<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/14/vance-to-visit-nebraska-for-a-fundraiser/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska’s swinging 2nd Congressional District will host both 2024 vice presidential candidates in coming days, the latest sign of how significant the campaigns consider the stray Electoral College vote.

Republican U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, plans to visit Omaha on Aug. 21 for a minimum $1,000-a-plate fundraiser headlined by the GOP governors and U.S. senators from Nebraska and Iowa and Nebraska’s U.S. House members, the Examiner has learned.&nbsp;

Among the hosts are longtime political donors Joe and Marlene Ricketts, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and his brother Todd, who was a top Republican National Committee fundraiser for former President Donald Trump’s RNC in 2020.&nbsp;

The Ricketts family, which built the company that became TD Ameritrade, owns the Chicago Cubs. The Ricketts campaign could not immediately be reached for comment late Tuesday.

The top package costs $100,000 per couple, including a table, photo and reception. It was not immediately clear whether Vance has planned a separate public event. The Trump campaign did not not immediately return messages Tuesday evening seeking comment.

Word of Vance’s visit came hot on the heels of a report that Democratic vice presidential pick Tim Walz plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/13/nebraska-bound-harris-running-mate-tim-walz-to-visit-2nd-district/">visit Omaha on Saturday</a>.

Vance’s visit was confirmed in an email from Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley to local GOP donors.

“The GOP is the party of working Americans, and Senator Vance has long championed the rural men and women left behind in Joe Biden’s America,” the email said. “His experience, on top of President Trump’s accomplishments for rural communities … will show Americans in the Heartland that they have a home in President Trump’s movement to Make America Great Again.”

The Vance visit was confirmed by the Nebraska Republican Party and donors.&nbsp;

Populist Republicans in Nebraska have celebrated Trump’s pick of Vance as someone who excites his base. Some of their energy has been muted by concerns he previously opposed Trump and that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-vance-rubio-burgum-rnc-6cc438a8370a21b2631f5a53b06b71d0" target="_blank">was picked to help beat President Joe Biden</a>, not the current Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Ohio senator is known for his book about his Appalachian roots, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Vance has embraced Trump’s message of economic populism, nationalism and isolationism abroad. For example, Vance has opposed military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.&nbsp;

The presidential campaigns are once again focused on the Omaha area because Nebraska awards one Electoral College vote to the winner of each congressional district, in addition to its two votes for the statewide winner.&nbsp;

The politically competitive 2nd District becomes more significant in close elections. And recent polling nationally and in swing states, including Nebraska, shows a race that either side can win. Recent momentum has swung toward Harris.

National political pundits have put the spotlight back on the 2nd District by touting the possibility that the Electoral College vote could end up in a 269-269 tie.

Every other state except Maine awards electoral votes in a winner-take-all fashion, a long-term goal of Nebraska Republicans that might not be dead yet this year.

The district has swung in both directions in the past four presidential elections, won by former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2008, Republican Mitt Romney in 2012, Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020.&nbsp;

The August visits come as Trump’s team works with Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature to find the votes to change the state’s&nbsp; method of awarding electoral votes.

Legislative leaders in Maine have said they are prepared to shift their Democratic-leaning state to winner-take-all, Republican-led Nebraska acts to change to winner-take all.&nbsp;

Both campaigns have staff in the 2nd District, and both also have surrogates visiting and raising funds.&nbsp;

Joe Hagerty, who helped open a joint RNC and Trump campaign office last weekend in Nebraska, has said Republicans need to remind state lawmakers to do the right thing.

“We want President Trump to get elected, and so we don’t want that one electoral vote that we’re responsible for to be the difference in him not winning,” Hagerty said.

Democrats, including Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb, have said Republicans want to change the rules in the middle of the game because they worry they might lose the November election.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/14/vance-to-visit-nebraska-for-a-fundraiser/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska’s swinging 2nd Congressional District will host both 2024 vice presidential candidates in coming days, the latest sign of how significant the campaigns consider the stray Electoral College vote.Republican U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, plans to visit Omaha on Aug. 21 for a minimum $1,000-a-plate fundraiser headlined by the GOP governors and U.S. senators from Nebraska and Iowa and Nebraska’s U.S. House members, the Examiner has learned.&nbsp;Among the hosts are longtime political donors Joe and Marlene Ricketts, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and his brother Todd, who was a top Republican National Committee fundraiser for former President Donald Trump’s RNC in 2020.&nbsp;The Ricketts family, which built the company that became TD Ameritrade, owns the Chicago Cubs. The Ricketts campaign could not immediately be reached for comment late Tuesday.The top package costs $100,000 per couple, including a table, photo and reception. It was not immediately clear whether Vance has planned a separate public event. The Trump campaign did not not immediately return messages Tuesday evening seeking comment.Word of Vance’s visit came hot on the heels of a report that Democratic vice presidential pick Tim Walz plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/13/nebraska-bound-harris-running-mate-tim-walz-to-visit-2nd-district/">visit Omaha on Saturday</a>.Vance’s visit was confirmed in an email from Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley to local GOP donors.“The GOP is the party of working Americans, and Senator Vance has long championed the rural men and women left behind in Joe Biden’s America,” the email said. “His experience, on top of President Trump’s accomplishments for rural communities … will show Americans in the Heartland that they have a home in President Trump’s movement to Make America Great Again.”The Vance visit was confirmed by the Nebraska Republican Party and donors.&nbsp;<h2>Vance excites base</h2>Populist Republicans in Nebraska have celebrated Trump’s pick of Vance as someone who excites his base. Some of their energy has been muted by concerns he previously opposed Trump and that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-vance-rubio-burgum-rnc-6cc438a8370a21b2631f5a53b06b71d0" target="_blank">was picked to help beat President Joe Biden</a>, not the current Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.The Ohio senator is known for his book about his Appalachian roots, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Vance has embraced Trump’s message of economic populism, nationalism and isolationism abroad. For example, Vance has opposed military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.&nbsp;The presidential campaigns are once again focused on the Omaha area because Nebraska awards one Electoral College vote to the winner of each congressional district, in addition to its two votes for the statewide winner.&nbsp;The politically competitive 2nd District becomes more significant in close elections. And recent polling nationally and in swing states, including Nebraska, shows a race that either side can win. Recent momentum has swung toward Harris.National political pundits have put the spotlight back on the 2nd District by touting the possibility that the Electoral College vote could end up in a 269-269 tie.Every other state except Maine awards electoral votes in a winner-take-all fashion, a long-term goal of Nebraska Republicans that might not be dead yet this year.The district has swung in both directions in the past four presidential elections, won by former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2008, Republican Mitt Romney in 2012, Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020.&nbsp;<h2>Focus on 2nd District</h2>The August visits come as Trump’s team works with Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature to find the votes to change the state’s&nbsp; method of awarding electoral votes.Legislative leaders in Maine have said they are prepared to shift their Democratic-leaning state to winner-take-all, Republican-led Nebraska acts to change to winner-take all.&nbsp;Both campaigns have staff in the 2nd District, and both also have surrogates visiting and raising funds.&nbsp;Joe Hagerty, who helped open a joint RNC and Trump campaign office last weekend in Nebraska, has said Republicans need to remind state lawmakers to do the right thing.“We want President Trump to get elected, and so we don’t want that one electoral vote that we’re responsible for to be the difference in him not winning,” Hagerty said.Democrats, including Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb, have said Republicans want to change the rules in the middle of the game because they worry they might lose the November election.

Vance to visit Nebraska for a fundraiser

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement after a bipartisan coalition of senators voted to advance property tax relief legislation:

“I am grateful to Senator Lou Ann Linehan for her strong leadership in achieving this first step toward property tax relief. Although there is much work yet to do to achieve a victory for Nebraskans facing spiraling property tax bills, this vote is a step in the right direction. I look forward to partnering with good faith members of the Legislature to continue the work of delivering transformative property tax reform and bringing this consensus bill into law.”

The state senators who voted to cut Nebraskans’ property taxes and limit government spending are as follows:

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement after a bipartisan coalition of senators voted to advance property tax relief legislation:“I am grateful to Senator Lou Ann Linehan for her strong leadership in achieving this first step toward property tax relief. Although there is much work yet to do to achieve a victory for Nebraskans facing spiraling property tax bills, this vote is a step in the right direction. I look forward to partnering with good faith members of the Legislature to continue the work of delivering transformative property tax reform and bringing this consensus bill into law.”The state senators who voted to cut Nebraskans’ property taxes and limit government spending are as follows:Senator Lou Ann LinehanSenator Ray AguilarSenator Joni AlbrechtSpeaker John ArchSenator Christy ArmendarizSenator Beau BallardSenator Carolyn BosnSenator Eliot BostarSenator Bruce BostelmanSenator Tom BrandtSenator Tom BrewerSenator Rob ClementsSenator Barry DeKaySenator Myron DornSenator Rob DoverSenator Steve ErdmanSenator Steve HalloranSenator Ben HansenSenator Brian HardinSenator Rick HoldcroftSenator Jana HughesSenator Teresa IbachSenator Mike JacobsonSenator Kathleen KauthSenator Loren LippincottSenator John LoweSenator Mike McDonnellSenator Fred MeyerSenator Mike MoserSenator Dave MurmanSenator Rita SandersSenator Tony VargasSenator Brad von GillernSenator Anna Wishart&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pillen Issues Statement Thanking Bipartisan Coalition of Senators for First-Round Advancement of Consensus Property Tax Relief Plan

Offutt Air Force Base Press Release

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE., – The Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show returns on Aug 24 and 25 after a six-year hiatus. During this period, Offutt Air Force Base faced a significant challenge - a 100-year flood in 2019 that devastated two-thirds of the base. The flood’s impact was profound, and the base is still in the process of recovery and rebuilding.

As a result of these ongoing recovery efforts, available parking on base has been severely limited. To ensure all attendees have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we have developed a comprehensive parking and shuttle program.

Off-Base Parking Locations: Due to the restricted parking on base, several off-base parking areas have been designated for the convenience of attendees:

Shuttle Services: Shuttles will run from each of the designated parking locations with the following schedule:

8:30 a.m. – Close (Shuttles will transport attendees to the air show until 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., shuttles will continue to operate, returning spectators from the air show to the parking areas.)

Rising View Residents: For those living in Rising View, shuttle pick-ups will be available at Lemay Elementary School and Peter Sarpy Elementary School.

Ride Share Services: Attendees are encouraged to utilize ride share services. Drop-offs and pick-ups should be conducted at the designated parking locations.

On-Base Parking: Due to limited space, only DoD ID card holders (only one person in the vehicle must possess a DoD ID), vehicles with authorized handicap placards/license plates, and Premium Ticket holders will be allowed to park on Offutt AFB.

We ask for the community’s continued understanding and cooperation as we continue our rebuilding efforts. For additional information regarding the air show, including performers and parking details, please visit the official air show website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.offuttairshow.com/" target="_blank">www.offuttairshow.com</a>.

Media wishing to attend the Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show must apply for credentials no later than Aug. 21. Credential applications can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.offuttairshow.com/" target="_blank">www.offuttairshow.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Media Kit” icon. There are media availability opportunities starting on Aug. 22 and 23 prior to the air show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723642092268.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Offutt Air Force Base Press ReleaseOFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE., – The Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show returns on Aug 24 and 25 after a six-year hiatus. During this period, Offutt Air Force Base faced a significant challenge - a 100-year flood in 2019 that devastated two-thirds of the base. The flood’s impact was profound, and the base is still in the process of recovery and rebuilding.As a result of these ongoing recovery efforts, available parking on base has been severely limited. To ensure all attendees have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we have developed a comprehensive parking and shuttle program.Off-Base Parking Locations: Due to the restricted parking on base, several off-base parking areas have been designated for the convenience of attendees:Bellevue East High SchoolBellevue West High SchoolBellevue UniversitySouthroads Education &amp; Tech. CenterAmerican Heroes ParkNorthrop GrummanShuttle Services: Shuttles will run from each of the designated parking locations with the following schedule:8:30 a.m. – Close (Shuttles will transport attendees to the air show until 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., shuttles will continue to operate, returning spectators from the air show to the parking areas.)Rising View Residents: For those living in Rising View, shuttle pick-ups will be available at Lemay Elementary School and Peter Sarpy Elementary School.Ride Share Services: Attendees are encouraged to utilize ride share services. Drop-offs and pick-ups should be conducted at the designated parking locations.On-Base Parking: Due to limited space, only DoD ID card holders (only one person in the vehicle must possess a DoD ID), vehicles with authorized handicap placards/license plates, and Premium Ticket holders will be allowed to park on Offutt AFB.We ask for the community’s continued understanding and cooperation as we continue our rebuilding efforts. For additional information regarding the air show, including performers and parking details, please visit the official air show website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.offuttairshow.com/" target="_blank">www.offuttairshow.com</a>.Media wishing to attend the Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show must apply for credentials no later than Aug. 21. Credential applications can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.offuttairshow.com/" target="_blank">www.offuttairshow.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Media Kit” icon. There are media availability opportunities starting on Aug. 22 and 23 prior to the air show.

Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show: Parking and Shuttle Program Details

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Frantz Kolbjornsen, age 44, of Phillips, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Kolbjornsen to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kolbjornsen’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Kolbjornsen has also been ordered to pay $18,000.00 in restitution.

NSP Investigators were investigating the BitTorrent network, seeking offenders sharing child pornography, when they identified a device at an IP address that had downloaded a torrent. This torrent was of interest to law enforcement as at least one of the 5,971 files had been previously identified as child pornography. The Investigator was able to connect with the suspect device utilizing the identified IP address and successfully downloaded 29 of the 5,971 files.&nbsp; The suspect device was the sole source of download, and as such, each of the 29 files were directly downloaded from the suspect device.

An investigation into the IP address utilized by the suspect device revealed that the IP address in question had been leased to Kolbjornsen. The service address, phone number and email address tied to the account all belonged to Kolbjornsen.&nbsp;

On November 30, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Kolbjornsen’s residence in Phillips, Nebraska. Law enforcement seized a Samsung cell phone from the Kolbjornsen’s pocket, a Verizon Orbit cell phone, RCA Tablet and an HP laptop computer from the shed where he was located.

A search was conducted of the four items seized. In total, 163 videos and 638 images of child pornography were located.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Frantz Kolbjornsen, age 44, of Phillips, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Kolbjornsen to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kolbjornsen’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Kolbjornsen has also been ordered to pay $18,000.00 in restitution.NSP Investigators were investigating the BitTorrent network, seeking offenders sharing child pornography, when they identified a device at an IP address that had downloaded a torrent. This torrent was of interest to law enforcement as at least one of the 5,971 files had been previously identified as child pornography. The Investigator was able to connect with the suspect device utilizing the identified IP address and successfully downloaded 29 of the 5,971 files.&nbsp; The suspect device was the sole source of download, and as such, each of the 29 files were directly downloaded from the suspect device.An investigation into the IP address utilized by the suspect device revealed that the IP address in question had been leased to Kolbjornsen. The service address, phone number and email address tied to the account all belonged to Kolbjornsen.&nbsp;On November 30, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Kolbjornsen’s residence in Phillips, Nebraska. Law enforcement seized a Samsung cell phone from the Kolbjornsen’s pocket, a Verizon Orbit cell phone, RCA Tablet and an HP laptop computer from the shed where he was located.A search was conducted of the four items seized. In total, 163 videos and 638 images of child pornography were located.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Nebraska State Patrol.

Central Nebraska Man Sentenced for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/13/gov-jim-pillens-political-legacy-and-future-could-hinge-on-property-tax-relief-push/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pushed his property tax relief chips to the middle of the Legislature’s poker table Monday, staking his political reputation on state senators passing structural changes that cannot be easily undone.&nbsp;

He has held listening sessions. He has rallied supporters. He has funded polls and mailers. He has paid for bulk text messages. He has held secret meetings with select state senators and talked to reporters. He has pressured allies and enemies alike, lawmakers say.

Pillen’s approach to addressing what he calls the “property tax crisis” has left him on a bit of a political island as his proposals need public defenders and pathways forward.&nbsp;

He will have his defenders, including State Sens. Brad von Gillern and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, two members of the Revenue Committee that have helped to craft the tax proposal. But his opposition is not simply partisan in nature. Republican State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar has said she won’t and can’t vote for what she describes as a major tax increase.

“I can’t support a plan like this,” she said. “I just can’t.”

Over several weeks of reporting, senators who have tried to work with Pillen on changes described meeting with him as being like running into a brick wall. He listens. He nods. And then he tells you why what he has proposed is better, several senators said.

sked about the stakes he faces personally and politically from passage or failure of meaningful property tax relief, Pillen said, “I don’t think about those things. I just am focused on doing what we believe is best and what the people need.”

“I’m very, very pleased how hard the majority of the Legislature is working to find solutions,” he said. “Human nature is … we don’t like a lot of change, and we’re pretty selfish. So we’ve got a lot of those things to work through.”

The first-term governor is gambling his chance at a second term on whether he can persuade enough senators to pass his vision of tax relief during the special session he called.

Pillen told the Examiner on Monday he wants any plan to include front-loading of the state’s income tax credits for property taxes paid. He said he wants spending caps or controls. And he wants the state to take over more funding for K-12 schools.

The latest proposal he favors includes each of those concepts and more parts of his original plan. The various parts were shoehorned into Legislative Bill 34 on Monday by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee. Debate by the full Legislature begins Tuesday.

Pillen said his North Star for property tax relief is making sure young people can buy a first home, helping families afford a home and ensuring that senior citizens can stay in their homes. That should be something on which all Nebraskans agree, he said.

Like other owners of agricultural land, Pillen wants the State of Nebraska to shift more of the tax burden from land taxes to sales taxes. He runs a hog operation based in Columbus.&nbsp;

People who know and have worked with Pillen say it makes sense that he would wager the political capital he earned from his election win on reaching this point. He has long complained about the unfairness of the state relying on agriculture to pay for schools.

Farmers, ranchers and breeders account for significant portions of property tax payments, particularly those in rural school districts. And more than half of the $5.3 billion property tax cost Nebraskans pay comes from funding schools.&nbsp;

Pillen denied that he has any personal interest in making sure a property tax plan benefits him and his businesses, as some of his opponents have alleged. He said he would not have been elected governor if he were out for himself.&nbsp;

He did not discuss the specifics of his property tax plan during any of the 2022 campaign stops the Examiner attended. He did discuss the need for the state to fund more of K-12 education rather than relying so heavily on local property taxes.

Agricultural interests, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and others have argued that the state should step up and fund more of the load of K-12 education, pointing to a provision of the state constitution.

“I’m focused on working for Nebraskans that work their tails off every day, that don’t have lobbyists,” Pillen said. “They need a voice, and I’m going to work really hard to make sure they have a voice.”&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau did not return a call Monday seeking comment about the latest tax plan. The group opposed Pillen’s initial proposal for taxing agricultural and manufacturing machinery.&nbsp;The Revenue Committee this week decided to keep the state’s existing sales tax exemptions on both items.

The organization took the rare step of endorsing Pillen during the 2022 Republican primary election against multi-state agribusinessman Charles Herbster, whom Pillen defeated.

Herbster has said he is still thinking about whether to make another run for office. He said he had considered running for U.S. Senate against former Gov. Pete Ricketts but didn’t. The other office he has said he would consider was governor.

Political consultants told the Examiner they think that if Pillen falls short of the public expectations he has set for property tax relief, he risks making himself vulnerable in a 2026 GOP primary to a self-funded or a well-known candidate.

The governor has spent months telling Nebraskans he wanted to make sure they felt tax relief, proposing to offset 40% or 50% of property tax bills. The latest plan would offset less than a third, based on early estimates.

Several senators who have opposed Pillen’s proposals, including State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, said he is trying to make life more expensive for people in her district, that people who can afford it the least might pay more in taxes.&nbsp;She said the governor is also trying to do too much too fast in a special session instead of a regular session, particularly addressing school funding changes that touch every person in Nebraska.

Pillen, she said, is out for personal and professional gain.

“Being singularly focused on property taxes is never going to be successful for anyone because it’s so much bigger than that,” she said. “It’s a holistic view of how do we fund government, of what is the role of government?”

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who has expressed some openness to Pillen’s proposals, said he can’t support any proposal that doesn’t include more significant relief for renters, including a fallback position being discussed.&nbsp;

He said Pillen’s plan doesn’t have the votes. And he called on his fellow Democrats to come back to the table.

State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, a Republican, questioned the order in which Pillen pursued the special session. He said the senators Pillen handpicked to work on a proposal should have held their meetings and drafted and shared a potential bill with all senators in early August.

That would have given lawmakers time to give the select group feedback so they had a consensus proposal before calling the Legislature into special session. Instead, he said, the process has seemed chaotic.

“They’re doing all the negotiations that should’ve happened before we met, they’re doing it during the special session,” Erdman said. “They’re doing it backwards. We should’ve gotten a consensus on what we wanted to do.”

Linehan defends Pillen’s work, committee efforts

Linehan, who has prodded her colleagues to support Pillen’s proposals, expressed frustration Monday that some senators have stopped negotiating.

“It makes no sense,” she said. “If you’re doing the right thing, you’re giving the schools more money. You’re lowering property taxes. You’re doubling the earned income tax credit. It’s not about doing what’s right — it’s raw politics.”

Linehan said Pillen has worked “as hard as any governor I’ve ever seen” on this proposal. She said he’s been clear about his priorities and has at least two more years to reach his goals. He’s not limited to a single special session to accomplish his goals, she said.

She said negotiations and work will continue behind the scenes until lawmakers settle on whatever can reach the 33-vote threshold for passage.

State Sen. Tom Brewer, whose LB 34 is the current vehicle for property tax relief, said he knows the governor is in a difficult spot but credited him for taking on an issue too many others have avoided. Brewer represents north-central Nebraska.

Pillen would not say Monday whether he would sign incremental steps toward his goals. Senators have told him and his staff they lack the 33 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning his latest preferred proposal appears poised to die Tuesday after eight hours of debate.&nbsp;

He declined to say whether he might call senators back into session if they don’t pass reforms he considers sweeping enough.

“I obviously put out the plan I believe in exactly where that goes,” Pillen said. “What that means when it gets to me, we’ll decide that at that time. … I don’t get involved in speculation. There’s too many moving parts.”

He said the goal is making the state more competitive when a business owner or family is looking at relocating to Nebraska.&nbsp;

“I still have faith that everybody in this Unicameral knows what a crisis the property tax crisis is and that, in the end, then the games are going to stop and they’ll do the people’s work,” he said.

Paul Landow, a retired political scientist from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said Pillen is about to learn either the price or payoff of raising public expectations on an issue people care about as much as property taxes.

Said Landow: “He will either be the hero who did it or the bum who couldn’t get it done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723566815893.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/13/gov-jim-pillens-political-legacy-and-future-could-hinge-on-property-tax-relief-push/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pushed his property tax relief chips to the middle of the Legislature’s poker table Monday, staking his political reputation on state senators passing structural changes that cannot be easily undone.&nbsp;He has held listening sessions. He has rallied supporters. He has funded polls and mailers. He has paid for bulk text messages. He has held secret meetings with select state senators and talked to reporters. He has pressured allies and enemies alike, lawmakers say.Pillen’s approach to addressing what he calls the “property tax crisis” has left him on a bit of a political island as his proposals need public defenders and pathways forward.&nbsp;He will have his defenders, including State Sens. Brad von Gillern and Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, two members of the Revenue Committee that have helped to craft the tax proposal. But his opposition is not simply partisan in nature. Republican State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar has said she won’t and can’t vote for what she describes as a major tax increase.“I can’t support a plan like this,” she said. “I just can’t.”Over several weeks of reporting, senators who have tried to work with Pillen on changes described meeting with him as being like running into a brick wall. He listens. He nods. And then he tells you why what he has proposed is better, several senators said.sked about the stakes he faces personally and politically from passage or failure of meaningful property tax relief, Pillen said, “I don’t think about those things. I just am focused on doing what we believe is best and what the people need.”“I’m very, very pleased how hard the majority of the Legislature is working to find solutions,” he said. “Human nature is … we don’t like a lot of change, and we’re pretty selfish. So we’ve got a lot of those things to work through.”<h2>Gambling a second term</h2>The first-term governor is gambling his chance at a second term on whether he can persuade enough senators to pass his vision of tax relief during the special session he called.Pillen told the Examiner on Monday he wants any plan to include front-loading of the state’s income tax credits for property taxes paid. He said he wants spending caps or controls. And he wants the state to take over more funding for K-12 schools.The latest proposal he favors includes each of those concepts and more parts of his original plan. The various parts were shoehorned into Legislative Bill 34 on Monday by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee. Debate by the full Legislature begins Tuesday.Pillen said his North Star for property tax relief is making sure young people can buy a first home, helping families afford a home and ensuring that senior citizens can stay in their homes. That should be something on which all Nebraskans agree, he said.<h2>Debate over education costs</h2>Like other owners of agricultural land, Pillen wants the State of Nebraska to shift more of the tax burden from land taxes to sales taxes. He runs a hog operation based in Columbus.&nbsp;People who know and have worked with Pillen say it makes sense that he would wager the political capital he earned from his election win on reaching this point. He has long complained about the unfairness of the state relying on agriculture to pay for schools.Farmers, ranchers and breeders account for significant portions of property tax payments, particularly those in rural school districts. And more than half of the $5.3 billion property tax cost Nebraskans pay comes from funding schools.&nbsp;Pillen denied that he has any personal interest in making sure a property tax plan benefits him and his businesses, as some of his opponents have alleged. He said he would not have been elected governor if he were out for himself.&nbsp;He did not discuss the specifics of his property tax plan during any of the 2022 campaign stops the Examiner attended. He did discuss the need for the state to fund more of K-12 education rather than relying so heavily on local property taxes.Agricultural interests, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Farmers Union and others have argued that the state should step up and fund more of the load of K-12 education, pointing to a provision of the state constitution.“I’m focused on working for Nebraskans that work their tails off every day, that don’t have lobbyists,” Pillen said. “They need a voice, and I’m going to work really hard to make sure they have a voice.”&nbsp;<h2>A challenger could be emboldened</h2>The Farm Bureau did not return a call Monday seeking comment about the latest tax plan. The group opposed Pillen’s initial proposal for taxing agricultural and manufacturing machinery.&nbsp;The Revenue Committee this week decided to keep the state’s existing sales tax exemptions on both items.The organization took the rare step of endorsing Pillen during the 2022 Republican primary election against multi-state agribusinessman Charles Herbster, whom Pillen defeated.Herbster has said he is still thinking about whether to make another run for office. He said he had considered running for U.S. Senate against former Gov. Pete Ricketts but didn’t. The other office he has said he would consider was governor.Political consultants told the Examiner they think that if Pillen falls short of the public expectations he has set for property tax relief, he risks making himself vulnerable in a 2026 GOP primary to a self-funded or a well-known candidate.The governor has spent months telling Nebraskans he wanted to make sure they felt tax relief, proposing to offset 40% or 50% of property tax bills. The latest plan would offset less than a third, based on early estimates.<h2>Questions about process, renters</h2>Several senators who have opposed Pillen’s proposals, including State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, said he is trying to make life more expensive for people in her district, that people who can afford it the least might pay more in taxes.&nbsp;She said the governor is also trying to do too much too fast in a special session instead of a regular session, particularly addressing school funding changes that touch every person in Nebraska.Pillen, she said, is out for personal and professional gain.“Being singularly focused on property taxes is never going to be successful for anyone because it’s so much bigger than that,” she said. “It’s a holistic view of how do we fund government, of what is the role of government?”State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who has expressed some openness to Pillen’s proposals, said he can’t support any proposal that doesn’t include more significant relief for renters, including a fallback position being discussed.&nbsp;He said Pillen’s plan doesn’t have the votes. And he called on his fellow Democrats to come back to the table.“We can do better,” he said.State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, a Republican, questioned the order in which Pillen pursued the special session. He said the senators Pillen handpicked to work on a proposal should have held their meetings and drafted and shared a potential bill with all senators in early August.That would have given lawmakers time to give the select group feedback so they had a consensus proposal before calling the Legislature into special session. Instead, he said, the process has seemed chaotic.“They’re doing all the negotiations that should’ve happened before we met, they’re doing it during the special session,” Erdman said. “They’re doing it backwards. We should’ve gotten a consensus on what we wanted to do.”<h2>Linehan defends Pillen’s work, committee efforts</h2>Linehan, who has prodded her colleagues to support Pillen’s proposals, expressed frustration Monday that some senators have stopped negotiating.“It makes no sense,” she said. “If you’re doing the right thing, you’re giving the schools more money. You’re lowering property taxes. You’re doubling the earned income tax credit. It’s not about doing what’s right — it’s raw politics.”Linehan said Pillen has worked “as hard as any governor I’ve ever seen” on this proposal. She said he’s been clear about his priorities and has at least two more years to reach his goals. He’s not limited to a single special session to accomplish his goals, she said.She said negotiations and work will continue behind the scenes until lawmakers settle on whatever can reach the 33-vote threshold for passage.State Sen. Tom Brewer, whose LB 34 is the current vehicle for property tax relief, said he knows the governor is in a difficult spot but credited him for taking on an issue too many others have avoided. Brewer represents north-central Nebraska.<h2>Pillen has to sign off on backup plans</h2>Pillen would not say Monday whether he would sign incremental steps toward his goals. Senators have told him and his staff they lack the 33 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning his latest preferred proposal appears poised to die Tuesday after eight hours of debate.&nbsp;He declined to say whether he might call senators back into session if they don’t pass reforms he considers sweeping enough.“I obviously put out the plan I believe in exactly where that goes,” Pillen said. “What that means when it gets to me, we’ll decide that at that time. … I don’t get involved in speculation. There’s too many moving parts.”He said the goal is making the state more competitive when a business owner or family is looking at relocating to Nebraska.&nbsp;“I still have faith that everybody in this Unicameral knows what a crisis the property tax crisis is and that, in the end, then the games are going to stop and they’ll do the people’s work,” he said.Paul Landow, a retired political scientist from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said Pillen is about to learn either the price or payoff of raising public expectations on an issue people care about as much as property taxes.Said Landow: “He will either be the hero who did it or the bum who couldn’t get it done.”

Gov. Jim Pillen’s political legacy and future could hinge on property tax relief push

NEW YORK — Donald Trump discussed the assassination attempt,&nbsp; shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department and much more during an online visit with&nbsp;X, formerly Twitter, owner Elon Musk Monday evening.&nbsp;

The  conversation had technical glitches but was viewed by over a billion, according to Musk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723512136730.png" alt="Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK — Donald Trump discussed the assassination attempt,&nbsp; shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department and much more during an online visit with&nbsp;X, formerly Twitter, owner Elon Musk Monday evening.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/cPUMFx9Qu5">pic.twitter.com/cPUMFx9Qu5</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823254086126608862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The conversation had technical glitches but was viewed by over a billion, according to Musk.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Combined views of the conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and subsequent discussion by other accounts now ~1 billion <a href="https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY">https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823249070296797515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 A billion combined views: The Trump-Musk full conversation

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/12/veterans-club-within-nes-oldest-prison-saluted-at-vietnam-vet-reunion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Every year, a wreath is placed on the grave of Beryl Zich.

It has been a solemn tradition since her death in 2005, a way to pay tribute to her love and dedication for her son, Larry, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, who was listed as missing in action until his remains were identified in 2022.

The flowers aren’t from a traditional veterans organization, but from a group of inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

For more than 40 years, a “veterans club” has been among the betterment groups allowed to form at the state’s oldest prison.

Along the way, the 25 to 40 inmates/veterans who gather twice a month behind prison walls got interested in the MIAs and prisoners of war from the Vietnam War. Eventually, they connected with Beryl Zich, the mother of an MIA, who began coming to the State Pen for their meetings.

She eventually referred to the veterans club members as “my boys” as the years passed, and as her son — who disappeared during a mission in 1972 — remained missing.

“Sometimes, I think those boys are the only ones who care,” she once remarked.

Jaime Obrecht and Roy Schoen, two long-time volunteers for the inmate club, related that story and others about the prison veterans organization at the 39th annual Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion held this past weekend at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

The first motto for the State Pen veterans’ organization was “Forgotten and Disowned,” which, Schoen said, was how a lot of veterans felt back in the 1980s.

“We had a chip on our shoulder for quite a few years for how we were treated,” said Schoen, an Army veteran and a retired counselor with the veterans center in Lincoln.

He and Obrecht, a retired Lincoln teacher, first began volunteering with the prison group in 1984, shortly after it was formed.

The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion began in 1985, Schoen said. It was organized by a group of vets who felt that a gathering would be helpful, not only to share stories and common experiences, but also to learn more about veterans benefits and organizations.

“There wasn’t much going on back then for (Vietnam) veterans,” he said. “Things have changed quite a bit. Slowly.”

About 300 veterans and their spouses registered for this year’s reunion, which included presentations about the State Pen’s Veterans Club, Agent Orange, a book about fallen veterans from Norfolk and the evacuation from Afghanistan. A representative of the Nebraska Department &nbsp;of Veterans Affairs also offered remarks.

There were a lot of dark-blue “Vietnam Veteran” ball caps among the participants, as well as MIA/POW shoulder patches and veterans’ reunion T-shirts. Some aging vets used canes to walk, or carried small tanks of supplemental oxygen, a testament to the advancing age of soldiers who served in a war that ended 49 years ago.

The reunion serves many of the same needs as the veterans club at the State Pen, said Schoen and Obrecht — bringing those with common experiences, and challenges, together.

The State Pen’s club has several projects besides the annual wreath on the grave of Beryl Zich, said Obrecht.

Club members have made more than 511,000 red, paper poppies for the American Legion Auxiliary, which distributes them as a tribute and fundraiser on the Friday before every Memorial Day, he said. More recently, club members have been crocheting hats and scarfs for residents of the state veterans home in Kearney.

But club members have also served as mentors that “police themselves” in the sometimes challenging world of prison, Obrecht said. At times, they’ve served as informal counselors for inmates/veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome, Schoen said.

I can’t imagine what it’s like to live (in prison) … but the club gives them something to take pride in.

– Jaime Obrecht, volunteer with the veterans club at the Nebraska State Penitentiary

In 2016, the state corrections department established a special housing unit exclusively for military veterans, which the two volunteers said has been greatly appreciated by the inmates who live there.

“It really was a remarkable change,” Schoen said. “They were more relaxed, they didn’t have to deal with all the craziness in the rest of the prison.”

Obrecht said the club meetings at the State Pen are much like the meetings held by the Legion or VFW — there’s a business meeting, followed by reports on projects and then an hour for visiting.

The club holds annual programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and purchased the black MIA/POW flags that fly on the flagpole at the State Pen. They also helped obtain new headstones for inmate/veterans buried at the State Pen’s cemetery outside the prison walls atop Grasshopper Hill.

He said they especially like contributing to causes that help veterans on the outside, such as the annual wreath for Beryl Zich.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like to live (in prison) … but the club gives them something to take pride in,” Obrecht said.

Research into the military service of his father and other relatives helped inspire retired social studies teacher Keith Walton to write about the nine soldiers from his hometown, Norfolk, who died in Vietnam.

Walton, now 71 and living in Montana, gave a presentation this weekend on his book, “The Last Full Measure: From America’s Heartland to the Battlefields of Vietnam. Remembering the Fallen from one Nebraska Town.”

Walton, who taught 27 years at Chadron, said that he’s always admired the way documentary film producer Ken Burns presented history — through the eyes of “average people,” not the generals or presidents.

So after producing papers on his father, a World War II medic, and a couple of other relatives, Walton embarked on telling the stories, in separate chapters, of the nine fallen soldiers Norfolk, “so they’re not just names on The Wall.”

He said he knew the names of a couple of the nine, but like many residents of Norfolk, didn’t know all of them — Jerry Allen, Dennis Anderson, Jerome Chandler, Roger Hunt, Jerold Meisinger, Thomas Scheurich, Steven Strube, Claude Van Andle and Michael Wemhoff.

Walton uncovered some remarkable, as well as understandably sad, stories.

Two soldiers were “enlisted by judges” who told them if they didn’t enlist, they would be going to jail for offenses.

One soldier’s mother had a routine of driving every Sunday to Grand Island to work all week in the ordnance plant producing bullets for war before driving back to Norfolk for the weekend. She continued that work even after her son perished.

Scheurich — who realized a life-long dream of being a pilot — is still listed as missing in action, although the remains of his bombardier were identified a few years ago after exploration of the 1968 crash site on an island off the coast of North Vietnam.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723493658661.jpeg" alt=" T-shirt produced by the veterans club at the Nebraska State Penitentiary proclaims that the club is about “veterans for veterans.” Hundreds who attended the 39th annual Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion this past weekend in Lincoln heard stories about the prison veterans organization and more. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> T-shirt produced by the veterans club at the Nebraska State Penitentiary proclaims that the club is about “veterans for veterans.” Hundreds who attended the 39th annual Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion this past weekend in Lincoln heard stories about the prison veterans organization and more. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/12/veterans-club-within-nes-oldest-prison-saluted-at-vietnam-vet-reunion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Every year, a wreath is placed on the grave of Beryl Zich.It has been a solemn tradition since her death in 2005, a way to pay tribute to her love and dedication for her son, Larry, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, who was listed as missing in action until his remains were identified in 2022.The flowers aren’t from a traditional veterans organization, but from a group of inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.For more than 40 years, a “veterans club” has been among the betterment groups allowed to form at the state’s oldest prison.<h2>Her boys</h2>Along the way, the 25 to 40 inmates/veterans who gather twice a month behind prison walls got interested in the MIAs and prisoners of war from the Vietnam War. Eventually, they connected with Beryl Zich, the mother of an MIA, who began coming to the State Pen for their meetings.She eventually referred to the veterans club members as “my boys” as the years passed, and as her son — who disappeared during a mission in 1972 — remained missing.“Sometimes, I think those boys are the only ones who care,” she once remarked.Jaime Obrecht and Roy Schoen, two long-time volunteers for the inmate club, related that story and others about the prison veterans organization at the 39th annual Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion held this past weekend at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.The first motto for the State Pen veterans’ organization was “Forgotten and Disowned,” which, Schoen said, was how a lot of veterans felt back in the 1980s.“We had a chip on our shoulder for quite a few years for how we were treated,” said Schoen, an Army veteran and a retired counselor with the veterans center in Lincoln.He and Obrecht, a retired Lincoln teacher, first began volunteering with the prison group in 1984, shortly after it was formed.<h2>A war that ended 49 years ago</h2>The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion began in 1985, Schoen said. It was organized by a group of vets who felt that a gathering would be helpful, not only to share stories and common experiences, but also to learn more about veterans benefits and organizations.“There wasn’t much going on back then for (Vietnam) veterans,” he said. “Things have changed quite a bit. Slowly.”About 300 veterans and their spouses registered for this year’s reunion, which included presentations about the State Pen’s Veterans Club, Agent Orange, a book about fallen veterans from Norfolk and the evacuation from Afghanistan. A representative of the Nebraska Department &nbsp;of Veterans Affairs also offered remarks.There were a lot of dark-blue “Vietnam Veteran” ball caps among the participants, as well as MIA/POW shoulder patches and veterans’ reunion T-shirts. Some aging vets used canes to walk, or carried small tanks of supplemental oxygen, a testament to the advancing age of soldiers who served in a war that ended 49 years ago.The reunion serves many of the same needs as the veterans club at the State Pen, said Schoen and Obrecht — bringing those with common experiences, and challenges, together.The State Pen’s club has several projects besides the annual wreath on the grave of Beryl Zich, said Obrecht.Club members have made more than 511,000 red, paper poppies for the American Legion Auxiliary, which distributes them as a tribute and fundraiser on the Friday before every Memorial Day, he said. More recently, club members have been crocheting hats and scarfs for residents of the state veterans home in Kearney.<h2>Special housing unit</h2>But club members have also served as mentors that “police themselves” in the sometimes challenging world of prison, Obrecht said. At times, they’ve served as informal counselors for inmates/veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome, Schoen said.I can’t imagine what it’s like to live (in prison) … but the club gives them something to take pride in.– Jaime Obrecht, volunteer with the veterans club at the Nebraska State PenitentiaryIn 2016, the state corrections department established a special housing unit exclusively for military veterans, which the two volunteers said has been greatly appreciated by the inmates who live there.“It really was a remarkable change,” Schoen said. “They were more relaxed, they didn’t have to deal with all the craziness in the rest of the prison.”Obrecht said the club meetings at the State Pen are much like the meetings held by the Legion or VFW — there’s a business meeting, followed by reports on projects and then an hour for visiting.The club holds annual programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and purchased the black MIA/POW flags that fly on the flagpole at the State Pen. They also helped obtain new headstones for inmate/veterans buried at the State Pen’s cemetery outside the prison walls atop Grasshopper Hill.He said they especially like contributing to causes that help veterans on the outside, such as the annual wreath for Beryl Zich.“I can’t imagine what it’s like to live (in prison) … but the club gives them something to take pride in,” Obrecht said.<h2>Not just names on The Wall</h2>Research into the military service of his father and other relatives helped inspire retired social studies teacher Keith Walton to write about the nine soldiers from his hometown, Norfolk, who died in Vietnam.Walton, now 71 and living in Montana, gave a presentation this weekend on his book, “The Last Full Measure: From America’s Heartland to the Battlefields of Vietnam. Remembering the Fallen from one Nebraska Town.”Walton, who taught 27 years at Chadron, said that he’s always admired the way documentary film producer Ken Burns presented history — through the eyes of “average people,” not the generals or presidents.So after producing papers on his father, a World War II medic, and a couple of other relatives, Walton embarked on telling the stories, in separate chapters, of the nine fallen soldiers Norfolk, “so they’re not just names on The Wall.”He said he knew the names of a couple of the nine, but like many residents of Norfolk, didn’t know all of them — Jerry Allen, Dennis Anderson, Jerome Chandler, Roger Hunt, Jerold Meisinger, Thomas Scheurich, Steven Strube, Claude Van Andle and Michael Wemhoff.Walton uncovered some remarkable, as well as understandably sad, stories.Two soldiers were “enlisted by judges” who told them if they didn’t enlist, they would be going to jail for offenses.One soldier’s mother had a routine of driving every Sunday to Grand Island to work all week in the ordnance plant producing bullets for war before driving back to Norfolk for the weekend. She continued that work even after her son perished.Scheurich — who realized a life-long dream of being a pilot — is still listed as missing in action, although the remains of his bombardier were identified a few years ago after exploration of the 1968 crash site on an island off the coast of North Vietnam.

Veterans club in NE’s oldest prison is saluted at Vietnam vet reunion

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-employees-union-appeals-remote-work-decision-to-nebraska-supreme-court/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The union representing Nebraska state employees has appealed a labor court’s July decision that sided with Gov. Jim Pillen to end most remote work assignments.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents more than 8,000 state employees, announced Monday it had appealed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">July 11 decision</a>&nbsp;from the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations. At the time, the commission said the state had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/11/ne-labor-court-sides-with-gov-pillens-order-calling-state-employees-back-to-the-office/">unilateral authority</a>&nbsp;to set workplace locations and procedures.

The Nebraska Supreme Court will determine whether it will take up the appeal.

“We’ve made the decision to appeal not to debate the virtues of remote work, but rather to protect our members’ right to negotiate and to obtain clarity from Nebraska’s high court on when the state must negotiate the terms and conditions of employment,” Justin Hubly, executive director of the union, said in a statement.

An opinion from the commission upheld Pillen’s executive order that had been set to take effect Jan. 2, 2024, but stalled in the courts. Pillen in his&nbsp;<a href="https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pubs/eofiles/23-17.pdf" target="_blank">November 2023</a>&nbsp;order said the COVID-19 pandemic was over.

He described the July ruling as “vindication” of the state’s right to determine that workers come into the office to work “where they can be the most productive.” He also said any public employees still working remotely should be prepared to work in person days later, on July 15.

Pillen’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.

Another major component of the July decision came in requiring the employees union to pay legal fees on behalf of the state, arguing it engaged in a “disingenuous maneuver.”

“The totality of the record before the Commission demonstrates that Petitioner [the employees union] engaged in a pattern of willful, flagrant, aggravated, persistent and pervasive prohibited misconduct by pursuing this action in bad faith,” the commission wrote.

Hubly has said that could “chill” future labor complaints from being brought forward. He said Monday that public employees shouldn’t have to weigh filing a complaint with having to pay “exorbitant legal fees” if the commission disagrees.

“We will not be intimidated from exercising our rights,” Hubly said.

In September, the union will begin&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/07/nebraska-state-employees-union-renews-demands-to-bargain-for-remote-work/">negotiating</a>&nbsp;its next labor contract for the next two fiscal years. A news release states the union will prioritize new language to allow remote work where it is efficient and effective and that it hopes Pillen will meet with the union to end the litigation.

“We are confident that we can work with the Governor on a solution that sets the State of Nebraska up for success for years to come,” Hubly said. “We’re all better off when we work together.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723492315945.jpeg" alt="Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, leads a noon-hour news conference Dec. 7, 2023, in Lincoln regarding Gov. Jim Pillen’s executive order mandating state employees return to in-peson offices by Jan. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, leads a noon-hour news conference Dec. 7, 2023, in Lincoln regarding Gov. Jim Pillen’s executive order mandating state employees return to in-peson offices by Jan. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-employees-union-appeals-remote-work-decision-to-nebraska-supreme-court/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The union representing Nebraska state employees has appealed a labor court’s July decision that sided with Gov. Jim Pillen to end most remote work assignments.The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents more than 8,000 state employees, announced Monday it had appealed the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1561-Findings-of-Fact-and-Order.pdf">July 11 decision</a>&nbsp;from the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations. At the time, the commission said the state had&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/11/ne-labor-court-sides-with-gov-pillens-order-calling-state-employees-back-to-the-office/">unilateral authority</a>&nbsp;to set workplace locations and procedures.The Nebraska Supreme Court will determine whether it will take up the appeal.“We’ve made the decision to appeal not to debate the virtues of remote work, but rather to protect our members’ right to negotiate and to obtain clarity from Nebraska’s high court on when the state must negotiate the terms and conditions of employment,” Justin Hubly, executive director of the union, said in a statement.An opinion from the commission upheld Pillen’s executive order that had been set to take effect Jan. 2, 2024, but stalled in the courts. Pillen in his&nbsp;<a href="https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pubs/eofiles/23-17.pdf" target="_blank">November 2023</a>&nbsp;order said the COVID-19 pandemic was over.He described the July ruling as “vindication” of the state’s right to determine that workers come into the office to work “where they can be the most productive.” He also said any public employees still working remotely should be prepared to work in person days later, on July 15.Pillen’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.Another major component of the July decision came in requiring the employees union to pay legal fees on behalf of the state, arguing it engaged in a “disingenuous maneuver.”“The totality of the record before the Commission demonstrates that Petitioner [the employees union] engaged in a pattern of willful, flagrant, aggravated, persistent and pervasive prohibited misconduct by pursuing this action in bad faith,” the commission wrote.Hubly has said that could “chill” future labor complaints from being brought forward. He said Monday that public employees shouldn’t have to weigh filing a complaint with having to pay “exorbitant legal fees” if the commission disagrees.“We will not be intimidated from exercising our rights,” Hubly said.In September, the union will begin&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/07/nebraska-state-employees-union-renews-demands-to-bargain-for-remote-work/">negotiating</a>&nbsp;its next labor contract for the next two fiscal years. A news release states the union will prioritize new language to allow remote work where it is efficient and effective and that it hopes Pillen will meet with the union to end the litigation.“We are confident that we can work with the Governor on a solution that sets the State of Nebraska up for success for years to come,” Hubly said. “We’re all better off when we work together.”

State employees union appeals remote work decision to Nebraska Supreme Court

August 12, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol is now accepting applications to start a career serving Nebraskans as a State Trooper. Apply today at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

The Nebraska State Patrol is looking to build the next class of troopers ready to serve across the entire state. Camp 71 will begin in January 2025 with graduation scheduled for June 2025. The application process is open until September 9, 2024.

Nebraska Troopers serve in many ways, with specialties positions such as criminal investigator, K9 handler, crash investigator, pilot, tactical flight officer, crisis negotiator, drone operator, hazmat technician, and many more. Troopers can also serve in specialty units including the SWAT Team, Carrier Enforcement, Bomb Squad, Executive Protection, Training Academy, Mobile Field Force, and the Husker Football Detail.

The starting salary for a Nebraska State Trooper is $31.50 per hour ($65,520 annually) upon graduation from the NSP Training Academy.&nbsp;Troopers also have opportunities for additional pay, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5 times their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $.85 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5 percent pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.&nbsp;Troopers also received an excellent retirement plan.

The NSP Training Academy offers an extensive 24-week training program. Recruits go through numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of instruction to prepare them for a career serving Nebraska.&nbsp;During the training process at the NSP Training Academy, recruits are paid $28.01 per hour.

Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation, when they take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. Additional information about the hiring process, benefits, opportunities, and recruiter contacts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com.</a>

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolAugust 12, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Nebraska State Patrol is now accepting applications to start a career serving Nebraskans as a State Trooper. Apply today at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.The Nebraska State Patrol is looking to build the next class of troopers ready to serve across the entire state. Camp 71 will begin in January 2025 with graduation scheduled for June 2025. The application process is open until September 9, 2024.Nebraska Troopers serve in many ways, with specialties positions such as criminal investigator, K9 handler, crash investigator, pilot, tactical flight officer, crisis negotiator, drone operator, hazmat technician, and many more. Troopers can also serve in specialty units including the SWAT Team, Carrier Enforcement, Bomb Squad, Executive Protection, Training Academy, Mobile Field Force, and the Husker Football Detail.The starting salary for a Nebraska State Trooper is $31.50 per hour ($65,520 annually) upon graduation from the NSP Training Academy.&nbsp;Troopers also have opportunities for additional pay, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5 times their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $.85 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5 percent pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.&nbsp;Troopers also received an excellent retirement plan.The NSP Training Academy offers an extensive 24-week training program. Recruits go through numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of instruction to prepare them for a career serving Nebraska.&nbsp;During the training process at the NSP Training Academy, recruits are paid $28.01 per hour.Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation, when they take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. Additional information about the hiring process, benefits, opportunities, and recruiter contacts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com.</a>

Now Hiring Troopers! Nebraska State Patrol Opens Applications

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/16-locations-identified-to-expand-nebraska-nuclear-footprint-shortlist-soon-to-be-narrowed/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Public Power District has identified 16 possible locations that could be candidates to expand Nebraska’s nuclear footprint and energy capabilities.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development along with NPPD announced Thursday the next phase of a feasibility study that will eventually narrow down its shortlist to two to four sites for emerging nuclear technology: small modular reactors, or SMRs.&nbsp;

Compared to NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, SMRs take up less physical space and have been championed as augmenting existing power sources.

The 16 sites that will move on to the next phase of the feasibility study are located near the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine and Wauneta.

“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” Department of Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz said in a statement. “Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact for any community where it’s located.”

The Legislature first appropriated $1 million of federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act for the study&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47196" target="_blank">in 2022</a>&nbsp;seeking to identify appropriate places to expand nuclear power.

The second study phase will be a more in-depth technical analysis, including criteria from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and engagement with the local communities. Local support will be an important factor, according to a news release.

State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska is chair of a select legislative committee tasked last year with examining the feasibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/27/nebraska-lawmakers-explore-feasibility-of-small-modular-nuclear-reactors/">constructing and operating SMRs in Nebraska</a>. At an October hearing, lawmakers were told the work could begin without more legislation.

NPPD is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant, and there are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the United States, a news release states.

“Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years,” NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said in a news release. “NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723472071731.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Nebraska. (Courtesy of NPPD)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Nebraska. (Courtesy of NPPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/16-locations-identified-to-expand-nebraska-nuclear-footprint-shortlist-soon-to-be-narrowed/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The Nebraska Public Power District has identified 16 possible locations that could be candidates to expand Nebraska’s nuclear footprint and energy capabilities.The Nebraska Department of Economic Development along with NPPD announced Thursday the next phase of a feasibility study that will eventually narrow down its shortlist to two to four sites for emerging nuclear technology: small modular reactors, or SMRs.&nbsp;Compared to NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, SMRs take up less physical space and have been championed as augmenting existing power sources.The 16 sites that will move on to the next phase of the feasibility study are located near the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine and Wauneta.“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” Department of Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz said in a statement. “Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact for any community where it’s located.”The Legislature first appropriated $1 million of federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act for the study&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=47196" target="_blank">in 2022</a>&nbsp;seeking to identify appropriate places to expand nuclear power.The second study phase will be a more in-depth technical analysis, including criteria from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and engagement with the local communities. Local support will be an important factor, according to a news release.State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska is chair of a select legislative committee tasked last year with examining the feasibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/27/nebraska-lawmakers-explore-feasibility-of-small-modular-nuclear-reactors/">constructing and operating SMRs in Nebraska</a>. At an October hearing, lawmakers were told the work could begin without more legislation.NPPD is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant, and there are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the United States, a news release states.“Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years,” NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said in a news release. “NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”

16 locations identified to expand Nebraska nuclear footprint, shortlist soon to be narrowed

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicholas Murphy, age 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced August 8, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for coercion and enticement of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Murphy to 57 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system. After Murphy is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and restitution to the victim.

Sometime in 2021, Murphy began a relationship with a 17-year-old who was a dancer at The Dance Authority, a studio in Omaha. Murphy’s wife was the former owner of The Dance Authority. Murphy had communication with the minor which developed into a romantic relationship. In October 2021, Murphy purchased the minor a first-class airline ticket after the minor’s mother, who did not know about the relationship, inquired if Murphy had any travel plans between Arizona and Nebraska, and if the minor could accompany Murphy. After flying to Arizona together from Omaha, Murphy had sex with the minor in his hotel. In Arizona, it is illegal to have sex with a minor under the age of 18 years of age. Murphy pleaded guilty to persuading and enticing the minor to travel in interstate commerce to engage in sex.&nbsp;

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

United States Attorney OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicholas Murphy, age 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced August 8, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for coercion and enticement of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Murphy to 57 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system. After Murphy is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and restitution to the victim.Sometime in 2021, Murphy began a relationship with a 17-year-old who was a dancer at The Dance Authority, a studio in Omaha. Murphy’s wife was the former owner of The Dance Authority. Murphy had communication with the minor which developed into a romantic relationship. In October 2021, Murphy purchased the minor a first-class airline ticket after the minor’s mother, who did not know about the relationship, inquired if Murphy had any travel plans between Arizona and Nebraska, and if the minor could accompany Murphy. After flying to Arizona together from Omaha, Murphy had sex with the minor in his hotel. In Arizona, it is illegal to have sex with a minor under the age of 18 years of age. Murphy pleaded guilty to persuading and enticing the minor to travel in interstate commerce to engage in sex.&nbsp;This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Former NFL Player Sentenced for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

(LINCOLN, NEB.) — On Friday evening, Governor Jim Pillen hosted veterans and their family members for the state’s annual Welcome Home Dinner. The event, which started in 2016, is co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. Nebraska’s newest veterans—those who discharged from service in the past 12 months—as well as their families are invited to attend.

Governor Pillen presented each veteran in attendance with a keepsake Welcome Home challenge coin. “We all know the sacrifices our service members and their families make in order to protect our great nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want to give them a warm, Nebraska welcome home. It’s a way to thank them and show them all the opportunities and support our state has to offer."

In addition to veterans and their families, exhibitors from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), state of Nebraska agencies, veterans service organizations, and other veterans support groups and non-profits were on hand to share resources, promote benefits and services, and showcase employment opportunities with attendees.

“Our Welcome Home program includes two parts: a packet that goes out to each returning service member that outlines everything the state of Nebraska and the VA has to offer them and the Governor’s Welcome Home Dinner where we get to meet our state’s newest veterans in person to shake their hand and thank them for their service,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “Getting to spend an evening with them to hear their stories, get to know their families, and share the ways we can support them is one of our most exciting and fulfilling events.”

“I wish all veterans the very best as they embark in their next stage of life, and may you enjoy the happiness of knowing you have honorably done your duty and performed a great service for your country,” said MG Strong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723468319879.png" alt="Governor Pillen presents a “Welcome Home” challenge coin to a veteran at the 2024 Welcome Home Dinner. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Governor Pillen presents a “Welcome Home” challenge coin to a veteran at the 2024 Welcome Home Dinner. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holden Armstrong(LINCOLN, NEB.) — On Friday evening, Governor Jim Pillen hosted veterans and their family members for the state’s annual Welcome Home Dinner. The event, which started in 2016, is co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. Nebraska’s newest veterans—those who discharged from service in the past 12 months—as well as their families are invited to attend.Governor Pillen presented each veteran in attendance with a keepsake Welcome Home challenge coin. “We all know the sacrifices our service members and their families make in order to protect our great nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want to give them a warm, Nebraska welcome home. It’s a way to thank them and show them all the opportunities and support our state has to offer."In addition to veterans and their families, exhibitors from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), state of Nebraska agencies, veterans service organizations, and other veterans support groups and non-profits were on hand to share resources, promote benefits and services, and showcase employment opportunities with attendees.“Our Welcome Home program includes two parts: a packet that goes out to each returning service member that outlines everything the state of Nebraska and the VA has to offer them and the Governor’s Welcome Home Dinner where we get to meet our state’s newest veterans in person to shake their hand and thank them for their service,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “Getting to spend an evening with them to hear their stories, get to know their families, and share the ways we can support them is one of our most exciting and fulfilling events.”“I wish all veterans the very best as they embark in their next stage of life, and may you enjoy the happiness of knowing you have honorably done your duty and performed a great service for your country,” said MG Strong.

Gov. Pillen, NDVA Host Veterans and Families at Annual Welcome Home Dinner

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Sunday.

Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group.

Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.

Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706810871805.png" alt="File photo Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Sunday.Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group.Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.

U.S. sending more weapons of war to the Middle East

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

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education said last week it will use a phased rollout to launch the 2025-26 form to apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">federal financial student aid</a>, which will make the application fully available two months later than usual.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — will be available to hundreds of students on Oct. 1, gradually ramping up to be available to all by Dec. 1. The staggered approach is an attempt to fix any issues before the form is open to everyone.

The phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form, which got a makeover following Congress passing the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, witnessed its share of hiccups and glitches during the soft launch in December and past the official debut in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700516528497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education said last week it will use a phased rollout to launch the 2025-26 form to apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">federal financial student aid</a>, which will make the application fully available two months later than usual.The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — will be available to hundreds of students on Oct. 1, gradually ramping up to be available to all by Dec. 1. The staggered approach is an attempt to fix any issues before the form is open to everyone.The phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form, which got a makeover following Congress passing the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, witnessed its share of hiccups and glitches during the soft launch in December and past the official debut in January.Though advocates expressed concerns regarding the form’s failure to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/24/politics/fafsa-inflation-fix-income/index.html" target="_blank">adjust for inflation</a>, its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chronicle.com/article/miscalculation-in-fafsa-formula-is-another-unforced-error" target="_blank">formula miscalculation</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2024-04-01/update-tax-data-received-fa-ddx-and-manually-entered-information" target="_blank">tax data errors</a>, which prompted processing delays, the department has worked to fix these issues.“As we rolled out the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle, we met various challenges in its first year,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said during a call with reporters Wednesday.Cardona said “these challenges — rooted in a federal student aid department that was also in desperate need of modernization — resulted in frustration for many students, families, education leaders and policy makers from the Hill.”The Education secretary added that over the last 10 months, the department has “spent lots of time with these stakeholders to ensure their experience and their input influences our work moving forward,” noting that the new rollout process reflects the extensive feedback the department has received.Jeremy Singer, who leads FAFSA strategy within the department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-jeremy-singer-fafsa-executive-advisor-office-federal-student-aid" target="_blank">Office of Federal Student Aid</a>, said hundreds of students will participate in the testing period beginning Oct. 1.Singer said that availability will expand to thousands of students in mid-October and then to tens of thousands of students in early November, all prior to the form opening up to all students and families by Dec. 1.Hearing from many students, families, schools and organizations, Singer said some of the most common demands included a concrete launch timeline and ability to track progress on that timeline, the launch of a form that’s fully functioning and assurance that there will be no major defects once the form is launched.Senior department officials said states and schools have told them that no determination of financial aid will be made before the system opens for all students in December.U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal, who oversees higher education and financial aid, including the&nbsp; Office of Federal Student Aid, said that in March, the department received nearly 40% fewer FAFSAs than they had on the same date a year prior.But now that gap is under 4% and they “continue to close it every week,” Kvaal said.The department is inviting volunteers to take part in the testing period and said it will release more information in the coming weeks on how students and other partners can get involved in this initial process.