Nebraska Update

People without legal status are a key part of the dairy industry's workforce. Some producers hope their economic contribution will protect farms from ICE raids and may open the conversation around policy reform.

The Nebraska Legislature gave final approval Thursday to the state budget for the next two years, despite criticism that it is unsustainable.

Hamilton’s advanced load in arrived at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, May 4th, while the show did its final performance in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Four days later, the show will begin for Nebraskans in Omaha. How does this happen? How does a crew of 70 move a whole stage production over 12 hours, and have it ready to run again within four days?

A bill from Sen. Victor Rountree would have allowed all individuals convicted of felonies to become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after completing their sentences. Currently, Nebraska allows those with two or fewer felonies for drug use and possession to receive benefits, but those with drug distribution felonies remain banned. Rountree’s bill would have made around 1,000 new Nebraskans eligible. It passed the final round of debate Wednesday with 32 votes but was vetoed by Pillen soon afterward. Rountree said he wasn’t surprised.

Sen. Kathleen Kauth’s Stand with Women Act, LB89, made it through the second round of debate in the Nebraska Legislature Wednesday evening, but not before an amendment stripped it of a key provision. Sen. Kathleen Kauth’s Stand with Women Act, LB89, made it through the second round of debate in the Nebraska Legislature Wednesday evening, but not before an amendment stripped it of a key provision. Sen. Merv Riepe was one of 33 senators to vote for the bill on the first round of debate, but he said he would only advance it further if changes were made. Those changes included removing a requirement for students at K-12 schools and universities to use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their biological sex.

A bill allowing a lower minimum wage for young workers fell short Wednesday in the Nebraska Legislature, while one trying to regulate foreign agents advanced.

A proposal to reduce inheritance taxes and raise county fees came up two votes short of overcoming a filibuster attempt in the Nebraska Legislature Tuesday evening. Sen. Rob Clements’ priority bill, LB468, as amended on the second round of debate, would have reduced the total amount of inheritance taxes Nebraska counties collect by around 24%, Clements said. Nebraska is one of five states with inheritance taxes and eliminating them altogether has been a longtime goal for Clements.

The Nebraska Legislature gave second-round approval Tuesday to a paid sick leave bill that is more restrictive than one voters approved last year.

As commencement season gets underway, University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold reflects on his first year leading the university system. He discussed federal cuts and priority changes, research and the state budget.

The Dust Bowl led to the creation of what is now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Just as it celebrates a major milestone, the agency is dealing with job losses, massive proposed budget cuts and talk of consolidation.