<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/lawmaker-sees-property-tax-relief-in-reducing-nebraskas-prison-population/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An Omaha lawmaker is taking an alternative route to provide Nebraskans property tax relief by seeking to decrease the state’s prison population and offer second chances.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58023" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 25</a>&nbsp;seeks to reallocate direct savings from reduced incarceration costs to property tax relief. It would accomplish this in one of three ways: encouraging alternative sentencing such as probation, community service and house arrest; early parole discharge; and second chance relief.

Lawmakers are holding a special session to give taxpayers a break from property taxes, McKinney said, but taxpayers also “need a break from a horribly ran criminal justice system.”

“It’s like a black hole of money that we just keep wasting and not solving the problem,” McKinney told the Nebraska Examiner.

Part of the concern, McKinney said, is that the state is building a replacement prison but not explaining what will happen to the current Nebraska State Penitentiary. Either way, he argued, legislation will be needed.

LB 25 encourages judges to offer alternative sentencing, when appropriate and legally allowed.

McKinney led a significant package LB 631, in the regular session to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/flurry-of-100-new-laws-are-taking-effect-in-nebraska/">reform the Parole Board</a>. It took effect July 19 and seeks to help offenders learn how to navigate the parole process.&nbsp;

He said his most recent bill would continue those reforms and are about “really looking at them as humans” and asking if they’ve improved themselves since they’ve been incarcerated.

McKinney estimated his bill&nbsp; would save the state “millions.”&nbsp;

For the 2022-23 fiscal year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/FN/LB996_20240206-123817.pdf" target="_blank">average daily cost per inmate was $36.67</a>, amounting to $13,383.33 annually.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/public-information/ndcs-research-division" target="_blank">most recent data</a>, for fiscal year 2023-24, indicate the average daily state prison population is 5,880, 144.86% above design capacity and 115.86% above operational capacity.

If passed, LB 25 would require the Department of Correctional Services to report cost savings by July 1, 2026, and in each successive year. Those savings would be diverted to any property tax relief programs established this special session.

Alternative sentencing, early parole discharge

The proposal would expand early parole discharge opportunities for Nebraska parolees who meet eight criteria, including:

The other two criteria relate to disciplinary violations, with eligibility limited to offenders who have never had a major violation and no more than five minor violations in the past two years.

The Parole Board would review the offender’s record. If recommended by the Parole Board, the Pardons Board would review and could opt to shorten parole, by at least 90 days.

If the Pardons Board declines to do so, it must provide a list of steps or requirements that the parolee must complete to be granted an early discharge.

The Pardons Board consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

The final part of LB 25 is establishing a second chance relief program that would encourage the Board of Pardons to commute all or part of a parolee’s sentence. LB 25 states it could help those Nebraskans responsibly reintegrate into their communities “as fully free individuals.”

The second chance program would offer committed offenders, including those with life imprisonment sentences, eligibility for the program based on their age.

For an offense committed when the offender was 25 years of age or younger, it would come after serving 25 years. For older offenders, it would be after completing 30 years of their sentence.

The Parole Board would recommend commutation to the Pardons Board. If rejected, the Pardons Board must list steps or requirements for the person to be granted a commutation at a subsequent review.

If granted a commutation and paroled, the Parole Board would:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722608644297.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/lawmaker-sees-property-tax-relief-in-reducing-nebraskas-prison-population/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — An Omaha lawmaker is taking an alternative route to provide Nebraskans property tax relief by seeking to decrease the state’s prison population and offer second chances.State Sen. Terrell McKinney’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58023" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 25</a>&nbsp;seeks to reallocate direct savings from reduced incarceration costs to property tax relief. It would accomplish this in one of three ways: encouraging alternative sentencing such as probation, community service and house arrest; early parole discharge; and second chance relief.Lawmakers are holding a special session to give taxpayers a break from property taxes, McKinney said, but taxpayers also “need a break from a horribly ran criminal justice system.”“It’s like a black hole of money that we just keep wasting and not solving the problem,” McKinney told the Nebraska Examiner.Part of the concern, McKinney said, is that the state is building a replacement prison but not explaining what will happen to the current Nebraska State Penitentiary. Either way, he argued, legislation will be needed.<h2>Estimated ‘millions’ in savings</h2>LB 25 encourages judges to offer alternative sentencing, when appropriate and legally allowed.McKinney led a significant package LB 631, in the regular session to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/flurry-of-100-new-laws-are-taking-effect-in-nebraska/">reform the Parole Board</a>. It took effect July 19 and seeks to help offenders learn how to navigate the parole process.&nbsp;He said his most recent bill would continue those reforms and are about “really looking at them as humans” and asking if they’ve improved themselves since they’ve been incarcerated.McKinney estimated his bill&nbsp; would save the state “millions.”&nbsp;For the 2022-23 fiscal year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/FN/LB996_20240206-123817.pdf" target="_blank">average daily cost per inmate was $36.67</a>, amounting to $13,383.33 annually.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/public-information/ndcs-research-division" target="_blank">most recent data</a>, for fiscal year 2023-24, indicate the average daily state prison population is 5,880, 144.86% above design capacity and 115.86% above operational capacity.If passed, LB 25 would require the Department of Correctional Services to report cost savings by July 1, 2026, and in each successive year. Those savings would be diverted to any property tax relief programs established this special session.<h2>Alternative sentencing, early parole discharge</h2>The proposal would expand early parole discharge opportunities for Nebraska parolees who meet eight criteria, including:<ul>
 <li>Spent at least six months in a community corrections facility.</li><li>Successfully completed at least 90 days of parole.</li><li>Holds a high school diploma or completed equivalent education.</li><li>Maintained steady employment or stability in postsecondary education.</li><li>Participated in necessary programming.</li><li>Completed other criteria as established by the department director.</li>
 </ul>The other two criteria relate to disciplinary violations, with eligibility limited to offenders who have never had a major violation and no more than five minor violations in the past two years.The Parole Board would review the offender’s record. If recommended by the Parole Board, the Pardons Board would review and could opt to shorten parole, by at least 90 days.If the Pardons Board declines to do so, it must provide a list of steps or requirements that the parolee must complete to be granted an early discharge.The Pardons Board consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.<h2>Second chance relief</h2>The final part of LB 25 is establishing a second chance relief program that would encourage the Board of Pardons to commute all or part of a parolee’s sentence. LB 25 states it could help those Nebraskans responsibly reintegrate into their communities “as fully free individuals.”The second chance program would offer committed offenders, including those with life imprisonment sentences, eligibility for the program based on their age.For an offense committed when the offender was 25 years of age or younger, it would come after serving 25 years. For older offenders, it would be after completing 30 years of their sentence.The Parole Board would recommend commutation to the Pardons Board. If rejected, the Pardons Board must list steps or requirements for the person to be granted a commutation at a subsequent review.If granted a commutation and paroled, the Parole Board would:<ul>
 <li>Develop a detailed reentry plan tailored to the offender’s needs, including job placement, housing support and access to continuing education and mental health services.</li><li>Provide access to mentorship programs and community support networks to facilitate successful reintegration into the community</li><li>Offer restorative justice opportunities, when appropriate, to allow amends with victims and the community.</li><li>Require accountability and monitoring by requiring regular check-ins with parole officers and continuous monitoring during the initial phase of reentry to ensure compliance.</li>
 </ul>

Lawmaker sees property tax relief in reducing Nebraska’s prison population

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.

Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.

The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.

About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.

“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.

Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.

Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.

The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.

Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721587655391.png" alt="File -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>File -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.<h2>Harris and running mate to Philadelphia</h2>Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

Harris is the sole candidate for Dem presidential nomination on virtual roll call

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker told members of a legislative committee Thursday that they don’t need to wait until January to address problems in state-aided funding to local schools.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58216" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 45</a>&nbsp;before the Education Committee on Thursday. It would remove the “resources” part of the state’s “equalization aid” formula — referred to as a school district’s “needs” minus its “resources.”

That formula, the&nbsp;<a href="https://schoolfinance.ncsa.org/teeosa" target="_blank">Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act</a>, or TEEOSA, was put in place in 1990 as a way for the state to more equitably allocate state funds to school districts. It has been perennially updated since its adoption.

For the 2024-25 school year, TEEOSA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2425SA_TEEOSAComponentChart.pdf" target="_blank">calculated</a>&nbsp;between 18 “needs” and six “resources.”

“The ‘needs’ side, though it might need some adjustments, is better than saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later,’” Linehan said. “I do think what frustrates most everyone, now more than ever, is the ‘resources’ side.”

In part, that’s because of the state’s 244 school districts, 184 of them, or about 75%, wouldn’t receive any equalization aid next year because their resources will outweigh their needs. Linehan said that’s partially due to inflation and increasing property valuations.

Some larger school districts, such as Lincoln Public Schools or Millard Public Schools, are also expected to come off of “equalization” soon.&nbsp;A total of $501 million in equalization aid is expected for this fiscal year.

Linehan told the committee, of which she is a member, that part of the reason she introduced LB 45 is to have a conversation that can be part of the broader special session to address property taxes. TEEOSA is one part of broader state funding, including foundation aid for every student.

Total state aid to the school districts is estimated to be $1.16 billion for the 2024-25 school year.

Linehan introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>&nbsp;this special session on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, whose final approach to property tax relief for school districts was to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">more than $2 billion in annual tax credits</a>&nbsp;to cover the districts’ taxes and let future Legislatures sort out revisions to or a rewrite of TEEOSA.

“It’s a little different than the Pillen plan because Pillen says we’re going to wait and see,” Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner. “We’re not going to wait and see,” she said of the Legislature.

Under LB 45, the Legislature would need to come up with a new manner of defining resources next year. Linehan said Thursday’s hearing gave lawmakers a starting point to begin the debate this summer.

State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings introduced a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58089" target="_blank">LB 81</a>, which would end TEEOSA entirely. The bill states the funding formula would end by July 1, 2027, but Halloran told the committee he wants to amend the bill so TEEOSA sunsets by July 1, 2026.

He described it as the “Git R Done Bill,” in the words of Nebraska native Larry the Cable Guy, and said he wants to give lawmakers “ample time” to find a legislative mechanism to address school funding.

“My point here is that there’s a need, I believe, to set a deadline for y’all in the next session, and I have complete confidence in the senators that I’m leaving in charge that’s going to be here, to be able to go through this formula and modernize it and bring it up to speed,” Halloran said.

Halloran and Linehan are among 13 term-limited lawmakers who won’t return to the Legislature next year. Two others didn’t run for another term.

Connie Knoche, education policy director for OpenSky Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, testified against both bills, with the same basic concerns. She stated that changing TEEOSA without a clear alternative, and without comprehensive review, could lead to funding instability.&nbsp;

Knoche said any real change needs to be transparent, and she cast doubt on any “radical change,” such as having the state assume funding for 80% of most local K-12 property tax revenue.

“There’s no silver bullet to updating our school funding system and any real change will require significant expertise brought to bear from an open and transparent process,” Knoche said.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the committee chair, asked what OpenSky suggested for funding instead of being overly reliant on property taxes. Knoche responded that schools see property taxes as more stable revenue and that change is needed.

“We need to provide more state funding, but just not 100% of the funding,” she said.

State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former State Board of Education member, said some look at TEEOSA as the “holy grail to running education,” but given its constant fluctuations, it’s not sustainable, particularly on the “resources” side.

Resources include a district’s possible property tax collection up to $1 per $100 of property valuations, net option enrollment funding, allocated income tax funds and foundation aid.

Linehan pointed to a May 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.openskypolicy.org/education-finance-package-budget-bills-return-to-agenda" target="_blank">blog post from OpenSky</a>&nbsp;where the institute writes it “has long held that the best way to provide property tax relief in Nebraska is to increase state funding for schools.”

Halloran said the root of the words equalization and equity is “equal,” but TEEOSA isn’t meeting that bill.

“Nobody thinks it’s equitable, and we’re leaving too many kids with no [equalization aid],” Linehan said.

Ben Welsch of the Nebraska State Education Association testified against LB 45 but highlighted the essential need of state funding. He expressed concern that it would leave the state to take local control away from school boards that are better suited to address local challenges or opportunities.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked Welsch about a promise from Pillen to increase teacher salaries, which wasn’t contained&nbsp; in LB 1 or any of the other special session tax proposals.&nbsp;

Welsch said he feared the path to increasing salaries would come with “handcuffing” districts into cutting positions in order to do so.

The day before the special session began, Pillen traveled to Kearney to rally superintendents behind his tax plan.&nbsp; On the second day of the session, Linehan took a different approach by attending an Omaha Public Schools board meeting.

At that July 26 meeting, members voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/120?meeting=645913" target="_blank">oppose LB 1</a>&nbsp;and contingently oppose an alternative plan from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, LB 9, unless there are amendments. OPS opposition was generally against&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/120?file=c47cbb66-c2a7-4b7e-a738-266718795a44" target="_blank">any reliance on state aid</a>&nbsp;instead of property taxes.

Over 10 years, LB 9 would reduce maximum school tax rates from $1.05 per $100 of property valuations to 25 cents per $100. It is seen as an alternative, or compromise, to Pillen’s LB 1.

Linehan told reporters that if the state wanted to take over schools or take away local control, it would have done so already as it is paying more than 60% of the bill for some districts. The alternative is the state could back off and allow schools to raise taxes as much as they want.

“If you want full local control, that’s what you’re asking,” Linehan said.&nbsp;

“What they’re doing now is saying we want you to pay 60% of the bill but we don’t want to cooperate in helping lower property taxes. You can’t have it both ways,” she continued. “You want to lower property taxes, then you need to support something. Maybe it’s not Pillen, but Jana Hughes?”&nbsp;

Thirteen lawmakers signed onto Halloran’s LB 81, including three Education Committee members: State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, Justin Wayne of Omaha and Murman.

Two other committee members helped create LB 9 with Hughes: Conrad and State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont. Linehan asked them if 25-cent levies were “the magic number” for local control. She confirmed later that if schools wanted to use property taxes, they could ask voters for that authority should the state take on more, or all, operational funding.

“You can’t say we need to stand up and do our job,” Linehan said after the July 26 OPS meeting, “and when we’re standing up to do our job, in a special session, you’re saying no.”

The committee took no immediate action on either bill from Linehan or Halloran.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722608178648.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, Revenue Committee chair, asks a question during an Education Committee hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, Revenue Committee chair, asks a question during an Education Committee hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker told members of a legislative committee Thursday that they don’t need to wait until January to address problems in state-aided funding to local schools.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58216" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 45</a>&nbsp;before the Education Committee on Thursday. It would remove the “resources” part of the state’s “equalization aid” formula — referred to as a school district’s “needs” minus its “resources.”That formula, the&nbsp;<a href="https://schoolfinance.ncsa.org/teeosa" target="_blank">Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act</a>, or TEEOSA, was put in place in 1990 as a way for the state to more equitably allocate state funds to school districts. It has been perennially updated since its adoption.For the 2024-25 school year, TEEOSA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2425SA_TEEOSAComponentChart.pdf" target="_blank">calculated</a>&nbsp;between 18 “needs” and six “resources.”“The ‘needs’ side, though it might need some adjustments, is better than saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later,’” Linehan said. “I do think what frustrates most everyone, now more than ever, is the ‘resources’ side.”<h2>‘Not going to wait and see’</h2>In part, that’s because of the state’s 244 school districts, 184 of them, or about 75%, wouldn’t receive any equalization aid next year because their resources will outweigh their needs. Linehan said that’s partially due to inflation and increasing property valuations.Some larger school districts, such as Lincoln Public Schools or Millard Public Schools, are also expected to come off of “equalization” soon.&nbsp;A total of $501 million in equalization aid is expected for this fiscal year.Linehan told the committee, of which she is a member, that part of the reason she introduced LB 45 is to have a conversation that can be part of the broader special session to address property taxes. TEEOSA is one part of broader state funding, including foundation aid for every student.Total state aid to the school districts is estimated to be $1.16 billion for the 2024-25 school year.Linehan introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>&nbsp;this special session on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, whose final approach to property tax relief for school districts was to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">more than $2 billion in annual tax credits</a>&nbsp;to cover the districts’ taxes and let future Legislatures sort out revisions to or a rewrite of TEEOSA.“It’s a little different than the Pillen plan because Pillen says we’re going to wait and see,” Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner. “We’re not going to wait and see,” she said of the Legislature.Under LB 45, the Legislature would need to come up with a new manner of defining resources next year. Linehan said Thursday’s hearing gave lawmakers a starting point to begin the debate this summer.<h2>Alternative bill would end TEEOSA</h2>State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings introduced a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58089" target="_blank">LB 81</a>, which would end TEEOSA entirely. The bill states the funding formula would end by July 1, 2027, but Halloran told the committee he wants to amend the bill so TEEOSA sunsets by July 1, 2026.He described it as the “Git R Done Bill,” in the words of Nebraska native Larry the Cable Guy, and said he wants to give lawmakers “ample time” to find a legislative mechanism to address school funding.“My point here is that there’s a need, I believe, to set a deadline for y’all in the next session, and I have complete confidence in the senators that I’m leaving in charge that’s going to be here, to be able to go through this formula and modernize it and bring it up to speed,” Halloran said.Halloran and Linehan are among 13 term-limited lawmakers who won’t return to the Legislature next year. Two others didn’t run for another term.<h2>‘No silver bullet’</h2>Connie Knoche, education policy director for OpenSky Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, testified against both bills, with the same basic concerns. She stated that changing TEEOSA without a clear alternative, and without comprehensive review, could lead to funding instability.&nbsp;Knoche said any real change needs to be transparent, and she cast doubt on any “radical change,” such as having the state assume funding for 80% of most local K-12 property tax revenue.“There’s no silver bullet to updating our school funding system and any real change will require significant expertise brought to bear from an open and transparent process,” Knoche said.State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the committee chair, asked what OpenSky suggested for funding instead of being overly reliant on property taxes. Knoche responded that schools see property taxes as more stable revenue and that change is needed.“We need to provide more state funding, but just not 100% of the funding,” she said.State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former State Board of Education member, said some look at TEEOSA as the “holy grail to running education,” but given its constant fluctuations, it’s not sustainable, particularly on the “resources” side.Resources include a district’s possible property tax collection up to $1 per $100 of property valuations, net option enrollment funding, allocated income tax funds and foundation aid.Linehan pointed to a May 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.openskypolicy.org/education-finance-package-budget-bills-return-to-agenda" target="_blank">blog post from OpenSky</a>&nbsp;where the institute writes it “has long held that the best way to provide property tax relief in Nebraska is to increase state funding for schools.”Halloran said the root of the words equalization and equity is “equal,” but TEEOSA isn’t meeting that bill.“Nobody thinks it’s equitable, and we’re leaving too many kids with no [equalization aid],” Linehan said.<h2>Local control</h2>Ben Welsch of the Nebraska State Education Association testified against LB 45 but highlighted the essential need of state funding. He expressed concern that it would leave the state to take local control away from school boards that are better suited to address local challenges or opportunities.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked Welsch about a promise from Pillen to increase teacher salaries, which wasn’t contained&nbsp; in LB 1 or any of the other special session tax proposals.&nbsp;Welsch said he feared the path to increasing salaries would come with “handcuffing” districts into cutting positions in order to do so.The day before the special session began, Pillen traveled to Kearney to rally superintendents behind his tax plan.&nbsp; On the second day of the session, Linehan took a different approach by attending an Omaha Public Schools board meeting.At that July 26 meeting, members voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/120?meeting=645913" target="_blank">oppose LB 1</a>&nbsp;and contingently oppose an alternative plan from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, LB 9, unless there are amendments. OPS opposition was generally against&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/120?file=c47cbb66-c2a7-4b7e-a738-266718795a44" target="_blank">any reliance on state aid</a>&nbsp;instead of property taxes.Over 10 years, LB 9 would reduce maximum school tax rates from $1.05 per $100 of property valuations to 25 cents per $100. It is seen as an alternative, or compromise, to Pillen’s LB 1.Linehan told reporters that if the state wanted to take over schools or take away local control, it would have done so already as it is paying more than 60% of the bill for some districts. The alternative is the state could back off and allow schools to raise taxes as much as they want.“If you want full local control, that’s what you’re asking,” Linehan said.&nbsp;<h2>‘You’re saying no’</h2>“What they’re doing now is saying we want you to pay 60% of the bill but we don’t want to cooperate in helping lower property taxes. You can’t have it both ways,” she continued. “You want to lower property taxes, then you need to support something. Maybe it’s not Pillen, but Jana Hughes?”&nbsp;Thirteen lawmakers signed onto Halloran’s LB 81, including three Education Committee members: State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, Justin Wayne of Omaha and Murman.Two other committee members helped create LB 9 with Hughes: Conrad and State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont. Linehan asked them if 25-cent levies were “the magic number” for local control. She confirmed later that if schools wanted to use property taxes, they could ask voters for that authority should the state take on more, or all, operational funding.“You can’t say we need to stand up and do our job,” Linehan said after the July 26 OPS meeting, “and when we’re standing up to do our job, in a special session, you’re saying no.”The committee took no immediate action on either bill from Linehan or Halloran.

‘Not going to wait and see’: Lawmaker proposes amending Nebraska school aid formula

Lincoln, Neb. - United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jackie Poulsen, aka Jack Poulsen, 71, of Ericson, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 1, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for bank fraud. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Poulsen to 18 months’ imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. Poulsen was additionally ordered to pay a $815,000 in restitution.

Poulsen was the President of Ericson State Bank (ESB) from June of 2010 until September of 2019. He was additionally on the Board of Directors for the bank. In his role as President of ESB, he was responsible for overseeing all ESB’s affairs and managing ESB’s day-to-day operations. ESB, like any other bank in Nebraska, had to undergo regular examinations conducted by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF). One such examination occurred in October of 2017, which ESB passed. The next examination occurred in April of 2019. The 2019 examination revealed that ESB’s condition had significantly deteriorated since the 2017 examination. NDBF indicated in a report that this deterioration was “due in large part to [ESB] being operated without regard for laws, regulations, prudent banking policies, and practices.”

During the investigation that followed the 2019 examination, the NDBF discovered that there were significant violations of the Nebraska statutory lending limits and that Poulsen had personally made, or was directly responsible for, many of the loans, lines of credit, and coverups of overdrafts that were in violation of the law, and which were adversely affecting the safety and soundness of ESB. A substantial number of the violations involved accounts and loans held by a relative of Poulsen’s and the relative’s business-related entities. NDBF examiners determined that a specific loan to Poulsen’s relative had been continuously more than the statutory lending limit since November 2017, or approximately one month after the 2017 Examination. NDBF examiners further determined that since May 29, 2019, Poulsen made multiple advances to the relative and charged off a portion of the borrowings without completing the appropriate paperwork or seeking approval from the Board or loan committee.

NDBF examiners discovered that some lending limit violations had substantially increased in size through increases in operating lines of credit, additional advances, and/or payment of overdrafts since the May 29, 2019, meeting. NDBF examiners determined that as of August 26, 2019, maturity dates on loans had been extended multiple times without formal documentation; borrowers’ financial information was inadequate; collateral for loans was either non-existent or poorly documented and managed, and deposit accounts, including those held by his relative, were frequently and substantially overdrawn. Poulsen’s scheme to defraud continued until September of 2019, when Poulsen was removed from his positions of authority with ESB based on NDBF’s findings. Poulsen’s license was also revoked.

As of December 31, 2019, ESB had total assets of approximately $110,879,000. However, on February 14, 2020, NDBF closed ESB and appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as liquidator and receiver of ESB. Mark Quandahl, NDBF Director issued a statement regarding the failure of ESB which stated, “The failure of Ericson State Bank resulted primarily from large out-of-territory commercial loan losses and poor management practices which led to a deterioration of the bank’s capital. When the capital was not replenished the Department was left with no option but to place the insolvent institution into receivership.”

The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Farmers and Merchants Bank, Milford, NE, in which the purchasing bank assumed all customer deposits of ESB. At the time of ESB’s failure, ESB was a state chartered financial institution regulated and examined by the NDBF and it was determined that a loss of $815,000 was attributable to the insider-related loans which were subject to Poulsen’s scheme.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution of this matter was the result of the work of multiple agencies in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District od Nebraska. Following today’s sentencing the following comments were made:

“The people of Nebraska expect their monies to be safe when they choose to place their trust in local banks.” Said United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr. “No bank officials should be permitted to abuse that trust for the sake of their and their family’s personal gain. The United States Attorney’s Office thanks all law enforcement agencies who worked diligently on the thorough investigation of this case.”

FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Not only did Jack Poulsen’s financial scheme of insider-related loans lead to his sentence to federal prison, it also led to the collapse of a bank that had served rural Nebraska for 60 years.&nbsp;The FBI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold accountable those who exploit their positions of trust to defraud financial institutions.”

“Jack Poulsen exploited his position as a bank executive to commit fraud that ultimately led to Ericson State Bank’s failure,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “His sentencing sends a clear message that bank executives who commit fraud will be brought to justice for their actions. We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold Mr. Poulsen accountable for his crimes.”

“As both bank president and board member, the defendant had a duty to conduct business honestly but instead abused that trust and committed insider fraud, contributing to the failure of a bank that had been part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System for more than 60 years,” said Korey Brinkman, Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Midwest Region. “We will continue to vigorously investigate criminal offenses involving frauds that impact the integrity, safety, and soundness of Federal Home Loan Banks and member banks.&nbsp;We are proud to partner with our colleagues and the United States Attorney’s Office with this investigation.”

“Today's sentencing holds the defendant accountable for defrauding Ericson State Bank by misusing his position as president of the bank to conceal the true financial condition of these loans from the institution and its Board of Directors,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin R. Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Kansas City Region. “The FDIC OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice bank insiders who violate their positions of trust and commit fraudulent acts that threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Office of United States AttorneyLincoln, Neb. - United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jackie Poulsen, aka Jack Poulsen, 71, of Ericson, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 1, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for bank fraud. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Poulsen to 18 months’ imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. Poulsen was additionally ordered to pay a $815,000 in restitution.Poulsen was the President of Ericson State Bank (ESB) from June of 2010 until September of 2019. He was additionally on the Board of Directors for the bank. In his role as President of ESB, he was responsible for overseeing all ESB’s affairs and managing ESB’s day-to-day operations. ESB, like any other bank in Nebraska, had to undergo regular examinations conducted by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF). One such examination occurred in October of 2017, which ESB passed. The next examination occurred in April of 2019. The 2019 examination revealed that ESB’s condition had significantly deteriorated since the 2017 examination. NDBF indicated in a report that this deterioration was “due in large part to [ESB] being operated without regard for laws, regulations, prudent banking policies, and practices.”During the investigation that followed the 2019 examination, the NDBF discovered that there were significant violations of the Nebraska statutory lending limits and that Poulsen had personally made, or was directly responsible for, many of the loans, lines of credit, and coverups of overdrafts that were in violation of the law, and which were adversely affecting the safety and soundness of ESB. A substantial number of the violations involved accounts and loans held by a relative of Poulsen’s and the relative’s business-related entities. NDBF examiners determined that a specific loan to Poulsen’s relative had been continuously more than the statutory lending limit since November 2017, or approximately one month after the 2017 Examination. NDBF examiners further determined that since May 29, 2019, Poulsen made multiple advances to the relative and charged off a portion of the borrowings without completing the appropriate paperwork or seeking approval from the Board or loan committee.NDBF examiners discovered that some lending limit violations had substantially increased in size through increases in operating lines of credit, additional advances, and/or payment of overdrafts since the May 29, 2019, meeting. NDBF examiners determined that as of August 26, 2019, maturity dates on loans had been extended multiple times without formal documentation; borrowers’ financial information was inadequate; collateral for loans was either non-existent or poorly documented and managed, and deposit accounts, including those held by his relative, were frequently and substantially overdrawn. Poulsen’s scheme to defraud continued until September of 2019, when Poulsen was removed from his positions of authority with ESB based on NDBF’s findings. Poulsen’s license was also revoked.As of December 31, 2019, ESB had total assets of approximately $110,879,000. However, on February 14, 2020, NDBF closed ESB and appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as liquidator and receiver of ESB. Mark Quandahl, NDBF Director issued a statement regarding the failure of ESB which stated, “The failure of Ericson State Bank resulted primarily from large out-of-territory commercial loan losses and poor management practices which led to a deterioration of the bank’s capital. When the capital was not replenished the Department was left with no option but to place the insolvent institution into receivership.”The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Farmers and Merchants Bank, Milford, NE, in which the purchasing bank assumed all customer deposits of ESB. At the time of ESB’s failure, ESB was a state chartered financial institution regulated and examined by the NDBF and it was determined that a loss of $815,000 was attributable to the insider-related loans which were subject to Poulsen’s scheme.The investigation and subsequent prosecution of this matter was the result of the work of multiple agencies in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District od Nebraska. Following today’s sentencing the following comments were made:“The people of Nebraska expect their monies to be safe when they choose to place their trust in local banks.” Said United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr. “No bank officials should be permitted to abuse that trust for the sake of their and their family’s personal gain. The United States Attorney’s Office thanks all law enforcement agencies who worked diligently on the thorough investigation of this case.”FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Not only did Jack Poulsen’s financial scheme of insider-related loans lead to his sentence to federal prison, it also led to the collapse of a bank that had served rural Nebraska for 60 years.&nbsp;The FBI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold accountable those who exploit their positions of trust to defraud financial institutions.”“Jack Poulsen exploited his position as a bank executive to commit fraud that ultimately led to Ericson State Bank’s failure,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “His sentencing sends a clear message that bank executives who commit fraud will be brought to justice for their actions. We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold Mr. Poulsen accountable for his crimes.”“As both bank president and board member, the defendant had a duty to conduct business honestly but instead abused that trust and committed insider fraud, contributing to the failure of a bank that had been part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System for more than 60 years,” said Korey Brinkman, Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Midwest Region. “We will continue to vigorously investigate criminal offenses involving frauds that impact the integrity, safety, and soundness of Federal Home Loan Banks and member banks.&nbsp;We are proud to partner with our colleagues and the United States Attorney’s Office with this investigation.”“Today's sentencing holds the defendant accountable for defrauding Ericson State Bank by misusing his position as president of the bank to conceal the true financial condition of these loans from the institution and its Board of Directors,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin R. Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Kansas City Region. “The FDIC OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice bank insiders who violate their positions of trust and commit fraudulent acts that threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.”This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Former Ericson State Bank President Sentenced for Bank Fraud

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The trade mission took place from July 15 – 24.

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly is touting the many opportunities that he and trade mission delegates had to promote Nebraska products and continued market growth during a recent week and a half long visit to Indonesia. The 20-plus member team took part in a full slate of meetings, events and activities geared primarily at showcasing Nebraska agricultural commodities including beef, pork, soybeans, corn and grains. The delegation included representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the University of Nebraska, and several Nebraska agricultural business sector representatives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722615350255.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Delegation visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Delegation visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University</figcaption>
 </figure>“Importers are very interested to know about how our products are grown and raised. They value family connections and sustainability – all things that are important in Nebraska agriculture – and makes our state a standout in the food products we have to offer,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. With that in mind, he and Director Sherry Vinton from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture spoke frequently about the quality of family farming operations and the pride that goes into raising the best Nebraska products possible.“This was a remarkable trade mission, and it will reap rewards for Nebraska’s ag producers,” said NDA Director Vinton. “Our delegation was warmly received and all of the face-to-face meetings with new and existing distributors and sales representatives will prove invaluable.”Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the world’s fourth-most populous country, and offers substantial market opportunities for Nebraska products. Indonesia is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska at $139 million and has a rapidly rising GDP and growing population. Top exports from Nebraska include soybeans/soybean meal, corn, wheat and beef.&nbsp;The group’s robust 10-day itinerary included meetings with the U.S Grains Council, beef import associations and visits to a feed mill, a fueling station that utilizes ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh is a very popular dish in Indonesia and representatives of the Nebraska Soybean Board said they were excited to explore opportunities to increase exports.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Indonesia is a top consumer of soybean meal in the world, but the U.S. has a very small market share, so we were able to have great conversations about market opportunities for them to purchase soybean meal from Nebraska,” said Wesley Wach of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “Nebraska and Indonesia have an encouraging future when it comes to soybeans.”Additional opportunities for networking included the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, which is the country’s leading livestock, feed and dairy industry event and the Jakarta International Expo for Food. Following that event, members of the delegation met with the new United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir. Discussions focused on strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with Nebraska, opportunities that exist with soybean meal, pork, and beef markets, and doing more to accommodate halal certification requirements.A visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta provided Lt. Gov. Kelly and participants another important opportunity to discuss halal certification standards, which ensures that food products raised and processed in Nebraska are acceptable for consumption by Muslims. More than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim, so the ability to provide certified halal food and other products is key to that global market.Another highlight was a visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, a state-run agricultural school. There, the focus turned to opportunities involving student exchange programs and collaborating on research in plant and animal sciences.At the SEAFAST Center, Dr. Chris Calkins, who is a world-renowned, emeritus meat science professor from the University of Nebraska, conducted a five-hour workshop for more than 70 culinary students. As part of the presentation, he shared the difference that makes Nebraska beef a desired menu item – a corn diet.“Planting the seeds of understanding and appreciation in future culinary leaders has high potential for long-term payback,” said Dr. Calkins.Dr. Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of meat biochemistry at the University of Nebraska, made similar observations. &nbsp;“Nebraska farmers and ranchers excel in the production of high-quality protein foods, which are in high demand in Indonesia,” said Dr. Morrill. “Marketing these products to Indonesia can provide significant benefits to our producers and will also help increase dietary protein accessibility in Indonesia.”“It was exciting to be a part of the educational efforts aimed at teaching Indonesian chefs and distributors the story behind what makes Nebraska beef so exceptional,” said Grant Potadle, founder of York Creek Red Angus in Herman, NE. “Creating that demand inside, out in the marketplace, accompanied by laying a foundation for future relationships will be highly impactful in the long-term.”Lt. Gov. Kelly showed off his culinary skills at a beef preparation demonstration at the Grand Indonesia Ranch Market, a grocery market chain. Near the end of their visit, delegation participants went to Cinema XXI, the largest movie chain in Indonesia which imports Preferred Popcorn from Chapman, NE.Lt. Gov. Kelly said all aspects of the trade mission were productive, with plenty of opportunities for Nebraska, considering Indonesia’s growing population of 270 million people.“Nebraska helps to feed the world and their customers are demanding higher quality meat products, which is where we fit right in,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly.The trade mission took place from July 15 – 24.

Lieutenant Governor Kelly & Nebraska Delegation Tout Opportunities from Trade Mission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska driver involved in fatal wrong-way Kansas crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘We are incentivizing the black market’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

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

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

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

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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