GEARY COUNTY, Kan. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 KTM RC390 motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Brycen Chance&nbsp;Ronk, 21, Fort Riley, was traveling onto eastbound Interstate 70 at Grandview Plaza. 

The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on the on ramp and passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the ramp. 

The motorcycle swerved back into the eastbound lane of Interstate 70, continued to swerve and crossed through the center line entering the westbound lanes of the Interstate and struck a 2022 International semi driven by Brian Lynn Plyer, 51, Bellvue, Nebraska, head-on.

Ronk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Medical. Plyer was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722538918870.png" alt="-Traffic backed up Thursday in Geary County due to the fatal crash-image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>-Traffic backed up Thursday in Geary County due to the fatal crash-image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY, Kan. —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 KTM RC390 motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Brycen Chance&nbsp;Ronk, 21, Fort Riley, was traveling onto eastbound Interstate 70 at Grandview Plaza. The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on the on ramp and passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the ramp. The motorcycle swerved back into the eastbound lane of Interstate 70, continued to swerve and crossed through the center line entering the westbound lanes of the Interstate and struck a 2022 International semi driven by Brian Lynn Plyer, 51, Bellvue, Nebraska, head-on.Ronk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Medical. Plyer was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Nebraska driver involved in fatal wrong-way Kansas crash

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Hall of Fame former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne said Wednesday that legalizing online sports betting would cause more problems than good, bucking one of his former players in the process: Gov. Jim Pillen.

Osborne, a head coach for 25 seasons between 1973 and 1997, said he could attest that the most intense, negative criticism he’s seen in athletics came not after losing on the scoreboard but in falling short of other standards or metrics, like turnovers and yards lost or gained.

He said he felt for his players who would return to their dorms after playing in front of more than 80,000 fans and thousands more on TV.

“You have a lot on your shoulders ,and you don’t need to have gambling problems exacerbate that problem,” Osborne testified. “The athletic contest becomes less of a sporting event and more of a gambling exercise, with a gambler’s financial security at risk.”

Osborne, a former U.S House member, testified at a General Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday. The committee heard testimony on three pieces of online sports betting-related legislation introduced by State Sens. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Justin Wayne of Omaha.

Legalizing online sports betting would require a constitutional amendment. Bostar proposed one approach with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58077" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 3CA</a>; Wayne proposed another with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58273" target="_blank">LR 23CA</a>.&nbsp;

Bostar also proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58107" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 13</a>, which would establish a legal framework for mobile sports wagering and open up authorized sporting events to include in-state collegiate sporting events.

Under LB 13, tax revenues from online sports wagering would be distributed as follows:

LB 13 includes a similar provision as six other bills this special session — to allow constitutional amendments to go onto the ballot if submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office up to 60 days before a general election. The current requirement is four months.

If that doesn’t pass, Nebraskans could lose out on up to $100 million in tax revenue waiting for the 2026 general election, Bostar said.

“I have every confidence that this is going to be on the ballot soon, and the people of Nebraska are going to have an opportunity to have their voice heard,” Bostar told the Examiner before the hearing.

‘We are incentivizing the black market’

Nebraskans are already accessing mobile sports betting, Bostar said, by crossing state lines to neighboring states, such as Iowa; circumventing geolocation technology, like through a virtual private network; or accessing underground, unregulated or foreign betting markets.

“We are incentivizing the black market by not allowing a congregate for people to participate in a regulated environment,” Bostar testified.

Wayne said he watched people leave the College World Series last month and walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge from Omaha to Council Bluffs to place bets before returning.

“We may have lost a million dollars that week,” Wayne said before his hearing. “We can use that for property tax relief.”

Both said the state is already picking up the social costs of gambling but none of the annual revenue, which Bostar estimated would be at least $32 million. The Legislative Fiscal Office said that revenue is “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_fiscal.php?DocumentID=58107" target="_blank">indeterminate</a>,” for now.

Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, testified in support of legalization. His group was one of the leading groups behind the 2020 ballot initiative to legalize casino gambling.

Morgan said he is not in favor of online casinos but highlighted that online sports betting would be available to rural parts of the state and wouldn’t be a tax shift on Nebraskans but on Iowans.

Osborne testified that if the tax revenue going to Iowa was so beneficial, then Council Bluffs should look more like Abu Dhabi, the extravagant capital of the United Arab Emirates.

He was joined in his opposition in a&nbsp;<a href="https://petericketts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Letter-in-Opposition-to-Online-Sports-Betting.pdf" target="_blank">public letter</a>&nbsp;released before the afternoon hearing with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb.; former Gov. Kay Orr; and State Auditor Mike Foley.

They said mobile sports betting would allow constant bets on every action in a game “at speeds as fast as slot machines,” which could lead to higher addiction rates.

“Nebraska just legalized casinos at race tracks for the promise of property tax reduction,” the letter states. “Legislators would be wise to allow a few years to see if that promise is delivered before taking another risk to the detriment of our youth and small businesses.”

Pillen, a defensive back for the Cornhuskers from 1975 to 1978, has said he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/26/questions-remain-as-gov-pillen-doubles-down-on-taking-over-k-12-public-school-funding/">supports legalization</a>, though he, too, is personally against gambling.

On July 24, one day before the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/#:~:text=By%3A%20Zach%20Wendling%20%2D%20July%2025%2C%202024%208%3A56%20pm&amp;text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20Gov.%20Jim%20Pillen's%20property,tax%20rates%20to%20provide%20relief.">special session began on property taxes</a>, Pillen told the Examiner that the “hardcore reality” is Nebraskans who want to partake in online sports betting already are.&nbsp;

He’s said he would put forward legislation in 2025, ahead of the next election, to legalize. He hasn’t come out in support of the proposals from Wayne or Bostar.&nbsp;

However, he confirmed last week he wouldn’t object to legislation, if it were passed.

“I’m an advocate,” Pillen said. “I won’t stand in the way. Anybody who takes that, I’ll support it.”

Bostar said the opposition was to be expected, noting Osborne and the others have consistently opposed any form of gambling.

“Fundamentally though, I’m bringing this not out of love for gambling,” Bostar said. “I’m bringing this because Nebraskans are already doing it and we’re giving away all the money.”

The committee took no immediate action on any of the gambling bills it considered Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722544542797.jpeg" alt="Former Huskers head football coach and former U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne testifies against legislative efforts to legalize online sports wagering on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Former Huskers head football coach and former U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne testifies against legislative efforts to legalize online sports wagering on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Hall of Fame former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne said Wednesday that legalizing online sports betting would cause more problems than good, bucking one of his former players in the process: Gov. Jim Pillen.Osborne, a head coach for 25 seasons between 1973 and 1997, said he could attest that the most intense, negative criticism he’s seen in athletics came not after losing on the scoreboard but in falling short of other standards or metrics, like turnovers and yards lost or gained.He said he felt for his players who would return to their dorms after playing in front of more than 80,000 fans and thousands more on TV.“You have a lot on your shoulders ,and you don’t need to have gambling problems exacerbate that problem,” Osborne testified. “The athletic contest becomes less of a sporting event and more of a gambling exercise, with a gambler’s financial security at risk.”<h2>Possible 2024 ballot measure</h2>Osborne, a former U.S House member, testified at a General Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday. The committee heard testimony on three pieces of online sports betting-related legislation introduced by State Sens. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Justin Wayne of Omaha.Legalizing online sports betting would require a constitutional amendment. Bostar proposed one approach with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58077" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 3CA</a>; Wayne proposed another with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58273" target="_blank">LR 23CA</a>.&nbsp;Bostar also proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58107" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 13</a>, which would establish a legal framework for mobile sports wagering and open up authorized sporting events to include in-state collegiate sporting events.Under LB 13, tax revenues from online sports wagering would be distributed as follows:<ul>
 <li>90% to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund.</li><li>7% to the Racing and Gaming Commission to enforce the laws overseeing casinos, horse racing and sports wagering.</li><li>3% to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, which can be used to help Nebraskans harmed by problem gambling and promote awareness of support programs.</li>
 </ul>LB 13 includes a similar provision as six other bills this special session — to allow constitutional amendments to go onto the ballot if submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office up to 60 days before a general election. The current requirement is four months.If that doesn’t pass, Nebraskans could lose out on up to $100 million in tax revenue waiting for the 2026 general election, Bostar said.“I have every confidence that this is going to be on the ballot soon, and the people of Nebraska are going to have an opportunity to have their voice heard,” Bostar told the Examiner before the hearing.<h2>‘We are incentivizing the black market’</h2>Nebraskans are already accessing mobile sports betting, Bostar said, by crossing state lines to neighboring states, such as Iowa; circumventing geolocation technology, like through a virtual private network; or accessing underground, unregulated or foreign betting markets.“We are incentivizing the black market by not allowing a congregate for people to participate in a regulated environment,” Bostar testified.Wayne said he watched people leave the College World Series last month and walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge from Omaha to Council Bluffs to place bets before returning.“We may have lost a million dollars that week,” Wayne said before his hearing. “We can use that for property tax relief.”Both said the state is already picking up the social costs of gambling but none of the annual revenue, which Bostar estimated would be at least $32 million. The Legislative Fiscal Office said that revenue is “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_fiscal.php?DocumentID=58107" target="_blank">indeterminate</a>,” for now.<h2>Wait for casino revenue</h2>Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, testified in support of legalization. His group was one of the leading groups behind the 2020 ballot initiative to legalize casino gambling.Morgan said he is not in favor of online casinos but highlighted that online sports betting would be available to rural parts of the state and wouldn’t be a tax shift on Nebraskans but on Iowans.Osborne testified that if the tax revenue going to Iowa was so beneficial, then Council Bluffs should look more like Abu Dhabi, the extravagant capital of the United Arab Emirates.He was joined in his opposition in a&nbsp;<a href="https://petericketts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Letter-in-Opposition-to-Online-Sports-Betting.pdf" target="_blank">public letter</a>&nbsp;released before the afternoon hearing with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb.; former Gov. Kay Orr; and State Auditor Mike Foley.They said mobile sports betting would allow constant bets on every action in a game “at speeds as fast as slot machines,” which could lead to higher addiction rates.“Nebraska just legalized casinos at race tracks for the promise of property tax reduction,” the letter states. “Legislators would be wise to allow a few years to see if that promise is delivered before taking another risk to the detriment of our youth and small businesses.”<h2>‘I won’t stand in the way’</h2>Pillen, a defensive back for the Cornhuskers from 1975 to 1978, has said he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/26/questions-remain-as-gov-pillen-doubles-down-on-taking-over-k-12-public-school-funding/">supports legalization</a>, though he, too, is personally against gambling.On July 24, one day before the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/#:~:text=By%3A%20Zach%20Wendling%20%2D%20July%2025%2C%202024%208%3A56%20pm&amp;text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20Gov.%20Jim%20Pillen's%20property,tax%20rates%20to%20provide%20relief.">special session began on property taxes</a>, Pillen told the Examiner that the “hardcore reality” is Nebraskans who want to partake in online sports betting already are.&nbsp;He’s said he would put forward legislation in 2025, ahead of the next election, to legalize. He hasn’t come out in support of the proposals from Wayne or Bostar.&nbsp;However, he confirmed last week he wouldn’t object to legislation, if it were passed.“I’m an advocate,” Pillen said. “I won’t stand in the way. Anybody who takes that, I’ll support it.”Bostar said the opposition was to be expected, noting Osborne and the others have consistently opposed any form of gambling.“Fundamentally though, I’m bringing this not out of love for gambling,” Bostar said. “I’m bringing this because Nebraskans are already doing it and we’re giving away all the money.”The committee took no immediate action on any of the gambling bills it considered Wednesday.

Gov. Pillen at odds with former Huskers coach Tom Osborne on online sports betting

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms from May 20 to June 3, 2024.During that time period, severe tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damage to public infrastructure in impacted counties.

Specifically, Governor Pillen’s request follows storms that affected&nbsp;Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington counties.

A copy of the delegation’s letter to President Biden is below and a signed copy is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d2c0bd13-6233-4ba9-b949-1884a7e9fc55/ne-delegation-letter-to-president-biden-5.20.24-final.pdf">available here</a>.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring between May 20 – June 3, 2024, for the Nebraska counties of Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington.

Severe storms caused extensive damage across the state due to the combination of tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damages to public infrastructure in impacted counties.

Once again, the people of Nebraska must face the difficult process of recovering from damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes. As they have time and time again, Nebraskans will demonstrate their resilience in the face of disaster. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in these restoration efforts.

We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms from May 20 to June 3, 2024.During that time period, severe tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damage to public infrastructure in impacted counties.Specifically, Governor Pillen’s request follows storms that affected&nbsp;Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington counties.A copy of the delegation’s letter to President Biden is below and a signed copy is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d2c0bd13-6233-4ba9-b949-1884a7e9fc55/ne-delegation-letter-to-president-biden-5.20.24-final.pdf">available here</a>.President Joe BidenThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20500Dear Mr. President:We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring between May 20 – June 3, 2024, for the Nebraska counties of Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington.Severe storms caused extensive damage across the state due to the combination of tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damages to public infrastructure in impacted counties.Once again, the people of Nebraska must face the difficult process of recovering from damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes. As they have time and time again, Nebraskans will demonstrate their resilience in the face of disaster. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in these restoration efforts.We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.

Nebraska Delegation Echoes Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Areas Affected by Late Spring Storms

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), led Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to increase working families’ access to quality, affordable child care. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024 strengthens child care services, increases the supply of child care providers, and improves the program to support families and providers in the pursuit of quality, affordable child care.

In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). &nbsp;

“Nebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“Improving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies. Child care alleviates stress on working parents because they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn,”&nbsp;said Senator Collins.&nbsp;“This bill will help increase the availability of reliable care for children, providing parents with a greater ability to work or attend classes to improve their own skills and education.”

“The CCDBG has worked as a bipartisan solution for decades, providing families with flexible child care options – including in rural areas. Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families. I’m proud to back this pro-family, pro-worker proposal,”&nbsp;said Senator Grassley.

“I am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Senator Tillis.&nbsp;“The CCDBG reauthorization is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success and is a critical step forward in ensuring that every family has the quality child care they deserve.”

“Child care is a critical need for working families. Increasing their access to quality, affordable child care will help families and workers across the country. This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.

“Hoosier and American families rely on affordable, quality, accessible child care and preschool options. Our bill would empower parents to decide what child care and preschool providers best suit the needs of their families and strengthens child care capacity,”&nbsp;said Senator Young.The bill has been endorsed by the First Five Years Fund, Save the Children, First Five Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Early Care and Education Consortium, and Buffett Early Childhood Institute.

“We applaud Senator Fischer for her leadership in modernizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which will help our nation’s primary child care program evolve to meet the needs of families today and for years to come. Congress has repeatedly demonstrated strong, bipartisan support for CCDBG, ensuring support for hundreds of thousands of children, but we still have significant work to do to ensure the program can reach all of the families who need it. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024 provides a critical opportunity to make much-needed improvements to CCDBG, allowing it to help more families access and afford the child care they rely on. First Five Years Fund looks forward to working with child care champions in Congress in the weeks and months ahead to ensure more working families and their children have access to the quality child care they need to be successful,”&nbsp;said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling.

“High-quality child care is essential to ensuring every child has a strong start in life, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program is critical to making high-quality care affordable and accessible for millions of families. That's why Save the Children supports the efforts of Senators Fischer and Collins in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024. It would strengthen CCDBG by raising reimbursement rates to providers to better match the true cost of care, increasing the supply of child care and quality of facilities, and supporting affordable child care in rural America,”&nbsp;said Save the Children Managing Director Domestic Policy Roy Chrobocinski.

“Nebraska puts a high degree of value on localized decision making, especially with respect to the services and supports available to working parents with young children. Those same principles are evident in the 2024 Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act. This legislation enables state lawmakers and residents to tailor a more flexible and efficient child care infrastructure so parents can choose the early childhood supports that make the most sense for their families. It also introduces important efficiencies to the regulatory environment in which child care programs operate, ensuring that providers are better positioned to deliver the services our families, communities and state need to thrive,”&nbsp;said First Five Nebraska Deputy Director and Public Policy Manager Elizabeth Everett.

“Across the state, Nebraska’s employers are struggling to secure affordable child care for their employees and the communities they serve. Senator Fischer’s CCBDG Reauthorization Act will help reduce regulatory burdens that hinder child care providers, ensure communities have the flexibility they need to make child care funds work for them, and ensure families, employers, and providers have a seat at the table as state plans are crafted. Nebraska’s business community is grateful for Senator Fischer’s leadership on such a key issue,”&nbsp;said Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Vice President of Policy and Legislation Alex Reuss“The Lincoln Chamber thanks Senator Fischer for her leadership to modernize and reauthorize the Child Care Block Development Grant. Limited access to child care has contributed to Nebraska’s workforce challenges. The CCBDG will help Lincoln business recruit and retain workforce by providing working families access to quality child care and support early childhood professionals,”&nbsp;said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.

“CCDBG is a vital program that helps ensure low-income families have access to high-quality child care. CCDBG reauthorization is long overdue to modernize and make much-needed updates to the program. This bill will help increase access for more low-income families by providing states with greater flexibility, help ensure more providers will be reimbursed for the true cost of providing care, and help address widespread supply shortages. We applaud Sens. Fischer and Collins for their commitment to young children,”&nbsp;said Early Care and Education Consortium Executive Director Radha Mohan.

The CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on the historically bipartisan CCDBG program which has assisted working families with their child care needs for over 30 years.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4e4370dc-0f32-429a-9be6-89d8840c5b51/ccdbg-one-pager.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/6f33d358-8a73-467c-8f65-9a57dfa169c3/ccdbg-bill-text.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON –&nbsp;Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), led Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to increase working families’ access to quality, affordable child care. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024 strengthens child care services, increases the supply of child care providers, and improves the program to support families and providers in the pursuit of quality, affordable child care.In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). &nbsp;“Nebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“Improving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies. Child care alleviates stress on working parents because they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn,”&nbsp;said Senator Collins.&nbsp;“This bill will help increase the availability of reliable care for children, providing parents with a greater ability to work or attend classes to improve their own skills and education.”“The CCDBG has worked as a bipartisan solution for decades, providing families with flexible child care options – including in rural areas. Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families. I’m proud to back this pro-family, pro-worker proposal,”&nbsp;said Senator Grassley.“I am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Senator Tillis.&nbsp;“The CCDBG reauthorization is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success and is a critical step forward in ensuring that every family has the quality child care they deserve.”“Child care is a critical need for working families. Increasing their access to quality, affordable child care will help families and workers across the country. This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.“Hoosier and American families rely on affordable, quality, accessible child care and preschool options. Our bill would empower parents to decide what child care and preschool providers best suit the needs of their families and strengthens child care capacity,”&nbsp;said Senator Young.The bill has been endorsed by the First Five Years Fund, Save the Children, First Five Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Early Care and Education Consortium, and Buffett Early Childhood Institute.“We applaud Senator Fischer for her leadership in modernizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which will help our nation’s primary child care program evolve to meet the needs of families today and for years to come. Congress has repeatedly demonstrated strong, bipartisan support for CCDBG, ensuring support for hundreds of thousands of children, but we still have significant work to do to ensure the program can reach all of the families who need it. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024 provides a critical opportunity to make much-needed improvements to CCDBG, allowing it to help more families access and afford the child care they rely on. First Five Years Fund looks forward to working with child care champions in Congress in the weeks and months ahead to ensure more working families and their children have access to the quality child care they need to be successful,”&nbsp;said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling.“High-quality child care is essential to ensuring every child has a strong start in life, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program is critical to making high-quality care affordable and accessible for millions of families. That's why Save the Children supports the efforts of Senators Fischer and Collins in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024. It would strengthen CCDBG by raising reimbursement rates to providers to better match the true cost of care, increasing the supply of child care and quality of facilities, and supporting affordable child care in rural America,”&nbsp;said Save the Children Managing Director Domestic Policy Roy Chrobocinski.“Nebraska puts a high degree of value on localized decision making, especially with respect to the services and supports available to working parents with young children. Those same principles are evident in the 2024 Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act. This legislation enables state lawmakers and residents to tailor a more flexible and efficient child care infrastructure so parents can choose the early childhood supports that make the most sense for their families. It also introduces important efficiencies to the regulatory environment in which child care programs operate, ensuring that providers are better positioned to deliver the services our families, communities and state need to thrive,”&nbsp;said First Five Nebraska Deputy Director and Public Policy Manager Elizabeth Everett.“Across the state, Nebraska’s employers are struggling to secure affordable child care for their employees and the communities they serve. Senator Fischer’s CCBDG Reauthorization Act will help reduce regulatory burdens that hinder child care providers, ensure communities have the flexibility they need to make child care funds work for them, and ensure families, employers, and providers have a seat at the table as state plans are crafted. Nebraska’s business community is grateful for Senator Fischer’s leadership on such a key issue,”&nbsp;said Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Vice President of Policy and Legislation Alex Reuss“The Lincoln Chamber thanks Senator Fischer for her leadership to modernize and reauthorize the Child Care Block Development Grant. Limited access to child care has contributed to Nebraska’s workforce challenges. The CCBDG will help Lincoln business recruit and retain workforce by providing working families access to quality child care and support early childhood professionals,”&nbsp;said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.“CCDBG is a vital program that helps ensure low-income families have access to high-quality child care. CCDBG reauthorization is long overdue to modernize and make much-needed updates to the program. This bill will help increase access for more low-income families by providing states with greater flexibility, help ensure more providers will be reimbursed for the true cost of providing care, and help address widespread supply shortages. We applaud Sens. Fischer and Collins for their commitment to young children,”&nbsp;said Early Care and Education Consortium Executive Director Radha Mohan.Background:The CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on the historically bipartisan CCDBG program which has assisted working families with their child care needs for over 30 years.Specifically, the reauthorization:<ul>
 <li>Ensures parental choice by supporting working parents as they choose the child care services that best suit their family’s needs.</li><li>Strengthens child care services by moving states to a statistically valid and reliable cost estimation model for setting provider rates.</li><li>Provides funding to states to expand the supply and capacity of child care providers, as well as to ensure that child care facilities are designed and equipped to keep children healthy and safe.</li><li>Assists in-home and rural child care providers by providing them with technical assistance, while also directing the Department of Agriculture to remove regulatory burdens that restrict the presence of home-based child care providers.</li><li>Broadens community input in state child care plan development.</li><li>Reduces duplicative regulatory burdens on child care providers.</li>
 </ul><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4e4370dc-0f32-429a-9be6-89d8840c5b51/ccdbg-one-pager.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/6f33d358-8a73-467c-8f65-9a57dfa169c3/ccdbg-bill-text.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.

Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Working Families’ Access to Quality Child Care

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

WASHINGTON — Though the Biden administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-plan-reverse-final-title-ix-rule-passes-us-house-biden-says-hed-veto%C2%A0%C2%A0" target="_blank">final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;extending federal protections for LGBTQ students went into effect nationwide Thursday, a slew of legal challenges has temporarily blocked over half of all states from enforcing the updated regulations.

After the Department of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">released the final rule</a>&nbsp;in April, 26 states — all with GOP attorneys general — rushed to challenge the measure. Given the myriad legal challenges, the updated regulations only went into effect Thursday in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, celebrated the final rule on Thursday during a briefing.

Cardona said the updated regulations “are the culmination of a lengthy and thorough process that included unprecedented public input from students, parents, educators, administrators, experts and other stakeholders.”

“These regulations make crystal clear that everyone has the right to schools that respect their rights and offer safe, welcoming learning environments,” he added.

Lhamon said it’s “a very fluid legal environment” and the department continues “to defend the rule we believe in in these cases, with the Department of Justice as our counsel in the courts.”

“We anticipated this moment when we were finalizing the 2024 regulations, and we know they are legally sound,” she said, noting that the department has appealed the injunctions that have so far been issued and sought clarification of their application.

“While the appeals of these rulings are pending, we have asked the United States Supreme Court to allow the unchallenged provisions — which are the bulk of the final rule —&nbsp; to take effect in the enjoined states as scheduled,” Lhamon said.

But the Supreme Court has yet to decide on that emergency request, which came in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A78/319569/20240722154922885_Title%20IX%20Louisiana%20Stay%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">pair</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A79/319576/20240722155838924_Title%20IX%20Tennessee%20Stay%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">filings</a>&nbsp;from U.S. Solicitor General&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/07/federal-government-asks-court-to-allow-enforcement-of-title-ix-rule/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Prelogar</a>&nbsp;last week.

The final rule “protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics,” per the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-releases-final-title-ix-regulations-providing-vital-protections-against-sex-discrimination" target="_blank">department</a>. The updated regulations are also aimed at “restoring and strengthening full protection from sexual violence and other sex-based harassment.”

The administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-blocks-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-kids-reversing-alabama-federal-judge-0" target="_blank">scored a legal win</a>&nbsp;Tuesday when an Alabama federal judge rejected an attempt by Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to halt enforcement of the final rule. But a federal appeals court granted the states’ request for an administrative injunction Wednesday, which temporarily blocked the final rule from taking effect in those Southern states.

Judge Jodi W. Dishman of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma also&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.okwd.126841/gov.uscourts.okwd.126841.48.0.pdf" target="_blank">halted the final rule</a>&nbsp;from taking effect in the state on Wednesday after the state individually sued the administration back in May.

The final rule is temporarily blocked in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

But the challenges to Title IX span beyond the 26 states that initially sued the administration —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scag.gov/media/pskl4phx/ks-v-u-s-dept-of-education-list-of-schools-enjoined.pdf" target="_blank">affecting schools</a>&nbsp;across the country.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/03/kansas-judge-issues-injunction-blocking-new-federal-anti-discrimination-rules-in-education/">Judge John Broomes</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">expanded the temporary blockage</a>&nbsp;to also include “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty.”

These groups sued alongside Kansas, Alaska, Utah and Wyoming earlier this year.

Congressional Republicans have fiercely opposed the final rule.

In July, the GOP-controlled House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-plan-reverse-final-title-ix-rule-passes-us-house-biden-says-hed-veto%C2%A0%C2%A0" target="_blank">passed a measure</a>&nbsp;to reverse the updated regulations under the Congressional Review Act — a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.

But the measure is unlikely to find success in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have pushed back against GOP-led efforts to block the final rule from taking effect.

“Every student in this country deserves access to an education without fear of bullying and discrimination,” Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, said in an emailed statement to States Newsroom.

“But MAGA politicians, promoting blatant discrimination, have fueled eight preliminary injunctions blocking enforcement of the Biden administration’s new Title IX rules in 26 states.”

Wolf added that “we must continue to fight for LGBTQ+ students across the country because everyone deserves a safe educational experience — full stop.”

Meanwhile, the department has yet to decide on a separate rule establishing new criteria regarding transgender athletes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711150983660.png" alt="File photo U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod during a visit to the campus in 2023-photo KU" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod during a visit to the campus in 2023-photo KU</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — Though the Biden administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-plan-reverse-final-title-ix-rule-passes-us-house-biden-says-hed-veto%C2%A0%C2%A0" target="_blank">final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;extending federal protections for LGBTQ students went into effect nationwide Thursday, a slew of legal challenges has temporarily blocked over half of all states from enforcing the updated regulations.After the Department of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">released the final rule</a>&nbsp;in April, 26 states — all with GOP attorneys general — rushed to challenge the measure. Given the myriad legal challenges, the updated regulations only went into effect Thursday in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, celebrated the final rule on Thursday during a briefing.Cardona said the updated regulations “are the culmination of a lengthy and thorough process that included unprecedented public input from students, parents, educators, administrators, experts and other stakeholders.”“These regulations make crystal clear that everyone has the right to schools that respect their rights and offer safe, welcoming learning environments,” he added.Lhamon said it’s “a very fluid legal environment” and the department continues “to defend the rule we believe in in these cases, with the Department of Justice as our counsel in the courts.”“We anticipated this moment when we were finalizing the 2024 regulations, and we know they are legally sound,” she said, noting that the department has appealed the injunctions that have so far been issued and sought clarification of their application.“While the appeals of these rulings are pending, we have asked the United States Supreme Court to allow the unchallenged provisions — which are the bulk of the final rule —&nbsp; to take effect in the enjoined states as scheduled,” Lhamon said.But the Supreme Court has yet to decide on that emergency request, which came in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A78/319569/20240722154922885_Title%20IX%20Louisiana%20Stay%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">pair</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A79/319576/20240722155838924_Title%20IX%20Tennessee%20Stay%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">filings</a>&nbsp;from U.S. Solicitor General&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/07/federal-government-asks-court-to-allow-enforcement-of-title-ix-rule/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Prelogar</a>&nbsp;last week.<h2>Discrimination protection</h2>The final rule “protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics,” per the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-releases-final-title-ix-regulations-providing-vital-protections-against-sex-discrimination" target="_blank">department</a>. The updated regulations are also aimed at “restoring and strengthening full protection from sexual violence and other sex-based harassment.”The administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-blocks-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-kids-reversing-alabama-federal-judge-0" target="_blank">scored a legal win</a>&nbsp;Tuesday when an Alabama federal judge rejected an attempt by Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to halt enforcement of the final rule. But a federal appeals court granted the states’ request for an administrative injunction Wednesday, which temporarily blocked the final rule from taking effect in those Southern states.Judge Jodi W. Dishman of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma also&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.okwd.126841/gov.uscourts.okwd.126841.48.0.pdf" target="_blank">halted the final rule</a>&nbsp;from taking effect in the state on Wednesday after the state individually sued the administration back in May.The final rule is temporarily blocked in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.<h2>Challenges affect more schools</h2>But the challenges to Title IX span beyond the 26 states that initially sued the administration —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scag.gov/media/pskl4phx/ks-v-u-s-dept-of-education-list-of-schools-enjoined.pdf" target="_blank">affecting schools</a>&nbsp;across the country.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/03/kansas-judge-issues-injunction-blocking-new-federal-anti-discrimination-rules-in-education/">Judge John Broomes</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">expanded the temporary blockage</a>&nbsp;to also include “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty.”These groups sued alongside Kansas, Alaska, Utah and Wyoming earlier this year.<h2>House GOP tries to stop rule</h2>Congressional Republicans have fiercely opposed the final rule.In July, the GOP-controlled House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-plan-reverse-final-title-ix-rule-passes-us-house-biden-says-hed-veto%C2%A0%C2%A0" target="_blank">passed a measure</a>&nbsp;to reverse the updated regulations under the Congressional Review Act — a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.But the measure is unlikely to find success in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.<h2>LGBTQ+ students</h2>LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have pushed back against GOP-led efforts to block the final rule from taking effect.“Every student in this country deserves access to an education without fear of bullying and discrimination,” Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, said in an emailed statement to States Newsroom.“But MAGA politicians, promoting blatant discrimination, have fueled eight preliminary injunctions blocking enforcement of the Biden administration’s new Title IX rules in 26 states.”Wolf added that “we must continue to fight for LGBTQ+ students across the country because everyone deserves a safe educational experience — full stop.”Meanwhile, the department has yet to decide on a separate rule establishing new criteria regarding transgender athletes.

Much-attacked final Title IX rule goes into effect while still blocked in 26 states

LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;— In honor of Purple Heart Day, the Nebraska State Capitol will be illuminated in purple light on August 7, weather permitting. In addition, a proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day in Nebraska will be signed by Governor Pillen on August 19.

“Everyone who answers the call to protect our nation sacrifices something, but for some that sacrifice is a physical, perhaps even mortal, wound,” said Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert. “Purple Heart Day reminds us all of the very real, very serious dangers our servicemembers face. Today is about honoring their sacrifices and cherishing what we have because of it.”

First observed in 2014, Purple Heart Day is meant to honor and recognize the more than 1.8 million service members who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the United States’ oldest military award. It is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

NDVA’s mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care. Its state service office helps veterans identify and access federal benefits, such as disability compensation and healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state benefits, such as Nebraska Veterans Aid funds, tuition waivers, and more. Its four state veterans’ homes offer high quality assisted living and skilled nursing care to veterans and eligible family members across the state. And its cemetery system ensures eligible veterans receive an honorable final resting place maintained to the highest national standards. To learn more about NDVA and how it serves Nebraska’s veterans and their families, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/">veterans.nebraska.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722527823035.png" alt="The Nebraska State Capitol lit purple for Purple Heart Day in 2022. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State Capitol lit purple for Purple Heart Day in 2022. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holden ArmstrongLINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;— In honor of Purple Heart Day, the Nebraska State Capitol will be illuminated in purple light on August 7, weather permitting. In addition, a proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day in Nebraska will be signed by Governor Pillen on August 19.“Everyone who answers the call to protect our nation sacrifices something, but for some that sacrifice is a physical, perhaps even mortal, wound,” said Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert. “Purple Heart Day reminds us all of the very real, very serious dangers our servicemembers face. Today is about honoring their sacrifices and cherishing what we have because of it.”First observed in 2014, Purple Heart Day is meant to honor and recognize the more than 1.8 million service members who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the United States’ oldest military award. It is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.NDVA’s mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care. Its state service office helps veterans identify and access federal benefits, such as disability compensation and healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state benefits, such as Nebraska Veterans Aid funds, tuition waivers, and more. Its four state veterans’ homes offer high quality assisted living and skilled nursing care to veterans and eligible family members across the state. And its cemetery system ensures eligible veterans receive an honorable final resting place maintained to the highest national standards. To learn more about NDVA and how it serves Nebraska’s veterans and their families, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://veterans.nebraska.gov/">veterans.nebraska.gov</a>.

Nebraska State Capitol to Shine Purple on Purple Heart Day

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly is touting the many opportunities that he and trade mission delegates had to promote Nebraska products and continued market growth during a recent week and a half long visit to Indonesia. The 20-plus member team took part in a full slate of meetings, events and activities geared primarily at showcasing Nebraska agricultural commodities including beef, pork, soybeans, corn and grains. The delegation included representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the University of Nebraska, and several Nebraska agricultural business sector representatives.

“Importers are very interested to know about how our products are grown and raised. They value family connections and sustainability – all things that are important in Nebraska agriculture – and makes our state a standout in the food products we have to offer,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. With that in mind, he and Director Sherry Vinton from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture spoke frequently about the quality of family farming operations and the pride that goes into raising the best Nebraska products possible.

“This was a remarkable trade mission, and it will reap rewards for Nebraska’s ag producers,” said NDA Director Vinton. “Our delegation was warmly received and all of the face-to-face meetings with new and existing distributors and sales representatives will prove invaluable.”

Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the world’s fourth-most populous country, and offers substantial market opportunities for Nebraska products. Indonesia is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska at $139 million and has a rapidly rising GDP and growing population. Top exports from Nebraska include soybeans/soybean meal, corn, wheat and beef.

&nbsp;The group’s robust 10-day itinerary included meetings with the U.S Grains Council, beef import associations and visits to a feed mill, a fueling station that utilizes ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh is a very popular dish in Indonesia and representatives of the Nebraska Soybean Board said they were excited to explore opportunities to increase exports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Indonesia is a top consumer of soybean meal in the world, but the U.S. has a very small market share, so we were able to have great conversations about market opportunities for them to purchase soybean meal from Nebraska,” said Wesley Wach of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “Nebraska and Indonesia have an encouraging future when it comes to soybeans.”

Additional opportunities for networking included the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, which is the country’s leading livestock, feed and dairy industry event and the Jakarta International Expo for Food. Following that event, members of the delegation met with the new United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir. Discussions focused on strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with Nebraska, opportunities that exist with soybean meal, pork, and beef markets, and doing more to accommodate halal certification requirements.

A visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta provided Lt. Gov. Kelly and participants another important opportunity to discuss halal certification standards, which ensures that food products raised and processed in Nebraska are acceptable for consumption by Muslims. More than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim, so the ability to provide certified halal food and other products is key to that global market.

Another highlight was a visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, a state-run agricultural school. There, the focus turned to opportunities involving student exchange programs and collaborating on research in plant and animal sciences.

At the SEAFAST Center, Dr. Chris Calkins, who is a world-renowned, emeritus meat science professor from the University of Nebraska, conducted a five-hour workshop for more than 70 culinary students. As part of the presentation, he shared the difference that makes Nebraska beef a desired menu item – a corn diet.

“Planting the seeds of understanding and appreciation in future culinary leaders has high potential for long-term payback,” said Dr. Calkins.

Dr. Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of meat biochemistry at the University of Nebraska, made similar observations. &nbsp;

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers excel in the production of high-quality protein foods, which are in high demand in Indonesia,” said Dr. Morrill. “Marketing these products to Indonesia can provide significant benefits to our producers and will also help increase dietary protein accessibility in Indonesia.”

“It was exciting to be a part of the educational efforts aimed at teaching Indonesian chefs and distributors the story behind what makes Nebraska beef so exceptional,” said Grant Potadle, founder of York Creek Red Angus in Herman, NE. “Creating that demand inside, out in the marketplace, accompanied by laying a foundation for future relationships will be highly impactful in the long-term.”

Lt. Gov. Kelly showed off his culinary skills at a beef preparation demonstration at the Grand Indonesia Ranch Market, a grocery market chain. Near the end of their visit, delegation participants went to Cinema XXI, the largest movie chain in Indonesia which imports Preferred Popcorn from Chapman, NE.

Lt. Gov. Kelly said all aspects of the trade mission were productive, with plenty of opportunities for Nebraska, considering Indonesia’s growing population of 270 million people.

“Nebraska helps to feed the world and their customers are demanding higher quality meat products, which is where we fit right in,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly.

The trade mission took place from July 15 – 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722519699304.jpeg" alt="Lt. Gov. Kelly meets with the new U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir (Courtesy of Governor's office)" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Gov. Kelly meets with the new U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir (Courtesy of Governor's office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly is touting the many opportunities that he and trade mission delegates had to promote Nebraska products and continued market growth during a recent week and a half long visit to Indonesia. The 20-plus member team took part in a full slate of meetings, events and activities geared primarily at showcasing Nebraska agricultural commodities including beef, pork, soybeans, corn and grains. The delegation included representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the University of Nebraska, and several Nebraska agricultural business sector representatives.“Importers are very interested to know about how our products are grown and raised. They value family connections and sustainability – all things that are important in Nebraska agriculture – and makes our state a standout in the food products we have to offer,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. With that in mind, he and Director Sherry Vinton from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture spoke frequently about the quality of family farming operations and the pride that goes into raising the best Nebraska products possible.“This was a remarkable trade mission, and it will reap rewards for Nebraska’s ag producers,” said NDA Director Vinton. “Our delegation was warmly received and all of the face-to-face meetings with new and existing distributors and sales representatives will prove invaluable.”Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the world’s fourth-most populous country, and offers substantial market opportunities for Nebraska products. Indonesia is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska at $139 million and has a rapidly rising GDP and growing population. Top exports from Nebraska include soybeans/soybean meal, corn, wheat and beef.&nbsp;The group’s robust 10-day itinerary included meetings with the U.S Grains Council, beef import associations and visits to a feed mill, a fueling station that utilizes ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh is a very popular dish in Indonesia and representatives of the Nebraska Soybean Board said they were excited to explore opportunities to increase exports.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Indonesia is a top consumer of soybean meal in the world, but the U.S. has a very small market share, so we were able to have great conversations about market opportunities for them to purchase soybean meal from Nebraska,” said Wesley Wach of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “Nebraska and Indonesia have an encouraging future when it comes to soybeans.”Additional opportunities for networking included the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, which is the country’s leading livestock, feed and dairy industry event and the Jakarta International Expo for Food. Following that event, members of the delegation met with the new United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir. Discussions focused on strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with Nebraska, opportunities that exist with soybean meal, pork, and beef markets, and doing more to accommodate halal certification requirements.A visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta provided Lt. Gov. Kelly and participants another important opportunity to discuss halal certification standards, which ensures that food products raised and processed in Nebraska are acceptable for consumption by Muslims. More than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim, so the ability to provide certified halal food and other products is key to that global market.Another highlight was a visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, a state-run agricultural school. There, the focus turned to opportunities involving student exchange programs and collaborating on research in plant and animal sciences.At the SEAFAST Center, Dr. Chris Calkins, who is a world-renowned, emeritus meat science professor from the University of Nebraska, conducted a five-hour workshop for more than 70 culinary students. As part of the presentation, he shared the difference that makes Nebraska beef a desired menu item – a corn diet.“Planting the seeds of understanding and appreciation in future culinary leaders has high potential for long-term payback,” said Dr. Calkins.Dr. Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of meat biochemistry at the University of Nebraska, made similar observations. &nbsp;“Nebraska farmers and ranchers excel in the production of high-quality protein foods, which are in high demand in Indonesia,” said Dr. Morrill. “Marketing these products to Indonesia can provide significant benefits to our producers and will also help increase dietary protein accessibility in Indonesia.”“It was exciting to be a part of the educational efforts aimed at teaching Indonesian chefs and distributors the story behind what makes Nebraska beef so exceptional,” said Grant Potadle, founder of York Creek Red Angus in Herman, NE. “Creating that demand inside, out in the marketplace, accompanied by laying a foundation for future relationships will be highly impactful in the long-term.”Lt. Gov. Kelly showed off his culinary skills at a beef preparation demonstration at the Grand Indonesia Ranch Market, a grocery market chain. Near the end of their visit, delegation participants went to Cinema XXI, the largest movie chain in Indonesia which imports Preferred Popcorn from Chapman, NE.Lt. Gov. Kelly said all aspects of the trade mission were productive, with plenty of opportunities for Nebraska, considering Indonesia’s growing population of 270 million people.“Nebraska helps to feed the world and their customers are demanding higher quality meat products, which is where we fit right in,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly.The trade mission took place from July 15 – 24.

Lt. Governor Kelly & Delegation Tout Opportunities from Trade Mission

HOUSTON— Vice President Kamala Harris has responded to former President Donald Trump's statement about her race as the 'same old show.'

Harris was speaking at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. in Houston.

In Chicago before the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump&nbsp;suggested Harris&nbsp;had misled voters about&nbsp;her race&nbsp;

Trump answered questions from three reporters: Kadia Goba of Semafor, Rachel Scott of ABC News and Harris Faulkner of Fox News.

HOUSTON— Vice President Kamala Harris has responded to former President Donald Trump's statement about her race as the 'same old show.'<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> reacts to former President Trump: &quot;The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1tqNGPIpLo">pic.twitter.com/1tqNGPIpLo</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1818817157704061039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Harris was speaking at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. in Houston.In Chicago before the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump&nbsp;suggested Harris&nbsp;had misled voters about&nbsp;her race&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on Vice President Kamala Harris: &quot;She was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person. I think somebody should look into that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/RpEuRq6p5m">pic.twitter.com/RpEuRq6p5m</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1818717916285509891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump answered questions from three reporters: Kadia Goba of Semafor, Rachel Scott of ABC News and Harris Faulkner of Fox News.

🎥Vice President Harris blasts Trump’s claim that she 'became Black'

WASHINGTON —Former President Donald Trump spoke and was interviewed&nbsp; Wednesday in Chicago at a gathering for the National Association of Black Journalists.

Trump answered questions from three reporters: Kadia Goba of Semafor, Rachel Scott of ABC News and Harris Faulkner of Fox News. 

Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee was not scheduled to address the convention. 

A person familiar with her schedule said the Harris campaign was unable to find a time to appear at NABJ in person and claimed the organization turned down an offer for her to appear virtually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722460473060.png" alt="Image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>Image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Former President Donald Trump spoke and was interviewed&nbsp; Wednesday in Chicago at a gathering for the National Association of Black Journalists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on Vice President Kamala Harris: &quot;She was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person. I think somebody should look into that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/RpEuRq6p5m">pic.twitter.com/RpEuRq6p5m</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1818717916285509891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump answered questions from three reporters: Kadia Goba of Semafor, Rachel Scott of ABC News and Harris Faulkner of Fox News. Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee was not scheduled to address the convention. A person familiar with her schedule said the Harris campaign was unable to find a time to appear at NABJ in person and claimed the organization turned down an offer for her to appear virtually.

🎥Trump answers whether Kamala Harris is a DEI hire

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;At a hearing yesterday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, pressed defense experts on nuclear modernization and workforce challenges.

Senator Fischer questioned Commission on the National Defense Strategy (NDS)&nbsp;Chair Jane M. Harman and Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman on the Commission’s 2024 report, which evaluated the Biden administration’s 2022 National Defense Strategy. The report found that the federal government has not integrated national security priorities across departments, fully informed the American people about the threats we face or made sufficient progress in reforming acquisition and research practices.

During the hearing, Senator Fischer referenced her provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy promoting a skilled manufacturing and vocational trade workforce. The provision was introduced as part of Senator Fischer’s bipartisan Restoring American Deterrence Act, a bill to overhaul America’s nuclear preparedness.

On the Role Nuclear Modernization Plays in the NDS Commission’s Proposal:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Mr. Ambassador, nuclear deterrence is the foundation,&nbsp;it is the bedrock on which our national security rests. And I understand that the Commission did not seek to replicate the&nbsp;work that came out of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Strategic&nbsp;Posture&nbsp;Commission, but it does highlight the importance of deterrence, strategic deterrence, in view of China’s development, Russia’s aggression, on and on. As you considered the strategic elements of the national security policy for us, can you explain to this committee the role that nuclear modernization plays in the NDS Commission’s proposed Multiple Theater Force Construct?

NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;Nuclear deterrence, Senator Fischer, you know, is the fundament on which everything else is built, in terms of our national security. It’s operating every day. It’s&nbsp;not visible to American citizens, but the fact of our nuclear deterrent force, all three legs of the triad being available, is the most powerful deterrent that we have to conflict. It’s not sufficient, but it is the absolute basis.

And we really, I think, agreed with the conclusion our colleagues on the&nbsp;Strategic&nbsp;Posture&nbsp;Commission reached, which is that we have to move forward with alacrity on all the elements of modernization of the nuclear triad. That’s the GBSD/Sentinel program. That is the B-21. That is the&nbsp;Ohio Replacement Class. All of those things have to be accomplished, and there are problems. 

And one of the reasons we highlighted education is that some of the problems that GBSD are running into has to do with lack of skilled workers to be able to pour the kinds of special reinforced concrete that you need for the new silos for missiles, the new control systems for missiles. We lack welders in the submarine industrial bases, as Senator Wicker knows well. 

So, there’s a lot that has to be done across the board in order to move forward with nuclear modernization, but it is absolutely fundamental to our ability to deter aggression against our allies, and of course, against the homeland.

On the Barriers the NDS Commission’s Proposal Faces:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you, and&nbsp;Representative, I really appreciated your comments on the workforce and the need we have for that, for national strategy. And to be able to work with Senator King, on a bill that we introduced, that we were able to get some of those important factors into the NDAA so that we can address them and hopefully continue to grow what we need and meet those needs quickly. Ambassador, based on the&nbsp;Commission’s work, what do you think are the biggest barriers that we are going to face as a country to achieving that Multiple Theater Force Construct? And Representative, I’d like to hear your opinion on that as well.

NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;Well, Senator Fischer,&nbsp;to your question, the force right now is too small, and so we have to grow the force. And that’s in the face of the recruiting challenges that we’ve highlighted in the report that the Army, in particular, but also the Navy and the Air Force have faced.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I’m going to interrupt you. Why is it too small? Can you explain in this setting the threats that we are facing when we look at the adversaries that we face, and how that has changed over the last decade?

NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;It’s too small in part because the department was sizing itself for one conflict. But if you have to be present in three theaters, as we are now, we’ve got conflicts in two theaters now. If we have a third conflict in the third theater, it’s going to require, you know, more, a lot more, forces. People talk,&nbsp;for instance,&nbsp;about the Indo-Pacific being largely a Navy and Air Force fight. That’s correct. But the logistics that support the Navy and the Air Force will largely be manned by the Army. And so, we have to have an&nbsp;Army that is sufficiently large that it can operate in all of these places, potentially simultaneously.

Because honestly, it is very hard to imagine today a conflict in the Indo-Pacific that doesn’t become a global conflict very quickly. Someone asked earlier in the hearing about cooperation between Russia and China. The last time I testified before this committee was two years ago about the so-called three-body problem: Russia, China, being both nuclear peers of the United States. And, you know, one of the criticisms that was leveled at my colleague, Frank Miller, and me was that, you know, well, there’s no evidence that Russia and China are collaborating in the nuclear era. 

Well, we just saw them flying strategic bombers together, you know, up near Alaska. So, I don’t know what more evidence you want that they’re beginning to collaborate in that strategic area.

NDS Commission&nbsp;Chair Jane M. Harman:&nbsp;If I could just add a few things. First of all, on the nuclear triad and the Nuclear Posture Review, Senator Kyl is a dear friend of ours. He did great service in the Senate and writing that report, and we talked about whether we should, in some ways, overlap some of his recommendations, but we decided they were so good, they should stand alone. So, it’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that we recognize good work.

And add to that, though, that our nuclear agreements that were so important over recent years, especially the heroic work that President Reagan did, don’t include China. And a number of them have lapsed, and that is a truly dangerous situation, especially when rogue states like North Korea and Iran are part of the nuclear game now. And there could be a nuclear arms race in the Middle East or in Asia also. So, just would point that out. In terms of workforce, why is it small? Well, one thing we have not done, and we mentioned this, is embrace the tech sector adequately. Future&nbsp;wars are not going to be fought the old way with vulnerable big platforms. 

They’re going to be fought with more software—less hardware, more software. Not to diminish hardware, but we need both. In fact, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was at the Aspen&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Forum last week—some of us were there,&nbsp;Senator Sullivan was there—and he said DoD is not a hardware department. 

Right,&nbsp;it’s not, or if it is, it should not be a hardware department. So not only do we need more people, but we need different skills. And we need people who understand the tech base. And in fact, we have said that the business model of the Pentagon ought to move to embrace the business model of the tech sector, where failure sometimes is important so that you can improve things. And just one comment to a prior question. We,&nbsp;some of us,&nbsp;were in Ukraine looking at how they produce goods, including drones and tanks, and they have been much more innovative than we have. And there are lessons to learn there. Thank you.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON –&nbsp;At a hearing yesterday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, pressed defense experts on nuclear modernization and workforce challenges.Senator Fischer questioned Commission on the National Defense Strategy (NDS)&nbsp;Chair Jane M. Harman and Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman on the Commission’s 2024 report, which evaluated the Biden administration’s 2022 National Defense Strategy. The report found that the federal government has not integrated national security priorities across departments, fully informed the American people about the threats we face or made sufficient progress in reforming acquisition and research practices.During the hearing, Senator Fischer referenced her provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy promoting a skilled manufacturing and vocational trade workforce. The provision was introduced as part of Senator Fischer’s bipartisan Restoring American Deterrence Act, a bill to overhaul America’s nuclear preparedness.On the Role Nuclear Modernization Plays in the NDS Commission’s Proposal:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Mr. Ambassador, nuclear deterrence is the foundation,&nbsp;it is the bedrock on which our national security rests. And I understand that the Commission did not seek to replicate the&nbsp;work that came out of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Strategic&nbsp;Posture&nbsp;Commission, but it does highlight the importance of deterrence, strategic deterrence, in view of China’s development, Russia’s aggression, on and on. As you considered the strategic elements of the national security policy for us, can you explain to this committee the role that nuclear modernization plays in the NDS Commission’s proposed Multiple Theater Force Construct?NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;Nuclear deterrence, Senator Fischer, you know, is the fundament on which everything else is built, in terms of our national security. It’s operating every day. It’s&nbsp;not visible to American citizens, but the fact of our nuclear deterrent force, all three legs of the triad being available, is the most powerful deterrent that we have to conflict. It’s not sufficient, but it is the absolute basis. And we really, I think, agreed with the conclusion our colleagues on the&nbsp;Strategic&nbsp;Posture&nbsp;Commission reached, which is that we have to move forward with alacrity on all the elements of modernization of the nuclear triad. That’s the GBSD/Sentinel program. That is the B-21. That is the&nbsp;Ohio Replacement Class. All of those things have to be accomplished, and there are problems. And one of the reasons we highlighted education is that some of the problems that GBSD are running into has to do with lack of skilled workers to be able to pour the kinds of special reinforced concrete that you need for the new silos for missiles, the new control systems for missiles. We lack welders in the submarine industrial bases, as Senator Wicker knows well. So, there’s a lot that has to be done across the board in order to move forward with nuclear modernization, but it is absolutely fundamental to our ability to deter aggression against our allies, and of course, against the homeland.On the Barriers the NDS Commission’s Proposal Faces:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Thank you, and&nbsp;Representative, I really appreciated your comments on the workforce and the need we have for that, for national strategy. And to be able to work with Senator King, on a bill that we introduced, that we were able to get some of those important factors into the NDAA so that we can address them and hopefully continue to grow what we need and meet those needs quickly. Ambassador, based on the&nbsp;Commission’s work, what do you think are the biggest barriers that we are going to face as a country to achieving that Multiple Theater Force Construct? And Representative, I’d like to hear your opinion on that as well.NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;Well, Senator Fischer,&nbsp;to your question, the force right now is too small, and so we have to grow the force. And that’s in the face of the recruiting challenges that we’ve highlighted in the report that the Army, in particular, but also the Navy and the Air Force have faced.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;I’m going to interrupt you. Why is it too small? Can you explain in this setting the threats that we are facing when we look at the adversaries that we face, and how that has changed over the last decade?NDS Commission&nbsp;Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman:&nbsp;It’s too small in part because the department was sizing itself for one conflict. But if you have to be present in three theaters, as we are now, we’ve got conflicts in two theaters now. If we have a third conflict in the third theater, it’s going to require, you know, more, a lot more, forces. People talk,&nbsp;for instance,&nbsp;about the Indo-Pacific being largely a Navy and Air Force fight. That’s correct. But the logistics that support the Navy and the Air Force will largely be manned by the Army. And so, we have to have an&nbsp;Army that is sufficiently large that it can operate in all of these places, potentially simultaneously. Because honestly, it is very hard to imagine today a conflict in the Indo-Pacific that doesn’t become a global conflict very quickly. Someone asked earlier in the hearing about cooperation between Russia and China. The last time I testified before this committee was two years ago about the so-called three-body problem: Russia, China, being both nuclear peers of the United States. And, you know, one of the criticisms that was leveled at my colleague, Frank Miller, and me was that, you know, well, there’s no evidence that Russia and China are collaborating in the nuclear era. Well, we just saw them flying strategic bombers together, you know, up near Alaska. So, I don’t know what more evidence you want that they’re beginning to collaborate in that strategic area.NDS Commission&nbsp;Chair Jane M. Harman:&nbsp;If I could just add a few things. First of all, on the nuclear triad and the Nuclear Posture Review, Senator Kyl is a dear friend of ours. He did great service in the Senate and writing that report, and we talked about whether we should, in some ways, overlap some of his recommendations, but we decided they were so good, they should stand alone. So, it’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that we recognize good work. And add to that, though, that our nuclear agreements that were so important over recent years, especially the heroic work that President Reagan did, don’t include China. And a number of them have lapsed, and that is a truly dangerous situation, especially when rogue states like North Korea and Iran are part of the nuclear game now. And there could be a nuclear arms race in the Middle East or in Asia also. So, just would point that out. In terms of workforce, why is it small? Well, one thing we have not done, and we mentioned this, is embrace the tech sector adequately. Future&nbsp;wars are not going to be fought the old way with vulnerable big platforms. They’re going to be fought with more software—less hardware, more software. Not to diminish hardware, but we need both. In fact, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was at the Aspen&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Forum last week—some of us were there,&nbsp;Senator Sullivan was there—and he said DoD is not a hardware department. Right,&nbsp;it’s not, or if it is, it should not be a hardware department. So not only do we need more people, but we need different skills. And we need people who understand the tech base. And in fact, we have said that the business model of the Pentagon ought to move to embrace the business model of the tech sector, where failure sometimes is important so that you can improve things. And just one comment to a prior question. We,&nbsp;some of us,&nbsp;were in Ukraine looking at how they produce goods, including drones and tanks, and they have been much more innovative than we have. And there are lessons to learn there. Thank you.

Fischer Presses Defense Experts on Nuclear Workforce Challenges

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>&nbsp;

Federal health officials are encouraging farm workers who tend livestock and poultry to get vaccinated for seasonal influenza to help prevent a bird flu mutation that might spark a pandemic in people.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it would devote up to $5 million to pay for the vaccinations, and that it will rely on states to implement the initiative.

There are 14 known human infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza that resulted from contact with infected dairy cattle and poultry in the United States, and all but one has happened in the past four months.

The virus has been circulated by wild birds for more than two years and has sporadically transmitted to domestic birds. A variation of the virus has been infecting U.S. dairy cattle since December, and four people who worked closely with infected cattle also became ill.

In recent weeks, nine people in Colorado who were tasked with culling infected poultry contracted the virus.

The CDC has maintained that the virus’ risk to humans is low — those who have been infected so far had minor symptoms of respiratory illness or pinkeye, or both.

It has not been shown to transmit between people, but the virus has the potential to rapidly gain that ability if it infects someone who also has a seasonal flu virus.

“Such dual infections, while rare, could potentially result in an exchange of genetic material between two different influenza viruses,” Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for the CDC, said in a call with reporters Tuesday.

Shah said that “reassortment” process could pose a “significant public health concern” if bird flu gains the ability to spread person-to-person the way seasonal flu does, potentially resulting in a virus that spreads easily and causes severe symptoms.

Shah said the CDC will devote up to $10 million for farm workers’ health related to avian flu. Half will be spent educating and training farm workers about how to avoid being infected.

The other half will pay for seasonal flu vaccines for an estimated 200,000 farm workers who tend livestock and poultry. The CDC hopes to vaccinate all of them but acknowledges that less than half of the general population typically gets a flu shot.

How the voluntary vaccination effort will proceed is unclear. State health officials are expected to implement them, most immediately in the 13 states that have confirmed infections among cows.

That includes Iowa, where 13 dairy herds have been infected. However, no new infections have been reported in the state in the past month.

A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — which presumably would coordinate with the CDC — did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

The vaccine will not protect the workers from contracting bird flu, Shah said, nor will it guarantee they won’t be infected by seasonal flu. But he said it’s an important component of the public health response to the new virus’ threat.

“The risk here is a theoretical but important risk,” Shah said.

The confirmations of new bird flu infections among cattle have waned significantly in most states, except for in Colorado. In the past 30 days, two-thirds of the nation’s 32 newly infected herds were in that state, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Some of that might be due to Colorado’s&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorado-requiring-dairy-products-to-be-regularly-tested-for-bird-flu-amid-outbreak/" target="_blank">robust testing protocols</a>, but it’s also “a quirk of history and geography,” said Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA.

The state has far fewer dairy farms than the leading milk-producing states, but most of them are concentrated in one county.

“They are all in very close proximity to one another, and so there is a lot of sharing of equipment, a lot of sharing of personnel and a lot of movement on and off farms to adjacent farms,” Deeble said.

The USDA has identified the movement of equipment and people between dairy farms as a primary vector for virus transmissions from herd to herd and from herd to flock.

The virus has been identified in 172 dairy herds in the United States this year. Fifty of them are in Colorado. In Texas, where the infections originated, the virus was confirmed in 22 herds, although there were many that went untested because they recovered before bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/17/two-veterinarians-hundreds-of-miles-apart-solved-a-cow-sickness-whodunit/" target="_blank">was identified</a>&nbsp;as the culprit.

This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/30/worried-about-bird-flu-mutation-feds-seek-livestock-worker-vaccinations/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Cow Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Cow Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>&nbsp;Federal health officials are encouraging farm workers who tend livestock and poultry to get vaccinated for seasonal influenza to help prevent a bird flu mutation that might spark a pandemic in people.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it would devote up to $5 million to pay for the vaccinations, and that it will rely on states to implement the initiative.There are 14 known human infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza that resulted from contact with infected dairy cattle and poultry in the United States, and all but one has happened in the past four months.The virus has been circulated by wild birds for more than two years and has sporadically transmitted to domestic birds. A variation of the virus has been infecting U.S. dairy cattle since December, and four people who worked closely with infected cattle also became ill.In recent weeks, nine people in Colorado who were tasked with culling infected poultry contracted the virus.The CDC has maintained that the virus’ risk to humans is low — those who have been infected so far had minor symptoms of respiratory illness or pinkeye, or both.It has not been shown to transmit between people, but the virus has the potential to rapidly gain that ability if it infects someone who also has a seasonal flu virus.“Such dual infections, while rare, could potentially result in an exchange of genetic material between two different influenza viruses,” Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for the CDC, said in a call with reporters Tuesday.Shah said that “reassortment” process could pose a “significant public health concern” if bird flu gains the ability to spread person-to-person the way seasonal flu does, potentially resulting in a virus that spreads easily and causes severe symptoms.<h2>A new vaccination campaign</h2>Shah said the CDC will devote up to $10 million for farm workers’ health related to avian flu. Half will be spent educating and training farm workers about how to avoid being infected.The other half will pay for seasonal flu vaccines for an estimated 200,000 farm workers who tend livestock and poultry. The CDC hopes to vaccinate all of them but acknowledges that less than half of the general population typically gets a flu shot.How the voluntary vaccination effort will proceed is unclear. State health officials are expected to implement them, most immediately in the 13 states that have confirmed infections among cows.That includes Iowa, where 13 dairy herds have been infected. However, no new infections have been reported in the state in the past month.A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — which presumably would coordinate with the CDC — did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.The vaccine will not protect the workers from contracting bird flu, Shah said, nor will it guarantee they won’t be infected by seasonal flu. But he said it’s an important component of the public health response to the new virus’ threat.“The risk here is a theoretical but important risk,” Shah said.<h2>Colorado has most recent infections</h2>The confirmations of new bird flu infections among cattle have waned significantly in most states, except for in Colorado. In the past 30 days, two-thirds of the nation’s 32 newly infected herds were in that state, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.Some of that might be due to Colorado’s&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorado-requiring-dairy-products-to-be-regularly-tested-for-bird-flu-amid-outbreak/" target="_blank">robust testing protocols</a>, but it’s also “a quirk of history and geography,” said Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA.The state has far fewer dairy farms than the leading milk-producing states, but most of them are concentrated in one county.“They are all in very close proximity to one another, and so there is a lot of sharing of equipment, a lot of sharing of personnel and a lot of movement on and off farms to adjacent farms,” Deeble said.The USDA has identified the movement of equipment and people between dairy farms as a primary vector for virus transmissions from herd to herd and from herd to flock.The virus has been identified in 172 dairy herds in the United States this year. Fifty of them are in Colorado. In Texas, where the infections originated, the virus was confirmed in 22 herds, although there were many that went untested because they recovered before bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/17/two-veterinarians-hundreds-of-miles-apart-solved-a-cow-sickness-whodunit/" target="_blank">was identified</a>&nbsp;as the culprit.This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/30/worried-about-bird-flu-mutation-feds-seek-livestock-worker-vaccinations/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

Worried about bird flu mutation, feds seek livestock worker vaccinations

WASHINGTON —NRRM, LLC, which does business as CarShield,&nbsp;along with American Auto Shield, LLC (AAS), the administrator of its&nbsp;vehicle service contracts (VSCs),&nbsp;will pay $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its advertisements and telemarketing for VSC are deceptive and misleading, and that many purchasers found that many repairs were not “covered,” despite making payments of up to $120 per month. The FTC also alleges CarShield’s celebrity and consumer endorsers made false statements in its ads, according to a media release from the FTC.

The stipulated order settling the Commission’s complaint also bars&nbsp;CarShield and AAS from making deceptive and misleading statements in the future and requires them to ensure their endorsers’ testimonials are truthful, accurate, and not deceptive.

“For many consumers, a personal vehicle is one of their most valuable assets and a vital lifeline for getting to work, taking their kids to school, and obtaining medical care. Instead of delivering the ‘peace of mind’ promised by its advertisements, CarShield left many consumers with a financial headache,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Worse still, CarShield used trusted personalities to deliver its empty promises. The FTC will hold advertisers accountable for using false or deceptive claims to exploit consumers’ financial anxieties.”

NRRM is a Missouri-based company that advertises VSCs to consumers throughout the United Sates. AAS, based in Lakewood, Colorado, designs and administers the VSCs.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/NRRM-dba-Carshield-Complaint.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>, CarShield advertises and sells VSCs costing approximately $80 to $120 a month. CarShield’s ads for VSCs often feature celebrities such as sports commentator Chris Berman and actor Ice-T. These endorsers try to assure consumers that buying a CarShield service plan will provide them with “peace of mind” and “protection” from the cost and inconvenience of vehicle breakdowns, which will inevitably occur.

The complaint alleges many ads claim that all repairs or repairs to “covered” systems, such as the engine and transmission, will be covered and use language that makes consumers believe CarShield will pay for all necessary repairs. For example, one ad that ran 18,000 times on television stated, “With CarShield’s administrators, they make sure you don’t get stuck with expensive car repair bills like this.” It also touts CarShield VSCs as “your best line of defense against expensive breakdowns.”

The company sells its plans using telemarketers who answer inbound calls and make outbound calls responding to consumers, including those who made web inquiries. Using scripted statements written by CarShield and cleared by AAS, the telemarketers pitch the VSCs and tell consumers that, whether they use a dealer or local mechanic for the repair work, “there is just a $100 deductible for any covered repair.”&nbsp;

However, consumers do not always get what they think they bought when signing up for the VSCs. Instead, the complaint alleges that CarShield’s ads deceptively represent that: 1) all repairs or repairs to “covered” vehicle systems will be paid for under the plans; 2) consumers will receive a rental car at no cost when their car breaks down; and 3)&nbsp;consumers can use the repair facility of their choice for repairs.

Specifically, many consumers could not use the repair facility of their choice, as many do not accept the VSCs. Many consumers also find that repairs they thought were covered are not. In fact, none of CarShield’s VSCs covers all repairs or even repairs to “covered” vehicle systems. Instead, the plans contain myriad exclusions.&nbsp;Consumers with denied claims receive no rental car, while many consumers with “approved” claims must pay a portion of their rental car costs.

In addition, while CarShield’s celebrity endorsers said they had signed up and used the company’s VSCs, in many cases this was not true.&nbsp;They were not “real” customers and had never saved money&nbsp;by using an AAS VSC. Finally, many CarShield ads deceptively feature consumer endorsers who claim to have saved a specific amount of money using their plans but have not in fact saved that amount.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/NRRM-dba-Carshield-MotiontoApprovedStipulatedOrder.pdf">The proposed order</a>&nbsp;settling the complaint addresses the defendants’ alleged violations of the FTC Act. First, it prohibits CarShield from making the misrepresentations described in the complaint, along with any other misrepresentations related to any good or service. It also prohibits&nbsp;CarShield and AAS&nbsp;from failing to make required disclosures and from violating the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule.

Next, the order bars CarShield from misrepresenting any endorser’s ownership, use of, or experience with any product or service and requires AAS to inform third-party marketers of the order and to review and monitor their advertising and marketing. The order also imposes standard reporting and compliance provision that will remain in place for up to 10 years.

Finally, the order imposes a $10 million monetary judgment against&nbsp;CarShield and AAS,&nbsp;which will be used to provide refunds to defrauded consumers. The full amount of the judgment must be paid to the FTC within seven days of when the court enters the order.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and proposed order was 5-0. FTC staff filed the complaint and proposed order in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.&nbsp;The case was brought by the agency’s East Central Region. The FTC thanks the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for its help in bringing this case.

WASHINGTON —NRRM, LLC, which does business as CarShield,&nbsp;along with American Auto Shield, LLC (AAS), the administrator of its&nbsp;vehicle service contracts (VSCs),&nbsp;will pay $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its advertisements and telemarketing for VSC are deceptive and misleading, and that many purchasers found that many repairs were not “covered,” despite making payments of up to $120 per month. The FTC also alleges CarShield’s celebrity and consumer endorsers made false statements in its ads, according to a media release from the FTC.The stipulated order settling the Commission’s complaint also bars&nbsp;CarShield and AAS from making deceptive and misleading statements in the future and requires them to ensure their endorsers’ testimonials are truthful, accurate, and not deceptive.“For many consumers, a personal vehicle is one of their most valuable assets and a vital lifeline for getting to work, taking their kids to school, and obtaining medical care. Instead of delivering the ‘peace of mind’ promised by its advertisements, CarShield left many consumers with a financial headache,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Worse still, CarShield used trusted personalities to deliver its empty promises. The FTC will hold advertisers accountable for using false or deceptive claims to exploit consumers’ financial anxieties.”NRRM is a Missouri-based company that advertises VSCs to consumers throughout the United Sates. AAS, based in Lakewood, Colorado, designs and administers the VSCs.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/NRRM-dba-Carshield-Complaint.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>, CarShield advertises and sells VSCs costing approximately $80 to $120 a month. CarShield’s ads for VSCs often feature celebrities such as sports commentator Chris Berman and actor Ice-T. These endorsers try to assure consumers that buying a CarShield service plan will provide them with “peace of mind” and “protection” from the cost and inconvenience of vehicle breakdowns, which will inevitably occur.The complaint alleges many ads claim that all repairs or repairs to “covered” systems, such as the engine and transmission, will be covered and use language that makes consumers believe CarShield will pay for all necessary repairs. For example, one ad that ran 18,000 times on television stated, “With CarShield’s administrators, they make sure you don’t get stuck with expensive car repair bills like this.” It also touts CarShield VSCs as “your best line of defense against expensive breakdowns.”The company sells its plans using telemarketers who answer inbound calls and make outbound calls responding to consumers, including those who made web inquiries. Using scripted statements written by CarShield and cleared by AAS, the telemarketers pitch the VSCs and tell consumers that, whether they use a dealer or local mechanic for the repair work, “there is just a $100 deductible for any covered repair.”&nbsp;However, consumers do not always get what they think they bought when signing up for the VSCs. Instead, the complaint alleges that CarShield’s ads deceptively represent that: 1) all repairs or repairs to “covered” vehicle systems will be paid for under the plans; 2) consumers will receive a rental car at no cost when their car breaks down; and 3)&nbsp;consumers can use the repair facility of their choice for repairs.Specifically, many consumers could not use the repair facility of their choice, as many do not accept the VSCs. Many consumers also find that repairs they thought were covered are not. In fact, none of CarShield’s VSCs covers all repairs or even repairs to “covered” vehicle systems. Instead, the plans contain myriad exclusions.&nbsp;Consumers with denied claims receive no rental car, while many consumers with “approved” claims must pay a portion of their rental car costs.In addition, while CarShield’s celebrity endorsers said they had signed up and used the company’s VSCs, in many cases this was not true.&nbsp;They were not “real” customers and had never saved money&nbsp;by using an AAS VSC. Finally, many CarShield ads deceptively feature consumer endorsers who claim to have saved a specific amount of money using their plans but have not in fact saved that amount.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/NRRM-dba-Carshield-MotiontoApprovedStipulatedOrder.pdf">The proposed order</a>&nbsp;settling the complaint addresses the defendants’ alleged violations of the FTC Act. First, it prohibits CarShield from making the misrepresentations described in the complaint, along with any other misrepresentations related to any good or service. It also prohibits&nbsp;CarShield and AAS&nbsp;from failing to make required disclosures and from violating the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule.Next, the order bars CarShield from misrepresenting any endorser’s ownership, use of, or experience with any product or service and requires AAS to inform third-party marketers of the order and to review and monitor their advertising and marketing. The order also imposes standard reporting and compliance provision that will remain in place for up to 10 years.Finally, the order imposes a $10 million monetary judgment against&nbsp;CarShield and AAS,&nbsp;which will be used to provide refunds to defrauded consumers. The full amount of the judgment must be paid to the FTC within seven days of when the court enters the order.The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and proposed order was 5-0. FTC staff filed the complaint and proposed order in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.&nbsp;The case was brought by the agency’s East Central Region. The FTC thanks the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for its help in bringing this case.

CarShield to pay $10M to settle deceptive advertising charges

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Dozens of statewide business, municipal and county leaders lined up Tuesday to testify against Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s core property tax proposal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722443035681.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, presides over a committee hearing on her Legislative Bill 1 on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, presides over a committee hearing on her Legislative Bill 1 on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Dozens of statewide business, municipal and county leaders lined up Tuesday to testify against Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s core property tax proposal.For more than 10 hours, the Legislature’s Revenue Committee listened to varying perspectives about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1</a>, which Pillen says would reduce the average Nebraskan’s property tax bill by up to 50%. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the committee chair, introduced the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>&nbsp;and presided over the committee hearing.“There’s not just one key to solving this problem,” Pillen told the committee. “I think it has to be addressed from a multitude of different perspectives.”Over the summer, Pillen had suggested the state should take over about 80% of the property tax portion of local K-12 school districts’ budgets.However, as introduced, LB 1 doesn’t include that plan. It instead seeks to carve out more than $2 billion in tax credits targeted to replace school taxes. Those credits would be returned to counties and distributed to taxpayers, based on their portion of property valuations.Funding sources include new sales taxes on more than 100 currently tax-exempt goods and services and increased or new taxes on seven “sin” items: soft drinks and candy, cigarettes, vapes, spirits, consumable hemp, keno and games of skill.LB 1 would also restrict municipal and county governments from increasing their annual property tax collections by the greater of 0% (in deflationary times) or the consumer price index. They could skirt those limits if approved by a public vote or in cases of, emergencies, local growth or if needed to fill&nbsp; vacant law enforcement, firefighting or correctional officer positions.<h2>What is a ‘sin’?</h2>Kirk Anderson, president of the Nebraska Beverage Association, focused his criticism at Pillen for labeling soft drinks and candy as a “sin” and passing judgment on the people who buy them.Anderson noted that Pillen has said “food” would not be taxed, yet soft drinks or candy could open the door to a standard in choosing what foods can be taxed in a complicated tax code.“Using similar logic, if our governor was really concerned about the health of Nebraskans, it would be more appropriate to consider limiting through taxation the consumption of all processed meats, like bacon, ham and salami, that are classified as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cancer-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat" target="_blank">Group 1 carcinogen</a>,” Anderson said.Pillen’s family owns a major hog operation in Nebraska and stands to benefit from LB 1, Anderson said, yet it is “one of the few select industries that won’t be targeted by his taxes.”Cody Schmick, owner-operator of Kinkaider Brewing in Lincoln, said an increased “sin” tax on spirits, increasing from $3.75 to $14.50 per gallon, would kill off the industry “before we get started.”Todd Roe, founder of Lazy RW Distillery in Moorefield, said the proposed 287% increase would “drown us” and the distillery “will be done” within three years if LB 1 is passed. He said that his distillery prepares about 250 gallons of spirits each month but that customers may shop in a different state if the tax is added on.“No matter how loyal they say they are,” Roe said of his customers, “everybody’s loyal when you’re sitting in Hy-Vee giving out free shots.”Opponents raised concerns about nearly every one of more than 100 goods and services that would be newly taxed under LB 1, in addition to the “sin” taxes.<h2>Business ‘inputs’</h2>The statewide sales tax rate is 5.5 cents per dollar purchase plus local sales taxes, which can be between 0.5 cents and 2 cents.All goods and services would be taxed under that system, except for four items: agricultural and manufacturing machinery and equipment, which would be taxed at 2 cents, and carpentry services and electricians’ services, at 4 cents. These items would be exempt from local sales taxes.Pillen’s staff has told the Nebraska Examiner that machinery and equipment are still intended to be taxed at a 4-cent rate, as previously planned, although that would require an amendment to the bill.Mark McHargue of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and Heath Mello of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce said even at those lower rates, taxing business or agricultural “inputs” would be bad tax policy. Mello is a former state senator.Multiple testifiers described the proposed changes as a “tax pyramid scheme” that would decrease transparency as taxes are passed on after multiple taxed stages of production.Linehan asked McHargue and Mello for their definition of “inputs.” McHargue described inputs as raw materials used to produce an end product, which is taxed. Mello’s definition also included legal and accounting services, which Linehan said might be more broadly tax write-offs.Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, said the state can’t tax its way out of its decades-long property tax problem and that it must grow its economy.“This bill will fall specifically on young people who don’t own property yet,” Slone said. “I will be a benefactor, and a lot of my age group will be benefactors, so we need to be very careful in how we tax people.”<h2>Passing on savings to tenants</h2>Andy Marsh of Keystone Properties in the Grand Island and Hastings areas pushed back on criticism that renters wouldn’t benefit from the property tax savings. He said the “writing is on the wall” for how tenants would benefit.However, Lynn Fisher and Arla Meyer, both of the Nebraska Realtors Association, said the increased taxes on various goods or services could result in net tax increases for property owners, which would be passed on to particularly low-income renters in less expensive housing.“Now is not the time to make buying or homeownership more expensive or difficult,” Meyer said.Dave Nabity of Omaha said something needed to be done to fix property taxes and said people would have to be “financially nuts” to want to retire in Nebraska, rather than in other states.“Our national reputation stinks, folks,” Nabity said. “We don’t have the Ozarks. We don’t have the lakes. We don’t have the beaches. We don’t have the mountains.… We don’t have the warm weather.”<h2>‘We have wiggle room’</h2>Craig Bolz of Palmyra asked for significant tax relief and spending controls. He urged taxing all sales so the consumer can decide what to purchase, adding: “How much fairer can you get than sales taxes?”“We all know that at the end of the day, taxes are all smoke and mirrors,” Bolz said.Rachel Gibson of Omaha said a shift to sales tax from property taxes needs to be “equitable.”With property taxes, Gibson said, she would know what’s coming and be able to plan accordingly, compared to dealing with unexpected sales taxes on purchases, such as home maintenance, car repairs or veterinary visits.“We have wiggle room, and we love it here and we’re happy to pay in taxes,” Gibson said. “I’m worried about the people who don’t have the wiggle room and don’t have insurance.”<h2>‘Solving’ vs. ‘prolonging’ a crisis</h2>State Treasurer Tom Briese, who worked on various tax relief proposals in his seven years as a state senator, spoke in favor of the proposal. He described it as a “game changer” and “a different animal.”“LB 1 creates a stark choice here between solving the crisis vs. prolonging the crisis,” Briese told the committee. He served in the Legislature from 2017 until last Oct. 31.Briese said he calls “baloney” on critics who said the bill’s impact on Nebraskans would increase or shift taxes. He sees LB 1 as “much-needed, revenue-neutral, textbook tax reform.”Ernie Goss, an economist from Creighton University, said he did an analysis of LB 1 and projects the broadening of Nebraska’s sales tax base will stimulate growth. He said property taxes are a greater detriment to growing Nebraska.Rebecca Firestone, executive director of the Lincoln-based think tank OpenSky Policy Institute, said her organization’s analysis highlights the regressive nature of sales taxes on low-income Nebraskans.&nbsp;Under that analysis, household incomes for Nebraskans making less than $30,000 would see about 11.24% of their budgets going to taxes, and a 0.27% increase in taxes overall. Nebraskans in the top 20% bracket, above $141,700, would pay about 8.84% of their income on taxes, and 0.04% less in overall taxes if LB 1 passed.<h2>County and municipal governments</h2>Jon Cannon, executive director for the Nebraska Association of County Officials, and Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, expressed caution about the property tax collection caps included in the bill.&nbsp;Cannon said they could become a “floor” instead of a “ceiling” as county spending is largely focused on roads, bridges, law enforcement, jails, courts, elections and administration of the state’s tax system. He quipped that officials aren’t using “gold plates” on roads or “mixing diamond dust” with gravel to raise costs.Rex and Cannon said inflation isn’t accurate when considering “basket of goods” counties and municipalities are purchasing.“We don’t get fire trucks at Wal-Mart,” Rex said. “We don’t buy police cars at Target.”Douglas County Attorney Don Klein and Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley encouraged the committee to include their offices’ spending as a broader exemption of public health and safety.LB 1 allows local governments to ask voters to approve bonds or other increases above the built-in restrictions. Such votes could only be considered during regularly scheduled elections.&nbsp;Cannon said elections would be too soon in May and too late in November for his members, who start budgeting in the summer.The committee took no immediate action on LB 1.Revenue Committee hearings will continue through Saturday before members work through the 67 bills and constitutional amendments introduced by senators. In total, 105 bills and constitutional amendments were introduced, which Speaker John Arch said was a record number for a special session.