<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/far-fewer-seek-state-concealed-carry-permits-after-2023-law-allows-carrying-without-one/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Advocates for removing the requirement for a state permit to carry a concealed handgun argued that Nebraska gun owners would still obtain the license because it lets them legally carry in some other states.

But state statistics indicate that hasn’t been the case.

A year and three months after Nebraska became the 27th state to allow carrying concealed handguns without requiring state-mandated training and paying a $100 fee, the number of people applying for a permit has dropped significantly.

Less than half as many applicants applied for the permit during the first 11 months of 2024. Only 1,690 applications were filed in Nebraska. That’s down from the 4,002 applications for the permits over the same 11 months in 2023.

The 2024 total is more than four times lower than during the same period in 2022, when 6,939 applications were filed, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, which administers the program.

Fewer renewals of concealed carry permits, too

The number of Nebraskans with active concealed carry permits also declined this year. There were 87,470 on Dec. 1, compared with 90,296 a year ago, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

A decline in renewals for concealed carry permits might explain some of that drop. There were 7,717 applications this year to renew permits compared to 12,472 in 2023.

That means nearly 5,000 permit holders allowed their permits to expire.

State law changed to allow “permit-less carry” on Sept. 2, 2023. The previous year, 2022, was the last in which the permit law was required throughout the full 11-month period.

Today, 29 states allow carrying concealed weapons without a permit or training after Louisiana and South Carolina adopted laws this year, according to U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

A leading advocate for gun rights says fewer people are applying because they don’t have to pay a feee now to carry concealed.

An official with a national gun control advocacy group says the decline in training and permits translates into safety issues and trouble for law enforcement.

“Make no mistake: Communities suffer when states go ‘permit-less,’” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Permits increase safety by requiring applicants to complete safety training, a criminal background check and other steps such as live-fire instruction.”

Burd-Sharps said doing away with handgun permits hampers law enforcement from asking “someone to produce a permit,” even when they believe someone may be breaking the law.

State Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, sponsored the “constitutional carry” law in Nebraska. He said a decline in concealed carry permits was expected, though he was surprised at how steeply applications had declined.

Eliminating the need to make a “financial investment” to purchase a permit is the major reason, Brewer said.

Dick Clark, an aide to Brewer and a private attorney who handles gun rights cases, said the addition of more states with “permit-less carry” has reduced the incentive for gun owners to obtain a Nebraska concealed carry permit for reciprocity.

“It’s a different environment,” Clark said.

Brewer, who is leaving the Legislature because of term limits, said he has seen no statistics showing an increase in gun safety issues since Nebraska went “permit-less.” But if data shows that happened, he said senators might need to look at it.

Brewer and Clark continue to encourage people to seek a state permit, especially those not proficient in handling a handgun.

Burd-Sharps, of Everytown for Gun Safety, said after Tennessee went “permit-less,” gun thefts from vehicles in cities across the state nearly tripled, and gun homicides increased. Stolen guns, she added, often end up “at crime scenes.”

Other states have seen steep declines in filing for concealed handgun permits after doing away with the requirement, according to Everytown. Two years after Ohio passed its “permit-less” carry law, applications for concealed handgun permits were 16% of what they had been two years prior. In Tennessee, applications dropped more than 50%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733862756168.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs State Sen. Tom Brewer’s proposal to allow concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Brewer, at left, and nearly half of Nebraska’s state senators joined the signing. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs State Sen. Tom Brewer’s proposal to allow concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Brewer, at left, and nearly half of Nebraska’s state senators joined the signing. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/far-fewer-seek-state-concealed-carry-permits-after-2023-law-allows-carrying-without-one/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Advocates for removing the requirement for a state permit to carry a concealed handgun argued that Nebraska gun owners would still obtain the license because it lets them legally carry in some other states.But state statistics indicate that hasn’t been the case.A year and three months after Nebraska became the 27th state to allow carrying concealed handguns without requiring state-mandated training and paying a $100 fee, the number of people applying for a permit has dropped significantly.<h2>Major change</h2>Less than half as many applicants applied for the permit during the first 11 months of 2024. Only 1,690 applications were filed in Nebraska. That’s down from the 4,002 applications for the permits over the same 11 months in 2023.The 2024 total is more than four times lower than during the same period in 2022, when 6,939 applications were filed, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, which administers the program.<h2>Fewer renewals of concealed carry permits, too</h2>The number of Nebraskans with active concealed carry permits also declined this year. There were 87,470 on Dec. 1, compared with 90,296 a year ago, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.A decline in renewals for concealed carry permits might explain some of that drop. There were 7,717 applications this year to renew permits compared to 12,472 in 2023.That means nearly 5,000 permit holders allowed their permits to expire.State law changed to allow “permit-less carry” on Sept. 2, 2023. The previous year, 2022, was the last in which the permit law was required throughout the full 11-month period.Today, 29 states allow carrying concealed weapons without a permit or training after Louisiana and South Carolina adopted laws this year, according to U.S. Concealed Carry Association.<h2>Driving the decrease</h2>A leading advocate for gun rights says fewer people are applying because they don’t have to pay a feee now to carry concealed.An official with a national gun control advocacy group says the decline in training and permits translates into safety issues and trouble for law enforcement.“Make no mistake: Communities suffer when states go ‘permit-less,’” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Permits increase safety by requiring applicants to complete safety training, a criminal background check and other steps such as live-fire instruction.”Burd-Sharps said doing away with handgun permits hampers law enforcement from asking “someone to produce a permit,” even when they believe someone may be breaking the law.State Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, sponsored the “constitutional carry” law in Nebraska. He said a decline in concealed carry permits was expected, though he was surprised at how steeply applications had declined.Eliminating the need to make a “financial investment” to purchase a permit is the major reason, Brewer said.Dick Clark, an aide to Brewer and a private attorney who handles gun rights cases, said the addition of more states with “permit-less carry” has reduced the incentive for gun owners to obtain a Nebraska concealed carry permit for reciprocity.“It’s a different environment,” Clark said.Brewer, who is leaving the Legislature because of term limits, said he has seen no statistics showing an increase in gun safety issues since Nebraska went “permit-less.” But if data shows that happened, he said senators might need to look at it.Brewer and Clark continue to encourage people to seek a state permit, especially those not proficient in handling a handgun.Burd-Sharps, of Everytown for Gun Safety, said after Tennessee went “permit-less,” gun thefts from vehicles in cities across the state nearly tripled, and gun homicides increased. Stolen guns, she added, often end up “at crime scenes.”Other states have seen steep declines in filing for concealed handgun permits after doing away with the requirement, according to Everytown. Two years after Ohio passed its “permit-less” carry law, applications for concealed handgun permits were 16% of what they had been two years prior. In Tennessee, applications dropped more than 50%.

Far fewer seek state concealed carry permits after 2023 law allows carrying without one

&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a season-long effort to keep fans safe as they travel to and from Husker football games. Troopers spent gamedays patrolling roadways, monitoring from the air, and assisting with security in and around Memorial Stadium.

On gamedays this fall, troopers made 54 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (456), driving under suspension (16), open alcohol container (19), no seat belt (12), and improper child restraint (8). Troopers also assisted 219 motorists in need of help on Nebraska roadways.

This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a season-long effort to keep fans safe as they travel to and from Husker football games. Troopers spent gamedays patrolling roadways, monitoring from the air, and assisting with security in and around Memorial Stadium.On gamedays this fall, troopers made 54 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (456), driving under suspension (16), open alcohol container (19), no seat belt (12), and improper child restraint (8). Troopers also assisted 219 motorists in need of help on Nebraska roadways.This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

NSP Announces Results of Husker Gameday Traffic Safety Effort

Alliance, NE – In a significant development related to the attempted ATM theft that occurred on September 1, 2024, the Alliance Police Department has helped identify and two individuals have been arrested in connection to the crime following an extensive investigation.

Through the course of the investigation, DNA evidence was retrieved from the vehicle used in the attempted theft and sent to the Nebraska State Crime Lab for analysis. A positive DNA match led to the identification of two individuals involved in the crime.

The first suspect, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, was linked to the vehicle through DNA evidence and has been identified as the primary individual involved in the attempted theft.

Further investigation revealed that Zambrano Bolivar is currently facing charges in Texas for capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. He is presently awaiting indictment for these serious charges.

The second individual identified through the DNA analysis is Jhonatan Nahin Toro Gonzalez. Gonzalez was also inside the vehicle at the time of the attempted theft. He has been placed under arrest and is awaiting indictment in Texas on charges related to capital murder and multiple counts of kidnapping.

The identification of these suspects was made possible through collaboration between the Alliance Police Department and multiple state and federal agencies, demonstrating the strength of interagency cooperation in solving complex cases. The joint investigation not only led to the identification of the suspects but also uncovered their involvement in significant criminal activity across state lines.

The Alliance Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the community. This case highlights the important role of forensic evidence and the tireless work of law enforcement agencies at all levels in solving criminal cases.

For further information, please contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733846055711.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance, NE – In a significant development related to the attempted ATM theft that occurred on September 1, 2024, the Alliance Police Department has helped identify and two individuals have been arrested in connection to the crime following an extensive investigation.Through the course of the investigation, DNA evidence was retrieved from the vehicle used in the attempted theft and sent to the Nebraska State Crime Lab for analysis. A positive DNA match led to the identification of two individuals involved in the crime.The first suspect, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, was linked to the vehicle through DNA evidence and has been identified as the primary individual involved in the attempted theft.Further investigation revealed that Zambrano Bolivar is currently facing charges in Texas for capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. He is presently awaiting indictment for these serious charges.The second individual identified through the DNA analysis is Jhonatan Nahin Toro Gonzalez. Gonzalez was also inside the vehicle at the time of the attempted theft. He has been placed under arrest and is awaiting indictment in Texas on charges related to capital murder and multiple counts of kidnapping.The identification of these suspects was made possible through collaboration between the Alliance Police Department and multiple state and federal agencies, demonstrating the strength of interagency cooperation in solving complex cases. The joint investigation not only led to the identification of the suspects but also uncovered their involvement in significant criminal activity across state lines.Both suspects are currently in custody.The Alliance Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the community. This case highlights the important role of forensic evidence and the tireless work of law enforcement agencies at all levels in solving criminal cases.For further information, please contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955.

Alliance police identifies suspects in Sept. 2024 attempted ATM theft

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/09/nebraska-governors-priorities-shift-focus-from-spending-and-tax-changes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen plans to toss his party’s right flank some red meat next year before addressing the harder politics of closing Nebraska’s projected $432 million budget shortfall.

One reason could be the potential of Pillen facing Republican primary challengers in 2026. Those could include his top 2022 GOP primary opponent, Charles Herbster.

Pillen denied “political” motivations for picking any of his top legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which he announced last week and detailed in an interview Friday. But all four policies are likely to be popular with the GOP base that typically decides races for Nebraska governor.

Echoing themes from his 2022 campaign and speeches around the state, he said his four goals for the session would benefit Nebraska’s “kids, taxes, agriculture and values.”

“Those four words, there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference along,” Pillen said of the upcoming session, set to start on Jan. 8. “That’s what guides ’25.”

He outlined those goals in a Dec. 1 statement and clarified them during the pre-session sit-down. Some highlights:&nbsp;

Missing from the priorities was closing the state’s projected $432 million budget gap, which was largely driven by Pillen’s previous tax-cut and tax-relief changes. Another contributing factor is more spending than the governor’s budget shows, an Examiner analysis indicates.

Pillen highlights his first two years of spending increases as being fiscally conservative. He cites budget documents listing the increases at 3.9% in fiscal year 2023 and 1.9% in fiscal year 2024.

But a review of two decades of state budgets shows Pillen’s team kept the spending figures lower than his predecessors’ budgets, partly by classifying some significant expenditures as budget transfers rather than direct spending.

This affects the numbers because money that is moved between funds, such as moving it from the general fund or the rainy day fund to the state’s new Education Future Fund, is classified as a transfer and not as spending, even if the money is being moved to spend on a specific purpose.

A key example is how Pillen’s administration lists a $1 billion investment in the Education Future Fund and follow-up investments in the fund as transfers. The fund is intended to cover special education costs and create a new baseline of K-12 public school aid, which Pillen has said would reduce some of the reliance on local property taxes.

Pillen’s budget numbers show that the general fund in fiscal year 2023 increased from $5.15 billion to $5.35 billion. If he had included the $1 billion in Education Future Fund spending, the general fund budget would have jumped to $6.35 billion.

If Pillen had classified the fund the same way other governors have done with similar investments, it would push the general fund annual spending increase to 23.5% in Pillen’s first year as governor. His combined two-year spending increase would be 22.5%, instead of the listed 5.9%.

By contrast, spending increased a combined 8.9% in the first two years of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ administration. Previous Gov. Dave Heineman, also a Republican, increased spending a combined 9.6% in his first two years, an Examiner analysis found.

“The Education Future Fund is an investment in our kids,” Pillen said. “If somebody wants to call that spending, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me, but I believe in investing in our kids.”

Pillen also signed income tax rate cuts into law in 2023 that were projected to reduce revenues by $3.3 billion from 2024-2029. He and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha have called the cuts needed to compete better with neighboring states.

Those cuts phased in a reduction of the top income tax rate from 6.84% to 3.99% by 2027 and lowered corporate taxes. The governor’s critics say those changes risk the structural balance of future budgets. Some have questioned whether the state can afford the school spending changes Pillen wants.

On sports and spaces, the governor said he wants to see the next Legislature revisit the core of Legislative Bill 575, known as the Sports and Spaces Act, which fell to a filibuster in 2024.

Pillen said Nebraskans are right to want to “protect their kids” and act on their “values.” He repeated his stance that he has no ill will toward transgender kids or adults.

He said he thinks they should have the right to be who they want to be once they are old enough to understand the ramifications of their actions and mature enough to decide for themselves. But he wants specific legislation to protect women’s sports.

His issue, he said, is having a student with male characteristics playing against girls or “showering with your daughter and granddaughter.”

“That’s not going to happen if I can do anything about it,” he said.

He said he has less of a problem with women competing against men, because there is no “competitive advantage.” He wants a new law to require separate locker rooms, though.

“If there’s two young girls that are really good at wrestling and there’s not enough to have women’s wrestling, hey, it’s great to wrestle boys,” Pillen said. “That’s not a problem.”

The Nebraska School Activities Association, which governs middle and high school sports, has had a policy addressing locker rooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">sports eligibility of trans student-athletes</a>&nbsp;since 2016.

In response to a question, Pillen said he didn’t have any concerns about a sports and spaces ban potentially impacting Nebraska’s longstanding relationship with the NCAA, which oversees college sports.&nbsp;

The NCAA, which has specific guidelines for each sport to allow trans athletes to participate, signs contracts that let Omaha host the College World Series and NCAA tournament games, including volleyball and basketball.

Pillen, who played defensive back for Nebraska football, said he does not think the organization would change where it holds one of its signature championships “over a state doing what’s right.”

“All due respect, the NCAA has failed college athletics miserably for the last 20 years,” Pillen said. “Whatever their opinion is, from my seat it really doesn’t hold any water.”

The author of LB 575, State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, said she appreciates that Pillen remains committed to protecting “opportunities, safety and privacy” for women and girls.

“I am grateful he is willing to make this issue a priority,” she said.&nbsp;

Kauth has not yet shared a new version of her proposal or said how or whether her approach might change to secure more legislative votes. She has said she wants a proposal to include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">collegiate athletics</a>.

Critics of the sports and spaces restrictions have said LB 575 and similar measures needlessly attack a tiny minority of children who are transgender and already at higher risk of self-harm.

Advocates for LGBTQ kids have said the governor and supporters of similar policies in this and other states risk creating a public panic that leads to increases in bullying or worse.

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who helped filibuster the bill, said it was “embarrassing” but not surprising to see Pillen prioritize cultural issues instead of kitchen-table economics.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to address the budget deficit, child care, affordable housing, and other priorities for our state,” Hunt said.&nbsp;

Pillen said he understands the challenge of pushing for changes to the state aid formula for K-12 education because legislative support often comes down to the impact on schools in senators’ legislative districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said his focus remains reducing the property tax burden. He has been sharing tax rankings that he says hurt the state when he is trying to recruit new businesses and residents. He says lawmakers hear demands for change from their constituents.

He repeated many of the arguments he made last year when pushing for broader property tax reform: including that the state leans too heavily on property taxpayers to pay for schooling. He said he still wants to broaden the sales tax base to ease the burden of property taxes.&nbsp;

This year, he is focused on adapting sales taxes to the modern service economy. He said he expects pushback from people who don’t want to pay more for haircuts, massages and lawn care but said he would focus on taxing services people could do for themselves.

“Most of us agree we have a property tax crisis, so how do we come up with the fairest way?” Pillen asked. “If all of us are unhappy, then that’s going to be pretty good policy.”

He believes the state should fund the cost of operations — the costs of teachers, staff and classroom learning. He said local property taxpayers should fund the cost of school buildings, athletic facilities, and school grounds and maintenance.

He said buildings and maintenance would represent about $650 million of the $3.1 billion in property taxes spent each year on K-12 education in Nebraska.

“The school districts, the school boards, the communities, they decide what kind of buildings they want to have their kids in, and that stays on the property tax,” Pillen said. “If you want to build a Taj Mahal, good for you. Your people pay for it.”

He said he wants to fund education and work with school district leaders to spend less money on things that don’t help educate kids — the middle managers, administrators and “checkers of the checkers” who distract teachers from teaching.

Pillen says he is focused on finding government efficiencies. He says his team is working with school superintendents, the Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Education to reduce the number of costly state mandates on schools.

Legislation meant to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">curb unfunded mandates</a>&nbsp;has stalled for years in the Legislature.

His goal is “decrease the administrative bloat“ and get more money back into classrooms. The next version of the state aid formula should build off the idea that it costs a certain amount to educate each child, he said.&nbsp;

He says he is hearing from lawmakers and people in education about the need to make sure that any formula accounts for fast-growing districts and that rearranging aid per student will make that easier.&nbsp;

Some school leaders have publicly supported the idea of shifting more school funding to the state. Others have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">questioned</a>&nbsp;whether the state will be able to meet its K-12 commitments when the farm economy sours or when state receipts drop.

“I think running state government is just like life,” Pillen said. “It’s priorities. Education’s a top priority. We’re always going to find the money there.”

Pillen wants Nebraska to join Florida and Alabama in banning the sale of meat alternatives, or if sales of some products that cannot be stopped to no longer be labeled as meat, which he said was misleading. He called it “bioreactor meat.”

He considers the proposal part of his years-long effort to fight against animal-rights activists and others who have tried to demonize production agriculture and animal agriculture, which is personal for him as an owner of a Columbus-based hog operation.

He said he hears from dairy producers dealing with labeling like almond milk, which he calls “almond nut juice.” He said companies shouldn’t be able to confuse potential consumers about what they’re buying.&nbsp;

He said he knows some Nebraskans might want to purchase lab-grown meat, but they “ain’t gonna buy it in Nebraska.” Lab meat defenders say they reduce greenhouse emissions, cut down on the use of antibiotics and reduce cruelty to animals.

“Cattle is king,” Pillen said. “We can’t stand back and reactive. We need to be proactive. So our policies are going to be aggressive … so we lead and create the dust, not eat the dust.”

Pillen also wants to make 2024 the last time Democrats can win a “blue dot” in the Omaha area’s 2nd Congressional District from a Republican candidate.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb has said Republicans would rather change the rules than continue to compete.&nbsp;

Pillen says he wants to make Nebraska like 48 other states. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award Electoral College votes to candidates for president by congressional district, in addition to giving two votes to the winner statewide.&nbsp;

Pillen pressed the Legislature to make the change in time for the 2024 general election but fell short of votes when State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat-turned-Republican, said he wouldn’t back it.

He needed 33 votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster from senators in the Omaha area. One reason supporters like the current practice is seeing tens of millions of dollars being spent every four years on political ads and campaigns.

Many of those senators also like the boost to Democratic voter turnout in the 1st and 2nd Districts.

Nebraska Republicans have wanted to make the change for decades.&nbsp;

Republicans outnumber Democrats in the state more than 2-to-1 by registration, though nonpartisan and third-party registrants make up about a fourth of the state’s registered voters.

President-elect Donald Trump tried to persuade Nebraska senators to make the change&nbsp;earlier this year. Trump praised Pillen publicly for trying, but if Pillen can finish the job it could help him if he faces another run against Herbster, a multi-state businessman and top Trump donor whom Trump endorsed in 2022.

Pillen on Friday said there are 33 Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature and noted that McDonnell leaves office in January.&nbsp;

“My belief is that it was a mistake 30 years ago (to stop using winner-take-all),” Pillen said. “If it was such a great policy … we’d have a lot of other states that have the same policy.”

He said he wants all states to play by the same rules when electing a president. He said he doesn’t believe the outside political money coming into Omaha is helpful.

He does not see the change as a means of voter suppression and said people shouldn’t need the extra motivation of a competitive presidential race to choose to vote.&nbsp;

“This is Nebraska,” he said. “This should be decided by Nebraskans, not lots of other people’s money. … Democracy is way more important. Our values are way more important.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733851817785.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov: Jim Pillen discusses his priorities for the 2025 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov: Jim Pillen discusses his priorities for the 2025 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/09/nebraska-governors-priorities-shift-focus-from-spending-and-tax-changes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen plans to toss his party’s right flank some red meat next year before addressing the harder politics of closing Nebraska’s projected $432 million budget shortfall.One reason could be the potential of Pillen facing Republican primary challengers in 2026. Those could include his top 2022 GOP primary opponent, Charles Herbster.Pillen denied “political” motivations for picking any of his top legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which he announced last week and detailed in an interview Friday. But all four policies are likely to be popular with the GOP base that typically decides races for Nebraska governor.Echoing themes from his 2022 campaign and speeches around the state, he said his four goals for the session would benefit Nebraska’s “kids, taxes, agriculture and values.”“Those four words, there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference along,” Pillen said of the upcoming session, set to start on Jan. 8. “That’s what guides ’25.”<h2>Governor’s priorities</h2>He outlined those goals in a Dec. 1 statement and clarified them during the pre-session sit-down. Some highlights:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>He is trying again on legislation to restrict participation in middle and high school sports and use of school bathrooms and locker rooms to a student’s sex at birth. He signaled that he would like the legislation to cover college sports as well.</li><li>He is pushing again for structural changes to how the state funds K-12 education to address property taxes, including revamping the state aid formula for K-12 schools. He says he plans to pay for any increased costs by broadening the number of services subject to the state sales tax.</li><li>He seeks a law banning the sale of lab-grown meat in cattle-ranching Nebraska. He already established this approach with an executive order in August banning state purchases of lab-grown meat.</li><li>And he aims to shift Nebraska to winner-take-all in awarding Electoral College votes in presidential elections, hunting for a 33rd vote to beat a certain filibuster.</li>
 </ul><h2>What Pillen didn’t highlight</h2>Missing from the priorities was closing the state’s projected $432 million budget gap, which was largely driven by Pillen’s previous tax-cut and tax-relief changes. Another contributing factor is more spending than the governor’s budget shows, an Examiner analysis indicates.Pillen highlights his first two years of spending increases as being fiscally conservative. He cites budget documents listing the increases at 3.9% in fiscal year 2023 and 1.9% in fiscal year 2024.But a review of two decades of state budgets shows Pillen’s team kept the spending figures lower than his predecessors’ budgets, partly by classifying some significant expenditures as budget transfers rather than direct spending.This affects the numbers because money that is moved between funds, such as moving it from the general fund or the rainy day fund to the state’s new Education Future Fund, is classified as a transfer and not as spending, even if the money is being moved to spend on a specific purpose.A key example is how Pillen’s administration lists a $1 billion investment in the Education Future Fund and follow-up investments in the fund as transfers. The fund is intended to cover special education costs and create a new baseline of K-12 public school aid, which Pillen has said would reduce some of the reliance on local property taxes.Pillen’s budget numbers show that the general fund in fiscal year 2023 increased from $5.15 billion to $5.35 billion. If he had included the $1 billion in Education Future Fund spending, the general fund budget would have jumped to $6.35 billion.If Pillen had classified the fund the same way other governors have done with similar investments, it would push the general fund annual spending increase to 23.5% in Pillen’s first year as governor. His combined two-year spending increase would be 22.5%, instead of the listed 5.9%.By contrast, spending increased a combined 8.9% in the first two years of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ administration. Previous Gov. Dave Heineman, also a Republican, increased spending a combined 9.6% in his first two years, an Examiner analysis found.“The Education Future Fund is an investment in our kids,” Pillen said. “If somebody wants to call that spending, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me, but I believe in investing in our kids.”Pillen also signed income tax rate cuts into law in 2023 that were projected to reduce revenues by $3.3 billion from 2024-2029. He and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha have called the cuts needed to compete better with neighboring states.Those cuts phased in a reduction of the top income tax rate from 6.84% to 3.99% by 2027 and lowered corporate taxes. The governor’s critics say those changes risk the structural balance of future budgets. Some have questioned whether the state can afford the school spending changes Pillen wants.<h2>Sports and spaces</h2>On sports and spaces, the governor said he wants to see the next Legislature revisit the core of Legislative Bill 575, known as the Sports and Spaces Act, which fell to a filibuster in 2024.Pillen said Nebraskans are right to want to “protect their kids” and act on their “values.” He repeated his stance that he has no ill will toward transgender kids or adults.He said he thinks they should have the right to be who they want to be once they are old enough to understand the ramifications of their actions and mature enough to decide for themselves. But he wants specific legislation to protect women’s sports.His issue, he said, is having a student with male characteristics playing against girls or “showering with your daughter and granddaughter.”“That’s not going to happen if I can do anything about it,” he said.He said he has less of a problem with women competing against men, because there is no “competitive advantage.” He wants a new law to require separate locker rooms, though.“If there’s two young girls that are really good at wrestling and there’s not enough to have women’s wrestling, hey, it’s great to wrestle boys,” Pillen said. “That’s not a problem.”The Nebraska School Activities Association, which governs middle and high school sports, has had a policy addressing locker rooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">sports eligibility of trans student-athletes</a>&nbsp;since 2016.In response to a question, Pillen said he didn’t have any concerns about a sports and spaces ban potentially impacting Nebraska’s longstanding relationship with the NCAA, which oversees college sports.&nbsp;The NCAA, which has specific guidelines for each sport to allow trans athletes to participate, signs contracts that let Omaha host the College World Series and NCAA tournament games, including volleyball and basketball.Pillen, who played defensive back for Nebraska football, said he does not think the organization would change where it holds one of its signature championships “over a state doing what’s right.”“All due respect, the NCAA has failed college athletics miserably for the last 20 years,” Pillen said. “Whatever their opinion is, from my seat it really doesn’t hold any water.”The author of LB 575, State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, said she appreciates that Pillen remains committed to protecting “opportunities, safety and privacy” for women and girls.“I am grateful he is willing to make this issue a priority,” she said.&nbsp;Kauth has not yet shared a new version of her proposal or said how or whether her approach might change to secure more legislative votes. She has said she wants a proposal to include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">collegiate athletics</a>.Critics of the sports and spaces restrictions have said LB 575 and similar measures needlessly attack a tiny minority of children who are transgender and already at higher risk of self-harm.Advocates for LGBTQ kids have said the governor and supporters of similar policies in this and other states risk creating a public panic that leads to increases in bullying or worse.State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who helped filibuster the bill, said it was “embarrassing” but not surprising to see Pillen prioritize cultural issues instead of kitchen-table economics.“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to address the budget deficit, child care, affordable housing, and other priorities for our state,” Hunt said.&nbsp;<h2>School funding and property taxes</h2>Pillen said he understands the challenge of pushing for changes to the state aid formula for K-12 education because legislative support often comes down to the impact on schools in senators’ legislative districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said his focus remains reducing the property tax burden. He has been sharing tax rankings that he says hurt the state when he is trying to recruit new businesses and residents. He says lawmakers hear demands for change from their constituents.He repeated many of the arguments he made last year when pushing for broader property tax reform: including that the state leans too heavily on property taxpayers to pay for schooling. He said he still wants to broaden the sales tax base to ease the burden of property taxes.&nbsp;This year, he is focused on adapting sales taxes to the modern service economy. He said he expects pushback from people who don’t want to pay more for haircuts, massages and lawn care but said he would focus on taxing services people could do for themselves.“Most of us agree we have a property tax crisis, so how do we come up with the fairest way?” Pillen asked. “If all of us are unhappy, then that’s going to be pretty good policy.”He believes the state should fund the cost of operations — the costs of teachers, staff and classroom learning. He said local property taxpayers should fund the cost of school buildings, athletic facilities, and school grounds and maintenance.He said buildings and maintenance would represent about $650 million of the $3.1 billion in property taxes spent each year on K-12 education in Nebraska.“The school districts, the school boards, the communities, they decide what kind of buildings they want to have their kids in, and that stays on the property tax,” Pillen said. “If you want to build a Taj Mahal, good for you. Your people pay for it.”He said he wants to fund education and work with school district leaders to spend less money on things that don’t help educate kids — the middle managers, administrators and “checkers of the checkers” who distract teachers from teaching.Pillen says he is focused on finding government efficiencies. He says his team is working with school superintendents, the Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Education to reduce the number of costly state mandates on schools.Legislation meant to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">curb unfunded mandates</a>&nbsp;has stalled for years in the Legislature.His goal is “decrease the administrative bloat“ and get more money back into classrooms. The next version of the state aid formula should build off the idea that it costs a certain amount to educate each child, he said.&nbsp;He says he is hearing from lawmakers and people in education about the need to make sure that any formula accounts for fast-growing districts and that rearranging aid per student will make that easier.&nbsp;Some school leaders have publicly supported the idea of shifting more school funding to the state. Others have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">questioned</a>&nbsp;whether the state will be able to meet its K-12 commitments when the farm economy sours or when state receipts drop.“I think running state government is just like life,” Pillen said. “It’s priorities. Education’s a top priority. We’re always going to find the money there.”<h2>‘Fake meat’</h2>Pillen wants Nebraska to join Florida and Alabama in banning the sale of meat alternatives, or if sales of some products that cannot be stopped to no longer be labeled as meat, which he said was misleading. He called it “bioreactor meat.”He considers the proposal part of his years-long effort to fight against animal-rights activists and others who have tried to demonize production agriculture and animal agriculture, which is personal for him as an owner of a Columbus-based hog operation.He said he hears from dairy producers dealing with labeling like almond milk, which he calls “almond nut juice.” He said companies shouldn’t be able to confuse potential consumers about what they’re buying.&nbsp;He said he knows some Nebraskans might want to purchase lab-grown meat, but they “ain’t gonna buy it in Nebraska.” Lab meat defenders say they reduce greenhouse emissions, cut down on the use of antibiotics and reduce cruelty to animals.“Cattle is king,” Pillen said. “We can’t stand back and reactive. We need to be proactive. So our policies are going to be aggressive … so we lead and create the dust, not eat the dust.”<h2>Winner-take-all</h2>Pillen also wants to make 2024 the last time Democrats can win a “blue dot” in the Omaha area’s 2nd Congressional District from a Republican candidate.Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb has said Republicans would rather change the rules than continue to compete.&nbsp;Pillen says he wants to make Nebraska like 48 other states. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award Electoral College votes to candidates for president by congressional district, in addition to giving two votes to the winner statewide.&nbsp;Pillen pressed the Legislature to make the change in time for the 2024 general election but fell short of votes when State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat-turned-Republican, said he wouldn’t back it.He needed 33 votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster from senators in the Omaha area. One reason supporters like the current practice is seeing tens of millions of dollars being spent every four years on political ads and campaigns.Many of those senators also like the boost to Democratic voter turnout in the 1st and 2nd Districts.Nebraska Republicans have wanted to make the change for decades.&nbsp;Republicans outnumber Democrats in the state more than 2-to-1 by registration, though nonpartisan and third-party registrants make up about a fourth of the state’s registered voters.President-elect Donald Trump tried to persuade Nebraska senators to make the change&nbsp;earlier this year. Trump praised Pillen publicly for trying, but if Pillen can finish the job it could help him if he faces another run against Herbster, a multi-state businessman and top Trump donor whom Trump endorsed in 2022.Pillen on Friday said there are 33 Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature and noted that McDonnell leaves office in January.&nbsp;“My belief is that it was a mistake 30 years ago (to stop using winner-take-all),” Pillen said. “If it was such a great policy … we’d have a lot of other states that have the same policy.”He said he wants all states to play by the same rules when electing a president. He said he doesn’t believe the outside political money coming into Omaha is helpful.He does not see the change as a means of voter suppression and said people shouldn’t need the extra motivation of a competitive presidential race to choose to vote.&nbsp;“This is Nebraska,” he said. “This should be decided by Nebraskans, not lots of other people’s money. … Democracy is way more important. Our values are way more important.”

Nebraska governor’s priorities shift focus from spending and tax changes

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

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”

But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.

“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”

On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.

But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.

<a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.

“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.

Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”

Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.

Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.

While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.

During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.

Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.

Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>

“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.

Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.

Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.

“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”

Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”

“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”

Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.

“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733856776956.png" alt="President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.<h2>Ratified in 1868</h2><a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.<h2>A branch extended to Dreamers</h2>Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

Despite doubts on legality, Trump pledges to end birthright citizenship

&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following the passing of Howard Hawks, the cofounder of Tenaska, philanthropist, and&nbsp;former member of Nebraska Board of Regents:

“Howard Hawks’ leadership will shape Nebraska for decades to come. After finding his success in business, Howard dedicated his time and resources to helping Nebraska’s next generation prepare for their own successes. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Rhonda and the Hawks family as they mourn this monumental loss.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following the passing of Howard Hawks, the cofounder of Tenaska, philanthropist, and&nbsp;former member of Nebraska Board of Regents:“Howard Hawks’ leadership will shape Nebraska for decades to come. After finding his success in business, Howard dedicated his time and resources to helping Nebraska’s next generation prepare for their own successes. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Rhonda and the Hawks family as they mourn this monumental loss.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Statement on Howard Hawks

 LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement on the passing of former University of Nebraska Regent and business leader Howard Hawks:

"Suzanne and I join Nebraskans mourning the loss of Howard Hawks. Howard was an extraordinary business leader, a servant of our university system and the people of our state, and a dedicated philanthropist who reinvested his blessings back into his community at every turn. I am deeply grateful for the years I served alongside Howard on the Board of Regents. Like many others, I learned so much from his wisdom and leadership. Suzanne and I extend our prayers and condolences to Rhonda and the entire Hawks family."

Governor Jim Pillen LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement on the passing of former University of Nebraska Regent and business leader Howard Hawks:"Suzanne and I join Nebraskans mourning the loss of Howard Hawks. Howard was an extraordinary business leader, a servant of our university system and the people of our state, and a dedicated philanthropist who reinvested his blessings back into his community at every turn. I am deeply grateful for the years I served alongside Howard on the Board of Regents. Like many others, I learned so much from his wisdom and leadership. Suzanne and I extend our prayers and condolences to Rhonda and the entire Hawks family."

 Gov. Jim Pillen Issues Statement on Passing of Howard Hawks

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/peterhall/">PETER HALL</a>

Police in Altoona arrested a suspect Monday in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in New York, authorities announced.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the man arrested as Luigi Mangione, 26, whose last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione was in possession of what New York police described as a “ghost gun” made with a 3D printer and a “handwritten document that speaks to his motivation and mindset,” Tisch said.

Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds where he was recognized by an employee. The New York Police Department has published images from surveillance cameras showing the suspect’s face.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said Mangione had no prior criminal record and that police believe he attended college in Pennsylvania. Social media accounts in Mangione’s name say that he attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science.

Mangione was being held on Pennsylvania weapons charges and NYPD detectives were en route to Altoona, nearly 300 miles from New York, to interview him, Kenny said.

Thompson, 50, was shot several times by a person who authorities believe was lying in wait early Wednesday morning outside the Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was holding an investors meeting.

A spokesperson for the Blair County District Attorney’s Office said it would release a statement later Monday.

Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest for-profit health insurance providers, for nearly three years. His killing has prompted an outpouring of criticism of the company and the United States’ health care system generally for denying or unnecessarily complicating medical treatment.

This article was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Capital-Star</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733576299830.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/peterhall/">PETER HALL</a>Police in Altoona arrested a suspect Monday in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in New York, authorities announced.New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the man arrested as Luigi Mangione, 26, whose last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione was in possession of what New York police described as a “ghost gun” made with a 3D printer and a “handwritten document that speaks to his motivation and mindset,” Tisch said.Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds where he was recognized by an employee. The New York Police Department has published images from surveillance cameras showing the suspect’s face.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733417735866.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said Mangione had no prior criminal record and that police believe he attended college in Pennsylvania. Social media accounts in Mangione’s name say that he attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science.Mangione was being held on Pennsylvania weapons charges and NYPD detectives were en route to Altoona, nearly 300 miles from New York, to interview him, Kenny said.Thompson, 50, was shot several times by a person who authorities believe was lying in wait early Wednesday morning outside the Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was holding an investors meeting.A spokesperson for the Blair County District Attorney’s Office said it would release a statement later Monday.Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest for-profit health insurance providers, for nearly three years. His killing has prompted an outpouring of criticism of the company and the United States’ health care system generally for denying or unnecessarily complicating medical treatment.This article was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Capital-Star</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.

Police arrest suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

WASHINGTON —Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced Saturday nearly $1 billion in additional security assistance to help Ukraine bolster its combat power amid Russia's continued aggression, according to a media release from the Department of Defense.

The $988 million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3989537/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-package-for-ukraine/">package</a>&nbsp;of new equipment, provisioned under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, includes unmanned aerial systems, rocket munitions and support for maintenance and repair programs.&nbsp;

It marks the 22nd USAI package issued under the Biden administration, bringing the total of U.S. security assistance for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to more than $62 billion. &nbsp;

Austin announced the new package during his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3989588/the-common-defence-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-re/">address at the Reagan National Defense Forum</a>&nbsp;hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California, where he underscored the imperative for the United States and its global network of allies to continue to stand resolute in helping Ukraine defend itself. &nbsp;

The secretary added that the U.S. has consistently made its choice to stand with Ukraine clear.&nbsp;

Since April 2022, Austin has continued to rally the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global network of some 50 partners committed to Ukraine's near-term battlefield needs and its long-term ability to deter future aggression.&nbsp;

"I've convened the contact group 24 times now," Austin said. &nbsp;"Its other members have committed more than $57 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine. &nbsp;

He added that, as a percentage of gross domestic product, more than a dozen UDCG members now provide more security assistance to Ukraine than the U.S. does. &nbsp;

"And together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe," he said. &nbsp;

Russia, the secretary said, has paid a "staggering price" for Russian President Vladimir Putin's war of aggression.&nbsp;

Austin noted that Russia has suffered at least 700,000 casualties and squandered more than $200 billion since its invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

And Putin's aggression has only served to further unite and strengthen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nato.int/">NATO</a>, Austin said, adding that "we continue to be crystal clear that Putin's war was not the result of NATO enlargement but the cause of NATO enlargement." &nbsp;

He said Russia's assault on Ukraine has served as a warning to the rest of the world not to let unprovoked aggression go unchecked. &nbsp;

"As I said in Kyiv in October, we are seeing 'a sneak preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs — a chaotic world, violent world carved into spheres of influence; a world where bullies trample their smaller neighbors; and a world where aggressors force free people to live in fear,'" Austin said. &nbsp;

"So, we can continue to stand up to the Kremlin, or we can let Putin have his way — and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733629729555.png" alt="An airman with the 305th Aerial Port Squadron uploads munitions onboard a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The munitions cargo is part of an additional security assistance package for Ukraine.-photo Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>An airman with the 305th Aerial Port Squadron uploads munitions onboard a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The munitions cargo is part of an additional security assistance package for Ukraine.-photo Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced Saturday nearly $1 billion in additional security assistance to help Ukraine bolster its combat power amid Russia's continued aggression, according to a media release from the Department of Defense.The $988 million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3989537/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-package-for-ukraine/">package</a>&nbsp;of new equipment, provisioned under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, includes unmanned aerial systems, rocket munitions and support for maintenance and repair programs.&nbsp;It marks the 22nd USAI package issued under the Biden administration, bringing the total of U.S. security assistance for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to more than $62 billion. &nbsp;Austin announced the new package during his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3989588/the-common-defence-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-re/">address at the Reagan National Defense Forum</a>&nbsp;hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California, where he underscored the imperative for the United States and its global network of allies to continue to stand resolute in helping Ukraine defend itself. &nbsp;The secretary added that the U.S. has consistently made its choice to stand with Ukraine clear.&nbsp;Since April 2022, Austin has continued to rally the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global network of some 50 partners committed to Ukraine's near-term battlefield needs and its long-term ability to deter future aggression.&nbsp;"I've convened the contact group 24 times now," Austin said. &nbsp;"Its other members have committed more than $57 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine. &nbsp;He added that, as a percentage of gross domestic product, more than a dozen UDCG members now provide more security assistance to Ukraine than the U.S. does. &nbsp;"And together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe," he said. &nbsp;Russia, the secretary said, has paid a "staggering price" for Russian President Vladimir Putin's war of aggression.&nbsp;Austin noted that Russia has suffered at least 700,000 casualties and squandered more than $200 billion since its invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;And Putin's aggression has only served to further unite and strengthen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nato.int/">NATO</a>, Austin said, adding that "we continue to be crystal clear that Putin's war was not the result of NATO enlargement but the cause of NATO enlargement." &nbsp;He said Russia's assault on Ukraine has served as a warning to the rest of the world not to let unprovoked aggression go unchecked. &nbsp;"As I said in Kyiv in October, we are seeing 'a sneak preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs — a chaotic world, violent world carved into spheres of influence; a world where bullies trample their smaller neighbors; and a world where aggressors force free people to live in fear,'" Austin said. &nbsp;"So, we can continue to stand up to the Kremlin, or we can let Putin have his way — and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict," he said.

U.S. sending $1 billion more in military assistance to Ukraine

Lincoln, NE ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, December 5 drawing is holding a ticket worth $100,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $100,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Casey's #2015, 1822 North Lincoln, in York. The winning numbers from Thursday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 04, 09, 10, 19, 34.

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

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

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Thursday, December 5 drawing is holding a ticket worth $100,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Thursday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $100,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Casey's #2015, 1822 North Lincoln, in York. The winning numbers from Thursday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 04, 09, 10, 19, 34.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

 $100,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in York

Kearney, Neb. - On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at approximately 6:20 PM, Kearney Police Department (KPD)&nbsp; officers responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck from the area of 1807 University Drive.&nbsp; The vehicle owner informed officers that his girlfriend had seen the pickup driving around town&nbsp; shortly before reporting it stolen. After confirming the truck was missing, KPD officers&nbsp; immediately entered the vehicle’s description and license plate information into the Flock&nbsp; Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.&nbsp;

The ALPR cameras promptly detected the stolen vehicle moving through various areas in&nbsp; Kearney. Using this information, KPD officers narrowed down the likely location of the vehicle.&nbsp; Officers successfully located the stolen truck and conducted a traffic stop, recovering the stolen&nbsp; vehicle and returning the property to its owner within hours of the theft.&nbsp;

The driver and sole occupant, identified as Joel Jones, a 39-year-old male from Kearney, was&nbsp; arrested without incident. Jones was transported to the Buffalo County Jail and charged with felony Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $5,000) and Possession of Burglary Tools.&nbsp;

Further investigation revealed that Jones’ own vehicle was parked about a block away from&nbsp; where the stolen pickup was taken. Officers from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)&nbsp; Police Department assisted KPD in locating Jones’ vehicle.&nbsp;

The Kearney Police Department recognizes the vital role that ALPR Cameras played in this&nbsp; case. The timely and accurate information provided by the system significantly contributed to&nbsp; the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect. KPD also extends its&nbsp; gratitude to the UNK Police Department for their collaboration in ensuring the safety of our&nbsp; community.&nbsp;

This incident highlights the value of the responsible use of technology and inter-agency&nbsp; cooperation in protecting the citizens of Kearney. The Kearney Police Department remains&nbsp; committed to utilizing all available resources to maintain public safety and swiftly resolve criminal activity.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733141971985.jpeg" alt="Joel Jones (Buffalo County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Joel Jones (Buffalo County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. - On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at approximately 6:20 PM, Kearney Police Department (KPD)&nbsp; officers responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck from the area of 1807 University Drive.&nbsp; The vehicle owner informed officers that his girlfriend had seen the pickup driving around town&nbsp; shortly before reporting it stolen. After confirming the truck was missing, KPD officers&nbsp; immediately entered the vehicle’s description and license plate information into the Flock&nbsp; Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.&nbsp;The ALPR cameras promptly detected the stolen vehicle moving through various areas in&nbsp; Kearney. Using this information, KPD officers narrowed down the likely location of the vehicle.&nbsp; Officers successfully located the stolen truck and conducted a traffic stop, recovering the stolen&nbsp; vehicle and returning the property to its owner within hours of the theft.&nbsp;The driver and sole occupant, identified as Joel Jones, a 39-year-old male from Kearney, was&nbsp; arrested without incident. Jones was transported to the Buffalo County Jail and charged with felony Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $5,000) and Possession of Burglary Tools.&nbsp;Further investigation revealed that Jones’ own vehicle was parked about a block away from&nbsp; where the stolen pickup was taken. Officers from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)&nbsp; Police Department assisted KPD in locating Jones’ vehicle.&nbsp;The Kearney Police Department recognizes the vital role that ALPR Cameras played in this&nbsp; case. The timely and accurate information provided by the system significantly contributed to&nbsp; the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect. KPD also extends its&nbsp; gratitude to the UNK Police Department for their collaboration in ensuring the safety of our&nbsp; community.&nbsp;This incident highlights the value of the responsible use of technology and inter-agency&nbsp; cooperation in protecting the citizens of Kearney. The Kearney Police Department remains&nbsp; committed to utilizing all available resources to maintain public safety and swiftly resolve criminal activity.&nbsp;

 Kearney Police Quickly Recover Stolen Truck Using ALPR Cameras 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/05/room-for-improvement-breaking-down-2023-24-nebraska-k-12-student-test-scores/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A majority of Nebraska school districts continue to be classified as “excellent” or “great,” though a greater percentage — about a third — are now classified as “good” or “needs support to improve.”

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nep.education.ne.gov/#/" target="_blank">annual data</a>&nbsp;from the Nebraska Department of Education, the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who tested proficient in English language arts rose by 1%, to having 59% on track or at an advanced level. The percentage of students proficient in math fell 4%, to 58% of students in grades 3-8. The math test is based on new state standards approved in 2022.

View more of&nbsp;<a href="https://nep.education.ne.gov/#/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s 2023-24 test scores here</a>, with information at the district and individual school levels.

Students who were tested in science in grades 5 and 8 continue to score high, rising to 74% proficiency. This is the second straight year that the science scores have risen by 4%.

Test scores are again above pre-pandemic levels, higher than in 2022, when proficiency scores in English language arts fell to 47% and math fell to 46% during the 2021-22 school year.

“We need to continue to work together as a state to provide the best possible opportunities for every student to succeed and be prepared for life after school,” Brian Maher, state education commissioner, said at a news conference last week.

High school juniors, who all take the ACT, were 45% proficient in English language arts, 42% in math and 49% in science. Maher cautioned the ACT scores are based on national standards but do offer opportunities to compare how Nebraska students are doing next to other states.

Maher noted improvements among many student groups but said achievement gaps persist based on race, ethnicity, special education, low-income and English language learners.

State and federal law requires the Nebraska Department of Education to classify schools and school districts in one of four ways to signal which ones may need specific support, including state funding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733410440656.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher speaks at a virtual news conference Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, regarding new student performance data for the 2022-23 school year. (Screenshot by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher speaks at a virtual news conference Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, regarding new student performance data for the 2022-23 school year. (Screenshot by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/05/room-for-improvement-breaking-down-2023-24-nebraska-k-12-student-test-scores/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A majority of Nebraska school districts continue to be classified as “excellent” or “great,” though a greater percentage — about a third — are now classified as “good” or “needs support to improve.”According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nep.education.ne.gov/#/" target="_blank">annual data</a>&nbsp;from the Nebraska Department of Education, the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who tested proficient in English language arts rose by 1%, to having 59% on track or at an advanced level. The percentage of students proficient in math fell 4%, to 58% of students in grades 3-8. The math test is based on new state standards approved in 2022.<h2>Dig into the data</h2>View more of&nbsp;<a href="https://nep.education.ne.gov/#/" target="_blank">Nebraska’s 2023-24 test scores here</a>, with information at the district and individual school levels.Students who were tested in science in grades 5 and 8 continue to score high, rising to 74% proficiency. This is the second straight year that the science scores have risen by 4%.Test scores are again above pre-pandemic levels, higher than in 2022, when proficiency scores in English language arts fell to 47% and math fell to 46% during the 2021-22 school year.“We need to continue to work together as a state to provide the best possible opportunities for every student to succeed and be prepared for life after school,” Brian Maher, state education commissioner, said at a news conference last week.High school juniors, who all take the ACT, were 45% proficient in English language arts, 42% in math and 49% in science. Maher cautioned the ACT scores are based on national standards but do offer opportunities to compare how Nebraska students are doing next to other states.Maher noted improvements among many student groups but said achievement gaps persist based on race, ethnicity, special education, low-income and English language learners.<h2>State classifications</h2>State and federal law requires the Nebraska Department of Education to classify schools and school districts in one of four ways to signal which ones may need specific support, including state funding.Nebraska’s “Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow” model, or AQuESTT, measures schools and districts on various factors, including proficiency scores in English language arts and math, chronic absenteeism and graduation rates.The most recent classifications:<ul>
 <li>323 schools are “excellent” (29%).</li><li>359 schools are “great” (40%).</li><li>330 schools are “good” (30%)</li><li>89 schools are “need support to improve” (8%).</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/g9qnh/" target="_blank">classifications</a>&nbsp;of the 244 school districts for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/22/nebraska-student-test-scores-appear-to-rebound-after-covid-19-pandemic/">last year</a>&nbsp;mirror the same pattern, with a greater percentage of schools — 34% — at the “good” and “needs support to improve” levels, compared to 18.5% in the 2023 report.In total, 138 school districts maintained the same classification between 2023 and 2024, while 71 school districts decreased in classification and 35 improved. Six districts rose by two classifications and six others dropped two classifications.About 70% of school districts improved or held steady in English and science proficiency scores in grades 3-8, while the new “cut scores” in math led to lower proficiency for 57% of districts.Thirteen districts were labeled “needs support to improve”: Bayard Public Schools, Columbus Public Schools, Elba Public Schools, Lewiston Consolidated Schools, Lexington Public Schools, Madison Public Schools, Nebraska City Public Schools, Niobrara Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, South Platte Public Schools, Southern School District 1, Walthill Public Schools and Winnebago Public Schools.Of those, Elba, Omaha, Walthill and Winnebago Public Schools remained at “needs support to improve” from last year.Two other districts listed at that classification level last year improved. Isanti Community School rose two spots to “great,” and Harvard Public Schools rose one level to “good.”<h2>Data can guide resources</h2>State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a member of the Legislature’s Education Committee, said she appreciates the data for showing what’s going well and where adjustments or improvements might be needed, but acknowledged it is a lot of information to digest.Conrad said many districts and schools are showing growth and pointed out that many are holding the line as “excellent” or “good.”She noted, however, that the “needs support to improve” category is a measure of needing additional support, noting that her daughter attends a Lincoln school rated in that category. &nbsp; She said she knows the school has a tremendous environment, with talented and dedicated teachers.“On paper, it seems really scary,” Conrad said. “What I know in practice is that one data point doesn’t tell the full story, but what I do hope comes forward from the assessment is that we really do pour time, energy, support and resources into our schools who need the most help.”State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, who chairs the Education Committee, said he appreciates that the Nebraska Department of Education has a goal to increase third-grade reading proficiency to 75% by 2030.&nbsp;In the most recent tests, students in grades 4-8 increased English language arts proficiency, while grade 3 scores fell slightly, from 62% to 59%.“Literacy continues to be a priority for the Nebraska Department of Education,” Maher said in a statement. “We will continue to focus resources on statewide improvement.”Murman said focusing on third-grade reading proficiency is a proper focus because it can set up a foundation for all education. He said the goal doesn’t preclude striving for improvement in all grade levels or subjects, including math and science.“The better we can use our English skills, the better we’ll do for the other subjects,” Murman told the Nebraska Examiner.<h2>Prioritizing ‘room for improvement’</h2>Murman suggested penalties for schools repeatedly listed as “additional targeted support and improvement,” defined as a school where one or more student groups are performing at or below the performance level of students in the state’s lowest-performing public schools.“Perhaps stronger supports should be provided from the state level such as replacing administrators and/or teachers,” Murman said in a text. “Students and families that lack the resources to leave continually underperforming schools truly miss out on equal opportunity.”Murman also highlighted past legislative accomplishments to increase school funding, provide scholarships and stipends for new or prospective teachers, and streamline teacher certification.Murman and Conrad said they are looking for legislative ways to improve education.Murman noted goals to reduce truancy and form a solid Education Committee after a number of members depart because of term limits, while Conrad pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/08/gov-pillen-asks-nebraska-lawmakers-to-overhaul-school-aid-formula-in-2025/">strengthening school funding</a>&nbsp;in partnership with Gov. Jim Pillen.“I appreciate what schools across the state do and the teachers and the parents to educate our kids,” Murman said. “I’ve said it several times before: Nebraska does have great schools, compared to the rest of the nation especially, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement.”