<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.

Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;

Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.

He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.

People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;

People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.

Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.

The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;

New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;

Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;

Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.

Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;

“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”

The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722973917437.jpeg" alt="Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse points to the changed form for requesting an early voting ballot in Douglas County, Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-early-voting-applications-hitting-mailboxes-this-week/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans, check the mail this week if you regularly vote early in Nebraska elections and filed a standing request with your county election commissioner to do so again.Election commissioners in Douglas, Lancaster and many other Nebraska counties recently mailed ballot request cards to people on their regular early voter lists.&nbsp;Douglas County has mailed out 160,000 cards. Lancaster County mailed out 64,000 of its blue postcards Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;People can return the early voting application forms to any 2024 county election drop box or their county elections office.<h2>No tally of postcards statewide</h2>The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office records the number of early voting ballots requested. It does not tally the reminder forms sent reminding voters they can request ballots.Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse reminded voters they have to request an early voting ballot for each election.He said he hopes people use the postcards to request their ballot because he said it helps streamline the process.People who voted early in the May primary do not automatically receive a ballot by mail. They’ll have to return the new postcard or fill out a request form for the general election, he said.&nbsp;People not on the early voting lists can request an early ballot from their county election office or the Secretary of State’s Office. The application must be filled out and returned.Kruse said his office is expecting 150,000 early voting requests. He and other election officials encouraged people to request ballots sooner rather than later in case forms need fixing.<h2>Don’t wait for deadline</h2>The deadline for requests is close of business Oct. 25.&nbsp;New this year is a requirement that voters requesting an early ballot provide a driver’s license number or state ID number on the request form.&nbsp;Voters who would prefer another means of verifying their ID can include a photocopy of a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, college ID or a few more options.&nbsp;Relatively few problems were reported in May, during the first statewide primary since Nebraska adopted voter ID. But election officials said they want to prepare voters who skipped the primary.Of 95,000 votes cast in Douglas County in May, 11 people cast special provisional ballots because they forgot to take their ID to the polling place, election officials said.&nbsp;“What that tells me is Douglas County and Nebraska voters have accepted and understand the new law,” Kruse said. “Even if they don’t agree with it, they’re complying with it.”The first ballots by mail will be sent to voters Sept. 30.&nbsp;

Nebraska early voting applications hitting mailboxes this week

Lincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.

“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”

By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”

A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Deb CollinsPSCLincoln, August 6, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grainproducers are aware that NORAG, LLC, of Stilwell, Kansas can no longer do business as a GrainDealer in Nebraska.“For more than a year, the PSC grain department has works to bring this grain dealer intocompliance,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “At this time, the company has chosennot to renew its license and therefore cannot do business as a grain dealer in our state.”By choosing not to renew, NORAG, LLC, is no longer a licensed grain dealer in Nebraska andcannot do business as such.Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to make sure producers are aware of thisdevelopment as harvest season gets underway.”A list of&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2024-07-25%20Grain%20Dealer%20List.pdf" target="_blank">licensed Grain Dealers</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">Grain Department</a>&nbsp;page of the PSC website &lt;&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain</a>&nbsp;&gt;.&nbsp;

Kansas Grain Dealer No Longer Licensed in Nebraska

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.

Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.

The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;

As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.

The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.

A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.

The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;

It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.

Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;

It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.

Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.

“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”

Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.

Pillen’s original LB 1 and the new version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">LB 9</a>&nbsp;include hard caps on local government property tax collections, with few exceptions. The original proposal sought to carve out funding for new public safety services and vacant positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and other firefighter and police union leaders backed the new plan, which would remove state caps on public safety personnel, equipment and training.

Waugh said he feared that under the original proposal, the state could backslide from recent efforts to increase funding to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent. Hanson agreed.

“The original language — very well-intentioned,” Hanson said. “But it was more narrow … in terms of the pathway to achieve or exceed spending when needed.”

Pillen had no direct answer for why city councils and county boards could be trusted to handle spending on public safety, which makes up half or more of many local budgets, yet school boards and NRD boards wouldn’t be given the same latitude.

He said people have been clear that property taxes need to be reduced so they can stay in their homes, but they also need to feel safe.

The governor has staked his political reputation and future on steering the Legislature toward addressing rising property taxes. He held months of town halls across the state, pitching his own proposal.

Pillen started the conversation in December by arguing that Nebraska might need to increase the sales tax rate and broaden the sales tax base, a big-picture plan that lawmakers shot down.

He has pointed to research by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who concluded that the states growing the fastest have higher sales tax rates and lower property tax burdens.

Pillen has faced resistance from the left and right, with Democrats concerned about local government and school needs and Republicans worried about raising sales taxes to offset property taxes.

But his willingness to shift again, shown Monday, reinforces that he was more interested in swift action by lawmakers to make changes than in the specific shifts from property taxes to other revenue sources.&nbsp;

Linehan introduced LB 1 at the beginning of the special session on behalf of Pillen. It will be one of several property tax relief bills that are expected to be combined into LB 9 on Tuesday afternoon.

That measure, as proposed by Hughes, sought to phase in the maximum amount a school district could tax for its operational expenses to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation over a decade.

The current state cap on school levies is $1.05 per $100 of valuation. Hughes’ original proposal and the revised version would&nbsp;have the state replace those local funds with state tax dollars.&nbsp;

The Revenue Committee’s new version of LB 9 would reduce the levy lid much quicker, in year two instead of year 10. And property taxpayers would feel the relief in year one.

Linehan said the bill would include a proposed property tax relief credit that would use state funds to buy down the effective cost to property taxpayers in the first year.

Pillen had earlier floated capping the school district tax rate authority at 15 cents in the first year, followed by 7.5 cents in year two, before having the state take over all school operational expenses in year three.

Linehan said Hughes and others were right when they cautioned that schools needed to “have some skin in the game.” Linehan sought an acceptable tax rate during multiple public hearings on various proposals.

Hughes, reached Monday by text, said she was “happy that the Revenue Committee chose LB 9” for a way forward and called it “the right way to push state funding toward our schools.”

A bipartisan group of senators helped her craft LB 9: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Myron Dorn of Adams and Lynne Walz of Fremont.

At least one of those crafting LB 9 opposes the new plan.&nbsp;

Conrad, in a text, criticized “procedural shenanigans” that she said Pillen’s supporters have engaged in to “hijack other bills and cobble together a Frankenstein version of the same reverse Robin Hood scheme.” She said Nebraskans “will not be fooled.”

Conrad said she looks forward to stopping “one of the largest tax increases in history” while fighting to expand other relief programs, such as homestead exemptions.&nbsp;

She said she would also advocate for legalizing and taxing online gambling and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;

Taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">online sports betting</a>, proposed by Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, in two constitutional amendments, are estimated to generate about $30 million in tax revenue annually if approved by voters at the ballot box, while taxing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/hearing-airs-views-on-legalizing-marijuana-to-offset-nebraska-property-taxes/">recreational marijuana</a>, proposed by Wayne and Sen. Terrell McKinney in Omaha in two bills, could generate more than $100 million each year.

Linehan said the committee’s new plan would not include expanding&nbsp;gambling for tax revenue or legalizing and taxing marijuana.

She said the committee amendment to LB 9 is based on feedback during dozens of Revenue Committee hearings hosted last week on 67 bills or constitutional amendments.

She said she would not call the overall plan a “tax shift.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Consumers, she said, have control over how much they pay in sales taxes, based on what they choose to purchase, unlike with property taxes.

“We’re taking a tax off people’s backs that they have no choice but to pay or they lose their home,” Linehan said Monday night.

People would prove the plan’s critics were wrong, she said.&nbsp;

“By the time we get to Friday,” she said, “I’m pretty sure a lot of Nebraska is going to think it’s a very good idea.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722970991632.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference with state senators and law enforcement officers announcing a new property tax exemption related to public safety. Aug. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford and Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/pillen-pivots-from-his-own-property-tax-plan-to-embrace-emerging-legislative-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen pivoted Monday from his own property tax relief proposal to embrace a hodgepodge plan emerging from a broad swath of special session bills.Pillen acknowledged the shift during a news conference with law enforcement leaders and firefighters announcing that the new plan would not cap local spending on public safety.The plan, cobbled together by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and the Revenue Committee she chairs, seeks to offset about $1.8 billion in school-related property tax revenue. The committee plans to use Legislative Bill 9 to outline the compromise elements instead of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/30/business-local-officials-line-up-to-oppose-nebraska-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan/">Pillen-backed LB 1</a>. LB 9 was introduced by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.&nbsp;As in Pillen’s proposals, much of the plan would be paid for by applying the state sales tax to items and services not taxed today. More than 70 goods and services would be added to the state tax rolls, including personal services such as lawn care or swimming pool maintenance.The new plan would raise taxes on alcohol and would begin taxing candy, gambling and soft drinks – as Pillen’s plan did — but the new plan wouldn’t add quite as much to the cost of such goods as the governor proposed.<h2>Changes from Pillen’s plan</h2>A big shift from Pillen’s proposal: which items and services would keep their sales tax exemptions. Pillen, for example, would have taxed home and auto repairs and legal and accounting services. The new proposal wouldn’t.The new plan would get rid of a proposed tax on advertising and cloud or data services.&nbsp;It would, however, extend a 2% sales tax to new agricultural or manufacturing machinery and equipment, instead of Pillen’s push to tax all&nbsp;machinery or equipment. The 2% sales tax would replace the personal property tax paid on any new versions of those items.Much like the Legislature did recently with community colleges, the new plan would use state tax dollars to take the state’s 23 natural resources districts off the property tax rolls.&nbsp;It would have the state take over $181 million in funding for county jails. And it would protect the homestead exemption, which Linehan said would cost less&nbsp;than the homestead program does currently because of state education funding.Pillen didn’t respond directly when asked whether he was still pushing to reduce property taxes by a specific percentage. He said he wants structural relief and spending caps that create lasting relief. He also still wants spending cuts.“This is not the governor’s plan,” he said about the ideas being combined. “This will be a plan of the peoples, and the Unicameral working together to fix the problem.”<h2>Law enforcement pushback answered</h2>Another change Pillen embraced Monday was based on feedback from police, firefighters, prosecutors, sheriffs, city councils, county boards and mayors that his previous proposal set too hard a cap on vital local spending.Pillen’s original LB 1 and the new version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">LB 9</a>&nbsp;include hard caps on local government property tax collections, with few exceptions. The original proposal sought to carve out funding for new public safety services and vacant positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and other firefighter and police union leaders backed the new plan, which would remove state caps on public safety personnel, equipment and training.Waugh said he feared that under the original proposal, the state could backslide from recent efforts to increase funding to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent. Hanson agreed.“The original language — very well-intentioned,” Hanson said. “But it was more narrow … in terms of the pathway to achieve or exceed spending when needed.”Pillen had no direct answer for why city councils and county boards could be trusted to handle spending on public safety, which makes up half or more of many local budgets, yet school boards and NRD boards wouldn’t be given the same latitude.He said people have been clear that property taxes need to be reduced so they can stay in their homes, but they also need to feel safe.<h2>Pillen’s political gamble</h2>The governor has staked his political reputation and future on steering the Legislature toward addressing rising property taxes. He held months of town halls across the state, pitching his own proposal.Pillen started the conversation in December by arguing that Nebraska might need to increase the sales tax rate and broaden the sales tax base, a big-picture plan that lawmakers shot down.He has pointed to research by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who concluded that the states growing the fastest have higher sales tax rates and lower property tax burdens.Pillen has faced resistance from the left and right, with Democrats concerned about local government and school needs and Republicans worried about raising sales taxes to offset property taxes.But his willingness to shift again, shown Monday, reinforces that he was more interested in swift action by lawmakers to make changes than in the specific shifts from property taxes to other revenue sources.&nbsp;<h2>The committee’s next steps</h2>Linehan introduced LB 1 at the beginning of the special session on behalf of Pillen. It will be one of several property tax relief bills that are expected to be combined into LB 9 on Tuesday afternoon.That measure, as proposed by Hughes, sought to phase in the maximum amount a school district could tax for its operational expenses to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation over a decade.The current state cap on school levies is $1.05 per $100 of valuation. Hughes’ original proposal and the revised version would&nbsp;have the state replace those local funds with state tax dollars.&nbsp;The Revenue Committee’s new version of LB 9 would reduce the levy lid much quicker, in year two instead of year 10. And property taxpayers would feel the relief in year one.Linehan said the bill would include a proposed property tax relief credit that would use state funds to buy down the effective cost to property taxpayers in the first year.Pillen had earlier floated capping the school district tax rate authority at 15 cents in the first year, followed by 7.5 cents in year two, before having the state take over all school operational expenses in year three.Linehan said Hughes and others were right when they cautioned that schools needed to “have some skin in the game.” Linehan sought an acceptable tax rate during multiple public hearings on various proposals.Hughes, reached Monday by text, said she was “happy that the Revenue Committee chose LB 9” for a way forward and called it “the right way to push state funding toward our schools.”A bipartisan group of senators helped her craft LB 9: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Myron Dorn of Adams and Lynne Walz of Fremont.<h2>Not all LB 9 coauthors pleased</h2>At least one of those crafting LB 9 opposes the new plan.&nbsp;Conrad, in a text, criticized “procedural shenanigans” that she said Pillen’s supporters have engaged in to “hijack other bills and cobble together a Frankenstein version of the same reverse Robin Hood scheme.” She said Nebraskans “will not be fooled.”Conrad said she looks forward to stopping “one of the largest tax increases in history” while fighting to expand other relief programs, such as homestead exemptions.&nbsp;She said she would also advocate for legalizing and taxing online gambling and recreational marijuana.&nbsp;Taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/31/gov-pillen-at-odds-with-former-huskers-coach-tom-osborne-on-online-sports-betting/">online sports betting</a>, proposed by Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, in two constitutional amendments, are estimated to generate about $30 million in tax revenue annually if approved by voters at the ballot box, while taxing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/hearing-airs-views-on-legalizing-marijuana-to-offset-nebraska-property-taxes/">recreational marijuana</a>, proposed by Wayne and Sen. Terrell McKinney in Omaha in two bills, could generate more than $100 million each year.Linehan said the committee’s new plan would not include expanding&nbsp;gambling for tax revenue or legalizing and taxing marijuana.She said the committee amendment to LB 9 is based on feedback during dozens of Revenue Committee hearings hosted last week on 67 bills or constitutional amendments.She said she would not call the overall plan a “tax shift.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumers, she said, have control over how much they pay in sales taxes, based on what they choose to purchase, unlike with property taxes.“We’re taking a tax off people’s backs that they have no choice but to pay or they lose their home,” Linehan said Monday night.People would prove the plan’s critics were wrong, she said.&nbsp;“By the time we get to Friday,” she said, “I’m pretty sure a lot of Nebraska is going to think it’s a very good idea.”

Pillen pivots from his own property tax plan to embrace emerging legislative plan

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.

Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.

Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.

Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.

Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.

“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”

Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.

But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.

“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.

“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”

Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.

Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.

“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”

Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.

“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.

As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.

But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.

That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.

Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.

“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”

The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722955203655.jpeg" alt="Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”<h2>Communicating rural values</h2>Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.<h2>Working-class message</h2>As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Nebraska Native, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said to be picked by Harris as her running mate

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.

The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.

Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:

Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration

Project Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000

Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000

Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility Study

Project Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel RestorationProject Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000Offutt Ditch Pump StationProject Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility StudyProject Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000Papillion Creek BasinProject Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Advances $4 Million for Nebraska Water Resource Improvement Projects

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.

State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.

“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.

Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.

He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.

Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.

Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”

“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”

Pillen has remained firm that he believes the property tax “crisis” is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">not a valuation problem</a>&nbsp;but a spending problem.

Omaha State Sens. Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh and Kathleen Kauth, along with Brandt, have more targeted legislation to address or exempt property based on valuations.

McDonnell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58177" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 24CA</a>&nbsp;would carve out residential property for a different method of taxation, similar to valuing agricultural land 75% of its market value. A companion bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58182" target="_blank">LB 72</a>, would lock the top annual increases on residential valuations at 5%, including improvements.&nbsp;

Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">LR 2CA</a>&nbsp;would let voters carve out owner-occupied housing for a different valuation process, which would be more narrow than McDonnell’s proposal. The Legislature would then set that rate.

“Because there’s so many owner-occupied houses and that affects so much valuation in the state, you got to be careful,” Brandt said.

Two other McDonnell bills would exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">homeowners</a>&nbsp;from school taxes after 10 years in the same home (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>) and would exempt all property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in the state (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">LB 75</a>).

Cavanaugh introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58113" target="_blank">LB 22</a>, which would exempt the first $100,000 of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-3502#:~:text=Homestead%20shall%20mean%20either%20(1,on%20land%20leased%20by%20the" target="_blank">homestead’s</a>&nbsp;valuation from taxation. He described the expanded homestead exemption as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">universal</a>” relief.

Kauth’s constitutional amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58104" target="_blank">LR 6CA</a>, was patterned after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/proposition-13-40-years-later/" target="_blank">Proposition 13</a>&nbsp;in California, which passed in 1978.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s version would lock in property values for tax purposes at no more than 1.5% above its “full cash value,” or the initial purchase or construction value of a property after 2025. Valuations for existing properties would be locked in at the 2025 level.

Annual increases in “full cash value” could increase at the rate of inflation for that area, but by no more than 2%. Valuations could also decrease based on the rate of deflation.

Kauth said her proposal would give new homeowners a “choice” that they can plan for.

“You go in with your eyes wide open and you have a choice, whereas with property valuations you have no choice&nbsp;— you wait for that little postcard in the mail and you have no idea what you’re going to get,” Kauth said. “It’s always better to have a choice.”

Kauth’s constitutional amendment would also set new accountability requirements for school or community college bonds and would require any new bonds to receive 55% voter approval.

Brandt said there are multiple other “backup plans,” including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, which he worked on with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward and three other lawmakers. Unlike Pillen’s LB 1, the “alternative” proposal would reduce maximum school tax rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">over a decade</a>, by 80 cents.

The Revenue Committee spent last week considering 67 bills and constitutional amendments. Kauth, a member of the committee, said she’s looking for reform, not just relief.

“When I think of relief, I think, OK, it’s that Band-Aid,” Kauth said. “We need reform so that we don’t have to keep coming back here.”

The Revenue Committee is scheduled to meet Monday and Tuesday to comb through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">various proposals</a>&nbsp;in its hopper. It will determine what to advance to the full Legislature, and debate is expected to start Thursday on that product.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722883192855.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.<h2>‘Truly a stopgap’</h2>Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”Pillen has remained firm that he believes the property tax “crisis” is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">not a valuation problem</a>&nbsp;but a spending problem.<h2>Residential, owner-occupied housing</h2>Omaha State Sens. Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh and Kathleen Kauth, along with Brandt, have more targeted legislation to address or exempt property based on valuations.McDonnell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58177" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 24CA</a>&nbsp;would carve out residential property for a different method of taxation, similar to valuing agricultural land 75% of its market value. A companion bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58182" target="_blank">LB 72</a>, would lock the top annual increases on residential valuations at 5%, including improvements.&nbsp;Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">LR 2CA</a>&nbsp;would let voters carve out owner-occupied housing for a different valuation process, which would be more narrow than McDonnell’s proposal. The Legislature would then set that rate.“Because there’s so many owner-occupied houses and that affects so much valuation in the state, you got to be careful,” Brandt said.Two other McDonnell bills would exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">homeowners</a>&nbsp;from school taxes after 10 years in the same home (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>) and would exempt all property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in the state (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">LB 75</a>).Cavanaugh introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58113" target="_blank">LB 22</a>, which would exempt the first $100,000 of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-3502#:~:text=Homestead%20shall%20mean%20either%20(1,on%20land%20leased%20by%20the" target="_blank">homestead’s</a>&nbsp;valuation from taxation. He described the expanded homestead exemption as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">universal</a>” relief.<h2>A California model</h2>Kauth’s constitutional amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58104" target="_blank">LR 6CA</a>, was patterned after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/proposition-13-40-years-later/" target="_blank">Proposition 13</a>&nbsp;in California, which passed in 1978.&nbsp;Nebraska’s version would lock in property values for tax purposes at no more than 1.5% above its “full cash value,” or the initial purchase or construction value of a property after 2025. Valuations for existing properties would be locked in at the 2025 level.Annual increases in “full cash value” could increase at the rate of inflation for that area, but by no more than 2%. Valuations could also decrease based on the rate of deflation.Kauth said her proposal would give new homeowners a “choice” that they can plan for.“You go in with your eyes wide open and you have a choice, whereas with property valuations you have no choice&nbsp;— you wait for that little postcard in the mail and you have no idea what you’re going to get,” Kauth said. “It’s always better to have a choice.”Kauth’s constitutional amendment would also set new accountability requirements for school or community college bonds and would require any new bonds to receive 55% voter approval.<h2>‘Reform’ over ‘relief’</h2>Brandt said there are multiple other “backup plans,” including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, which he worked on with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward and three other lawmakers. Unlike Pillen’s LB 1, the “alternative” proposal would reduce maximum school tax rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">over a decade</a>, by 80 cents.The Revenue Committee spent last week considering 67 bills and constitutional amendments. Kauth, a member of the committee, said she’s looking for reform, not just relief.“When I think of relief, I think, OK, it’s that Band-Aid,” Kauth said. “We need reform so that we don’t have to keep coming back here.”The Revenue Committee is scheduled to meet Monday and Tuesday to comb through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">various proposals</a>&nbsp;in its hopper. It will determine what to advance to the full Legislature, and debate is expected to start Thursday on that product.

Property valuations freeze could be ‘backup plan’ during Nebraska’s tax-focused special session

Kimball County - Kimball County officials have made an announcement that due to dry weather; a fire ban will be in effect until further notice. Officials say no open flames or fires are permitted.

Panhandle PostKimball County - Kimball County officials have made an announcement that due to dry weather; a fire ban will be in effect until further notice. Officials say no open flames or fires are permitted.

Fire ban in effect in Kimball County

Lincoln, NE - August 5, 2024 - It was a winning weekend for Nebraska Pick 5 players with jackpot-winning tickets sold in three consecutive drawings.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for the Friday, August 2 Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $230,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1185, 840 E 23rd Street, in Fremont. The winning numbers from Friday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 10, 15, 21, 25, 28.

In the Saturday, August 3 Nebraska Pick 5 drawing, one ticket matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #05, 7910 Cass Street, in Omaha. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 07, 20, 26, 34, 36.

Finally in the Sunday, August 4 drawing, one ticket sold at Casey's #1743, 204 S 14th Street, in Ord matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 01, 08, 10, 26, 34.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

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

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE - August 5, 2024 - It was a winning weekend for Nebraska Pick 5 players with jackpot-winning tickets sold in three consecutive drawings.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for the Friday, August 2 Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $230,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1185, 840 E 23rd Street, in Fremont. The winning numbers from Friday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 10, 15, 21, 25, 28.In the Saturday, August 3 Nebraska Pick 5 drawing, one ticket matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #05, 7910 Cass Street, in Omaha. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 07, 20, 26, 34, 36.Finally in the Sunday, August 4 drawing, one ticket sold at Casey's #1743, 204 S 14th Street, in Ord matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 01, 08, 10, 26, 34.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Three Nebraska Pick 5 Jackpot-Winning Tickets Sold in Fremont, Omaha and Ord

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jacob Wilkins, age 43, of Mitchell, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for two counts of falsification of annual financial reports filed by a labor union. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wilkins to 5 years’ probation.&nbsp; Wilkins will also have to serve 10 weekends in jail. Wilkins has also been ordered to pay $21,381.82 in restitution to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836. Prior to sentencing, Wilkins paid $2,316.39 in restitution back to the union.

Wilkins served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836 union out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, from 2001 until he resigned in August 2021. As the union’s president, Wilkins was required by Federal law to&nbsp; keep bank statements and supporting documentation such as receipts and invoices that would justify spending union money. The president and secretary-treasurer annually file an accounting statement with the Department of Labor documenting annual losses, assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements.

Between 2016 and 2020, Wilkins used union funds for personal expenses totaling $23,698.21. The embezzlement came to light in 2021 when other union members noticed union funds being used for expenses that were not approved by the union, and that were not union-related purchases. Wilkins admitted he used union funds for personal expenses, could not remember how he spent cash withdrawals from the union checking account, and admitted he did not obtain consent from union members before spending union money. Wilkins admitted he stopped keeping records showing how he used union funds as of 2010.

“There are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. Jacob Wilkins embezzled $23,698.21 from National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836&nbsp;that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp; “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”&nbsp;

This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp;

United States Attorney OfficerUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jacob Wilkins, age 43, of Mitchell, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for two counts of falsification of annual financial reports filed by a labor union. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wilkins to 5 years’ probation.&nbsp; Wilkins will also have to serve 10 weekends in jail. Wilkins has also been ordered to pay $21,381.82 in restitution to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836. Prior to sentencing, Wilkins paid $2,316.39 in restitution back to the union.Wilkins served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836 union out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, from 2001 until he resigned in August 2021. As the union’s president, Wilkins was required by Federal law to&nbsp; keep bank statements and supporting documentation such as receipts and invoices that would justify spending union money. The president and secretary-treasurer annually file an accounting statement with the Department of Labor documenting annual losses, assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements.Between 2016 and 2020, Wilkins used union funds for personal expenses totaling $23,698.21. The embezzlement came to light in 2021 when other union members noticed union funds being used for expenses that were not approved by the union, and that were not union-related purchases. Wilkins admitted he used union funds for personal expenses, could not remember how he spent cash withdrawals from the union checking account, and admitted he did not obtain consent from union members before spending union money. Wilkins admitted he stopped keeping records showing how he used union funds as of 2010.“There are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. Jacob Wilkins embezzled $23,698.21 from National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836&nbsp;that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp; “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”&nbsp;This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp;

Panhandle Man Sentenced for Falsification of Union Financial Reports   

Kimball, Neb. - A local day care employee has been arrested for child abuse in Kimball according to officials.&nbsp;

According to the Kimball Police Department (KPD), on Friday, August 2nd, around 8:30am (MT), the KPD received a report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a local day care employee allegedly abused and left marks on a 4-year-old boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The police department is investigating and learned the incident occurred on July 29th, 2024. Evidence from the investigation showed that the 4-year-old boy was abused.&nbsp;

The suspect who is identified as Ylia Morales, 68, was fired from her position and is now being charged with felony child abuse.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722870426989.jpeg" alt="Ylia Morales (Photo from Kimball Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Ylia Morales (Photo from Kimball Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Kimball, Neb. - A local day care employee has been arrested for child abuse in Kimball according to officials.&nbsp;According to the Kimball Police Department (KPD), on Friday, August 2nd, around 8:30am (MT), the KPD received a report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a local day care employee allegedly abused and left marks on a 4-year-old boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The police department is investigating and learned the incident occurred on July 29th, 2024. Evidence from the investigation showed that the 4-year-old boy was abused.&nbsp;The suspect who is identified as Ylia Morales, 68, was fired from her position and is now being charged with felony child abuse.&nbsp;

Kimball day care employee arrested, facing child abuse charge

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff, Mark Overman

On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at around 10:36 p.m., Scotts Bluff County Deputies working security at the Scotts Bluff County Fair recognized Reginald Smith, age 30, of Torrington WY, entering the beer garden area.&nbsp; Deputies had investigated an assault case that also involved threats with a firearm that occurred in May.&nbsp; Smith was identified as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for him on July 26, 2024.

Deputies contacted Smith and asked for identification to confirm his identity.&nbsp; Upon confirmation, they told Smith he was under arrest.&nbsp; He immediately broke away and began running.&nbsp; Two unarmed Fair security guards assisted in slowing his flight, and a Deputy used a taser, which caused him to fall and he was taken into custody.&nbsp; Deputies located a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband, and several packages of suspected cocaine on his person.&nbsp; After being medically cleared for minor injuries, Smith was lodged at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.

Assault causing bodily injury – Misdemeanor

Possession of a Firearm during commission of a Felony – Felony

Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – Felony

Additional charges as a result of the arrest

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony

The Mitchell Fire Department, Mitchell Police Department, and Regional West Ambulance service assisted.

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff, Mark OvermanOn Thursday, August 1, 2024 at around 10:36 p.m., Scotts Bluff County Deputies working security at the Scotts Bluff County Fair recognized Reginald Smith, age 30, of Torrington WY, entering the beer garden area.&nbsp; Deputies had investigated an assault case that also involved threats with a firearm that occurred in May.&nbsp; Smith was identified as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for him on July 26, 2024.Deputies contacted Smith and asked for identification to confirm his identity.&nbsp; Upon confirmation, they told Smith he was under arrest.&nbsp; He immediately broke away and began running.&nbsp; Two unarmed Fair security guards assisted in slowing his flight, and a Deputy used a taser, which caused him to fall and he was taken into custody.&nbsp; Deputies located a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband, and several packages of suspected cocaine on his person.&nbsp; After being medically cleared for minor injuries, Smith was lodged at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.Pending charges/warrant:Assault causing bodily injury – MisdemeanorTerroristic Threats – FelonyPossession of a Firearm during commission of a Felony – FelonyPossession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – FelonyAdditional charges as a result of the arrestPossession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – FelonyPossession of a Controlled Substance – FelonyThe Mitchell Fire Department, Mitchell Police Department, and Regional West Ambulance service assisted.

Wanted, armed man arrested in Panhandle

Kearney, Neb. - The victim who was killed in last week's bicycle-car collision has been identified as a local man from Kearney.

According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the victim was identified as Thomas Pribnow, age 48 of Kearney. The driver of the vehicle was&nbsp;Nathaniel Heckenlively, age 39 of Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office.

BCSO says according to preliminary investigation, a bicyclist and a car were traveling eastbound on East 56th Street, just east of Antelope Avenue about a mile outside the city limits of Kearney, NE.  The car collided with the rear of the bicycle. The accident occurred around 5:30 am on Thursday, July 30th.

An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office. The accident investigation continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte PostKearney, Neb. - The victim who was killed in last week's bicycle-car collision has been identified as a local man from Kearney.According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the victim was identified as Thomas Pribnow, age 48 of Kearney. The driver of the vehicle was&nbsp;Nathaniel Heckenlively, age 39 of Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office.BCSO says according to preliminary investigation, a bicyclist and a car were traveling eastbound on East 56th Street, just east of Antelope Avenue about a mile outside the city limits of Kearney, NE. The car collided with the rear of the bicycle. The accident occurred around 5:30 am on Thursday, July 30th.An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office. The accident investigation continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victim identified from bicycle-car accident that occurred in Kearney 

West Yellowstone, Montana—The National Park Service is working to get the attention of "all citizen scientists" following the geyser explosion last month.

 Yellowstone and Geological Survey are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024.


Who can help:
· People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the even,&nbsp; people who have photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool during the period of July 16-July 23.



If you are in either of these groups and would like to help, please contact the Yellowstone Geology Program: yell_geology@nps.gov



Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed. By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this underappreciated geologic hazard. 



If you’re not in either of these groups, you can still help by liking and sharing this post on the Yellowstone facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721940347052.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>West Yellowstone, Montana—The National Park Service is working to get the attention of "all citizen scientists" following the geyser explosion last month. Yellowstone and Geological Survey are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721765630612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
Who can help:
· People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the even,&nbsp; people who have photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool during the period of July 16-July 23.

If you are in either of these groups and would like to help, please contact the Yellowstone Geology Program: yell_geology@nps.gov

Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed. By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this underappreciated geologic hazard. 

If you’re not in either of these groups, you can still help by liking and sharing this post on the Yellowstone facebook page.-----------

Park Service asking public for info following Yellowstone geyser explosion 

RAWLINS COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 3p.m. Friday in Rawlins County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported law enforcement were in pursuit of a 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Kayla Vonae&nbsp;Williams, 36, Omaha, Nebraska, northbound Kansas 117 six miles north of the U.S. 36 Junction at a high rate of speed. 

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the left, struck a large dirt embankment, became disabled and caught on fire.

EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to the Rawlins County Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities did not report what prompted the chase.

RAWLINS COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 3p.m. Friday in Rawlins County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported law enforcement were in pursuit of a 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Kayla Vonae&nbsp;Williams, 36, Omaha, Nebraska, northbound Kansas 117 six miles north of the U.S. 36 Junction at a high rate of speed. The SUV traveled off the roadway to the left, struck a large dirt embankment, became disabled and caught on fire.EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to the Rawlins County Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities did not report what prompted the chase.