inflation or general increases in property taxes before tangible benefits of LB 34 are realized.<h2>‘You take what you can get’</h2>State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator from Albion, joined Pillen, Linehan and von Gillern in celebrating LB 34 and for amending LB 1107, which Briese and Linehan championed in 2020. Briese said “one of the biggest stumbling blocks” in property tax relief consistently is finding new revenue streams to replace the local tax burdens.“You have many folks on the left unwilling to do that, and you have a slice of folks on the far right unwilling to do that,” Briese said. “But those of us that are serious about property tax relief, serious about solving the property tax issue, are willing to do that.”Briese said he is still optimistic lawmakers can find a long-term solution to property tax relief.“I guess in this business you take what you can get, and that’s what the Legislature did,” Briese said. “I commend the Legislature for that.”<h2>‘Bring it in January’</h2>Erdman said he’s not sure the Legislature will have the “intestinal fortitude” to bring an amendment in January to correct the issues he has raised. He sees two fixes: Let Nebraskans collect the credit when they file their tax returns in 2025 or double the credit for one year.“The Legislature and the governor had planned for this to be a decrease in property tax when in reality it’s actually an increase,” Erdman said. “We have to have an increase so we can give you a decrease. Think about that. We have to increase your taxes so we can give you a decrease for next year. How strange is that? Yeah, that’s crazy.”State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar said the first bill introduced in 2025 should come at Pillen’s request and distribute the relief for 2024 taxes paid. She said funding should be through existing state resources, not other increased taxes.“This is either malicious incompetence from the Pillen administration at best, or straight-up malicious at worst,” Slama said in a text message.Erdman, Wayne, Linehan and State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, the third lawmaker to oppose LB 34, won’t return next year due to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/15/term-limited-nebraska-lawmakers-mount-what-could-be-last-push-for-more-property-tax-relief/">term limits</a>. Slama declined to seek reelection.Von Gillern, who is in his second year as a lawmaker, will return and confirmed there is nothing to prevent senators from introducing legislation in January if they see any issues with LB 34, but they’ll need to find the funding.“Bring it in January if you want to do it,” von Gillern said, “along with the fiscal note.”<h2>LB 1107 credits claimed over time</h2><ul>
 <li>For taxes paid in 2020 — $82 million in&nbsp;tax credits claimed&nbsp;out of $125 million appropriated for school taxes (66%).</li><li>For taxes paid in 2021 — $422 million in tax credits claimed out of $548 million appropriated for school taxes (77%).</li><li>For taxes paid in 2022 — $562 million tax credits claimed out of $763 million possible for school and community college taxes (74%); $598 million appropriated.</li><li>For taxes paid in 2023 (through July 2024) — $477 million tax credits claimed out of $809 million possible credits for school and community college taxes (60%); $660 million appropriated.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers in Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties pay half of their property taxes by April 1 and the rest by Aug. 1; all other taxpayers pay by May 1 and Sept. 1. Some taxpayers choose to pay by Dec. 31 as soon as they receive their statements, changing when the credit is available. Tax returns are usually due by April 15.More tax credits were available for taxes paid in 2022 and 2023 than legislatively appropriated. That’s because the Nebraska Department of Revenue increased the credit percentage in an attempt to repurpose previously unused credits.Source: Patrick Roy, legislative and media coordinator, Nebraska Department of Revenue