<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nes-top-labor-official-john-albin-to-retire-following-a-35-year-run-with-the-labor-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;John Albin remembers back in 1990, when Nebraskans still filled out paper unemployment claims, and his new colleagues at the State Department of Labor entered the data into a mainframe computer.

Today those services are all online. The department that Albin rose within has modernized in myriad other ways and, more recently, pushed through a pandemic that stressed labor departments nationwide.

Now, at age 70, the state’s top labor official, who served the agency in a variety of roles over 35 years, is retiring.

Gov. Jim Pillen made the announcement Wednesday.&nbsp;

“It’s been an absolute thrill to work for three governors,” Albin, a native of Humboldt, told the Nebraska Examiner. “That doesn’t happen very often in my profession.”

A graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Albin joined the department as an administrative law judge, rose to general counsel and was appointed acting labor commissioner in 2014 by Gov. Dave Heineman. Albin was named commissioner the following year by Gov. Pete Ricketts and in 2022 was reappointed by Pillen.

His last day on the job will be Dec. 20, after which Albin said he will spend more time traveling with his wife, Lupe, whom he married in the spring, and his grandkids (come February there will be two more, for a total of four).

“There’s a lot of places in the world I want to see and I want to get to a few of those while I’m still in good health,” Albin said.

He and his wife built a winter retreat in New Mexico, and they’d like to spend more time there.

Among his proudest accomplishments, Albin said, is directing a team that served the state well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

He said a lot of their counterparts in other states “melted down” during those tough times of unemployment, benefit demands and claims.&nbsp;

“My team didn’t,” he said, noting long days and determination to get benefits paid. “We were proud of how well we came through that.”

He pointed also to his role in growing JAG Nebraska, the state’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program, which has gone from three participating schools in 2019 to nearly 85 schools with more than 4,000 students.&nbsp;

The program provides professional and technical education to empower students to overcome challenges and achieve in school, work and life.

Pillen, in a statement, said Albin’s length of service to the Labor Department “speaks volumes” about his commitment to public service.

“Nebraska has been the benefit of his dedication, vision and leadership. I wish Commissioner Albin the best as he embraces his retirement and future activities.”

Pillen said he will announce later any decision about interim leadership or an appointment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt=" The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nes-top-labor-official-john-albin-to-retire-following-a-35-year-run-with-the-labor-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;John Albin remembers back in 1990, when Nebraskans still filled out paper unemployment claims, and his new colleagues at the State Department of Labor entered the data into a mainframe computer.Today those services are all online. The department that Albin rose within has modernized in myriad other ways and, more recently, pushed through a pandemic that stressed labor departments nationwide.Now, at age 70, the state’s top labor official, who served the agency in a variety of roles over 35 years, is retiring.Gov. Jim Pillen made the announcement Wednesday.&nbsp;“It’s been an absolute thrill to work for three governors,” Albin, a native of Humboldt, told the Nebraska Examiner. “That doesn’t happen very often in my profession.”A graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Albin joined the department as an administrative law judge, rose to general counsel and was appointed acting labor commissioner in 2014 by Gov. Dave Heineman. Albin was named commissioner the following year by Gov. Pete Ricketts and in 2022 was reappointed by Pillen.His last day on the job will be Dec. 20, after which Albin said he will spend more time traveling with his wife, Lupe, whom he married in the spring, and his grandkids (come February there will be two more, for a total of four).“There’s a lot of places in the world I want to see and I want to get to a few of those while I’m still in good health,” Albin said.He and his wife built a winter retreat in New Mexico, and they’d like to spend more time there.Among his proudest accomplishments, Albin said, is directing a team that served the state well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;He said a lot of their counterparts in other states “melted down” during those tough times of unemployment, benefit demands and claims.&nbsp;“My team didn’t,” he said, noting long days and determination to get benefits paid. “We were proud of how well we came through that.”He pointed also to his role in growing JAG Nebraska, the state’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program, which has gone from three participating schools in 2019 to nearly 85 schools with more than 4,000 students.&nbsp;The program provides professional and technical education to empower students to overcome challenges and achieve in school, work and life.Pillen, in a statement, said Albin’s length of service to the Labor Department “speaks volumes” about his commitment to public service.“Nebraska has been the benefit of his dedication, vision and leadership. I wish Commissioner Albin the best as he embraces his retirement and future activities.”Pillen said he will announce later any decision about interim leadership or an appointment.

NE’s top labor official, John Albin, to retire following a 35-year run with the Labor Department

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

WASHINGTON — A measure to ensure the federal student aid form opens up annually by Oct. 1 passed the U.S. House Friday with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr8932rh/pdf/BILLS-118hr8932rh.pdf" target="_blank">effort</a>&nbsp;— which passed 381-1 — came after the U.S. Department of Education faced major backlash over the botched rollout of the 2024-25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid</a>, or FAFSA. California Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren was the only lawmaker to vote against the bill.&nbsp;

Though the form got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, users faced multiple glitches and technical errors throughout the form’s soft launch in December and past its full debut in January, prompting processing delays and gaps in submissions.

The department has worked to correct these glitches and close that gap while also fixing major issues that prevented parents without Social Security numbers from completing the form.

Adding another complication, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-gradually-roll-out-new-fafsa-form-dec-1" target="_blank">department said in August</a>&nbsp;it would use a phased rollout of the 2025-26 form in an attempt to address any errors that might arise before it opens up to everyone — making the application fully available two months later than usual.

Though the department legally has until Jan. 1 to roll out the form, it typically launches Oct. 1.

U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, an Indiana Republican and member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, in July&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8932" target="_blank">introduced the bill</a>&nbsp;to standardize that deadline.

“I’m especially frustrated considering the Department of Education has had three years to simplify the FAFSA as Congress has dictated,” Houchin said during floor debate Friday.

She also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gaps-fafsa-rollout-are-closing-watchdog-tells-us-house-panel" target="_blank">referenced recent findings</a>&nbsp;from the Government Accountability Office, including that nearly three-quarters of all calls to the call center went unanswered in the first five months of the 2024-25 rollout.

“We want this program to work — we want to make sure that children and families that want to send their kids to college have the availability to do that and that the FAFSA is available and workable,” she added.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the House education panel, echoed his support during the floor debate, saying the measure will “help ensure that even more students have the information they need in a timelier manner to access Pell Grants and other vital student aid.”

Scott initially opposed the effort when the committee took it up in July out of concerns that the implementation deadline could force the department to roll out an incomplete form on Oct. 1 of this year.

“However, because we’re now considering the bill after Oct. 1, the deadline will apply next year, 2025, and that gives the department ample time to make improvements and fix any lingering issues,” the Virginia Democrat said.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4632" target="_blank">introduced a companion bill</a>&nbsp;in July.

The bill was referred to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where Cassidy serves as ranking member. After Republicans won a Senate majority in the Nov. 5 elections,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/cassidy-to-chair-help-committee-in-119th-congress" target="_blank">Cassidy is in line</a>&nbsp;to chair the panel next year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727807641728.png" alt=" A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — A measure to ensure the federal student aid form opens up annually by Oct. 1 passed the U.S. House Friday with overwhelming bipartisan support.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr8932rh/pdf/BILLS-118hr8932rh.pdf" target="_blank">effort</a>&nbsp;— which passed 381-1 — came after the U.S. Department of Education faced major backlash over the botched rollout of the 2024-25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dont-give-fafsa-advocates-student-financial-aid-urge" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid</a>, or FAFSA. California Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren was the only lawmaker to vote against the bill.&nbsp;Though the form got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, users faced multiple glitches and technical errors throughout the form’s soft launch in December and past its full debut in January, prompting processing delays and gaps in submissions.The department has worked to correct these glitches and close that gap while also fixing major issues that prevented parents without Social Security numbers from completing the form.Adding another complication, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-gradually-roll-out-new-fafsa-form-dec-1" target="_blank">department said in August</a>&nbsp;it would use a phased rollout of the 2025-26 form in an attempt to address any errors that might arise before it opens up to everyone — making the application fully available two months later than usual.<h2>Codified deadline</h2>Though the department legally has until Jan. 1 to roll out the form, it typically launches Oct. 1.U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, an Indiana Republican and member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, in July&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8932" target="_blank">introduced the bill</a>&nbsp;to standardize that deadline.“I’m especially frustrated considering the Department of Education has had three years to simplify the FAFSA as Congress has dictated,” Houchin said during floor debate Friday.She also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gaps-fafsa-rollout-are-closing-watchdog-tells-us-house-panel" target="_blank">referenced recent findings</a>&nbsp;from the Government Accountability Office, including that nearly three-quarters of all calls to the call center went unanswered in the first five months of the 2024-25 rollout.“We want this program to work — we want to make sure that children and families that want to send their kids to college have the availability to do that and that the FAFSA is available and workable,” she added.U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the House education panel, echoed his support during the floor debate, saying the measure will “help ensure that even more students have the information they need in a timelier manner to access Pell Grants and other vital student aid.”Scott initially opposed the effort when the committee took it up in July out of concerns that the implementation deadline could force the department to roll out an incomplete form on Oct. 1 of this year.“However, because we’re now considering the bill after Oct. 1, the deadline will apply next year, 2025, and that gives the department ample time to make improvements and fix any lingering issues,” the Virginia Democrat said.U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4632" target="_blank">introduced a companion bill</a>&nbsp;in July.The bill was referred to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where Cassidy serves as ranking member. After Republicans won a Senate majority in the Nov. 5 elections,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/cassidy-to-chair-help-committee-in-119th-congress" target="_blank">Cassidy is in line</a>&nbsp;to chair the panel next year.&nbsp;

U.S. House passes bill to move up annual FAFSA release deadline

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — Republicans in the Nov. 5 election took over the White House, the U.S. Senate and as of late Wednesday, the House, after calls were made in enough races to project a majority.

They are expressing high hopes for unified control of government. But before they’ll be able to celebrate enacting sweeping changes to the country’s tax code or overhauling the health insurance marketplace, they’ll need to broker agreement between centrist lawmakers and far-right members in Congress.

More often than not, those two factions of the GOP hold significantly different ideas about how to draft legislation and strong opinions about whether to amend it on the floor.

Keeping everyone on the same page will be crucial for Republican leaders once the new Congress begins Jan. 3, especially since they have just three votes to spare in the Senate and a razor-thin majority in the House.

States Newsroom looked at what’s ahead for Republicans as they begin sorting through where to make changes to U.S. law in seven key policy areas:

Nearly every Republican politician campaigned on addressing the country’s tax structure, making it one of the first issues the party is expected to take up when the next session of Congress begins.

The GOP will likely use the complicated budget reconciliation process to address the tax code, the same way lawmakers did in 2017 when they passed their signature tax law during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office.

That reconciliation process would allow Republicans to avoid the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster that would otherwise require them to get Democratic support. But the process has strict rules and requires a marathon amendment voting session in the Senate that’s often called a vote-a-rama.

Some provisions in Republicans’ original tax law have already expired or will do so in the coming months, giving the GOP incentives to jump through the many hoops that come with the reconciliation process.

Extending the expiring provisions will bring along a hefty price tag, however.

The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget wrote in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crfb.org/press-releases/tax-cuts-need-offsets-not-baseline-games" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released in late September that extending the individual and estate tax elements in the law would increase the deficit by $3.9 trillion through 2035. Republicans opting to extend or bring back tax code changes for business would likely increase the deficit to $4.8 trillion.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, expressed concerns at the time about lawmakers ignoring or diminishing the deficit impact.&nbsp;

“There will undoubtedly be efforts to pretend that extending the tax cuts is free – obviously this is not the case,” she said. “Extending policies that are scheduled to expire — and were scored as expiring — would clearly add to the national debt.”

MacGuineas added that lawmakers “should consider carefully which parts of the TCJA are working, which parts aren’t, and if they want to extend some parts, how to responsibly extend them without increasing the debt beyond current law.”

Republicans are expected to hold votes on legislation addressing border security and immigration after much of their campaign for Congress focused on those two areas.

Whether they’ll be able to do that through the reconciliation process with only GOP support or through the traditional legislative process, which requires bipartisanship in the Senate, will depend on how exactly they write the bill and what budget impacts the various provisions will have.

Immigration and border security legislation would fail to comply with a reconciliation rule in the Senate, also known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL30862" target="_blank">Byrd Rule</a>, if it produces a change in federal revenues or spending that is deemed “merely incidental” by the Senate parliamentarian.

While the requirement is vague, it could apply to several items that don’t have big price tags when considered as part of the multi-trillion-dollar federal budget.

For example, Democrats’ efforts to raise the federal minimum wage as part of the reconciliation process in 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://rollcall.com/2021/02/25/senate-parliamentarian-nixes-minimum-wage-boost-in-aid-package/" target="_blank">were deemed “merely incidental”</a>&nbsp;by the Senate parliamentarian and removed from the bill.

Trump has already laid out his wish list for an immigration-related bill he wants Congress to send to his desk.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1855365133121253420" target="_blank">reposted campaign videos</a>&nbsp;on social media in early September requesting Congress pass legislation to prevent future presidents from using executive authority to grant humanitarian parole — something the Biden administration has used to allow more than 1 million people to obtain work permits and live in the United States temporarily.&nbsp;

Trump has called the use of parole authority “abuse,” but it’s been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/use-parole-under-immigration-law" target="_blank">used by presidents since 1956</a>, during the Eisenhower administration.

Trump, who campaigned on mass deportations of immigrants without proper legal status, is also expected to ask Congress to foot the bill for his promise to deport more than 13 million people.

Getting any immigration-related policy to the president-elect’s desk will be daunting since it’s been almost four decades since Congress overhauled U.S. immigration law.

“The last big immigration bill was passed in 1986 when Ronald Reagan was president and both houses of Congress were held by Democrats,” according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/can-immigration-reform-happen-a-look-back/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Brookings Institution. “A smaller bill was passed in 1990 when George H.W. Bush was president and both houses of Congress were still controlled by Democrats.”

Earlier this year, a bipartisan border security and immigration bill was brokered by Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.

The trio of senators spent months negotiating the particulars of the deal only to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-kills-immigration-overhaul-hits-stalemate-israel-ukraine-aid" target="_blank">have it scuttled</a>&nbsp;after Trump told GOP members he didn’t want the legislation to pass.

That legislation could be used as a starting point if Republicans are unable to move an immigration bill through the reconciliation process and want to get a bill past the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.

Tariffs could become one point of contention between Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration.

The president-elect has vowed to stack tariffs of at least 10% on nearly all goods entering the country, raising alarm bells with economists and free-trade Republicans about the impact that would have on consumer prices.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-vows-levy-horrible-tariffs-imports-rejecting-fears-inflation-spike" target="_blank">said in mid-October at the Economic Club of Chicago</a>&nbsp;that he hoped to implement tariffs on foreign-made products as high as 100% or 200%.

“The higher the tariff, the more likely it is that the company will come into the United States, and build a factory in the United States so it doesn’t have to pay the tariff,” Trump said, rejecting the premise that high tariffs could harm Americans.

Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told States Newsroom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/foreign-policy-where-do-harris-and-trump-stand" target="_blank">in an October interview</a>&nbsp;that imposing tariffs could risk “starting a trade war with the entire world.”

Lovely’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2024/trumps-bigger-tariff-proposals-would-cost-typical-american-household-over" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;with economist Kimberly Clausing, also of PIIE, found that Trump’s threats to slap tariffs as high as 20% on all foreign products, combined with his threats of 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods, could cost the typical American household over $2,600 annually.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said repeatedly during the final weeks of the campaign that he wants to overhaul the 2010 health care law that most people refer to as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

He hasn’t shared details about what aspects of that law he wants to end or change, but said during a late October interview on Fox Business that he wants to address health outcomes.

“I said the ACA, unfortunately, is deeply ingrained in our health care system now,” Johnson said. “Do we need further improvements? Absolutely. We need to expand quality of care, access to care and obviously lower the cost of health care.”

Republicans used the budget reconciliation process to try to repeal and replace the ACA in 2017, but were unsuccessful,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-0bd309f182de44d9bc320f334be94875" target="_blank">largely due to the late Arizona Sen. John McCain</a>&nbsp;rejecting the bill.

Even with the budget reconciliation process to get Republicans around the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster, it will be extremely difficult for leaders to get the party unified on any health care bill of that magnitude.

Republicans using the budget reconciliation process for tax policy and health care would take up two of the three opportunities they’ll have to adopt budget resolutions with reconciliation instructions during the 119th Congress.

GOP leaders could try for a round three, though once all is said and done with the first two reconciliation bills, Republicans might need to shift their attention toward the 2026 midterm campaigns.

Republican lawmakers have argued legislation is needed to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections, even though it is already illegal and rarely happens. The party is expected to try again next Congress, once it holds a majority in both chambers of Congress.&nbsp;

The GOP House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-bill-requiring-proof-citizenship-vote-federal-races" target="_blank">passed a bill this summer</a>&nbsp;that would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the Democratic-controlled Senate never acted on it.

Trump wrote on social media that he would demand that voter ID laws and proof of citizenship be required for voting, something that Congress would have to pass, although it’s unclear if such legislation could overcome the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.

The issue is important to Trump, as Johnson traveled to the president-elect’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-supports-us-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-joint-appearance" target="_blank">to unveil the House’s intention</a>&nbsp;to pursue the issue.

Republicans campaigned this year on cutting government spending, but have rarely done so when they held the majority in both chambers of Congress.

The challenge lies in how government spending is approved and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59727" target="_blank">how much the various departments and agencies</a>&nbsp;require to function.

During fiscal 2023, the federal government spent $6.1 trillion, with $3.4 trillion going to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59728" target="_blank">mandatory programs</a>, like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Those programs run on autopilot, so lawmakers don’t need to negotiate the particulars every year the way they do other programs.

An additional $1.7 trillion was spent on so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59729" target="_blank">discretionary programs</a>, which are funded through Congress’ annual appropriations process. That funding went to programs categorized as either nondefense, which received $917 billion, or defense, which got $805 billion.

The nondefense funding goes to several departments, including Agriculture, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, State and Transportation. Smaller agencies, like NASA and the National Science Foundation, are also funded through nondefense accounts.

Republicans have proposed cuts in the past, but members of the party who understand the federal ledger often explain that if members really want to address the government spending more than it takes in, they’ll have to address Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Republicans could make tweaks when they write their reconciliation bills, though they’ll need those to comply with the Byrd Rule and not have a “merely incidental” impact on the federal ledger.&nbsp;

Having secured unified GOP control of government,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-won-presidency-what-does-mean-education" target="_blank">Trump’s sweeping vision</a>&nbsp;to “save American education” could set the stage for significant changes in U.S. education policy.

The president-elect has vowed to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and said he wants to move education “back to the states.” States and local governments bear much of the responsibility for funding K-12 schools, but the Department of Education handles Pell Grants for college students who demonstrate financial need and enforces civil rights cases, among other things.

Congress going along with plans to eliminate the department could have profound impacts on the billions of dollars in funding the agency provides for low-income K-12 schools, special education and federal student aid.

Trump also vowed to roll back updated Title IX regulations on his first day back in office.

President Joe Biden unveiled the final rule for Title IX in April, which strengthens federal protections for LGBTQ+ students and&nbsp;“protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-releases-final-title-ix-regulations-providing" target="_blank">Education Department</a>.

GOP members on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce have criticized the new Title IX rules and are likely to fall in step with Trump’s wishes to roll back the regulations.

Trump has also criticized the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness efforts, dubbing them “not even legal.” He could discontinue the Biden administration’s new student loan repayment plan known as Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE. The plan is currently on pause due to legal challenges from Republican-led states.

Last year, Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/attempt-kill-biden-student-debt-relief-plan-tied-income-fails-us-senate" target="_blank">tried to strike down the rule.</a>

Like Trump, Republicans have focused on “parental rights” in education. House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-bill-establishing-federal-parental-bill-rights-passed-us-house" target="_blank">passed their own bill</a>&nbsp;on the issue last year.

Republicans are likely to continue scrutinizing higher education institutions from diversity initiatives to college students protesting the war in Gaza.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-anti-woke-bill-aimed-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-higher-ed%C2%A0" target="_blank">GOP measure</a>&nbsp;that would bar accrediting organizations from requiring colleges and universities to adopt diversity, equity and inclusion policies as a condition of accreditation passed the House in September.

Shauneen Miranda and Ashley Murray contributed to this report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731670443807.png" alt="-South Dakota Sen. John Thune speaks to reporters after being elected Republican leader during a closed-door, secret ballot election held Nov. 13, 2024, inside the old Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;At right is Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a West Virginia Republican elected as the Republican Policy Committee chair. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>-South Dakota Sen. John Thune speaks to reporters after being elected Republican leader during a closed-door, secret ballot election held Nov. 13, 2024, inside the old Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;At right is Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a West Virginia Republican elected as the Republican Policy Committee chair. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's Newsroom WASHINGTON — Republicans in the Nov. 5 election took over the White House, the U.S. Senate and as of late Wednesday, the House, after calls were made in enough races to project a majority.They are expressing high hopes for unified control of government. But before they’ll be able to celebrate enacting sweeping changes to the country’s tax code or overhauling the health insurance marketplace, they’ll need to broker agreement between centrist lawmakers and far-right members in Congress.More often than not, those two factions of the GOP hold significantly different ideas about how to draft legislation and strong opinions about whether to amend it on the floor.Keeping everyone on the same page will be crucial for Republican leaders once the new Congress begins Jan. 3, especially since they have just three votes to spare in the Senate and a razor-thin majority in the House.States Newsroom looked at what’s ahead for Republicans as they begin sorting through where to make changes to U.S. law in seven key policy areas:<h2>TAXES</h2>Nearly every Republican politician campaigned on addressing the country’s tax structure, making it one of the first issues the party is expected to take up when the next session of Congress begins.The GOP will likely use the complicated budget reconciliation process to address the tax code, the same way lawmakers did in 2017 when they passed their signature tax law during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office.That reconciliation process would allow Republicans to avoid the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster that would otherwise require them to get Democratic support. But the process has strict rules and requires a marathon amendment voting session in the Senate that’s often called a vote-a-rama.Some provisions in Republicans’ original tax law have already expired or will do so in the coming months, giving the GOP incentives to jump through the many hoops that come with the reconciliation process.Extending the expiring provisions will bring along a hefty price tag, however.The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget wrote in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crfb.org/press-releases/tax-cuts-need-offsets-not-baseline-games" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released in late September that extending the individual and estate tax elements in the law would increase the deficit by $3.9 trillion through 2035. Republicans opting to extend or bring back tax code changes for business would likely increase the deficit to $4.8 trillion.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, expressed concerns at the time about lawmakers ignoring or diminishing the deficit impact.&nbsp;“There will undoubtedly be efforts to pretend that extending the tax cuts is free – obviously this is not the case,” she said. “Extending policies that are scheduled to expire — and were scored as expiring — would clearly add to the national debt.”MacGuineas added that lawmakers “should consider carefully which parts of the TCJA are working, which parts aren’t, and if they want to extend some parts, how to responsibly extend them without increasing the debt beyond current law.”<h2>IMMIGRATION</h2>Republicans are expected to hold votes on legislation addressing border security and immigration after much of their campaign for Congress focused on those two areas.Whether they’ll be able to do that through the reconciliation process with only GOP support or through the traditional legislative process, which requires bipartisanship in the Senate, will depend on how exactly they write the bill and what budget impacts the various provisions will have.Immigration and border security legislation would fail to comply with a reconciliation rule in the Senate, also known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL30862" target="_blank">Byrd Rule</a>, if it produces a change in federal revenues or spending that is deemed “merely incidental” by the Senate parliamentarian.While the requirement is vague, it could apply to several items that don’t have big price tags when considered as part of the multi-trillion-dollar federal budget.For example, Democrats’ efforts to raise the federal minimum wage as part of the reconciliation process in 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://rollcall.com/2021/02/25/senate-parliamentarian-nixes-minimum-wage-boost-in-aid-package/" target="_blank">were deemed “merely incidental”</a>&nbsp;by the Senate parliamentarian and removed from the bill.Trump has already laid out his wish list for an immigration-related bill he wants Congress to send to his desk.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1855365133121253420" target="_blank">reposted campaign videos</a>&nbsp;on social media in early September requesting Congress pass legislation to prevent future presidents from using executive authority to grant humanitarian parole — something the Biden administration has used to allow more than 1 million people to obtain work permits and live in the United States temporarily.&nbsp;Trump has called the use of parole authority “abuse,” but it’s been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/use-parole-under-immigration-law" target="_blank">used by presidents since 1956</a>, during the Eisenhower administration.Trump, who campaigned on mass deportations of immigrants without proper legal status, is also expected to ask Congress to foot the bill for his promise to deport more than 13 million people.Getting any immigration-related policy to the president-elect’s desk will be daunting since it’s been almost four decades since Congress overhauled U.S. immigration law.“The last big immigration bill was passed in 1986 when Ronald Reagan was president and both houses of Congress were held by Democrats,” according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/can-immigration-reform-happen-a-look-back/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Brookings Institution. “A smaller bill was passed in 1990 when George H.W. Bush was president and both houses of Congress were still controlled by Democrats.”Earlier this year, a bipartisan border security and immigration bill was brokered by Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.The trio of senators spent months negotiating the particulars of the deal only to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-kills-immigration-overhaul-hits-stalemate-israel-ukraine-aid" target="_blank">have it scuttled</a>&nbsp;after Trump told GOP members he didn’t want the legislation to pass.That legislation could be used as a starting point if Republicans are unable to move an immigration bill through the reconciliation process and want to get a bill past the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.<h2>TARIFFS</h2>Tariffs could become one point of contention between Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration.The president-elect has vowed to stack tariffs of at least 10% on nearly all goods entering the country, raising alarm bells with economists and free-trade Republicans about the impact that would have on consumer prices.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-vows-levy-horrible-tariffs-imports-rejecting-fears-inflation-spike" target="_blank">said in mid-October at the Economic Club of Chicago</a>&nbsp;that he hoped to implement tariffs on foreign-made products as high as 100% or 200%.“The higher the tariff, the more likely it is that the company will come into the United States, and build a factory in the United States so it doesn’t have to pay the tariff,” Trump said, rejecting the premise that high tariffs could harm Americans.Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told States Newsroom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/foreign-policy-where-do-harris-and-trump-stand" target="_blank">in an October interview</a>&nbsp;that imposing tariffs could risk “starting a trade war with the entire world.”Lovely’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2024/trumps-bigger-tariff-proposals-would-cost-typical-american-household-over" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;with economist Kimberly Clausing, also of PIIE, found that Trump’s threats to slap tariffs as high as 20% on all foreign products, combined with his threats of 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods, could cost the typical American household over $2,600 annually.<h2>HEALTH CARE</h2>House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said repeatedly during the final weeks of the campaign that he wants to overhaul the 2010 health care law that most people refer to as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.He hasn’t shared details about what aspects of that law he wants to end or change, but said during a late October interview on Fox Business that he wants to address health outcomes.“I said the ACA, unfortunately, is deeply ingrained in our health care system now,” Johnson said. “Do we need further improvements? Absolutely. We need to expand quality of care, access to care and obviously lower the cost of health care.”Republicans used the budget reconciliation process to try to repeal and replace the ACA in 2017, but were unsuccessful,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-0bd309f182de44d9bc320f334be94875" target="_blank">largely due to the late Arizona Sen. John McCain</a>&nbsp;rejecting the bill.Even with the budget reconciliation process to get Republicans around the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster, it will be extremely difficult for leaders to get the party unified on any health care bill of that magnitude.Republicans using the budget reconciliation process for tax policy and health care would take up two of the three opportunities they’ll have to adopt budget resolutions with reconciliation instructions during the 119th Congress.GOP leaders could try for a round three, though once all is said and done with the first two reconciliation bills, Republicans might need to shift their attention toward the 2026 midterm campaigns.<h2>VOTING</h2>Republican lawmakers have argued legislation is needed to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections, even though it is already illegal and rarely happens. The party is expected to try again next Congress, once it holds a majority in both chambers of Congress.&nbsp;The GOP House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-bill-requiring-proof-citizenship-vote-federal-races" target="_blank">passed a bill this summer</a>&nbsp;that would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the Democratic-controlled Senate never acted on it.Trump wrote on social media that he would demand that voter ID laws and proof of citizenship be required for voting, something that Congress would have to pass, although it’s unclear if such legislation could overcome the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.The issue is important to Trump, as Johnson traveled to the president-elect’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-supports-us-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-joint-appearance" target="_blank">to unveil the House’s intention</a>&nbsp;to pursue the issue.<h2>SPENDING</h2>Republicans campaigned this year on cutting government spending, but have rarely done so when they held the majority in both chambers of Congress.The challenge lies in how government spending is approved and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59727" target="_blank">how much the various departments and agencies</a>&nbsp;require to function.During fiscal 2023, the federal government spent $6.1 trillion, with $3.4 trillion going to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59728" target="_blank">mandatory programs</a>, like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Those programs run on autopilot, so lawmakers don’t need to negotiate the particulars every year the way they do other programs.An additional $1.7 trillion was spent on so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59729" target="_blank">discretionary programs</a>, which are funded through Congress’ annual appropriations process. That funding went to programs categorized as either nondefense, which received $917 billion, or defense, which got $805 billion.The nondefense funding goes to several departments, including Agriculture, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, State and Transportation. Smaller agencies, like NASA and the National Science Foundation, are also funded through nondefense accounts.Republicans have proposed cuts in the past, but members of the party who understand the federal ledger often explain that if members really want to address the government spending more than it takes in, they’ll have to address Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.The math, otherwise, won’t work.Republicans could make tweaks when they write their reconciliation bills, though they’ll need those to comply with the Byrd Rule and not have a “merely incidental” impact on the federal ledger.&nbsp;<h2>EDUCATION</h2>Having secured unified GOP control of government,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-won-presidency-what-does-mean-education" target="_blank">Trump’s sweeping vision</a>&nbsp;to “save American education” could set the stage for significant changes in U.S. education policy.The president-elect has vowed to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and said he wants to move education “back to the states.” States and local governments bear much of the responsibility for funding K-12 schools, but the Department of Education handles Pell Grants for college students who demonstrate financial need and enforces civil rights cases, among other things.Congress going along with plans to eliminate the department could have profound impacts on the billions of dollars in funding the agency provides for low-income K-12 schools, special education and federal student aid.Trump also vowed to roll back updated Title IX regulations on his first day back in office.President Joe Biden unveiled the final rule for Title IX in April, which strengthens federal protections for LGBTQ+ students and&nbsp;“protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-releases-final-title-ix-regulations-providing" target="_blank">Education Department</a>.GOP members on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce have criticized the new Title IX rules and are likely to fall in step with Trump’s wishes to roll back the regulations.Trump has also criticized the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness efforts, dubbing them “not even legal.” He could discontinue the Biden administration’s new student loan repayment plan known as Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE. The plan is currently on pause due to legal challenges from Republican-led states.Last year, Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/attempt-kill-biden-student-debt-relief-plan-tied-income-fails-us-senate" target="_blank">tried to strike down the rule.</a>Like Trump, Republicans have focused on “parental rights” in education. House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-bill-establishing-federal-parental-bill-rights-passed-us-house" target="_blank">passed their own bill</a>&nbsp;on the issue last year.Republicans are likely to continue scrutinizing higher education institutions from diversity initiatives to college students protesting the war in Gaza.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-anti-woke-bill-aimed-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-higher-ed%C2%A0" target="_blank">GOP measure</a>&nbsp;that would bar accrediting organizations from requiring colleges and universities to adopt diversity, equity and inclusion policies as a condition of accreditation passed the House in September.Shauneen Miranda and Ashley Murray contributed to this report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How will Republicans handle 7 key issues with their trifecta control of Washington?

(Omaha, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person following a pursuit in Sarpy County.

On Thursday, at approximately 4:35 p.m., NSP received a citizen report of a vehicle driving with a flat tire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Gretna. A short time later, a trooper located the Mazda 3 traveling near mile marker 432. The trooper initiated a traffic stop. As the trooper attempted to contact the driver, the driver turned the vehicle around and began fleeing westbound on the eastbound shoulder of I-80. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle traveled a short distance on the shoulder, struck a streetlight, and eventually drove into the south ditch. Troopers were able to then take the driver into custody without further incident. The entire pursuit lasted less than one minute.

The driver, Steven Salinas, 32, of Elmwood, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence .15+, and several traffic violations. He was transported to CHI Health Midlands for medical clearance and then lodged in Sarpy County Corrections.

Nebraska State Patrol(Omaha, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person following a pursuit in Sarpy County.On Thursday, at approximately 4:35 p.m., NSP received a citizen report of a vehicle driving with a flat tire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Gretna. A short time later, a trooper located the Mazda 3 traveling near mile marker 432. The trooper initiated a traffic stop. As the trooper attempted to contact the driver, the driver turned the vehicle around and began fleeing westbound on the eastbound shoulder of I-80. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle traveled a short distance on the shoulder, struck a streetlight, and eventually drove into the south ditch. Troopers were able to then take the driver into custody without further incident. The entire pursuit lasted less than one minute.The driver, Steven Salinas, 32, of Elmwood, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence .15+, and several traffic violations. He was transported to CHI Health Midlands for medical clearance and then lodged in Sarpy County Corrections.

Troopers Arrest One After Wrong-Way Pursuit Outside of Omaha

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-ne-delegation-to-wrap-up-trade-trip-with-visits-to-german-businesses-that-have-husker-ties/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen and a state delegation are to finish a weeklong trade and diplomatic mission to Central Europe Thursday, in part with visits to businesses in Germany that have ties to Nebraska.

While in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, the Husker group is to meet with officials of Bayer, a global enterprise that operates crop science facilities across the Midwest, including a major research station in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.

The group also scheduled a stop at Evonik, a global company that develops specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. It has produced lysine, an animal feed additive, in Blair, Nebraska, since 2000.&nbsp;

“We’re showing our appreciation and discussing how each company can have a greater impact in our state,” Pillen said in a media release. “Two things are very clear from our time here. First, everyone we’ve met in Germany absolutely loves the people in Nebraska. Second, they can’t talk enough about how much they love our melt-in-your-mouth Nebraska beef!”

The group’s time in Germany is the second phase of the mission and follows three days in the Czech Republic.

Pillen met Monday with Stephan Weil, minister president of Niedersachsen Government, to explore opportunities to grow trade. Niedersachsen, also known as Lower Saxony, is a federal state in northwestern Germany.&nbsp;

While in Lower Saxony, the state delegation visited the headquarters of Continental (ContiTech), which has a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln. It makes belts for lawn mowers, snowblowers and combine headers, as well as other products. The business also has extensive operations in Norfolk, where it manufactures industrial and hydraulic hosing.

Delegates met Wednesday with leaders of CLAAS to discuss how the state can best support the German manufacturer’s continued growth in Nebraska. Since 2001, CLAAS has produced its LEXION combine harvesters in Omaha.&nbsp;

Matt Ristow, president of CLAAS Omaha Inc., participated in the meetings, as did Theo Freye, retired CEO of CLAAS KgaA, who now leads the Nebraska Department of Economic Development trade office in Germany.

“This trade mission is a beneficial exchange,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We’ve been able to share some things from Nebraska, while also learning from our German counterparts. For example, German manufacturers excel at connecting young people to great careers through apprenticeships. We’re going to bring this lesson home to make Nebraska’s economy stronger.”

The delegation also connected with Albers Beef, a leading German company specializing in the distribution of food products, including Nebraska beef.

“There is a bus load of people eager to come to Nebraska to see firsthand how we do things,” said Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “They’re deeply impressed by how we care for our cattle herds.”

Germany is tied with Japan as the top source of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Nebraska.pdf" target="_blank">foreign direct investment&nbsp;</a>into Nebraska, accounting for 27% of FDI into the state, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702300717.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen on Moday delivers keynote at International Cattle &amp; Pig Event at EuroTier, an international trade fair for animal agriculture. (Courtesy of Governor’s Office)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen on Moday delivers keynote at International Cattle &amp; Pig Event at EuroTier, an international trade fair for animal agriculture. (Courtesy of Governor’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-ne-delegation-to-wrap-up-trade-trip-with-visits-to-german-businesses-that-have-husker-ties/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen and a state delegation are to finish a weeklong trade and diplomatic mission to Central Europe Thursday, in part with visits to businesses in Germany that have ties to Nebraska.While in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, the Husker group is to meet with officials of Bayer, a global enterprise that operates crop science facilities across the Midwest, including a major research station in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.The group also scheduled a stop at Evonik, a global company that develops specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. It has produced lysine, an animal feed additive, in Blair, Nebraska, since 2000.&nbsp;“We’re showing our appreciation and discussing how each company can have a greater impact in our state,” Pillen said in a media release. “Two things are very clear from our time here. First, everyone we’ve met in Germany absolutely loves the people in Nebraska. Second, they can’t talk enough about how much they love our melt-in-your-mouth Nebraska beef!”The group’s time in Germany is the second phase of the mission and follows three days in the Czech Republic.Pillen met Monday with Stephan Weil, minister president of Niedersachsen Government, to explore opportunities to grow trade. Niedersachsen, also known as Lower Saxony, is a federal state in northwestern Germany.&nbsp;While in Lower Saxony, the state delegation visited the headquarters of Continental (ContiTech), which has a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln. It makes belts for lawn mowers, snowblowers and combine headers, as well as other products. The business also has extensive operations in Norfolk, where it manufactures industrial and hydraulic hosing.Delegates met Wednesday with leaders of CLAAS to discuss how the state can best support the German manufacturer’s continued growth in Nebraska. Since 2001, CLAAS has produced its LEXION combine harvesters in Omaha.&nbsp;Matt Ristow, president of CLAAS Omaha Inc., participated in the meetings, as did Theo Freye, retired CEO of CLAAS KgaA, who now leads the Nebraska Department of Economic Development trade office in Germany.“This trade mission is a beneficial exchange,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We’ve been able to share some things from Nebraska, while also learning from our German counterparts. For example, German manufacturers excel at connecting young people to great careers through apprenticeships. We’re going to bring this lesson home to make Nebraska’s economy stronger.”The delegation also connected with Albers Beef, a leading German company specializing in the distribution of food products, including Nebraska beef.“There is a bus load of people eager to come to Nebraska to see firsthand how we do things,” said Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “They’re deeply impressed by how we care for our cattle herds.”Germany is tied with Japan as the top source of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Nebraska.pdf" target="_blank">foreign direct investment&nbsp;</a>into Nebraska, accounting for 27% of FDI into the state, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Pillen, NE delegation to wrap up trade trip with visits to German businesses that have Husker ties

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Jeff Bucher to the Nebraska Board of Parole. He replaces member Robert Twiss, whose term expired in September. &nbsp;

Captain Bucher has been with the Lincoln Police Department since 1990. Recently, he has supervised operations for the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the Lincoln Gang Unit. Previous responsibilities include team captain of the Northeast Team as well as managing criminal investigations and serving as duty commander. In 2015, Bucher was recognized as the LPD Officer of the Year.

Bucher has a degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).

The Board of Parole is comprised of five full-time members, each appointed by the Governor. One of the members is designated as the chairperson. Terms of office are six years. Law requires that at least one member be a minority, one must be a female and one must have a professional background in corrections. Appointments to the board are subject to confirmation by the Legislature.

In addition to Bucher, current board members are Rosalyn Cotton (Chair), Layne Gissler (Vice Chair), Mark Langan, and Habib Olomi.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Jeff Bucher to the Nebraska Board of Parole. He replaces member Robert Twiss, whose term expired in September. &nbsp;Captain Bucher has been with the Lincoln Police Department since 1990. Recently, he has supervised operations for the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the Lincoln Gang Unit. Previous responsibilities include team captain of the Northeast Team as well as managing criminal investigations and serving as duty commander. In 2015, Bucher was recognized as the LPD Officer of the Year.Bucher has a degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).The Board of Parole is comprised of five full-time members, each appointed by the Governor. One of the members is designated as the chairperson. Terms of office are six years. Law requires that at least one member be a minority, one must be a female and one must have a professional background in corrections. Appointments to the board are subject to confirmation by the Legislature.In addition to Bucher, current board members are Rosalyn Cotton (Chair), Layne Gissler (Vice Chair), Mark Langan, and Habib Olomi.

Gov. Pillen Announces Appointment to Board of Parole

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-psychiatric-hospital-college-of-saint-mary-partner-to-train-mental-health-professionals/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A new partnership between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Lincoln Regional Center and the College of Saint Mary in Omaha seeks to train future mental health nursing professionals.

DHHS announced the new partnership Tuesday as a way to benefit college students with training and professional experience in a direct mental health setting. It will also provide the regional center with additional staff, where&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/14/justice-department-nebraska-unnecessarily-institutionalizes-people-with-mental-illness/">concerns</a>&nbsp;have been raised in the past year about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/15/blood-asks-pillen-to-respond-to-worsening-violence-worker-safety-at-state-psychiatric-hospital/">staffing</a>&nbsp;levels, including from mental health technicians who&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/21/mental-health-techs-protest-working-conditions-safety-at-nebraska-psychiatric-hospital/">protested over working conditions and safety</a>.

Twenty-two students are enrolled for training at the center through the program, which began in late September.

Mitchell Bruening, hospital administrator of the regional center, said in a statement that his center is “thrilled” to have the college students involved. They will help adult patients with severe and persistent mental health challenges and their discharge plans.

“They are a tremendous asset to our team,” Bruening said of the students. “In the short time they have been at LRC, I have seen the students learn, treat all with dignity and serve Nebraskans with compassion.”

The Lincoln Regional Center is an accredited psychiatric hospital under The Joint Commission and operated by DHHS.

Allison Bartlett, talent acquisition director for DHHS, said that the nursing labor market is competitive and that DHHS is excited to work with the students and build the partnership.

Christi Glesmann, assistant dean for health sciences at the College of Saint Mary, said the partnership “reflects our shared commitment to providing care that honors the dignity and needs of every individual.”

“This collaboration offers tremendous opportunities for our nursing students to gain invaluable clinical experience while learning the importance of compassionate care,” Glesmann said in a statement. “Together, we are building a stronger nursing workforce that will positively impact the health and well-being of all Nebraskans and our Nebraska communities.”

More information on the College of Saint Mary’s nursing program is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csm.edu/nursing" target="_blank">http://www.csm.edu/nursing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731701958615.jpeg" alt=" The Lincoln Regional Center was first established in 1869, just outside the capital city. It treats adults with mental illnesses, and those committed for being not responsible for committing a crime due to a mental illness, at several buildings on a campus just southwest of the city. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Lincoln Regional Center was first established in 1869, just outside the capital city. It treats adults with mental illnesses, and those committed for being not responsible for committing a crime due to a mental illness, at several buildings on a campus just southwest of the city. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-psychiatric-hospital-college-of-saint-mary-partner-to-train-mental-health-professionals/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A new partnership between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Lincoln Regional Center and the College of Saint Mary in Omaha seeks to train future mental health nursing professionals.DHHS announced the new partnership Tuesday as a way to benefit college students with training and professional experience in a direct mental health setting. It will also provide the regional center with additional staff, where&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/14/justice-department-nebraska-unnecessarily-institutionalizes-people-with-mental-illness/">concerns</a>&nbsp;have been raised in the past year about&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/15/blood-asks-pillen-to-respond-to-worsening-violence-worker-safety-at-state-psychiatric-hospital/">staffing</a>&nbsp;levels, including from mental health technicians who&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/21/mental-health-techs-protest-working-conditions-safety-at-nebraska-psychiatric-hospital/">protested over working conditions and safety</a>.Twenty-two students are enrolled for training at the center through the program, which began in late September.Mitchell Bruening, hospital administrator of the regional center, said in a statement that his center is “thrilled” to have the college students involved. They will help adult patients with severe and persistent mental health challenges and their discharge plans.“They are a tremendous asset to our team,” Bruening said of the students. “In the short time they have been at LRC, I have seen the students learn, treat all with dignity and serve Nebraskans with compassion.”The Lincoln Regional Center is an accredited psychiatric hospital under The Joint Commission and operated by DHHS.Allison Bartlett, talent acquisition director for DHHS, said that the nursing labor market is competitive and that DHHS is excited to work with the students and build the partnership.Christi Glesmann, assistant dean for health sciences at the College of Saint Mary, said the partnership “reflects our shared commitment to providing care that honors the dignity and needs of every individual.”“This collaboration offers tremendous opportunities for our nursing students to gain invaluable clinical experience while learning the importance of compassionate care,” Glesmann said in a statement. “Together, we are building a stronger nursing workforce that will positively impact the health and well-being of all Nebraskans and our Nebraska communities.”More information on the College of Saint Mary’s nursing program is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csm.edu/nursing" target="_blank">http://www.csm.edu/nursing</a>.

Nebraska psychiatric hospital, College of Saint Mary partner to train mental health professionals

LINCOLN, NE –Governor Jim Pillen&nbsp;led Nebraska’s trade delegation to Germany on Sunday, kicking off the second phase of the state trade mission to Europe. The mission to Germany follows three event-packed days in the Czech Republic, which concluded with a reception for University of Nebraska alumni on Saturday evening in Prague.

On Monday morning, Gov. Pillen held a high-level meeting with Stephan Weil, Minister President of Niedersachsen Government, to explore opportunities to grow trade. Niedersachsen, also known as Lower Saxony, is a federal state in northwestern Germany. The region is known for its ag tech innovation and is home to prominent research institutions and companies that are developing advanced agricultural practices.

While in Lower Saxony, the state delegation visited the headquarters of Continental (ContiTech) to thank the company for its investment in Nebraska. ContiTech has a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln, where it makes belts for lawnmowers, snowblowers, and combine headers—along with many other products. The business also has extensive operations in Norfolk, where it manufactures industrial and hydraulic hosing.

“In the last few days, we've met with German companies doing business in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’re showing our appreciation and discussing how each company can have a greater impact in our state. Two things are very clear from our time here. First, everyone we’ve met in Germany absolutely loves the people in Nebraska. Second, they can’t talk enough about how much they love our melt-in-your-mouth Nebraska beef!”

On Monday evening, Gov. Pillen gave the keynote at EuroTier’s International Cattle and Pig Event—highlighting Nebraska’s global leadership in sustainable livestock production. EuroTier is the largest international trade fair for animal agriculture. Annually, it draws upward of 150,000 visitors. Members of the Nebraska delegation manned a large pavilion during the event, holding a special reception on Tuesday evening to showcase the state’s world-class agricultural equipment, technologies, and products.

“We learned about the precision agricultural equipment in Germany, while sharing about the standards we have in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton. “We look forward to working together in partnership to produce the high-quality, safe food that consumers around the world demand. As we do, we’re going to take care of our natural resources for this generation and generations to come.”

Gov. Pillen and members of Nebraska’s trade team met leadership of CLAAS Group on Wednesday to discuss how the state can best support the German manufacturer’s continued growth in Nebraska. Since 2001, CLAAS has produced its LEXION combine harvesters in Omaha. Matt Ristow, President of CLAAS Omaha Inc., participated in the meetings, as did Dr. Theo Freye — retired CEO of CLAAS KgaA, who now leads the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) trade office in Germany.

“This trade mission is a beneficial exchange,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We've been able to share some things from Nebraska, while also learning from our German counterparts. For example, German manufacturers excel at connecting young people to great careers through apprenticeships. We’re going to bring this lesson home to make Nebraska’s economy stronger.”

On Wednesday evening, the state’s trade delegation connected with Albers Beef, a leading German company specializing in the distribution of food products, including Nebraska beef. During the gathering, Nebraska’s leaders reinforced the sustainable production, premium quality, and nutritiousness of the state’s beef products.

“The German people are friendly, cordial, and they want to learn more about Nebraska,” said Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “There is a bus load of people eager to come to Nebraska to see firsthand how we do things. They’re deeply impressed by how we care for our cattle herds.”

The trade mission will wrap up on Thursday, Nov. 14, with meetings at Bayer and Evonik—along with a conference with the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. Bayer operates crop science facilities across the Midwest, including a major research station in Beaver Crossing. Evonik is a global company that develops specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. It has produced lysine, an animal feed additive, in Blair since 2000. North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany’s most populous state and accounts for more than one-fifth of the country’s GPD.

While strengthening relationships with companies who already invest in Nebraska, the state’s trade delegation is also prioritizing recruitment meetings with German manufacturers considering expansion in the U.S. Nebraska’s trade representatives are highlighting the state’s world-class workforce; business-friendly climate, and advantageous, central location. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Germany is tied with Japan as the top source of&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trade.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-05%2FNebraska.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C0c460b192e814356d6db08dd0432c6b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638671338526323906%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TFpp9rXhVLUSjkVunv2DzYjOsMY9p3pAYt3U0RXYwf8%3D&amp;reserved=0">foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nebraska</a>, accounting for 27% of FDI into the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731681236407.jpeg" alt="Exchange of gifts with Stephan Weil, Minister President of Niedersachsen Government (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>Exchange of gifts with Stephan Weil, Minister President of Niedersachsen Government (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –Governor Jim Pillen&nbsp;led Nebraska’s trade delegation to Germany on Sunday, kicking off the second phase of the state trade mission to Europe. The mission to Germany follows three event-packed days in the Czech Republic, which concluded with a reception for University of Nebraska alumni on Saturday evening in Prague.On Monday morning, Gov. Pillen held a high-level meeting with Stephan Weil, Minister President of Niedersachsen Government, to explore opportunities to grow trade. Niedersachsen, also known as Lower Saxony, is a federal state in northwestern Germany. The region is known for its ag tech innovation and is home to prominent research institutions and companies that are developing advanced agricultural practices.While in Lower Saxony, the state delegation visited the headquarters of Continental (ContiTech) to thank the company for its investment in Nebraska. ContiTech has a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln, where it makes belts for lawnmowers, snowblowers, and combine headers—along with many other products. The business also has extensive operations in Norfolk, where it manufactures industrial and hydraulic hosing.“In the last few days, we've met with German companies doing business in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’re showing our appreciation and discussing how each company can have a greater impact in our state. Two things are very clear from our time here. First, everyone we’ve met in Germany absolutely loves the people in Nebraska. Second, they can’t talk enough about how much they love our melt-in-your-mouth Nebraska beef!”On Monday evening, Gov. Pillen gave the keynote at EuroTier’s International Cattle and Pig Event—highlighting Nebraska’s global leadership in sustainable livestock production. EuroTier is the largest international trade fair for animal agriculture. Annually, it draws upward of 150,000 visitors. Members of the Nebraska delegation manned a large pavilion during the event, holding a special reception on Tuesday evening to showcase the state’s world-class agricultural equipment, technologies, and products.“We learned about the precision agricultural equipment in Germany, while sharing about the standards we have in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton. “We look forward to working together in partnership to produce the high-quality, safe food that consumers around the world demand. As we do, we’re going to take care of our natural resources for this generation and generations to come.”Gov. Pillen and members of Nebraska’s trade team met leadership of CLAAS Group on Wednesday to discuss how the state can best support the German manufacturer’s continued growth in Nebraska. Since 2001, CLAAS has produced its LEXION combine harvesters in Omaha. Matt Ristow, President of CLAAS Omaha Inc., participated in the meetings, as did Dr. Theo Freye — retired CEO of CLAAS KgaA, who now leads the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) trade office in Germany.“This trade mission is a beneficial exchange,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We've been able to share some things from Nebraska, while also learning from our German counterparts. For example, German manufacturers excel at connecting young people to great careers through apprenticeships. We’re going to bring this lesson home to make Nebraska’s economy stronger.”On Wednesday evening, the state’s trade delegation connected with Albers Beef, a leading German company specializing in the distribution of food products, including Nebraska beef. During the gathering, Nebraska’s leaders reinforced the sustainable production, premium quality, and nutritiousness of the state’s beef products.“The German people are friendly, cordial, and they want to learn more about Nebraska,” said Jim Ramm, a cow-calf producer from Holt County and board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “There is a bus load of people eager to come to Nebraska to see firsthand how we do things. They’re deeply impressed by how we care for our cattle herds.”The trade mission will wrap up on Thursday, Nov. 14, with meetings at Bayer and Evonik—along with a conference with the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. Bayer operates crop science facilities across the Midwest, including a major research station in Beaver Crossing. Evonik is a global company that develops specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. It has produced lysine, an animal feed additive, in Blair since 2000. North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany’s most populous state and accounts for more than one-fifth of the country’s GPD.While strengthening relationships with companies who already invest in Nebraska, the state’s trade delegation is also prioritizing recruitment meetings with German manufacturers considering expansion in the U.S. Nebraska’s trade representatives are highlighting the state’s world-class workforce; business-friendly climate, and advantageous, central location. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Germany is tied with Japan as the top source of&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trade.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-05%2FNebraska.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C0c460b192e814356d6db08dd0432c6b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638671338526323906%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TFpp9rXhVLUSjkVunv2DzYjOsMY9p3pAYt3U0RXYwf8%3D&amp;reserved=0">foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nebraska</a>, accounting for 27% of FDI into the state.

Governor Pillen Leads State Trade Delegation to Germany

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Attorneys summarized their arguments this week for why a district court judge should void the election results last week for Nebraska’s successful medical cannabis ballot measures.

On Nov. 5, Nebraskans&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">overwhelmingly voted to legalize and regulate medical cannabis</a>, though a legal challenge continues in Lancaster County District Court. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>, filed by John Kuehn, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, seeks to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">invalidate those measures</a>, citing allegations of systemic fraud and malfeasance that “permeated” the process.

Kuehn sued the three ballot sponsors of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, as well as Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who certified the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/parents-patients-make-final-push-for-nebraskans-to-support-medical-cannabis/">measures</a>&nbsp;for the ballot.

Since then, Evnen, through the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, has joined Kuehn in arguing that tens of thousands of petition signatures were “tainted” by circulator fraud or notarial malfeasance.

The campaign needed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/medical-marijuana-legalization-and-regulation-are-certified-for-nebraskas-november-ballot/">at least 86,499 valid signatures</a>&nbsp;on each petition for ballot access, which Evnen said the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">campaign reached Sept. 13</a>, although he cautioned that a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">civil investigation</a>&nbsp;continued into the petition effort.

The main arguments from Kuehn and Evnen allege that “cheating is a choice” and that instances of fraud or malfeasance should eliminate the presumption that other signatures a circulator or notary touched were validly collected.

“This Court cannot turn a blind eye to the sponsors and [Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana] campaign members’ willful disregard of the Nebraska Constitution and the statutory scheme that regulates the initiative process,” the AG’s Office wrote in a Tuesday brief on behalf of Evnen.

Kuehn’s attorneys have endorsed and similarly advanced Evnen’s arguments that notaries regularly and willfully did not notarize circulators’ petition pages while in the presence of one another, self-notarized petitions they circulated or notarized without a circulator’s oath present.

Notarizations add worth to a signature on a piece of paper, Evnen’s attorneys add, alleging that the “pervasiveness” of fraud makes it “practically impossible” to distinguish genuine signatures.

“Intentional wrongful conduct permeated the campaign from top to bottom,” the AG’s Office brief states. “Their abuse of the public trust, their willful disregard for the law, their willingness to let the ends justify the means have brought us here.”

If District Judge Susan Strong accepts those arguments, she could allow the ballot sponsors to try to “rehabilitate” signatures and prove their validity. Evnen’s attorneys argue that would be “futile.”

Strong could also rule against or for the sponsors outright and end the trial.

No matter the outcome, Strong and attorneys involved in the case have signaled the ruling would likely be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

The core of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/07/ag-secretary-of-state-target-nearly-100000-signatures-on-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">legal arguments advanced by Evnen’s attorneys</a>&nbsp;hinges on a&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">1919 Nebraska Supreme Court case</a>&nbsp;dealing with an anti-women’s suffrage referendum that allowed all signatures tied to a circulator who had committed fraud to be tossed from the ballot, defeating the anti-suffrage effort.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/docs/opinions/AG%20Opinion%201992-104.pdf" target="_blank">1992 Nebraska Attorney General’s Office opinion</a>, which doesn’t carry the same weight as a judicial ruling, suggested the same standard could be applied to notaries.

Evnen’s attorneys point to both the 1919 ruling and the 1992 opinion and nod to other states that have tossed election measures or results because of wrongdoing or fraud.

Kuehn’s original lawsuit was broader, including alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/25/attorneys-weigh-in-on-whether-to-dismiss-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">irregularities</a>&nbsp;in voters’ printed names, birthdates, addresses or other information, which Evnen denied. Strong allowed that claim to move forward, as well as a “cross-claim” from Evnen, but&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">dismissed</a>&nbsp;Kuehn’s other allegations.

When the trial began, Kuehn’s attorneys instead focused on notaries and joined Evnen’s argument They said in filings Tuesday that the ballot sponsors “had no interest in the rules” and that when someone’s credibility is questioned, that can be extended to other actions.

“It is the individual’s credibility that is impeached, and all acts by that person can be determined to have lost credibility,” Kuehn’s attorneys wrote.

The ballot sponsors’ attorneys accused Evnen and Kuehn during the trial of focusing on notaries specifically because they couldn’t find a path to invalidation, so they ignored past precedents.

The sponsors’ attorneys have said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/08/medical-cannabis-sponsors-push-back-on-nebraska-officials-claims-of-fraud-and-malfeasance/">no court in the nation</a>, to their knowledge, has ruled that “notarial malfeasance” can be extended to all documents. They’ve said that could affect any unrelated documents, such as wills, purchase agreements or other legal documents that a notary has witnessed.

“Even worse, Nebraska’s highest election official advances a burden-shifting framework that threatens to undermine and eliminate the initiative right altogether,” the sponsors’ brief states.

The ballot sponsors were given until Friday to file their post-trial brief. The opposing attorneys can offer a response, if needed, by Monday.

The AG’s Office said if the signatures are allowed to stand, that could “undermine the people’s faith in the precious power of initiative” or send a message that cheating is allowed, so long as enough can be concealed or covered up behind a guise of “potentially” valid signatures.

Throughout a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">four-day trial</a>, the state’s attorneys narrowed in on Crista Eggers, a ballot sponsor and the campaign manager for the measures. They showed texts where she told campaign volunteers to “push the limits” or ignore “the rules,” which the AG’s Office said included the law.

“There is no more nice campaign,” Eggers said in one text to a top campaign volunteer. “We don’t follow the rules anymore. And we just pay the consequences and hope it’s OK.”

The attorneys for the ballot sponsors have alleged that Eggers’ texts are being taken out of context and didn’t show what the AG’s Office alleged.

Among the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial-begins-tuesday-with-at-least-16-prospective-witnesses/">witnesses</a>&nbsp;for Evnen were two paid circulators, Michael Egbert of York and Jennifer Henning of Omaha, who said they violated the law.&nbsp;

Egbert&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/grand-island-petition-circulator-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor-and-fine/">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last week to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/revisor/classification_penalties2024.pdf" target="_blank">Class I misdemeanor</a>&nbsp;of “attempting” to commit a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1546" target="_blank">Class IV felony of falsely swearing a circulator’s oath</a>. He admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">using a phone book</a>&nbsp;to forge voter signatures. Eggers was a notary for six petition pages for Egbert.

“Ms. Eggers has no memory of notarizing Egbert’s petitions and states these documents were notarized by mistake, likely because they were inadvertently mixed with a stack of petitions from circulators that properly showed Ms. Eggers their ID and signed in front of her,” the ballot attorneys wrote on Eggers behalf in a legal filing.

Henning has not been charged with a crime She alleged that Eggers told her to pick up petition pages from Seward County, sign the oath of a petition she didn’t circulate and drop them off at Eggers’ house to notarize later.

The ballot sponsors’ attorneys moved to impeach Henning’s testimony, citing that she is on probation for two counts of felony insurance fraud and has submitted fraudulent documents to Nebraska courts in the past decade. Henning offered texts to corroborate her testimony and said she is on medications to help her mental health, which she said led to that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/31/paid-petition-circulator-with-troubled-past-takes-the-stand-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial/">past behavior</a>.

Other evidence presented at the trial included expert testimony from Mark Songer, a forensic document examiner from Colorado, who reviewed about 150 circulators’ signatures from five people at the request of the AG’s Office.&nbsp;

Songer said his review suggested possible forgeries on signatures for three of the five circulators, though he later confirmed he didn’t review each circulator’s signatures and was doing so in a condensed timeline.

The AG’s Office briefs stated that the office was unsuccessful in locating all three circulators with alleged forgeries to confirm whether they signed and circulated the suspected petitions.

Initiative Measure 437, the legalization petition, passed with 71% voter support. Initiative Measure 438, the regulatory petition, passed slightly behind with 67% of voter support.

Citing a Nebraska Supreme Court case from 1905, the AG’s Office said an election is allowed to be “rightfully quashed” if the process is so “infused” with fraud, corruption or “gross irregularity” that lawful votes can’t be determined.

“The appropriate remedy is declaring the result of the elections void,” the AG’s Office said.

Nebraska’s state constitutional officers will meet Dec. 2 to certify the election. Legal arguments can continue after that date.

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/14/attorneys-summarize-arguments-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-measures/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Attorneys summarized their arguments this week for why a district court judge should void the election results last week for Nebraska’s successful medical cannabis ballot measures.On Nov. 5, Nebraskans&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">overwhelmingly voted to legalize and regulate medical cannabis</a>, though a legal challenge continues in Lancaster County District Court. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">lawsuit</a>, filed by John Kuehn, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, seeks to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">invalidate those measures</a>, citing allegations of systemic fraud and malfeasance that “permeated” the process.Kuehn sued the three ballot sponsors of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, as well as Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who certified the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/parents-patients-make-final-push-for-nebraskans-to-support-medical-cannabis/">measures</a>&nbsp;for the ballot.<h2>‘Court cannot turn a blind eye’</h2>Since then, Evnen, through the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, has joined Kuehn in arguing that tens of thousands of petition signatures were “tainted” by circulator fraud or notarial malfeasance.The campaign needed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/medical-marijuana-legalization-and-regulation-are-certified-for-nebraskas-november-ballot/">at least 86,499 valid signatures</a>&nbsp;on each petition for ballot access, which Evnen said the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">campaign reached Sept. 13</a>, although he cautioned that a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/nebraska-ag-announces-investigation-into-several-thousand-signatures-on-2024-petitions/">civil investigation</a>&nbsp;continued into the petition effort.The main arguments from Kuehn and Evnen allege that “cheating is a choice” and that instances of fraud or malfeasance should eliminate the presumption that other signatures a circulator or notary touched were validly collected.“This Court cannot turn a blind eye to the sponsors and [Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana] campaign members’ willful disregard of the Nebraska Constitution and the statutory scheme that regulates the initiative process,” the AG’s Office wrote in a Tuesday brief on behalf of Evnen.Kuehn’s attorneys have endorsed and similarly advanced Evnen’s arguments that notaries regularly and willfully did not notarize circulators’ petition pages while in the presence of one another, self-notarized petitions they circulated or notarized without a circulator’s oath present.Notarizations add worth to a signature on a piece of paper, Evnen’s attorneys add, alleging that the “pervasiveness” of fraud makes it “practically impossible” to distinguish genuine signatures.“Intentional wrongful conduct permeated the campaign from top to bottom,” the AG’s Office brief states. “Their abuse of the public trust, their willful disregard for the law, their willingness to let the ends justify the means have brought us here.”If District Judge Susan Strong accepts those arguments, she could allow the ballot sponsors to try to “rehabilitate” signatures and prove their validity. Evnen’s attorneys argue that would be “futile.”Strong could also rule against or for the sponsors outright and end the trial.No matter the outcome, Strong and attorneys involved in the case have signaled the ruling would likely be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.<h2>What have other courts said?</h2>The core of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/07/ag-secretary-of-state-target-nearly-100000-signatures-on-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">legal arguments advanced by Evnen’s attorneys</a>&nbsp;hinges on a&nbsp;<a href="https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/doc_publications_NH1988Barkley.pdf" target="_blank">1919 Nebraska Supreme Court case</a>&nbsp;dealing with an anti-women’s suffrage referendum that allowed all signatures tied to a circulator who had committed fraud to be tossed from the ballot, defeating the anti-suffrage effort.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/docs/opinions/AG%20Opinion%201992-104.pdf" target="_blank">1992 Nebraska Attorney General’s Office opinion</a>, which doesn’t carry the same weight as a judicial ruling, suggested the same standard could be applied to notaries.Evnen’s attorneys point to both the 1919 ruling and the 1992 opinion and nod to other states that have tossed election measures or results because of wrongdoing or fraud.Kuehn’s original lawsuit was broader, including alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/25/attorneys-weigh-in-on-whether-to-dismiss-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">irregularities</a>&nbsp;in voters’ printed names, birthdates, addresses or other information, which Evnen denied. Strong allowed that claim to move forward, as well as a “cross-claim” from Evnen, but&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">dismissed</a>&nbsp;Kuehn’s other allegations.When the trial began, Kuehn’s attorneys instead focused on notaries and joined Evnen’s argument They said in filings Tuesday that the ballot sponsors “had no interest in the rules” and that when someone’s credibility is questioned, that can be extended to other actions.“It is the individual’s credibility that is impeached, and all acts by that person can be determined to have lost credibility,” Kuehn’s attorneys wrote.The ballot sponsors’ attorneys accused Evnen and Kuehn during the trial of focusing on notaries specifically because they couldn’t find a path to invalidation, so they ignored past precedents.The sponsors’ attorneys have said&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/08/medical-cannabis-sponsors-push-back-on-nebraska-officials-claims-of-fraud-and-malfeasance/">no court in the nation</a>, to their knowledge, has ruled that “notarial malfeasance” can be extended to all documents. They’ve said that could affect any unrelated documents, such as wills, purchase agreements or other legal documents that a notary has witnessed.“Even worse, Nebraska’s highest election official advances a burden-shifting framework that threatens to undermine and eliminate the initiative right altogether,” the sponsors’ brief states.The ballot sponsors were given until Friday to file their post-trial brief. The opposing attorneys can offer a response, if needed, by Monday.The AG’s Office said if the signatures are allowed to stand, that could “undermine the people’s faith in the precious power of initiative” or send a message that cheating is allowed, so long as enough can be concealed or covered up behind a guise of “potentially” valid signatures.<h2>Key witness testimony</h2>Throughout a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">four-day trial</a>, the state’s attorneys narrowed in on Crista Eggers, a ballot sponsor and the campaign manager for the measures. They showed texts where she told campaign volunteers to “push the limits” or ignore “the rules,” which the AG’s Office said included the law.“There is no more nice campaign,” Eggers said in one text to a top campaign volunteer. “We don’t follow the rules anymore. And we just pay the consequences and hope it’s OK.”The attorneys for the ballot sponsors have alleged that Eggers’ texts are being taken out of context and didn’t show what the AG’s Office alleged.Among the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/28/nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial-begins-tuesday-with-at-least-16-prospective-witnesses/">witnesses</a>&nbsp;for Evnen were two paid circulators, Michael Egbert of York and Jennifer Henning of Omaha, who said they violated the law.&nbsp;Egbert&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/11/grand-island-petition-circulator-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor-and-fine/">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last week to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/revisor/classification_penalties2024.pdf" target="_blank">Class I misdemeanor</a>&nbsp;of “attempting” to commit a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1546" target="_blank">Class IV felony of falsely swearing a circulator’s oath</a>. He admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">using a phone book</a>&nbsp;to forge voter signatures. Eggers was a notary for six petition pages for Egbert.“Ms. Eggers has no memory of notarizing Egbert’s petitions and states these documents were notarized by mistake, likely because they were inadvertently mixed with a stack of petitions from circulators that properly showed Ms. Eggers their ID and signed in front of her,” the ballot attorneys wrote on Eggers behalf in a legal filing.Henning has not been charged with a crime She alleged that Eggers told her to pick up petition pages from Seward County, sign the oath of a petition she didn’t circulate and drop them off at Eggers’ house to notarize later.The ballot sponsors’ attorneys moved to impeach Henning’s testimony, citing that she is on probation for two counts of felony insurance fraud and has submitted fraudulent documents to Nebraska courts in the past decade. Henning offered texts to corroborate her testimony and said she is on medications to help her mental health, which she said led to that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/31/paid-petition-circulator-with-troubled-past-takes-the-stand-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-trial/">past behavior</a>.Other evidence presented at the trial included expert testimony from Mark Songer, a forensic document examiner from Colorado, who reviewed about 150 circulators’ signatures from five people at the request of the AG’s Office.&nbsp;Songer said his review suggested possible forgeries on signatures for three of the five circulators, though he later confirmed he didn’t review each circulator’s signatures and was doing so in a condensed timeline.The AG’s Office briefs stated that the office was unsuccessful in locating all three circulators with alleged forgeries to confirm whether they signed and circulated the suspected petitions.<h2>Impact to election results</h2>Initiative Measure 437, the legalization petition, passed with 71% voter support. Initiative Measure 438, the regulatory petition, passed slightly behind with 67% of voter support.Citing a Nebraska Supreme Court case from 1905, the AG’s Office said an election is allowed to be “rightfully quashed” if the process is so “infused” with fraud, corruption or “gross irregularity” that lawful votes can’t be determined.“The appropriate remedy is declaring the result of the elections void,” the AG’s Office said.Nebraska’s state constitutional officers will meet Dec. 2 to certify the election. Legal arguments can continue after that date.That board consists of Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Auditor Mike Foley, State Treasurer Tom Briese and Gov. Jim Pillen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/voices-gather-in-state-capitol-to-discuss-medical-marijuana/article_53909ad0-8b66-11ef-9c41-d75fad207c07.html" target="_blank">Foley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/13/nebraska-medical-marijuana-advocates-confident-third-time-is-the-charm/">Pillen</a>&nbsp;have criticized the medical marijuana petition campaign. Briese and Hilgers&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=7039" target="_blank">voted against the most recent legislation</a>&nbsp;while serving in the Legislature.