Lincoln, Neb. —Whenever the topic of biosecurity comes up, it's no surprise that many people might find their attention waning due to the complexity of the issue or because they don’t feel they have experienced a biosecurity problem. The reality is that every producer has encountered some sort of biosecurity risk or event at one point or another and may not have been fully aware or didn’t consider the “biosecurity” aspect of the matter.

In recent months, our friends in the dairy industry have been facing a major biosecurity issue with an H5N1 bird flu outbreak. This outbreak is zoonotic, meaning the disease can spread between species. To date, no cases have been reported in the national beef cattle herd, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. This event should prompt many producers to think about biosecurity and the biosecurity risks related to their operations.

The overall goal of biosecurity is to protect animals from disease by minimizing the movement of biologic organisms (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites) within and/or onto an operation. The key principles to achieve this are physical separation of sick or suspected sick animals, cleaning to remove any contamination, and disinfecting to kill any remaining pathogens.

Producers should practice these basic biosecurity guidelines by developing and implementing a daily biosecurity protocol to protect their operations from outbreaks of sickness and disease. The Beef Quality Assurance program has developed a simple template for producers to use in creating this basic daily biosecurity plan. This plan can be found under the templates section at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bqa.org/">www.bqa.org</a>.

At the end of the day, a disease outbreak can financially cripple an operation if animal performance is greatly reduced or, worse, if the outbreak results in the death of animals.

Beyond basic biosecurity, the National BQA program has recently been discussing enhanced biosecurity plans. Enhanced biosecurity plans go several steps beyond basic biosecurity measures. They are intended for use in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

The beef industry’s main foreign animal disease concern is foot and mouth disease. Foot and mouth disease was eradicated from the U.S. in 1929. However, it is still active in other countries and is easily spread. It is considered the most contagious animal disease known.

It's important to note that foot and mouth disease is not a food safety risk or public health concern. Beef products remain safe to eat. However, public perception would be detrimental. Additionally, one case of foot and mouth disease found in the U.S. would shut down the U.S. beef export market and cut profits for all cattle producers, crippling the U.S. beef industry. To put real financial numbers to that, the U.S. exported over $10 billion of beef and beef products in 2023. Exports add about $425 of value per fed steer or heifer (including meat cuts and offal), which is nearly 20% of the value for every fed carcass.

Because of the financial implications of a foreign animal disease, producers should strongly consider developing an enhanced biosecurity plan or a Secure Beef Supply plan. Developing this plan does not necessarily mean you have to begin implementing it immediately. It only needs to be implemented for the continuity of business in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Some beef packers may also require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan to ensure consumers that they are procuring a supply of safe, wholesome, and healthy cattle. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan during an outbreak of a foreign animal disease to receive a livestock movement permit. This permit will be required by the State for all operations within a containment zone during a foreign animal disease outbreak.

If you would like to know more about developing a Secure Beef Supply plan, visit Secure Beef Supply. You can also contact Nebraska BQA at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or call 308.633.0158 for help developing a plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722437360031.png" alt="Practicing biosecurity takes a few extra minutes, but is important for protecting U.S. agriculture. Photo courtesy of National BQA Program..png" />
 <figcaption>Practicing biosecurity takes a few extra minutes, but is important for protecting U.S. agriculture. Photo courtesy of National BQA Program..png</figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse FultonLincoln, Neb. —Whenever the topic of biosecurity comes up, it's no surprise that many people might find their attention waning due to the complexity of the issue or because they don’t feel they have experienced a biosecurity problem. The reality is that every producer has encountered some sort of biosecurity risk or event at one point or another and may not have been fully aware or didn’t consider the “biosecurity” aspect of the matter.In recent months, our friends in the dairy industry have been facing a major biosecurity issue with an H5N1 bird flu outbreak. This outbreak is zoonotic, meaning the disease can spread between species. To date, no cases have been reported in the national beef cattle herd, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. This event should prompt many producers to think about biosecurity and the biosecurity risks related to their operations.The overall goal of biosecurity is to protect animals from disease by minimizing the movement of biologic organisms (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites) within and/or onto an operation. The key principles to achieve this are physical separation of sick or suspected sick animals, cleaning to remove any contamination, and disinfecting to kill any remaining pathogens.Producers should practice these basic biosecurity guidelines by developing and implementing a daily biosecurity protocol to protect their operations from outbreaks of sickness and disease. The Beef Quality Assurance program has developed a simple template for producers to use in creating this basic daily biosecurity plan. This plan can be found under the templates section at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bqa.org/">www.bqa.org</a>.At the end of the day, a disease outbreak can financially cripple an operation if animal performance is greatly reduced or, worse, if the outbreak results in the death of animals.Beyond basic biosecurity, the National BQA program has recently been discussing enhanced biosecurity plans. Enhanced biosecurity plans go several steps beyond basic biosecurity measures. They are intended for use in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.The beef industry’s main foreign animal disease concern is foot and mouth disease. Foot and mouth disease was eradicated from the U.S. in 1929. However, it is still active in other countries and is easily spread. It is considered the most contagious animal disease known.It's important to note that foot and mouth disease is not a food safety risk or public health concern. Beef products remain safe to eat. However, public perception would be detrimental. Additionally, one case of foot and mouth disease found in the U.S. would shut down the U.S. beef export market and cut profits for all cattle producers, crippling the U.S. beef industry. To put real financial numbers to that, the U.S. exported over $10 billion of beef and beef products in 2023. Exports add about $425 of value per fed steer or heifer (including meat cuts and offal), which is nearly 20% of the value for every fed carcass.Because of the financial implications of a foreign animal disease, producers should strongly consider developing an enhanced biosecurity plan or a Secure Beef Supply plan. Developing this plan does not necessarily mean you have to begin implementing it immediately. It only needs to be implemented for the continuity of business in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Some beef packers may also require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan to ensure consumers that they are procuring a supply of safe, wholesome, and healthy cattle. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan during an outbreak of a foreign animal disease to receive a livestock movement permit. This permit will be required by the State for all operations within a containment zone during a foreign animal disease outbreak.If you would like to know more about developing a Secure Beef Supply plan, visit Secure Beef Supply. You can also contact Nebraska BQA at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or call 308.633.0158 for help developing a plan.

Biosecurity Basics and Beyond: Ensuring Your Operation's Future

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee on LB1, the property tax reduction bill introduced on his behalf by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chair of the committee. In three years, this bill aims to slash property taxes by an average of 50 percent for Nebraskans, based on the comprehensive proposal dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan" target="_blank">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan" target="_blank">Nebraska Plan</a>.

“Since the last legislative session, I have toured the state and held 26 townhalls to hear directly from Nebraskans. The message is clear, Nebraskans are struggling to balance a check book and continue to afford these tax increases,” said Gov. Pillen. “LB 1 represents transformational tax reform for all Nebraskans.”

The plan outlines five components necessary for achieving significant and sustainable property tax relief:

Gov. Pillen encouraged skeptics and opponents of the legislation to focus on the facts, rather than listening to paid lobbyists and special interest groups.

“They have called this plan a tax increase, which is simply not true,” said Gov. Pillen. “LB1 will reduce the total amount of tax collected by nearly $1 billion. It will get Nebraska in the game and make us competitive with other states. Otherwise, we face the prospect of chasing people out of the state and discouraging others from moving here in the first place. Our future depends on Nebraska’s continued growth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722431465077.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Governor Jim Pillen's office)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Governor Jim Pillen's office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee on LB1, the property tax reduction bill introduced on his behalf by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, chair of the committee. In three years, this bill aims to slash property taxes by an average of 50 percent for Nebraskans, based on the comprehensive proposal dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan" target="_blank">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/nebraska-property-tax-plan" target="_blank">Nebraska Plan</a>.“Since the last legislative session, I have toured the state and held 26 townhalls to hear directly from Nebraskans. The message is clear, Nebraskans are struggling to balance a check book and continue to afford these tax increases,” said Gov. Pillen. “LB 1 represents transformational tax reform for all Nebraskans.”The plan outlines five components necessary for achieving significant and sustainable property tax relief:<ul>
 <li>Controls on local spending through a hard cap of 0% or CPI, whichever is greater. Exceptions are in place to protect investments in public safety and criminal justice. It also allows flexibility to accommodate new growth and permit an override of the cap by the approval of 60% of voters.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Implements a new tax credit fund that will be applied against school taxes paid. When fully enacted, it will eliminate general fund taxing authority for school districts from the current $1.05 down to $0.0 in 2026. This proposal also allows for local controls, including leaving education decisions to superintendents and school boards and provides allowances for collecting property taxes to support school infrastructure.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Repurposes existing property tax programs to provide direct relief to homeowners and property owners by front loading credits instead of forcing taxpayers to claim them during the filing process.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Broadens the sales tax base through the elimination of over 100 sales tax exemptions currently in place. Many of these changes will bring Nebraska better in line with what is assessed by other states. A series of ’<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-jim-pillen-issues-%E2%80%98statement-principles%E2%80%99-ahead-special-legislative-session" target="_blank">principles</a>’ previously outlined by Gov. Pillen would place limits on what is taxed and ensures there is no double taxing of any product or service.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cuts waste in state government and diverts those savings to the property tax plan. To date, $400 million in savings has been identified, and the state will continue to tap into federal funding where appropriate, to further ease the burden on state funding.</li>
 </ul>Gov. Pillen encouraged skeptics and opponents of the legislation to focus on the facts, rather than listening to paid lobbyists and special interest groups.“They have called this plan a tax increase, which is simply not true,” said Gov. Pillen. “LB1 will reduce the total amount of tax collected by nearly $1 billion. It will get Nebraska in the game and make us competitive with other states. Otherwise, we face the prospect of chasing people out of the state and discouraging others from moving here in the first place. Our future depends on Nebraska’s continued growth.”

Gov. Pillen Testifies Before Revenue Committee on Nebraska Plan for Property Tax Reform

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Three legislative bills introduced Monday would extend significant property tax relief to Nebraska homeowners based on how long they have owned a home in the state.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 75</a>, from State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, would exempt qualified Nebraska homeowners from paying any property taxes after 40 years of ownership in the state.&nbsp;

“I think you should be able to sit on your porch one day of your life and say, ‘I truly own my home, and I’m no longer a partner in paying rent to the government in the form of property tax,’” McDonnell told the Nebraska Examiner on Monday.

Another McDonnell bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>, would offer property tax relief for the portion of property taxes paid to the local school district, which is&nbsp;about 60% of annual property tax bills. Homeowners who have lived in the same house at least 10 years would be eligible.

McDonnell said that in 1965, voters decided to stop funding the government with state-level property taxes. Now, he said, Gov. Jim Pillen has tasked lawmakers to look at getting rid of most or all local K-12 school district taxes.

“Is that an overnight deal? No,” McDonnell said. “Is it a two-year, four-year, six-year [plan] — I don’t know — but that’s why we’re here now in this special session to try and figure it out.”

The state would replace the loss in local political subdivisions’ revenue, similar to the current system for homestead exemptions.&nbsp; Qualified owners would need to refile for the relief in years divisible by five.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58147" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 79</a>, from State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would similarly extend homestead exemptions. Based on household income, Nebraska residents could get a greater percentage of relief if they have lived in their home for two decades or more.

After 20 years, they could claim an additional 2.5% in relief from their qualifying bracket. After 25 years, it would be an additional 5% in relief. Relief couldn’t exceed 100%.

State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar dropped a package of 16 constitutional amendments Monday, which voters could consider this November together or individually.&nbsp;

Eight amendments would limit the taxing and spending authority of local governments as well as the state. The other eight allow private lawsuits to be filed to enforce the respective provisions.

“You need to have teeth because, otherwise, what’s the remediation for taxpayers?” Slama said.

Slama said the package of legislation is based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://tax.colorado.gov/TABOR" target="_blank">Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;in Colorado, passed decades ago to lock in controls for tax growth.

She said she preferred “one bill, one hearing and one message to give to taxpayers” but decided to “play it safe” given the Nebraska Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-14" target="_blank">single-subject requirement</a>&nbsp;for ballot measures.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Supreme Court has taken a stricter view of what constitutes a “single subject” for proposed laws or amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;compared to laws&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/nebraska-supreme-court-upholds-legislation-combining-abortion-and-trans-health-care-for-minors/">passed by the Legislature</a>.

Slama has pushed for hard spending controls. She said the hard caps proposed by the governor on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">limiting annual property tax collection growth</a>&nbsp;“can be easily worked around” and could get in the way of union negotiations for local law enforcement, firefighters and corrections officers.

“I think the only way to really put it in stone to get long-term relief is to put it in our state constitution, very clearly defined principles that need to be adhered to,” Slama said.

She said Colorado has sustained “pretty explosive growth” during the decades since it passed its bill of rights.

Under Slama’s proposals, the following limits would require voter approval during a statewide general election to:

Two other major proposals, from State Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney, both of Omaha, would legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for adults ages 21 and older.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58095" target="_blank">LB 52</a>, by Wayne, would set a regulatory framework for how cannabis could be grown, refined, manufactured, distributed, tested and sold, overseen by a commission the tax commissioner appoints.&nbsp;

The bill would earmark 20% of licenses for people in areas “disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.” It would tax growers 25% when they sell it to a distributor or retailer and impose a 25% tax on retail sales. It would establish procedures to let people have previous cannabis-related convictions expunged or cleared from their records.

McKinney introduced similar provisions in 2023, through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50704" target="_blank">LB 634</a>.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58065" target="_blank">LB 71</a>, by McKinney, would create a regulatory regime for cannabis in Nebraska.&nbsp;

It would impose a 16% tax on grown cannabis to a manufacturer or store and a 16% sales tax on cannabis sales to customers. It shares essentially the same fee structure as Wayne’s LB 52.&nbsp;

It also offers similar incentives for applicants from areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement.

Political subdivision measure reintroduced

As promised, Wayne also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;a version of legislation that Pillen vetoed this spring that would allow lawsuits against political subdivisions for alleged negligence in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child sexual assault and child abuse</a>.

Wayne’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58098" target="_blank">LB 57</a>&nbsp;includes broader reforms. That includes punitive damages and allowing other lawsuits if&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/N00007360PUB.pdf">alleged governmental negligence</a>&nbsp;was the proximate cause of someone’s death, such as state prisoners.

Another Wayne bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58110" target="_blank">LB 67</a>, would eliminate local tax rate authority for natural resources districts and have the state take over funding for the NRDs. It is modeled after the way the state took over responsibility to fund community colleges in 2023 and what the governor has said his three-year plan is for K-12 school districts.

In total,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_date.php?SessionDay=2024&amp;special=1" target="_blank">81 bills and 24 constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;were introduced for the special session, the most proposed during any special session since the Unicameral formed in 1937.

Wayne led the way with 24 bills, followed by Slama with 16 pieces of legislation; State Sens. Carol Blood of Bellevue and McDonnell, at eight each; and State Sens. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, at five each.

Among other bills introduced Monday, the third and final day of bill introductions for the Legislature’s special session on property tax relief:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722354367926.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha. Feb. 27, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha. Feb. 27, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Three legislative bills introduced Monday would extend significant property tax relief to Nebraska homeowners based on how long they have owned a home in the state.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 75</a>, from State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, would exempt qualified Nebraska homeowners from paying any property taxes after 40 years of ownership in the state.&nbsp;“I think you should be able to sit on your porch one day of your life and say, ‘I truly own my home, and I’m no longer a partner in paying rent to the government in the form of property tax,’” McDonnell told the Nebraska Examiner on Monday.Another McDonnell bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>, would offer property tax relief for the portion of property taxes paid to the local school district, which is&nbsp;about 60% of annual property tax bills. Homeowners who have lived in the same house at least 10 years would be eligible.McDonnell said that in 1965, voters decided to stop funding the government with state-level property taxes. Now, he said, Gov. Jim Pillen has tasked lawmakers to look at getting rid of most or all local K-12 school district taxes.“Is that an overnight deal? No,” McDonnell said. “Is it a two-year, four-year, six-year [plan] — I don’t know — but that’s why we’re here now in this special session to try and figure it out.”The state would replace the loss in local political subdivisions’ revenue, similar to the current system for homestead exemptions.&nbsp; Qualified owners would need to refile for the relief in years divisible by five.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58147" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 79</a>, from State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would similarly extend homestead exemptions. Based on household income, Nebraska residents could get a greater percentage of relief if they have lived in their home for two decades or more.After 20 years, they could claim an additional 2.5% in relief from their qualifying bracket. After 25 years, it would be an additional 5% in relief. Relief couldn’t exceed 100%.<h2>‘Taxpayer Bill of Rights’</h2>State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar dropped a package of 16 constitutional amendments Monday, which voters could consider this November together or individually.&nbsp;Eight amendments would limit the taxing and spending authority of local governments as well as the state. The other eight allow private lawsuits to be filed to enforce the respective provisions.“You need to have teeth because, otherwise, what’s the remediation for taxpayers?” Slama said.Slama said the package of legislation is based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://tax.colorado.gov/TABOR" target="_blank">Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;in Colorado, passed decades ago to lock in controls for tax growth.She said she preferred “one bill, one hearing and one message to give to taxpayers” but decided to “play it safe” given the Nebraska Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-14" target="_blank">single-subject requirement</a>&nbsp;for ballot measures.&nbsp;The Nebraska Supreme Court has taken a stricter view of what constitutes a “single subject” for proposed laws or amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2" target="_blank">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;compared to laws&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/nebraska-supreme-court-upholds-legislation-combining-abortion-and-trans-health-care-for-minors/">passed by the Legislature</a>.Slama has pushed for hard spending controls. She said the hard caps proposed by the governor on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">limiting annual property tax collection growth</a>&nbsp;“can be easily worked around” and could get in the way of union negotiations for local law enforcement, firefighters and corrections officers.“I think the only way to really put it in stone to get long-term relief is to put it in our state constitution, very clearly defined principles that need to be adhered to,” Slama said.She said Colorado has sustained “pretty explosive growth” during the decades since it passed its bill of rights.Under Slama’s proposals, the following limits would require voter approval during a statewide general election to:<ul>
 <li>Levy any new tax (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LR12CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 12CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LR7CA_S1.pdf" target="_blank">LR 7CA</a>).</li><li>Increase any tax rate (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58192" target="_blank">LR 13CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58187" target="_blank">LR 8CA</a>).</li><li>Extend any expiring tax (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58193" target="_blank">LR 14CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58188" target="_blank">LR 9CA</a>).</li><li>Implement a change to tax policy that results in net tax revenue (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58194" target="_blank">LR 15CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58189" target="_blank">LR 10CA</a>).</li><li>Create a multiple fiscal-year direct or indirect debt, or other financial obligation, if the political subdivision didn’t have adequate cash reserves to cover those future payments in all future fiscal years (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58200" target="_blank">LR 16CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58190" target="_blank">LR 11CA</a>).</li><li>Maintain a reserve of at least 3% of fiscal year spending, excluding bonded debt service, to use for declared emergencies only (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58201" target="_blank">LR 17CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58202" target="_blank">LR18CA</a>).</li><li>Set a maximum annual percentage increase in state spending each fiscal year to the rate of inflation plus the percentage change in the state’s population from the prior fiscal year (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58204" target="_blank">LR 20 CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58203" target="_blank">LR 19CA</a>).</li><li>Set a maximum annual percentage increase in local political subdivision’s spending each fiscal year to the rate of inflation plus the percentage change from the political subdivision’s population in the prior fiscal year (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58206" target="_blank">LR 22CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58205" target="_blank">LR 21CA</a>).</li>
 </ul><h2>Cannabis regulation and taxation</h2>Two other major proposals, from State Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney, both of Omaha, would legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for adults ages 21 and older.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58095" target="_blank">LB 52</a>, by Wayne, would set a regulatory framework for how cannabis could be grown, refined, manufactured, distributed, tested and sold, overseen by a commission the tax commissioner appoints.&nbsp;The bill would earmark 20% of licenses for people in areas “disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.” It would tax growers 25% when they sell it to a distributor or retailer and impose a 25% tax on retail sales. It would establish procedures to let people have previous cannabis-related convictions expunged or cleared from their records.McKinney introduced similar provisions in 2023, through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50704" target="_blank">LB 634</a>.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58065" target="_blank">LB 71</a>, by McKinney, would create a regulatory regime for cannabis in Nebraska.&nbsp;It would impose a 16% tax on grown cannabis to a manufacturer or store and a 16% sales tax on cannabis sales to customers. It shares essentially the same fee structure as Wayne’s LB 52.&nbsp;It also offers similar incentives for applicants from areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement.<h2>Political subdivision measure reintroduced</h2>As promised, Wayne also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;a version of legislation that Pillen vetoed this spring that would allow lawsuits against political subdivisions for alleged negligence in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child sexual assault and child abuse</a>.Wayne’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58098" target="_blank">LB 57</a>&nbsp;includes broader reforms. That includes punitive damages and allowing other lawsuits if&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/N00007360PUB.pdf">alleged governmental negligence</a>&nbsp;was the proximate cause of someone’s death, such as state prisoners.Another Wayne bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58110" target="_blank">LB 67</a>, would eliminate local tax rate authority for natural resources districts and have the state take over funding for the NRDs. It is modeled after the way the state took over responsibility to fund community colleges in 2023 and what the governor has said his three-year plan is for K-12 school districts.In total,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_date.php?SessionDay=2024&amp;special=1" target="_blank">81 bills and 24 constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;were introduced for the special session, the most proposed during any special session since the Unicameral formed in 1937.Wayne led the way with 24 bills, followed by Slama with 16 pieces of legislation; State Sens. Carol Blood of Bellevue and McDonnell, at eight each; and State Sens. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, at five each.<h2>Among other bills introduced</h2>Among other bills introduced Monday, the third and final day of bill introductions for the Legislature’s special session on property tax relief:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58150" target="_blank">LB 36</a>, from State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, proposes a minimum 1.25% tax on the sale or transfer of mansions valued at more than $800,000, with a higher tax on mansions worth more than $2.5 million. If the transferee or purchaser resides in Nebraska for three subsequent tax years, the tax would be returned to them through an income tax credit.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58048" target="_blank">LB 40</a>, from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, would require multinational corporations to declare all global profits on Nebraska tax returns. However, they would continue to pay the Nebraska portion of taxes.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58265" target="_blank">LB 49</a>, from Wayne, would reestablish aid to municipalities, and his LB 53 would reimburse local costs for county jails.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58266" target="_blank">LB 56</a>, also from Wayne, would limit legislative salaries for local legislative bodies, like boards, commissions or councils. Part-time officials could receive no more than twice a lawmaker’s salary (up to $24,000). Full-time officials could receive up to three times that amount (up to $36,000).</li>
 </ul>

Longtime Nebraska homeowners would get targeted relief under new legislative bills

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/drafting-errors-could-leave-gov-pillens-property-tax-relief-plan-up-to-139-million-short/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — As introduced, Gov. Jim Pillen’s core property tax relief proposal could fall short by $139 million in annual estimated revenue needed.

Pillen’s main proposal, introduced through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1</a>&nbsp;in the special session, includes placing a sales tax on more than 100 currently tax-exempt goods and services. It would also raise seven “sin” taxes, on&nbsp;candy and soft drinks, vapes, cigarettes, keno gambling, spirits, consumable hemp and games of skill.

In total, the new or increased taxes would raise an estimated $1.15 billion in the first full fiscal year on state tax rolls. If passed, Pillen’s office is targeting an Oct. 1 effective date, which is not yet included in LB 1.

Those values rely upon estimates provided to lawmakers last Wednesday, one day before State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan introduced LB 1 on Pillen’s behalf.&nbsp;

However, the tax rates as introduced varied from the ones provided to reporters and lawmakers in the days leading up to the session, which a spokesperson said was likely the result of bill drafting errors.

For example, four currently exempt goods and services were suggested to be taxed at higher rates than were ultimately included in the bill:

The statewide sales tax rate is 5.5 cents per dollar purchase, plus any municipal or county sales tax rates, which range from an additional 0.5 cents to 2 cents.

According to an analysis from the Nebraska Examiner, the Pillen-led proposal would fall short of his revenue goal by $139 million, largely because the projected machinery and equipment revenue was half of what was projected earlier.

That would complicate the governor’s main tax relief pursuit: the state taking on 80% of local K-12 funding paid for through property taxes.

A spokesperson for Pillen said the intention is to tax machinery and equipment at 4 cents and the change “was just a drafter’s situation.” No amendments have yet been introduced to fix that drafting error. She said she was unaware of what happened with carpentry services and electricians’ services, which make up a much smaller portion of the revenue that could be lost.

LB 1 as introduced would also more broadly end some sales tax exemptions that multiple lawmakers who had been working with Pillen said were off the table:

LB 1 is first up in a Revenue Committee hearing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Two lawmakers on the Executive Board&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/legislative-maneuvering-could-complicate-the-path-for-gov-pillens-tax-proposal/">switched their votes</a>&nbsp;Monday to send the bill there instead of the Government Committee.

The Revenue Committee, which Linehan chairs, is usually the designation for bills addressing taxation. Members could be more open to Pillen’s proposal than those on the Government Committee, where only&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10906" target="_blank">one of eight members</a>&nbsp;supported a previous Pillen-backed proposal in the spring. In contrast, seven of eight Revenue Committee members supported the previous bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722354494848.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen officially unveils his property tax plan as a summer-long attempt to find a path to reduce local property taxes. July 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen officially unveils his property tax plan as a summer-long attempt to find a path to reduce local property taxes. July 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/drafting-errors-could-leave-gov-pillens-property-tax-relief-plan-up-to-139-million-short/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — As introduced, Gov. Jim Pillen’s core property tax relief proposal could fall short by $139 million in annual estimated revenue needed.Pillen’s main proposal, introduced through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1</a>&nbsp;in the special session, includes placing a sales tax on more than 100 currently tax-exempt goods and services. It would also raise seven “sin” taxes, on&nbsp;candy and soft drinks, vapes, cigarettes, keno gambling, spirits, consumable hemp and games of skill.In total, the new or increased taxes would raise an estimated $1.15 billion in the first full fiscal year on state tax rolls. If passed, Pillen’s office is targeting an Oct. 1 effective date, which is not yet included in LB 1.Those values rely upon estimates provided to lawmakers last Wednesday, one day before State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan introduced LB 1 on Pillen’s behalf.&nbsp;However, the tax rates as introduced varied from the ones provided to reporters and lawmakers in the days leading up to the session, which a spokesperson said was likely the result of bill drafting errors.For example, four currently exempt goods and services were suggested to be taxed at higher rates than were ultimately included in the bill:<ul>
 <li>Agricultural machinery and equipment, at 2 cents per dollar purchase instead of 4 cents.</li><li>Manufacturing machinery and equipment, and repairs or labor, at 2 cents instead of 4 cents.</li><li>Home improvement or maintenance —&nbsp;carpentry services, at 4 cents instead of 5.5 cents.</li><li>Home improvement or maintenance —&nbsp;electricians, at 4 cents instead of 5.5 cents.</li>
 </ul>The statewide sales tax rate is 5.5 cents per dollar purchase, plus any municipal or county sales tax rates, which range from an additional 0.5 cents to 2 cents.According to an analysis from the Nebraska Examiner, the Pillen-led proposal would fall short of his revenue goal by $139 million, largely because the projected machinery and equipment revenue was half of what was projected earlier.That would complicate the governor’s main tax relief pursuit: the state taking on 80% of local K-12 funding paid for through property taxes.A spokesperson for Pillen said the intention is to tax machinery and equipment at 4 cents and the change “was just a drafter’s situation.” No amendments have yet been introduced to fix that drafting error. She said she was unaware of what happened with carpentry services and electricians’ services, which make up a much smaller portion of the revenue that could be lost.LB 1 as introduced would also more broadly end some sales tax exemptions that multiple lawmakers who had been working with Pillen said were off the table:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-2704.51" target="_blank">Leases or sales of dark fiber</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-2704.36" target="_blank">Net wrap, bailing wire and twine</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-2704.69" target="_blank">Catalysts, chemicals and materials used in producing ethanol</a>, not just natural gasoline used as a denaturant by a Nebraska ethanol facility.</li>
 </ul>LB 1 is first up in a Revenue Committee hearing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Two lawmakers on the Executive Board&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/legislative-maneuvering-could-complicate-the-path-for-gov-pillens-tax-proposal/">switched their votes</a>&nbsp;Monday to send the bill there instead of the Government Committee.The Revenue Committee, which Linehan chairs, is usually the designation for bills addressing taxation. Members could be more open to Pillen’s proposal than those on the Government Committee, where only&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10906" target="_blank">one of eight members</a>&nbsp;supported a previous Pillen-backed proposal in the spring. In contrast, seven of eight Revenue Committee members supported the previous bill.

Drafting errors could leave Gov. Pillen’s property tax relief plan up to $139 million short

JULY 29, 2024 (YORK, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol located 77 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and arrested two people during a traffic stop Saturday on Interstate 80 near York.

At approximately 9:15 a.m. Saturday, a trooper stopped a Hyundai Sonata for speeding on I-80, near mile marker 355. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the vehicle was not insured.&nbsp;

Prior to towing the vehicle, troopers performed an inventory of the vehicle and discovered numerous container bags of suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the bags was 77 pounds.

The driver, Rosita Vizcarra, 28, and passenger, Julio Garcia-Guerrero, 26, both of Omaha, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in York County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280995060.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJULY 29, 2024 (YORK, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol located 77 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and arrested two people during a traffic stop Saturday on Interstate 80 near York.At approximately 9:15 a.m. Saturday, a trooper stopped a Hyundai Sonata for speeding on I-80, near mile marker 355. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the vehicle was not insured.&nbsp;Prior to towing the vehicle, troopers performed an inventory of the vehicle and discovered numerous container bags of suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the bags was 77 pounds.The driver, Rosita Vizcarra, 28, and passenger, Julio Garcia-Guerrero, 26, both of Omaha, were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. Both were lodged in York County Jail.

Troopers Find 77 LBs of Meth in Traffic Stop Near York

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/nebraska-pitched-as-possible-destination-for-climate-migrants/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — For much of its history, Nebraska has been seen as a challenging place to set down roots.

From its early frontier description as “The Great American Desert” and a place only “bugeaters” could love, to now being lumped together with other “flyover” states of the Great Plains, the state has lacked the soaring mountains, sandy beaches and mild winters of other states.

The result? Many one-time Huskers have moved on, and it’s difficult to convince people from other states to move here.

But earlier this month, a group of 25 people gathered in a noisy corner of Morrill Hall to discuss what they see as an opportunity for revitalization and resettlement of the small towns and cities of Midwestern states including Nebraska.

The impetus? A predicted wave of “climate migrants” seeking new homes away from flooded coastal cities impacted by climate change.

“We need to be thinking ahead,” said Hillary Brown, a&nbsp;professor emeritus of architecture and former director of the Urban&nbsp;Sustainability&nbsp;Program at the City College of New York.

Brown and Daniel Brooks, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and now&nbsp;professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology&nbsp;at the University of Toronto, were the featured speakers at the July 18 symposium.&nbsp;

They co-authored an article in 2021 entitled, “How managed retreat from climate change could revitalize rural America.”&nbsp;

Brown and Brooks pointed to examples of Midwestern towns that have taken steps to enhance their quality of life and attract new residents.

One was Ord, in central Nebraska, where Brooks said a strong commitment to economic development had increased a key demographic group — young people and families, ages 30-34 — by 54% between 2000 and 2010.

Norfolk was also mentioned, where a major downtown renovation project includes a “whitewater park” several blocks long, for kayaks, canoes and float tubes.

Clinton, Iowa, restoredits historic Main Street and enhanced its green infrastructure, such as bike trails,&nbsp; Brown said.

One of the participants, Bruce Johnson, a professor emeritus of agriculture economics at UNL, said the event was an appropriate “conversation starter” about something that could be “a regeneration of homesteading.”&nbsp;

“We have a very genuine opportunity to turn the corner on population decline in a majority of our counties,” said Johnson, who grew up in the northeast Nebraska farm town of Wausa.

Climate change is real, Brooks and Brown said, and rising sea levels, increased wildfires, drought and other extreme weather will force a mass migration of people that Nebraska’s small towns and cities could capitalize on.

By 2050, the United Nations’ refugee agency is projecting that 1.2 billion people worldwide will have been displaced by climate-related changes and disasters.

Brooks said a sudden collapse of the melting ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica could raise sea levels by as much as 10 feet, forcing a panicked wave of climate migrants, who may have lost everything and must seek emergency shelter.

He and Brown, however, said that a more managed and orderly retreat from the coasts and climate-impacted areas — by rebuilding in safer areas before disaster hits — is much preferable. Nebraska communities, they said, should begin planning and preparing for a possible new wave of homesteaders by providing amenities they will need.

Brown said between 4 million and 13 million people living in coastal cities will need to seek new homes in “climate havens” such as Nebraska.&nbsp;

Climate-related migration is already happening in the U.S., and Brooks said the rate of climate-related problems is expected to accelerate in coming years, increasing the migration.

Hurricane Katrina displaced 800,000 people from New Orleans in 2005 and 2006 who sought new homes elsewhere in the United States, Brown said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, natural disasters in 2022 displaced 3.2 million people, of whom 500,000 had not returned to their homes by the end of 2023.

Since most climate refugees find new homes within their own country, that provides a great opportunity for rural places, Brooks and Brown maintained, because they predict such refugees will want to live outside of “crowded and stressed urban areas.”

To be sure, not everyone agrees with their dire warnings of a mass migration.&nbsp;

And a map that predicted the top “receiver” counties in the U.S. that Brown displayed during her presentation didn’t list any in Nebraska. Instead, it showed areas of North and South Dakota, northwest Iowa and Minnesota as top destinations, along with portions of northern Michigan and Wisconsin, the Appalachians, northern New England and the Pacific Northwest.

Some authorities predict that while there will be climate migrants, they will more likely move within their own region — not across the country — so they can be near family members and continue to take advantage of the amenities and good jobs in coastal areas.

Others maintain that the prediction of 1.2 billion climate migrants by 2050 is inaccurate. Still others point to surveys that indicate economic factors, rather than climate, as the main drivers of migration.&nbsp;

The map that bypassed Nebraska as a top “receiver” area for climate migrants was developed as a project by the environmental group Proactive Leadership Advocating for Climate and Equity.

The map was based on whether an area had a low risk of such factors as extreme heat, reduced crop yields, wildfires and economic damages.

Nebraska had its second-worst wildfire season in recent history in 2022, and last month, 14 inches of rain caused devastating floods in northwest Iowa and along the Missouri River. By 2100, Brooks said, average temperatures in Nebraska are predicted to rise by 4 to 9 degrees, with up to 25 days with temperatures over 100, and heavy precipitation events increasing by 16%.

Brooks and Brown downplayed the map, saying that it is only one opinion and is not “the last word” on where such migration might occur.

Johnson, the UNL emeritus professor, also disputed the map. He said climate migrants fleeing drought and shortages of drinking water will be looking for places with abundant water resources such as Nebraska, which sits on top of two-thirds of the resources of the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;

“It’s unmatched,” he said of the state’s abundance of water.

During the symposium, Chuck Hibberd, a board member at the Nebraska Community Foundation, asked those present to list what climate migrants might want in a new home and what might attract or deter them.

He pointed out that Nebraska has an estimated 72,000 unfilled jobs, so employers are looking for new workers. Amenities listed by those attending included good housing, schools and medical facilities, affordable homes and safe communities.

Brown said people also will be looking for places that have low risk for climate-related disasters, entrepreneurial opportunities and innovative leadership that has taken steps to address climate change. Migrants may also want access to cultural activities, such as an orchestra, ballet or music venue, she said.

Towns urged to get ‘more interesting’

Another participant, Chuck Hassebrook, the former longtime head of the Center for Rural Affairs, said it is important to make small towns “more interesting.” He mentioned development of historical and cultural assets, hike/bike and kayak trails and other local recreation opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brooks, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL, said communities seeking to capitalize on climate migration need to decide what steps are needed to make their area more attractive to new settlers.

“You need to make your town more interesting and with a quality of life that will help attract people,” he said.

The first-ever symposium celebrated the 100th birthday of Mary Louise Hanson Pritchard, the founding curator of the H.W. Manter Laboratory, Division of Parasitology at the State Museum. Brooks was a student of Pritchard’s.

Initiative creating ‘soil health hubs’

During the symposium, Bruce Johnson, the UNL emeritus professor, pitched a local organization, the Nebraska Elder Climate Legacy Initiative, which lobbies and promotes steps to deal with climate change.

One initiative already underway, he said, is to help create “soil health hubs” across the state to inform farmers about best practices to enhance soil health and protect water quality. The initiative is an outgrowth of Legislative Bill 925, a 2022 bill passed by the State Legislature to create a network of local producers/educators to spread and demonstrate best practices for soil health.

Johnson said the group is also promoting passage of a state constitutional amendment, similar to one adopted in Montana, that requires state agencies to consider greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts when reviewing proposed major projects.

For more information, access the website&nbsp;<a href="http://elderclimatelegacy.org/" target="_blank">elderclimatelegacy.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722282597358.jpeg" alt="Daniel Brooks, left, and Hillary Brown told an audience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that climate change will present an opportunity to repopulate and revive rural towns. (Paul Hammel for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Brooks, left, and Hillary Brown told an audience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that climate change will present an opportunity to repopulate and revive rural towns. (Paul Hammel for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/nebraska-pitched-as-possible-destination-for-climate-migrants/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — For much of its history, Nebraska has been seen as a challenging place to set down roots.From its early frontier description as “The Great American Desert” and a place only “bugeaters” could love, to now being lumped together with other “flyover” states of the Great Plains, the state has lacked the soaring mountains, sandy beaches and mild winters of other states.The result? Many one-time Huskers have moved on, and it’s difficult to convince people from other states to move here.But earlier this month, a group of 25 people gathered in a noisy corner of Morrill Hall to discuss what they see as an opportunity for revitalization and resettlement of the small towns and cities of Midwestern states including Nebraska.The impetus? A predicted wave of “climate migrants” seeking new homes away from flooded coastal cities impacted by climate change.“We need to be thinking ahead,” said Hillary Brown, a&nbsp;professor emeritus of architecture and former director of the Urban&nbsp;Sustainability&nbsp;Program at the City College of New York.<h2>‘Managed retreat’</h2>Brown and Daniel Brooks, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and now&nbsp;professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology&nbsp;at the University of Toronto, were the featured speakers at the July 18 symposium.&nbsp;They co-authored an article in 2021 entitled, “How managed retreat from climate change could revitalize rural America.”&nbsp;<h2>Quality of life</h2>Brown and Brooks pointed to examples of Midwestern towns that have taken steps to enhance their quality of life and attract new residents.One was Ord, in central Nebraska, where Brooks said a strong commitment to economic development had increased a key demographic group — young people and families, ages 30-34 — by 54% between 2000 and 2010.Norfolk was also mentioned, where a major downtown renovation project includes a “whitewater park” several blocks long, for kayaks, canoes and float tubes.Clinton, Iowa, restoredits historic Main Street and enhanced its green infrastructure, such as bike trails,&nbsp; Brown said.One of the participants, Bruce Johnson, a professor emeritus of agriculture economics at UNL, said the event was an appropriate “conversation starter” about something that could be “a regeneration of homesteading.”&nbsp;“We have a very genuine opportunity to turn the corner on population decline in a majority of our counties,” said Johnson, who grew up in the northeast Nebraska farm town of Wausa.Climate change is real, Brooks and Brown said, and rising sea levels, increased wildfires, drought and other extreme weather will force a mass migration of people that Nebraska’s small towns and cities could capitalize on.<h2>A projected 1.2 billion displaced</h2>By 2050, the United Nations’ refugee agency is projecting that 1.2 billion people worldwide will have been displaced by climate-related changes and disasters.Brooks said a sudden collapse of the melting ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica could raise sea levels by as much as 10 feet, forcing a panicked wave of climate migrants, who may have lost everything and must seek emergency shelter.He and Brown, however, said that a more managed and orderly retreat from the coasts and climate-impacted areas — by rebuilding in safer areas before disaster hits — is much preferable. Nebraska communities, they said, should begin planning and preparing for a possible new wave of homesteaders by providing amenities they will need.Brown said between 4 million and 13 million people living in coastal cities will need to seek new homes in “climate havens” such as Nebraska.&nbsp;Climate-related migration is already happening in the U.S., and Brooks said the rate of climate-related problems is expected to accelerate in coming years, increasing the migration.Hurricane Katrina displaced 800,000 people from New Orleans in 2005 and 2006 who sought new homes elsewhere in the United States, Brown said.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, natural disasters in 2022 displaced 3.2 million people, of whom 500,000 had not returned to their homes by the end of 2023.Since most climate refugees find new homes within their own country, that provides a great opportunity for rural places, Brooks and Brown maintained, because they predict such refugees will want to live outside of “crowded and stressed urban areas.”<h2>Not all agree</h2>To be sure, not everyone agrees with their dire warnings of a mass migration.&nbsp;And a map that predicted the top “receiver” counties in the U.S. that Brown displayed during her presentation didn’t list any in Nebraska. Instead, it showed areas of North and South Dakota, northwest Iowa and Minnesota as top destinations, along with portions of northern Michigan and Wisconsin, the Appalachians, northern New England and the Pacific Northwest.Some authorities predict that while there will be climate migrants, they will more likely move within their own region — not across the country — so they can be near family members and continue to take advantage of the amenities and good jobs in coastal areas.Others maintain that the prediction of 1.2 billion climate migrants by 2050 is inaccurate. Still others point to surveys that indicate economic factors, rather than climate, as the main drivers of migration.&nbsp;The map that bypassed Nebraska as a top “receiver” area for climate migrants was developed as a project by the environmental group Proactive Leadership Advocating for Climate and Equity.The map was based on whether an area had a low risk of such factors as extreme heat, reduced crop yields, wildfires and economic damages.Nebraska had its second-worst wildfire season in recent history in 2022, and last month, 14 inches of rain caused devastating floods in northwest Iowa and along the Missouri River. By 2100, Brooks said, average temperatures in Nebraska are predicted to rise by 4 to 9 degrees, with up to 25 days with temperatures over 100, and heavy precipitation events increasing by 16%.Brooks and Brown downplayed the map, saying that it is only one opinion and is not “the last word” on where such migration might occur.Johnson, the UNL emeritus professor, also disputed the map. He said climate migrants fleeing drought and shortages of drinking water will be looking for places with abundant water resources such as Nebraska, which sits on top of two-thirds of the resources of the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;“It’s unmatched,” he said of the state’s abundance of water.During the symposium, Chuck Hibberd, a board member at the Nebraska Community Foundation, asked those present to list what climate migrants might want in a new home and what might attract or deter them.He pointed out that Nebraska has an estimated 72,000 unfilled jobs, so employers are looking for new workers. Amenities listed by those attending included good housing, schools and medical facilities, affordable homes and safe communities.Brown said people also will be looking for places that have low risk for climate-related disasters, entrepreneurial opportunities and innovative leadership that has taken steps to address climate change. Migrants may also want access to cultural activities, such as an orchestra, ballet or music venue, she said.<h2>Towns urged to get ‘more interesting’</h2>Another participant, Chuck Hassebrook, the former longtime head of the Center for Rural Affairs, said it is important to make small towns “more interesting.” He mentioned development of historical and cultural assets, hike/bike and kayak trails and other local recreation opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brooks, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL, said communities seeking to capitalize on climate migration need to decide what steps are needed to make their area more attractive to new settlers.“You need to make your town more interesting and with a quality of life that will help attract people,” he said.The first-ever symposium celebrated the 100th birthday of Mary Louise Hanson Pritchard, the founding curator of the H.W. Manter Laboratory, Division of Parasitology at the State Museum. Brooks was a student of Pritchard’s.<h2>Initiative creating ‘soil health hubs’</h2>During the symposium, Bruce Johnson, the UNL emeritus professor, pitched a local organization, the Nebraska Elder Climate Legacy Initiative, which lobbies and promotes steps to deal with climate change.One initiative already underway, he said, is to help create “soil health hubs” across the state to inform farmers about best practices to enhance soil health and protect water quality. The initiative is an outgrowth of Legislative Bill 925, a 2022 bill passed by the State Legislature to create a network of local producers/educators to spread and demonstrate best practices for soil health.Johnson said the group is also promoting passage of a state constitutional amendment, similar to one adopted in Montana, that requires state agencies to consider greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts when reviewing proposed major projects.For more information, access the website&nbsp;<a href="http://elderclimatelegacy.org/" target="_blank">elderclimatelegacy.org</a>

Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An alternative tax relief measure to be considered by state lawmakers would exempt from property taxes the first $100,000 of a Nebraskan’s home value.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha described his homestead exemption proposal as targeted tax relief to Nebraska homeowners and not, as he said, “big out-of-state property owners” such as Ted Turner and Bill Gates.

“If we are serious about giving relief to homeowners, and not large wealthy landowners, this is a possible solution,” Cavanaugh said on social media.

He introduced Legislative Bill 22 Friday, the second day of the special legislative session called by Gov. Jim Pillen to try to alleviate property tax burden for Nebraskans. The Legislature will be entertaining and debating various ways to achieve that goal.

Cavanaugh told the Nebraska Examiner that he sought to focus on the problem people are talking about: Nebraskans, including older people on fixed incomes, who are getting priced out of their own homes because property taxes are rising so high.

He said state funding would cover the loss resulting from the exemption laid out in LB 22, which he estimated might cost roughly $900 million the first year. He estimated that it would offer an individual household in Omaha a $2,200 annual break.

Possible ways to cover the cost, Cavanaugh said, could include pausing income tax cuts or repealing the Perkins County Canal project and directing funds toward property tax relief. The Legislature appropriated $574 million in 2023 toward the controversial canal initiative, still in its planning phase, that would ensure Colorado sends water Nebraska is owed based on a century-old South Platte River Compact.

LB 22, Cavanaugh said, is aimed at owner-occupied homes. (Separate legislation, he noted, has been introduced already that aims to provide relief to renters.)

He described his proposal as a more “universal” homestead exemption that would not replace, but rather add to the current Nebraska homestead exemption program. The existing program is a property tax relief program only for certain categories of homeowners, including income-eligible people over 65 years of age, qualified disabled individuals and qualified totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

“This would be meaningful tax relief to most Nebraskans,” Cavanaugh said.

State Sen. Jen Day of the Omaha area on Friday also introduced a proposal related to homestead exemptions. Her Legislative Bill 30 focuses on expanding benefits to certain other levels of disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722270554192.jpeg" alt="State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha talks with attendees of a listening session on property taxes in Omaha on July 21, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha talks with attendees of a listening session on property taxes in Omaha on July 21, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — An alternative tax relief measure to be considered by state lawmakers would exempt from property taxes the first $100,000 of a Nebraskan’s home value.State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha described his homestead exemption proposal as targeted tax relief to Nebraska homeowners and not, as he said, “big out-of-state property owners” such as Ted Turner and Bill Gates.“If we are serious about giving relief to homeowners, and not large wealthy landowners, this is a possible solution,” Cavanaugh said on social media.He introduced Legislative Bill 22 Friday, the second day of the special legislative session called by Gov. Jim Pillen to try to alleviate property tax burden for Nebraskans. The Legislature will be entertaining and debating various ways to achieve that goal.Cavanaugh told the Nebraska Examiner that he sought to focus on the problem people are talking about: Nebraskans, including older people on fixed incomes, who are getting priced out of their own homes because property taxes are rising so high.He said state funding would cover the loss resulting from the exemption laid out in LB 22, which he estimated might cost roughly $900 million the first year. He estimated that it would offer an individual household in Omaha a $2,200 annual break.Possible ways to cover the cost, Cavanaugh said, could include pausing income tax cuts or repealing the Perkins County Canal project and directing funds toward property tax relief. The Legislature appropriated $574 million in 2023 toward the controversial canal initiative, still in its planning phase, that would ensure Colorado sends water Nebraska is owed based on a century-old South Platte River Compact.LB 22, Cavanaugh said, is aimed at owner-occupied homes. (Separate legislation, he noted, has been introduced already that aims to provide relief to renters.)He described his proposal as a more “universal” homestead exemption that would not replace, but rather add to the current Nebraska homestead exemption program. The existing program is a property tax relief program only for certain categories of homeowners, including income-eligible people over 65 years of age, qualified disabled individuals and qualified totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.“This would be meaningful tax relief to most Nebraskans,” Cavanaugh said.State Sen. Jen Day of the Omaha area on Friday also introduced a proposal related to homestead exemptions. Her Legislative Bill 30 focuses on expanding benefits to certain other levels of disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

NE lawmaker calls proposed homestead exemption ‘universal’ relief for Husker homeowners

Nebraska National Forest and Grassland

Chadron, NE July 29, 2024&nbsp;- Due to rapidly drying wildland fuels and predicted hot and dry weather, the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands, plan to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, beginning Tuesday, July 30 at 1:00 a.m.  Restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have improved sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.&nbsp;

 Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following:&nbsp;

Exemptions to restrictions include the following:&nbsp;

Fire Restrictions will apply to all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the NNFG with the exception of designated developed recreation sites.&nbsp;Fires are only allowed in metal fire rings and/or metal pedestal grills provided by the Forest Service in developed recreation sites. For further information, persons can call the Pine Ridge Ranger District at 308-432-0300; the Fall River Ranger District at 605-745-4107 or the Wall Ranger District at 605-279-2126.

It is important to note that all the Black Hills National Forest and the Ft. Pierre Ranger District of the NNFG remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions year-round.

Nebraska National Forest and GrasslandChadron, NE July 29, 2024&nbsp;- Due to rapidly drying wildland fuels and predicted hot and dry weather, the Nebraska National Forests &amp; Grasslands, plan to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, beginning Tuesday, July 30 at 1:00 a.m.  Restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have improved sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280677645.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:</li><li>A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);</li><li>A&nbsp;device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or</li><li>A&nbsp;fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less&nbsp;used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.</li>
 </ol><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280701420.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;36 CFR § 261.52(a)<ol>
 <li>Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). For chainsaw use a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) must be kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR § 261.52(h), (j)</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR § 261.52(i)</li><li>Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition. 36 CFR § 261.52(b)</li>
 </ol><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280726868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Exemptions to restrictions include the following:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Persons with a Forest Service Permit specifically exempting them from restrictions or a written determination by a Forest Service officer that a permit is not required.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Persons engaged in legal hunting activity pursuant to State, Federal, or Tribal laws and regulations are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.&nbsp; Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Fire Restrictions will apply to all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the NNFG with the exception of designated developed recreation sites.&nbsp;Fires are only allowed in metal fire rings and/or metal pedestal grills provided by the Forest Service in developed recreation sites. For further information, persons can call the Pine Ridge Ranger District at 308-432-0300; the Fall River Ranger District at 605-745-4107 or the Wall Ranger District at 605-279-2126.It is important to note that all the Black Hills National Forest and the Ft. Pierre Ranger District of the NNFG remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions year-round.

Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands Announces  Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/legislative-maneuvering-could-complicate-the-path-for-gov-pillens-tax-proposal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Some lawmakers sent a warning to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday by voting to send the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">core of his property tax relief proposal</a>&nbsp;to a more unfavorable committee than anticipated.

The Revenue Committee is usually the destination for bills dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/committees/landing_pages/index.php?cid=12&amp;subjects=true" target="_blank">taxation and property taxes</a>. All introduced bills and policy resolutions must get a public hearing and must be sent to the “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/committees/standing-committees.php" target="_blank">appropriate committee</a>,” per the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">Legislature’s internal rules</a>.

When it came to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1</a>, introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn on Pillen’s behalf, the internally selected, 10-member Executive Board took a different approach. Five of the nine voting members determined the best destination for the 139-page proposal would be the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Their reasoning: It touches various aspects of government overall, not just taxes.

“Logically, it could have been sent to 10 different committees,” State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, an Executive Board member, told the Nebraska Examiner. “The key for me was that the overarching theme is the authority of government.”

During debate on a previous Pillen-led tax package this spring, the Government Committee chair, State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska, was the only committee member who voted for the bill. Seven other members&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10906" target="_blank">opposed or otherwise did not vote for the bill</a>.

State Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and John Lowe of Kearney are members of both the Government Committee and the Executive Board, where they serve as chair and vice chair.

The committee shift is likely to be short-lived as Aguilar and Lowe both said they’d reverse their votes come Monday. Still, it sends a strong message to the first-term governor, who already faces an uphill climb to get enough votes for the property tax relief ideas he’s worked on all summer.

In addition to Aguilar and Lowe, State Sens. Merv Riepe of Ralston, Tony Vargas of Omaha and Slama agreed to the Government Committee pick. State Sens. John Arch of La Vista, Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Mike Jacobson of North Platte voted against.

Arch, the Legislature’s speaker, who sets the daily agenda, noted that there would likely be a committee amendment before LB 1, or any other major tax proposal this special session, makes it to the floor.

He encouraged his colleagues to consider which committee would be the most qualified to craft that compromise to deal with Nebraska’s tax issue.

Linehan &nbsp;joined Brewer on Friday in requesting that the Executive Board’s vote be reconsidered.

“The subject matter of this bill —&nbsp;pertaining to the assessment and collection of taxes —&nbsp;is best heard in the Revenue Committee,” Brewer and Linehan wrote in a joint letter.

Linehan has the option to force a floor vote to send the bill to her committee if the Executive Board members do not reconsider. She said she is “not the least concerned.”

“Everybody in the whole state knows this is about taxes,” Linehan told reporters, referring to&nbsp;LB 1.

“I don’t think Nebraskans would be very happy when they find out that a handful of senators have decided that we should go home, enjoy the rest of our summer and not worry about the crisis of property taxes in the State of Nebraska.”

Lowe, asked how he would vote Monday, said he has “always honored the chairmen.”&nbsp;

Slama said even if an introducer has a preferred committee, she and the top-ranking board must “look at the text of the bill and not the personalities involved.”

Another bill had been suggested, based on its content, to be sent to the Education Committee but ultimately found a home in the Revenue Committee:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.

Hughes’ bill, the bipartisan product of work with four other lawmakers, is an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">alternative K-12 school funding model</a>&nbsp;to reduce general fund property tax rates for districts over 10 years. It also addresses the main state aid funding formula for the state’s 244 school districts.

Lawmakers voted 5-3 to send the bill to the Revenue Committee, rather than to the Education Committee.

LB 9 is one of the first bills up for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/hearings.php?day=2024-07-29" target="_blank">legislative hearings this Monday</a>, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. That will also be the final day of bill introductions for the special session. As of Friday, 35 bills and six constitutional amendments had been&nbsp;introduced so far. The Legislature will not meet Saturday as initially scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722276853312.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/26/legislative-maneuvering-could-complicate-the-path-for-gov-pillens-tax-proposal/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Some lawmakers sent a warning to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday by voting to send the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">core of his property tax relief proposal</a>&nbsp;to a more unfavorable committee than anticipated.The Revenue Committee is usually the destination for bills dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/committees/landing_pages/index.php?cid=12&amp;subjects=true" target="_blank">taxation and property taxes</a>. All introduced bills and policy resolutions must get a public hearing and must be sent to the “<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/committees/standing-committees.php" target="_blank">appropriate committee</a>,” per the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Rules/RuleBook.pdf" target="_blank">Legislature’s internal rules</a>.When it came to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1</a>, introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn on Pillen’s behalf, the internally selected, 10-member Executive Board took a different approach. Five of the nine voting members determined the best destination for the 139-page proposal would be the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.Their reasoning: It touches various aspects of government overall, not just taxes.“Logically, it could have been sent to 10 different committees,” State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, an Executive Board member, told the Nebraska Examiner. “The key for me was that the overarching theme is the authority of government.”<h2>Possibly less friendly committee</h2>During debate on a previous Pillen-led tax package this spring, the Government Committee chair, State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska, was the only committee member who voted for the bill. Seven other members&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10906" target="_blank">opposed or otherwise did not vote for the bill</a>.State Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and John Lowe of Kearney are members of both the Government Committee and the Executive Board, where they serve as chair and vice chair.The committee shift is likely to be short-lived as Aguilar and Lowe both said they’d reverse their votes come Monday. Still, it sends a strong message to the first-term governor, who already faces an uphill climb to get enough votes for the property tax relief ideas he’s worked on all summer.In addition to Aguilar and Lowe, State Sens. Merv Riepe of Ralston, Tony Vargas of Omaha and Slama agreed to the Government Committee pick. State Sens. John Arch of La Vista, Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Mike Jacobson of North Platte voted against.<h2>‘This is about taxes’</h2>Arch, the Legislature’s speaker, who sets the daily agenda, noted that there would likely be a committee amendment before LB 1, or any other major tax proposal this special session, makes it to the floor.He encouraged his colleagues to consider which committee would be the most qualified to craft that compromise to deal with Nebraska’s tax issue.Linehan &nbsp;joined Brewer on Friday in requesting that the Executive Board’s vote be reconsidered.“The subject matter of this bill —&nbsp;pertaining to the assessment and collection of taxes —&nbsp;is best heard in the Revenue Committee,” Brewer and Linehan wrote in a joint letter.Linehan has the option to force a floor vote to send the bill to her committee if the Executive Board members do not reconsider. She said she is “not the least concerned.”“Everybody in the whole state knows this is about taxes,” Linehan told reporters, referring to&nbsp;LB 1.“I don’t think Nebraskans would be very happy when they find out that a handful of senators have decided that we should go home, enjoy the rest of our summer and not worry about the crisis of property taxes in the State of Nebraska.”Lowe, asked how he would vote Monday, said he has “always honored the chairmen.”&nbsp;Slama said even if an introducer has a preferred committee, she and the top-ranking board must “look at the text of the bill and not the personalities involved.”<h2>Another bucks committee suggestion</h2>Another bill had been suggested, based on its content, to be sent to the Education Committee but ultimately found a home in the Revenue Committee:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.Hughes’ bill, the bipartisan product of work with four other lawmakers, is an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">alternative K-12 school funding model</a>&nbsp;to reduce general fund property tax rates for districts over 10 years. It also addresses the main state aid funding formula for the state’s 244 school districts.Lawmakers voted 5-3 to send the bill to the Revenue Committee, rather than to the Education Committee.LB 9 is one of the first bills up for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/hearings.php?day=2024-07-29" target="_blank">legislative hearings this Monday</a>, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. That will also be the final day of bill introductions for the special session. As of Friday, 35 bills and six constitutional amendments had been&nbsp;introduced so far. The Legislature will not meet Saturday as initially scheduled.

Legislative maneuvering could complicate the path for Gov. Pillen’s tax proposal

OMAHA, NE — Today the Platte Institute is providing testimony on four bills being considered during the Special Legislative Session. Attached are the testimonies in their entirety. &nbsp;


Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, added some additional context to this testimony, “As Governor Pillen and the legislature ambitiously seek to reform Nebraska’s property tax system the Platte Institute seeks to be a constructive and reasonable partner,
 helping to achieve the strongest reform possible for our citizens.” &nbsp;


“Delaying the income tax reforms made in 2023, adding new tax brackets which would further burden Nebraskans with higher taxes, and increasing taxes on cigarettes should all be avoided to ensure that Nebraska’s tax code is both competitive and fair,” added
 Vokal. &nbsp;


The Platte Institute remains dedicated to promoting sustainable and effective tax reform that supports long-term fiscal responsibility and economic growth.&nbsp;
For further information, or to request an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at
<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;

For more insights into our policy recommendations, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Platte InstituteOMAHA, NE — Today the Platte Institute is providing testimony on four bills being considered during the Special Legislative Session. Attached are the testimonies in their entirety. &nbsp;
Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, added some additional context to this testimony, “As Governor Pillen and the legislature ambitiously seek to reform Nebraska’s property tax system the Platte Institute seeks to be a constructive and reasonable partner,
 helping to achieve the strongest reform possible for our citizens.” &nbsp;
“Delaying the income tax reforms made in 2023, adding new tax brackets which would further burden Nebraskans with higher taxes, and increasing taxes on cigarettes should all be avoided to ensure that Nebraska’s tax code is both competitive and fair,” added
 Vokal. &nbsp;
The Platte Institute remains dedicated to promoting sustainable and effective tax reform that supports long-term fiscal responsibility and economic growth.&nbsp;
For further information, or to request an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at
<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;
For more insights into our policy recommendations, visit PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

Platte Institute Testifies on LB 7, LB 9, LB 10, and LB 11 as Special Session Committee Hearings Begin 

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tope Gbenga Opaogun, 43, of Nigeria, was sentenced on July 26, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for wire fraud conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Opaogun to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. 

After Opaogun’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Opaogun to pay restitution in the amount of $193,458.21. Opaogun will be deported to Nigeria after serving his sentence.

Between October 21, 2013, and November 5, 2013,&nbsp;Opaogun and a&nbsp;co-defendant, both who were located outside of the United States, compromised the email account of an individual who had a personal bank account at a bank located in the District of Nebraska.&nbsp; Opaogun used the compromised email account to fraudulently induce employees at the bank&nbsp;to wire funds from the individual’s personal bank account to a third-party bank account controlled by&nbsp;Opaogun and a&nbsp;co-defendant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opaogun’s use of the compromised email account&nbsp;induced bank employees to make six unauthorized wire transfers totaling $234,990 to the third-party bank account. Opaogun attempted three additional unauthorized wire transfers totaling $182,000, but those attempts were unsuccessful.

On May 22, 2018, an Indictment charging Opaogun and a co-defendant was filed in the United States District Court in the District of Nebraska.&nbsp; On August 11, 2022, Opaogun was arrested in Senegal on the District of Nebraska warrant. He was extradited from Senegal, where Opaogun was vacationing at the time, to the United States under the supervision of the FBI.&nbsp;

The FBI continues to seek the co-defendant for arrest and prosecution.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Office of United State AttorneyUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tope Gbenga Opaogun, 43, of Nigeria, was sentenced on July 26, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for wire fraud conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Opaogun to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Opaogun’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Opaogun to pay restitution in the amount of $193,458.21. Opaogun will be deported to Nigeria after serving his sentence.Between October 21, 2013, and November 5, 2013,&nbsp;Opaogun and a&nbsp;co-defendant, both who were located outside of the United States, compromised the email account of an individual who had a personal bank account at a bank located in the District of Nebraska.&nbsp; Opaogun used the compromised email account to fraudulently induce employees at the bank&nbsp;to wire funds from the individual’s personal bank account to a third-party bank account controlled by&nbsp;Opaogun and a&nbsp;co-defendant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opaogun’s use of the compromised email account&nbsp;induced bank employees to make six unauthorized wire transfers totaling $234,990 to the third-party bank account. Opaogun attempted three additional unauthorized wire transfers totaling $182,000, but those attempts were unsuccessful.On May 22, 2018, an Indictment charging Opaogun and a co-defendant was filed in the United States District Court in the District of Nebraska.&nbsp; On August 11, 2022, Opaogun was arrested in Senegal on the District of Nebraska warrant. He was extradited from Senegal, where Opaogun was vacationing at the time, to the United States under the supervision of the FBI.&nbsp;The FBI continues to seek the co-defendant for arrest and prosecution.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 Nigerian Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud Conspiracy

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.

Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.

They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.


It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released this week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates.

Existing home sales fell 5.4% in June and median home sales reached its highest level on record since prices were first tracked by the National Association of Realtors in 1999. The median price rose the most in the northeast region at 9.7%. In June, existing home sales plummeted 8% in the Midwest, the greatest fall among the regions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-slipped-5-4-in-june-median-sales-price-jumps-to-record-high-of-426900" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the report released on Tuesday.

New home sales,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau, fell 0.6% in June and is 7.4% lower than new home sales a year ago. The median sales price of a new home was $417,300, lower than the existing home sales median price of $426,900. Housing experts say that this closeness in price is unusual, since new homes have usually sold for much more in the past 10 years and may be reflective of changing demands for smaller and more affordable homes.

Despite that change, these two measures have shown that home prices still remain out of reach for many and that in response, sales have been slow. What is driving these prices and when will they abate? Housing economists say there are many factors at play, including Fed policy and an aging population.

Why are home sales low and home prices high?

High demand for homes and lower inventory levels have contributed to higher home prices in recent years. These expensive home prices and high mortgage rates have resulted in this housing market shift.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="A sign advertising a home for sale is displayed outside of a Brooklyn brownstone on April 11, 2024, in New York City. U.S. house sales continued to fall in June as median home prices hit a record high for the second month&nbsp; photo AP" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertising a home for sale is displayed outside of a Brooklyn brownstone on April 11, 2024, in New York City. U.S. house sales continued to fall in June as median home prices hit a record high for the second month&nbsp; photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>U.S. median home prices hit a record high for the second month in a row as sales continued to fall, according to a report released this week, as potential buyers continue to lie in wait for lower mortgage rates.Existing home sales fell 5.4% in June and median home sales reached its highest level on record since prices were first tracked by the National Association of Realtors in 1999. The median price rose the most in the northeast region at 9.7%. In June, existing home sales plummeted 8% in the Midwest, the greatest fall among the regions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-slipped-5-4-in-june-median-sales-price-jumps-to-record-high-of-426900" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the report released on Tuesday.New home sales,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau, fell 0.6% in June and is 7.4% lower than new home sales a year ago. The median sales price of a new home was $417,300, lower than the existing home sales median price of $426,900. Housing experts say that this closeness in price is unusual, since new homes have usually sold for much more in the past 10 years and may be reflective of changing demands for smaller and more affordable homes.Despite that change, these two measures have shown that home prices still remain out of reach for many and that in response, sales have been slow. What is driving these prices and when will they abate? Housing economists say there are many factors at play, including Fed policy and an aging population.<h2>Why are home sales low and home prices high?</h2>High demand for homes and lower inventory levels have contributed to higher home prices in recent years. These expensive home prices and high mortgage rates have resulted in this housing market shift.Matthew Walsh, economist at Moody’s Analytics, said low housing affordability and the “persistently high” mortgage rate is contributing to cooling housing activity. Unless housing becomes more affordable soon, he said he expects to continue to see lower existing home sales. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% as of July 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC-2BuhLU-a1GBcy8DJWMM3or13Ye&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzIK1BhAuEiwAHQmU3qjHufAfDjdczZrYqFAv10PYk67LRMDASSjtafgA0lUfDZLu84IenRoCU6sQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;Freddie Mac.“Buyers are very responsive to mortgage rates and with the information being so readily available and the anticipation that mortgage rates are going to come down, I think that’s keeping people on the sidelines,” said Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic.But she said homebuyers face a double-edged sword. When mortgage rates do come down, there will be a lot of pent-up demand that will also put pressure on home prices. A rise in cash buyers could also be pushing prices higher, Hepp said. All cash buyers were 28% of home transactions in June.“A lot of these cash buyers are actually baby boomers who maybe cashed out on their existing home. We do know that home equity is at an all-time high and if you’re moving from a very expensive home price area to a lower-priced area, you obviously will have a lot of cash,” she added.<h2>Housing inventory is changing but is it enough?</h2>One bright spot for homebuyers is that total housing inventory has been rising. Inventory increased 3.1% from May and was up 23.4% from a year ago according to the June existing home sales report. Walsh said some households may be deciding they can’t wait to make a life change and are moving out of homes for larger or smaller options.“It’s a lot of households that can no longer postpone plans to sell, whether that’s because their household is expanding because they’re having children or it’s shrinking and they need to sell their larger home in the Northeast and move to a smaller home to retire in the South,” Walsh&nbsp; said. “They can no longer put up with the homes that they’re in and sacrifice their low mortgage rate for a higher rate.”Still, Hepp said the inventory is far lower than pre-pandemic levels and where demand has picked up — in Boston, New York, and Chicago, for example — there’s not a proportionate increase in the supply of housing.Some homebuyers may be watching the Fed’s plans to cut interest rates, which affect mortgage rates, for some financial relief. A majority of economists say they believe the Fed will cut rates in September and December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/fed-cut-rates-twice-this-year-with-first-move-september-economists-say-2024-07-23/" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent Reuters poll. Cutting rates may help bring some buyers back into the market and pump up inventory, but the effect will likely not be strong enough to bring home sales back to where they were before the pandemic, Walsh added.<h2>What is the government doing?</h2>The Biden administration announced a flurry of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/16/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-major-new-actions-to-lower-housing-costs-by-limiting-rent-increases-and-building-more-homes/#:~:text=The%20Biden%2DHarris%20Administration%20is,for%20tens%20of%20millions%20of" target="_blank">proposals</a>&nbsp;this month to make housing more affordable, some of which would impact homebuyers as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2024/07/17/biden-proposes-5-rent-increase-cap-for-corporate-owned-apartments/" target="_blank">repurposing</a>&nbsp;of public lands in Nevada to bring at least 15,000 affordable rental and homeownership units to the area. In February, the White House also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/29/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-to-boost-housing-supply-and-lower-housing-costs/" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the opening of grant applications for assistance to homeowners to replace dilapidated homes.Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-plans-fix-housing-market-1811663" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at a July rally in Iowa that he would address problems in the housing market through cutting interest rates, according to Newsweek. Although presidents nominate the chair of the Fed for a four-year term, they do not have power over whether the Fed cuts rates.States have been pursuing their own policies to improve housing inventory and affordability, including&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/03/19/utah-housing-market-experiment-legislature-2024/" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/03/04/oregon-house-passes-gov-tina-koteks-housing-bill-approves-369-million/" target="_blank">Oregon</a>, which passed legislation to use funds for loans to developers who plan to build more affordable homes. A Maryland bill&nbsp;<a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/05/02/moores-signature-on-bill-will-enable-local-governments-to-impose-higher-taxes-on-vacant-properties/" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;into law by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in May would push property owners to make plans for vacant properties by letting cities raise taxes on those properties.