Omaha, Neb.- Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver partnered today to train approximately 100 Houston Independent School District (HISD) police officers on critical rail safety measures — equipping them with the knowledge to prevent rail incidents and respond swiftly and safely in the event an emergency occurs.

Held at HISD's High School for Law and Justice, the Rail Investigation Safety Course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers for the real-world scenarios they may encounter when responding to railroad incidents. The specialized training provided hands-on education about railroad operations, legal considerations, and best practices for emergency response.

"Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we're committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks," said Clint Schelbitzki, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at Union Pacific. "This training goes beyond just checking a box—giving first responders the tools to prevent tragedies and effectively respond when seconds matter."

Participants learned how to assess railroad environments, interpret rail signage and signals, and navigate emergency response procedures involving trains and tracks. The course also included guidance on investigative protocols, legal considerations, and available resources for law enforcement.

Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver regularly collaborate with first responders, schools, and community groups to reinforce safe behaviors around railroads. Anyone interested in participating in this training can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">www.oli.org</a>&nbsp; for more information.

Texas Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through public education, enforcement, and engineering initiatives.

Union PacificOmaha, Neb.- Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver partnered today to train approximately 100 Houston Independent School District (HISD) police officers on critical rail safety measures — equipping them with the knowledge to prevent rail incidents and respond swiftly and safely in the event an emergency occurs.Held at HISD's High School for Law and Justice, the Rail Investigation Safety Course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers for the real-world scenarios they may encounter when responding to railroad incidents. The specialized training provided hands-on education about railroad operations, legal considerations, and best practices for emergency response."Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we're committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks," said Clint Schelbitzki, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at Union Pacific. "This training goes beyond just checking a box—giving first responders the tools to prevent tragedies and effectively respond when seconds matter."Participants learned how to assess railroad environments, interpret rail signage and signals, and navigate emergency response procedures involving trains and tracks. The course also included guidance on investigative protocols, legal considerations, and available resources for law enforcement.Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver regularly collaborate with first responders, schools, and community groups to reinforce safe behaviors around railroads. Anyone interested in participating in this training can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oli.org/" target="_blank">www.oli.org</a>&nbsp; for more information.Texas Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through public education, enforcement, and engineering initiatives.

Union Pacific, Operation Lifesaver Strengthen Rail Safety in Houston

DAMASCUS —On Saturday, U.S. Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing a senior finance and logistics official in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

"The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.'

On Feb. 12, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by U.S. Central Command&nbsp; forces, conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Rawa, Iraq, killing five ISIS operatives, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

An initial post-strike clearance confirmed the dead ISIS operatives, various medium and small caliber weapons, grenades, suicide explosive belts, and ammunition.

The ISF-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partner forces to secure the lasting defeat of ISIS and to enable the establishment of enduring security cooperation frameworks. 

"ISF continue to be a credible and capable fighting element leading the D-ISIS mission in Iraq and are a valuable partner in efforts to diminish ISIS’s presence and its radical ideologies.'

"ISIS remains a threat to the region and beyond, and CENTCOM, along with partners and allies, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists."

"We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739746302792.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons patrol the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.-Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons patrol the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.-Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS —On Saturday, U.S. Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing a senior finance and logistics official in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command."The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.'On Feb. 12, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by U.S. Central Command&nbsp; forces, conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Rawa, Iraq, killing five ISIS operatives, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.An initial post-strike clearance confirmed the dead ISIS operatives, various medium and small caliber weapons, grenades, suicide explosive belts, and ammunition.The ISF-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partner forces to secure the lasting defeat of ISIS and to enable the establishment of enduring security cooperation frameworks. "ISF continue to be a credible and capable fighting element leading the D-ISIS mission in Iraq and are a valuable partner in efforts to diminish ISIS’s presence and its radical ideologies.'"ISIS remains a threat to the region and beyond, and CENTCOM, along with partners and allies, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists.""We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

U.S. forces kill senior operative of Al-Qaeda affiliate 

DAYTONA BEACH — President Donald Trump attended the Super Bowl last Sunday. This Sunday he attended the&nbsp;Daytona 500, for the second time as president.

DAYTONA BEACH — President Donald Trump attended the Super Bowl last Sunday. This Sunday he attended the&nbsp;Daytona 500, for the second time as president.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump lap at the Daytona 500. <a href="https://t.co/e7KEURXLHz">pic.twitter.com/e7KEURXLHz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1891220003891872103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸President Donald J. Trump Has Arrived: Air Force One SOARS Over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Daytona500?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Daytona500</a> 🏎️ <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/yAcAPgH8ip">pic.twitter.com/yAcAPgH8ip</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1891199529988280662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump, The Beast, and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Daytona500?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Daytona500</a>—It doesn&#39;t get more American than that! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/NbPubVuxAa">pic.twitter.com/NbPubVuxAa</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1891198367180407186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;This is your favorite President. I&#39;m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people that you do this. I don&#39;t know, but I just want you to be safe. You&#39;re talented people, and you&#39;re great people, and great Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun, and I&#39;ll see you later.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IAOiQJ5jvE">https://t.co/IAOiQJ5jvE</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1891206029771186501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EPIC!!! Happening Now at the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCAR</a> 500…LET’S GO!!! <a href="https://t.co/GXg83oHLUC">pic.twitter.com/GXg83oHLUC</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1891201831637852484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump takes laps in The Beast ahead of Daytona 500

Republican state legislators are filing a flurry of bills addressing junk food, vaccines, fluoride.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">ANNA CLAIRE VOLLERS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Republican state legislators across the country are filing a flurry of bills to advance the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda promoted by activist lawyer and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s in line to be the next U.S. health secretary.

Under the MAHA banner, state lawmakers are working to regulate candy and soda purchases under social welfare programs, remove fluoride from public water systems, roll back state vaccination requirements, and remove ultra-processed food from schools.

They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">enlisted celebrities</a>&nbsp;to help. They’re using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Jacob4Wyoming/status/1886478813804048864" target="_blank">#RFK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">#MAHA</a>&nbsp;hashtags on social media to share legislative wins. Lawmakers even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=983860476948534&amp;set=pb.100059737712851.-2207520000" target="_blank">walked the red carpet</a>&nbsp;at a January gala celebrated as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/the-maha-gala#:~:text=more%20than%20800%20of%20US%20health%20secretary%20nominee%20Robert%20F.%20Kennedy%20Jr.%E2%80%99s%20most%20loyal%20followers%20have%20gathered%20to%20celebrate%20the%20official%20start%20of%20the%20Make%20America%20Healthy%20movement" target="_blank">official start</a>&nbsp;of the MAHA movement in the Trump era.

“It’s pretty exciting for me,” said Wyoming Republican state Rep. Jacob Wasserburger, who has sponsored a MAHA bill in his state.

“I was a pretty overweight kid when I was growing up. … When I was about 16, I started trying to get healthy, and it seemed to me like there were some badly flawed issues with our health care in this country that weren’t being addressed,” he said.

Kennedy is a vocal vaccine skeptic with controversial and sometimes misleading views on a number of public health policies, from fluoride in public water to the underlying causes of HIV and autism. He’s decried ultra-processed foods, government overreach and greedy corporations for harming human health and the environment.

His often unorthodox — and in some cases, false — views have inspired some conservative lawmakers and given political cover to others, spurring them to reshape public health policy in myriad ways.

One popular MAHA measure is to prevent families who qualify for food stamps from using their benefits to purchase candy or soda.

Republican legislators in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/?nvep=&amp;hmac=&amp;emci=89624625-bae3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/h0109/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1821889" target="_blank">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0403.html" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/WY/bill/HB0323/2025" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>&nbsp;have introduced bills directing their respective state agencies to ask the federal government to allow them to remove candy and soda from the list of eligible products that can be purchased with food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/governor-sanders-calls-for-reforms-to-the-snap-program/" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to the feds in December asking them to bar junk food items from SNAP, which is a federal program administered by the states.

In Wyoming, Wasserburger sponsored a bill that would prevent people in SNAP from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda.

“I’m all in favor of people having food choice and freedoms, but if taxpayers are going to be funding the cost of that food with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the funding should be going to what it says: nutrition,” Wasserburger told Stateline.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the soda and candy bars. Anybody can go buy that with their own money.”

The bill recently passed the Wyoming House and is headed to the Senate.

Proponents of the SNAP bills argue candy and sugary drinks harm the health of recipients, many of whom are children. And taxpayers, they say, shouldn’t have to pay for unhealthy foods that can lead to obesity and other issues.

Critics of the bills argue that the fundamental problem for SNAP recipients is that healthy food is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20fundamental%20problem%20for%20SNAP%20recipients%20and%20for%20all%20of%20us%20is%20that%20healthy%20food%20is%20more%20expensive%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Karen%20Siebert%2C%20a%20lobbyist%20for%20a%20network%20of%20food%20banks%20that%20serve%20all%20105%20Kansas%20counties%20including%20Harvesters%2C%20Kansas%20Food%20Bank%20and%20Second%20Harvest%20Community%20Food%20Bank." target="_blank">more expensive</a>&nbsp;and can be harder to find in low-income neighborhoods. Lobbyists contend that identifying foods as “good” or “bad” amounts to government overreach.

And even some Republicans say the definitions in the bills are&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Heap%20agreed%20with%20supporters%20of%20the%20bill%20that%20obesity%20is%20a%20major%20issue%20in%20Arizona%20and%20across%20the%20country%2C%20but%20sided%20with%20opponents%20that%20the%20definitions%20in%20it%20were%20too%20vague.%C2%A0" target="_blank">too vague</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Those%20definitions%20would%20preclude%20SNAP%20participants%20from%20purchasing%20granola%20bars%2C%20sports%20energy%20bars%20and%20possibly%20many%20cereals%20like%20Honey%20Nut%20Cheerios%2C%20while%20allowing%20the%20purchase%20of%20things%20like%20potato%20chips.%C2%A0" target="_blank">Arizona’s bill</a>, for example, could have prevented SNAP participants from buying granola bars and some cereals, while allowing them to buy potato chips. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=Under%20those%20definitions%2C%20Kit%20Kat%20and%20Twix%2C%20which%20contain%20flour%2C%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20restricted.%20Certain%20juices%20that%20contain%20high%20amounts%20of%20sugar%20but%20are%20more%20than%20half%20fruit%20juice%20by%20volume%20also%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20banned." target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;bill defines prohibited candy in such a way that Kit Kat and Twix bars, which contain flour, wouldn’t be restricted.

Many of the state bills follow on the heels of a federal version, the&nbsp;<a href="https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1372" target="_blank">Healthy SNAP Act</a>, which Republicans reintroduced in Congress last month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739629912875.png" alt="RFK Jr. swearing in ceremony on Thursday- image Whit House" />
 <figcaption>RFK Jr. swearing in ceremony on Thursday- image Whit House</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Republican state legislators are filing a flurry of bills addressing junk food, vaccines, fluoride.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">ANNA CLAIRE VOLLERS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a> Republican state legislators across the country are filing a flurry of bills to advance the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda promoted by activist lawyer and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s in line to be the next U.S. health secretary.Under the MAHA banner, state lawmakers are working to regulate candy and soda purchases under social welfare programs, remove fluoride from public water systems, roll back state vaccination requirements, and remove ultra-processed food from schools.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN 🇺🇸 Based on all health indicators and global comparisons, Americans are becoming sicker, beset by illnesses that our medical system isn&#39;t addressing effectively. The Trump Administration IS CHANGING THAT! 1/4 <a href="https://t.co/oIeHWvqK4e">pic.twitter.com/oIeHWvqK4e</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1890190620641440243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">enlisted celebrities</a>&nbsp;to help. They’re using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Jacob4Wyoming/status/1886478813804048864" target="_blank">#RFK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">#MAHA</a>&nbsp;hashtags on social media to share legislative wins. Lawmakers even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=983860476948534&amp;set=pb.100059737712851.-2207520000" target="_blank">walked the red carpet</a>&nbsp;at a January gala celebrated as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/the-maha-gala#:~:text=more%20than%20800%20of%20US%20health%20secretary%20nominee%20Robert%20F.%20Kennedy%20Jr.%E2%80%99s%20most%20loyal%20followers%20have%20gathered%20to%20celebrate%20the%20official%20start%20of%20the%20Make%20America%20Healthy%20movement" target="_blank">official start</a>&nbsp;of the MAHA movement in the Trump era.“It’s pretty exciting for me,” said Wyoming Republican state Rep. Jacob Wasserburger, who has sponsored a MAHA bill in his state.“I was a pretty overweight kid when I was growing up. … When I was about 16, I started trying to get healthy, and it seemed to me like there were some badly flawed issues with our health care in this country that weren’t being addressed,” he said.Kennedy is a vocal vaccine skeptic with controversial and sometimes misleading views on a number of public health policies, from fluoride in public water to the underlying causes of HIV and autism. He’s decried ultra-processed foods, government overreach and greedy corporations for harming human health and the environment.His often unorthodox — and in some cases, false — views have inspired some conservative lawmakers and given political cover to others, spurring them to reshape public health policy in myriad ways.<h2>Candy, soda and SNAP</h2>One popular MAHA measure is to prevent families who qualify for food stamps from using their benefits to purchase candy or soda.Republican legislators in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/?nvep=&amp;hmac=&amp;emci=89624625-bae3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/h0109/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1821889" target="_blank">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0403.html" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/WY/bill/HB0323/2025" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>&nbsp;have introduced bills directing their respective state agencies to ask the federal government to allow them to remove candy and soda from the list of eligible products that can be purchased with food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/governor-sanders-calls-for-reforms-to-the-snap-program/" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to the feds in December asking them to bar junk food items from SNAP, which is a federal program administered by the states.In Wyoming, Wasserburger sponsored a bill that would prevent people in SNAP from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda.“I’m all in favor of people having food choice and freedoms, but if taxpayers are going to be funding the cost of that food with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the funding should be going to what it says: nutrition,” Wasserburger told Stateline.“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the soda and candy bars. Anybody can go buy that with their own money.”The bill recently passed the Wyoming House and is headed to the Senate.Proponents of the SNAP bills argue candy and sugary drinks harm the health of recipients, many of whom are children. And taxpayers, they say, shouldn’t have to pay for unhealthy foods that can lead to obesity and other issues.Critics of the bills argue that the fundamental problem for SNAP recipients is that healthy food is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20fundamental%20problem%20for%20SNAP%20recipients%20and%20for%20all%20of%20us%20is%20that%20healthy%20food%20is%20more%20expensive%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Karen%20Siebert%2C%20a%20lobbyist%20for%20a%20network%20of%20food%20banks%20that%20serve%20all%20105%20Kansas%20counties%20including%20Harvesters%2C%20Kansas%20Food%20Bank%20and%20Second%20Harvest%20Community%20Food%20Bank." target="_blank">more expensive</a>&nbsp;and can be harder to find in low-income neighborhoods. Lobbyists contend that identifying foods as “good” or “bad” amounts to government overreach.And even some Republicans say the definitions in the bills are&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Heap%20agreed%20with%20supporters%20of%20the%20bill%20that%20obesity%20is%20a%20major%20issue%20in%20Arizona%20and%20across%20the%20country%2C%20but%20sided%20with%20opponents%20that%20the%20definitions%20in%20it%20were%20too%20vague.%C2%A0" target="_blank">too vague</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Those%20definitions%20would%20preclude%20SNAP%20participants%20from%20purchasing%20granola%20bars%2C%20sports%20energy%20bars%20and%20possibly%20many%20cereals%20like%20Honey%20Nut%20Cheerios%2C%20while%20allowing%20the%20purchase%20of%20things%20like%20potato%20chips.%C2%A0" target="_blank">Arizona’s bill</a>, for example, could have prevented SNAP participants from buying granola bars and some cereals, while allowing them to buy potato chips. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=Under%20those%20definitions%2C%20Kit%20Kat%20and%20Twix%2C%20which%20contain%20flour%2C%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20restricted.%20Certain%20juices%20that%20contain%20high%20amounts%20of%20sugar%20but%20are%20more%20than%20half%20fruit%20juice%20by%20volume%20also%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20banned." target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;bill defines prohibited candy in such a way that Kit Kat and Twix bars, which contain flour, wouldn’t be restricted.Many of the state bills follow on the heels of a federal version, the&nbsp;<a href="https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1372" target="_blank">Healthy SNAP Act</a>, which Republicans reintroduced in Congress last month.

State lawmakers embrace RFK Jr.’s health policies

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley as interim director for the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Bradley will continue in his current role as interim director for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). His duties overseeing DEE are effective immediately.

Gov. Pillen called out Bradley’s steady leadership of DNR since assuming the position of interim director in August 2024. This is the second time Bradley has been interim director of that agency. He was appointed in 2020 as well.

In his lead role at DNR, Bradley has worked with natural resources districts across the state to implement the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act. He has been part of the agency’s push to leverage new technologies to improve system processes to utilize data-informed management decisions.

Bradley has been with DNR since 2006, when he started as an integrated water management analyst. In 2012, he became head of the Water Planning Division and two years later, was promoted to deputy director of DNR. He has degrees in environmental geology and hydrogeology and is a licensed professional geologist in Nebraska.

“Water management is critical to the state of Nebraska – and we need to continue to innovate and improve water quantity and quality for the next seven generations,” said Gov. Pillen. “Jesse’s vast experience in that area, coupled with his ability to bridge the gap between local needs, the state and federal regulators, make him strongly qualified to lead DNR and DEE when they are combined through passage of LB317.”

LB317, which has been introduced on behalf of the Governor by Senator Tom Brandt, proposes naming the newly formed agency the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill will have a hearing before the Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Environment Quality Council (EQC) provides names to the Governor for consideration as director of DEE. Gov. Pillen said he will continue to consult with the group as the legislation moves ahead.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley as interim director for the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Bradley will continue in his current role as interim director for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). His duties overseeing DEE are effective immediately.Gov. Pillen called out Bradley’s steady leadership of DNR since assuming the position of interim director in August 2024. This is the second time Bradley has been interim director of that agency. He was appointed in 2020 as well.In his lead role at DNR, Bradley has worked with natural resources districts across the state to implement the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act. He has been part of the agency’s push to leverage new technologies to improve system processes to utilize data-informed management decisions.Bradley has been with DNR since 2006, when he started as an integrated water management analyst. In 2012, he became head of the Water Planning Division and two years later, was promoted to deputy director of DNR. He has degrees in environmental geology and hydrogeology and is a licensed professional geologist in Nebraska.“Water management is critical to the state of Nebraska – and we need to continue to innovate and improve water quantity and quality for the next seven generations,” said Gov. Pillen. “Jesse’s vast experience in that area, coupled with his ability to bridge the gap between local needs, the state and federal regulators, make him strongly qualified to lead DNR and DEE when they are combined through passage of LB317.”LB317, which has been introduced on behalf of the Governor by Senator Tom Brandt, proposes naming the newly formed agency the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill will have a hearing before the Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13.The Environment Quality Council (EQC) provides names to the Governor for consideration as director of DEE. Gov. Pillen said he will continue to consult with the group as the legislation moves ahead.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Jesse Bradley to be Interim Director of DEE and DNR

OMAHA, NE –&nbsp;New research from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKmHNpjwtxuPvz0D6i7m7M9jjDvUhR6mWZutsvoPtNFIV5ildOxS58D3C2AKYxMlQGw8ct3lsA4d-2Fgv6dbbwln3FMRTZtvqsjxaNH4GGs-2FY-2BpacRx-2BWJ-2FmJBxw-2Bfk9V6wnIk9TNZ8mc8Ylh-2BL29ndAt4GvPQ_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANX9Vrl-2FdaCFLa-2BK6Uk1rH-2FN2Aon3flmW57-2F6TmLQ4-2B8POxV7q3bKqkXiAVp0dvl9-2BtTGDaUy8mdhdLMT82U9IJ1syOqnGtNQ-2FIu2r-2Be-2FwIHmIaiOUxDrHd6nSHgAP-2Bzh-2FdnC4LOAgHFCibYDjt6lpaom1Y5csOCaNHAl9eZpfeiFmuP4y6LhYUhpeJgI1oNWOuKbSioEpJiDYdhnsB2fxgdzue1joLMaczU9cF6WeCLk-3D">AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety</a>&nbsp;reveals a concerning trend in pedestrian fatalities in the United States. After reaching a historic low in 2009, pedestrian deaths have risen by over 80% in the past 15 years. Interestingly, almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths has occurred&nbsp;after dark on urban arterial roads.

Common characteristics of urban arterial roads:

“The problem is not easily solved by simply urging drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other,” says Brian Ortner, AAA spokesperson for Nebraska and Iowa. “Reducing the spike in pedestrian deaths depends on state and local leaders working together to design and upgrade roads for vehicle and pedestrian safety.”

To enhance pedestrian safety and reduce fatalities, AAA suggests several key steps:

Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users

AAA Press ReleaseOMAHA, NE –&nbsp;New research from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKmHNpjwtxuPvz0D6i7m7M9jjDvUhR6mWZutsvoPtNFIV5ildOxS58D3C2AKYxMlQGw8ct3lsA4d-2Fgv6dbbwln3FMRTZtvqsjxaNH4GGs-2FY-2BpacRx-2BWJ-2FmJBxw-2Bfk9V6wnIk9TNZ8mc8Ylh-2BL29ndAt4GvPQ_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANX9Vrl-2FdaCFLa-2BK6Uk1rH-2FN2Aon3flmW57-2F6TmLQ4-2B8POxV7q3bKqkXiAVp0dvl9-2BtTGDaUy8mdhdLMT82U9IJ1syOqnGtNQ-2FIu2r-2Be-2FwIHmIaiOUxDrHd6nSHgAP-2Bzh-2FdnC4LOAgHFCibYDjt6lpaom1Y5csOCaNHAl9eZpfeiFmuP4y6LhYUhpeJgI1oNWOuKbSioEpJiDYdhnsB2fxgdzue1joLMaczU9cF6WeCLk-3D">AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety</a>&nbsp;reveals a concerning trend in pedestrian fatalities in the United States. After reaching a historic low in 2009, pedestrian deaths have risen by over 80% in the past 15 years. Interestingly, almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths has occurred&nbsp;after dark on urban arterial roads.Common characteristics of urban arterial roads:<ul>
 <li>Lots of traffic&nbsp;– these roads handle more cars and buses than smaller neighborhood streets.&nbsp;</li><li>Fewer stops&nbsp;– they typically have traffic lights at widely-spaced intersections instead of stop signs to keep traffic flowing, limiting the availability of safe, accessible options for crossing safely as a pedestrian.&nbsp;</li><li>Multiple lanes&nbsp;– usually have more than one lane in each direction.&nbsp;</li><li>Access to key areas&nbsp;– they connect to highways, downtown areas, shopping centers, and other important spots.</li>
 </ul>Additional findings from the study:<ul>
 <li>Most pedestrian fatalities occurred well outside of downtown: more than half happened more than 4 miles from the city center.&nbsp;</li><li>Pedestrian crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities disproportionately occurred in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. These are&nbsp;neighborhoods with older housing and greater diversity of land use.&nbsp;Many who live or work in these neighborhoods rely on walking for daily transportation or access to transit but are forced to walk in poorly lit areas with poor or no sidewalks and long distances between safe places to cross.</li>
 </ul>“The problem is not easily solved by simply urging drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other,” says Brian Ortner, AAA spokesperson for Nebraska and Iowa. “Reducing the spike in pedestrian deaths depends on state and local leaders working together to design and upgrade roads for vehicle and pedestrian safety.”To enhance pedestrian safety and reduce fatalities, AAA suggests several key steps:<ul>
 <li>Follow the Data:&nbsp;Let the data be the guide — invest in the areas and solutions that will make the biggest impact. That means targeting unsafe locations outside downtown areas, often in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.&nbsp;</li><li>Coordinate for Impact:&nbsp;State and local governments can work more closely to invest resources to save lives where needed most, regardless of who owns that roadway.&nbsp;</li><li>Demand a Safer System:&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKluCOWWWfv5OBzcgY04zglSPxYSREgM0z8n-2F2AJ89GLjEhgkrqswhIaE3eWXidqdgsmHv7g8x93-2FRGoX3ZwcuuWPlW7LzHxZ3CGy4uQI7-2B4vSEi7QDOWhwj-2BcqYGhJQOss-3D483N_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANX9Vrl-2FdaCFLa-2BK6Uk1rH-2FN2Aon3flmW57-2F6TmLQ4-2B8POxV7q3bKqkXiAVp0dvl9-2BtTGDaUy8mdhdLMT82U9IJ-2FcL06QdMR4bWPSKa59r76iTbaiVkFdakP18Ft6HZl3u6tEggUuK-2FFIjirVRGsqL7hCJ4-2FnmkK4aKDdXZ7-2B0VW1G8w4A0v999TTnZG3mIZDTeWu-2BX14CrzRb-2B3T3ai4JH0YjWIO-2F8zHJ7Uh02Z3gbgo-3D">Safe System</a>&nbsp;approach anticipates human mistakes and reduces crash severity by addressing safety holistically through safer roads, vehicles, speeds, and road users.</li>
 </ul>Drivers can do their part by:<ul>
 <li>Minimize risky driving behaviors&nbsp;such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. This significantly increases the risk of a collision. Remember to stay alert! Follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach, and only drive when sober.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Do not rely on pedestrian detection systems&nbsp;to prevent a crash. This technology should only serve as a backup, not a replacement for an engaged driver.&nbsp;</li><li>Drive with extra caution at night, as this is the riskiest time for pedestrians and when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC95ai71ApsVIlsfIwofydTTDnXZHjmmQ6gDAJ74qgV5A5bTBDWnLPmszFvfyK52HydJZxenoMNuXUaSVZkklxXEeIM2I56ITPK0yyWhBjM3RE5UhhCXVbUranx9oiLX8Tw-3D-3DW9wu_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANX9Vrl-2FdaCFLa-2BK6Uk1rH-2FN2Aon3flmW57-2F6TmLQ4-2B8POxV7q3bKqkXiAVp0dvl9-2BtTGDaUy8mdhdLMT82U9IJ0gJZsh9Eq-2FD6wtP5inEVJkGBVi2Fc5hQqBhyiJB4NEcUS2-2BwJ5GODJ6x2vYQLXJV57sRS6mG-2Bq3jcAoAsaLDoGtkvQzF0zR6c8kq1gID5ONdUBvt0uy-2FOcCbqW9OpSXPiQ2-2F7uaTDqgekDSuKtJsFw-3D">vehicle safety systems struggle</a>&nbsp;the most.</li>
 </ul>Pedestrians should:<ul>
 <li>Be visible.&nbsp;Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas.&nbsp;</li><li>Use sidewalks and using crosswalks&nbsp;as often as possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.&nbsp;</li><li>Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street, and do not walk and text.</li>
 </ul>About AAA Foundation for Traffic SafetyEstablished in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users

Dark City Roads are Deadliest for Pedestrians at Night

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/9/fischer-introduces-stop-ev-freeloading-act-to-support-infrastructure-investments-promote-fairness">reintroduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to support nationwide infrastructure investments and promote fairness among drivers. The Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles (Fair SHARE) Act would ensure that electric vehicles (EVs) pay into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support the construction and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges.

Gasoline-powered cars pay into the HTF through the gas tax, but as of now, EVs do not contribute to the HTF at all. However, the average EV is significantly heavier than its gas-powered counterpart due to the weight of large EV batteries. The Fair SHARE Act would require additional investment in the HTF for EVs with heavier batteries to account for the road damage and increased maintenance costs they cause.

In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). U.S. Representative&nbsp;Dusty Johnson (S.D.–AL) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.

“EVs can weigh up to three times as much as gas-powered cars, creating more wear and tear on our roads and bridges. It’s only fair that they pay into the Highway Trust Fund just like other cars do. The Fair SHARE Act will require EVs to pay their fair share for the upkeep of America’s infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“EV drivers use our highways just as much as gas-powered vehicles,&nbsp; yet they are currently exempt from paying into the Highway Trust Fund because the Biden administration wanted to score points with its radical climate change base. The days of liberal elites in their expensive EV’s getting a free pass are over; they are contributing to wear and tear on our roads, and they should be forced to pay their fair share in repairs just like the rest of us,”&nbsp;said Senator Lummis.“EVs are heavier than other consumer vehicles, and increase the wear and tear on our roads. EV drivers also don’t pay a gas tax like other drivers do,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.&nbsp;

“That’s wrong. This bill ensures Americans fueling their vehicles are not forced to pay for EV drivers.”

“The Highway Trust Fund is on the road to insolvency,”&nbsp;said Congressman Johnson.&nbsp;“It’s time to consider real changes and ensure EVs pay their fair share to maintain our roads and bridges. I’m grateful for Senator Fischer’s leadership on this bill that will undoubtedly create a more stable Highway Trust Fund, ensuring the government can continue to make meaningful investments in our road infrastructure needs.”

“All Americans benefit from a robust and safe transportation system. When it comes to paying for the maintenance and expansion of our road network, no one should get a free ride,”&nbsp;said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom.&nbsp;

“The trucking industry makes up just four percent of the vehicles on our nation’s highways, yet we pay nearly half the tab into the federal Highway Trust Fund—all while moving over 70 percent of the domestic freight tonnage. Clearly trucks are doing their part to invest in the nation’s infrastructure, and it is reasonable to expect electric vehicles to do the same. As fuel efficiency rises and adoption rates for alternative fuels accelerate, we must find long-term, sustainable, and equitable sources of revenue for the HTF. We commend Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Dusty Johnson for leading this effort to ensure that electric vehicles are paying their fair share.”

“For nearly 70 years, purchasers of gasoline, diesel, gasohol, liquified natural gas and liquified petroleum gas have supported the maintenance and improvement of the nation's roads and bridges. The lone exception to this user-fairness principle remains vehicles powered by electricity.&nbsp; Thankfully, Senator Fischer and Representative Johnson have introduced the Fair SHARE Act to correct this oversight and improve mobility for all Americans,”&nbsp;said American Road &amp; Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Dave Bauer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“This measure will provide a sustainable, long-term revenue stream to the Highway Trust Fund, allowing the construction employers to maintain and rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges. The legislation will close a loophole for electric vehicles, which currently do not currently contribute to the Fund. Instead of giving them a free ride, this measure simply asked electric vehicle users to take part in the same user-pay approach that enabled the U.S. to build and maintain the highway network,”&nbsp;said Associated General Contractors of America CEO Jeff Shoaf.“It is imperative that all vehicles share the responsibility of maintaining our roadways.&nbsp; Senator Fischer’s Fair SHARE Act will ensure that by requiring EVs to contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, we can ensure that essential transportation infrastructure remains safe and accessible to everyone without any unfair burden placed upon any specific type of vehicle,”&nbsp;said National Association of County Engineers Executive Directors Kevan Stone.

Full List of Stakeholder Support:

American Trucking Associations, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Counties, National Association of County Engineers, and National League of Cities.

The HTF supports over 90 percent of federal highway aid to states. The HTF was meant to be&nbsp;funded primarily by the federal gas tax. However, since the gas tax was last raised in 1993, the HTF faces insolvency due to more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roads, leading to reduced fuel consumption.

EVs are not subject to the gas tax and&nbsp;do not contribute to the HTF. Furthermore, their heavy batteries (up to triple the weight of gas-powered cars) lead to more extensive road wear, causing more maintenance and greater costs.

Senator Fischer’s legislation would fix this discrepancy by implementing a fee at the manufacturer level at the point of sale of EVs. This ensures that every&nbsp;vehicle on the road is paying into the HTF and supporting critical repairs to America’s infrastructure.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f5570e3b-5cfe-479d-a29a-33babdb9b7fc/fischer-fair-share-act.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager on the legislation.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0d77eded-94c2-493f-ad9e-10081e727b1f/fair-share-act-text.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the&nbsp;bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/9/fischer-introduces-stop-ev-freeloading-act-to-support-infrastructure-investments-promote-fairness">reintroduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to support nationwide infrastructure investments and promote fairness among drivers. The Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles (Fair SHARE) Act would ensure that electric vehicles (EVs) pay into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support the construction and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges.Gasoline-powered cars pay into the HTF through the gas tax, but as of now, EVs do not contribute to the HTF at all. However, the average EV is significantly heavier than its gas-powered counterpart due to the weight of large EV batteries. The Fair SHARE Act would require additional investment in the HTF for EVs with heavier batteries to account for the road damage and increased maintenance costs they cause.In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). U.S. Representative&nbsp;Dusty Johnson (S.D.–AL) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.“EVs can weigh up to three times as much as gas-powered cars, creating more wear and tear on our roads and bridges. It’s only fair that they pay into the Highway Trust Fund just like other cars do. The Fair SHARE Act will require EVs to pay their fair share for the upkeep of America’s infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“EV drivers use our highways just as much as gas-powered vehicles,&nbsp; yet they are currently exempt from paying into the Highway Trust Fund because the Biden administration wanted to score points with its radical climate change base. The days of liberal elites in their expensive EV’s getting a free pass are over; they are contributing to wear and tear on our roads, and they should be forced to pay their fair share in repairs just like the rest of us,”&nbsp;said Senator Lummis.“EVs are heavier than other consumer vehicles, and increase the wear and tear on our roads. EV drivers also don’t pay a gas tax like other drivers do,”&nbsp;said Senator Ricketts.&nbsp;“That’s wrong. This bill ensures Americans fueling their vehicles are not forced to pay for EV drivers.”“The Highway Trust Fund is on the road to insolvency,”&nbsp;said Congressman Johnson.&nbsp;“It’s time to consider real changes and ensure EVs pay their fair share to maintain our roads and bridges. I’m grateful for Senator Fischer’s leadership on this bill that will undoubtedly create a more stable Highway Trust Fund, ensuring the government can continue to make meaningful investments in our road infrastructure needs.”“All Americans benefit from a robust and safe transportation system. When it comes to paying for the maintenance and expansion of our road network, no one should get a free ride,”&nbsp;said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom.&nbsp; “The trucking industry makes up just four percent of the vehicles on our nation’s highways, yet we pay nearly half the tab into the federal Highway Trust Fund—all while moving over 70 percent of the domestic freight tonnage. Clearly trucks are doing their part to invest in the nation’s infrastructure, and it is reasonable to expect electric vehicles to do the same. As fuel efficiency rises and adoption rates for alternative fuels accelerate, we must find long-term, sustainable, and equitable sources of revenue for the HTF. We commend Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Dusty Johnson for leading this effort to ensure that electric vehicles are paying their fair share.”“For nearly 70 years, purchasers of gasoline, diesel, gasohol, liquified natural gas and liquified petroleum gas have supported the maintenance and improvement of the nation's roads and bridges. The lone exception to this user-fairness principle remains vehicles powered by electricity.&nbsp; Thankfully, Senator Fischer and Representative Johnson have introduced the Fair SHARE Act to correct this oversight and improve mobility for all Americans,”&nbsp;said American Road &amp; Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Dave Bauer. &nbsp;&nbsp;“This measure will provide a sustainable, long-term revenue stream to the Highway Trust Fund, allowing the construction employers to maintain and rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges. The legislation will close a loophole for electric vehicles, which currently do not currently contribute to the Fund. Instead of giving them a free ride, this measure simply asked electric vehicle users to take part in the same user-pay approach that enabled the U.S. to build and maintain the highway network,”&nbsp;said Associated General Contractors of America CEO Jeff Shoaf.“It is imperative that all vehicles share the responsibility of maintaining our roadways.&nbsp; Senator Fischer’s Fair SHARE Act will ensure that by requiring EVs to contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, we can ensure that essential transportation infrastructure remains safe and accessible to everyone without any unfair burden placed upon any specific type of vehicle,”&nbsp;said National Association of County Engineers Executive Directors Kevan Stone.Full List of Stakeholder Support:American Trucking Associations, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Counties, National Association of County Engineers, and National League of Cities.Background:The HTF supports over 90 percent of federal highway aid to states. The HTF was meant to be&nbsp;funded primarily by the federal gas tax. However, since the gas tax was last raised in 1993, the HTF faces insolvency due to more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roads, leading to reduced fuel consumption.EVs are not subject to the gas tax and&nbsp;do not contribute to the HTF. Furthermore, their heavy batteries (up to triple the weight of gas-powered cars) lead to more extensive road wear, causing more maintenance and greater costs.Senator Fischer’s legislation would fix this discrepancy by implementing a fee at the manufacturer level at the point of sale of EVs. This ensures that every&nbsp;vehicle on the road is paying into the HTF and supporting critical repairs to America’s infrastructure.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f5570e3b-5cfe-479d-a29a-33babdb9b7fc/fischer-fair-share-act.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager on the legislation.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0d77eded-94c2-493f-ad9e-10081e727b1f/fair-share-act-text.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the&nbsp;bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Reintroduces EV Legislation to Ensure Fairness on the Roads

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led her colleagues in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2707?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Nationwide+COnsumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act+of+2023%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">reintroducing</a>&nbsp;the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. Senator Fischer’s legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of year-round E15—fulfilling&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/">President Trump’s mandate for energy independence.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/"></a>By allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, this legislation will finally end years of patchwork regulations and give both producers and consumers the certainty they deserve.&nbsp;Securing this permanent fix, coupled with Senator Fischer's work with the administration to ensure strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs), will enable biofuels to contribute to our nation's energy dominance.

Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan, bicameral bill include&nbsp;U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D. Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (NE-03) and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.

“It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;

“Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”

“I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers. I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid fuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.

“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Craig.&nbsp;

“This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”

“We applaud Senator Fischer's leadership and continued passion in reintroducing the year-round E15 legislation, a critical step forward for America's corn farmers,"&nbsp;said Nebraska Corn Growers Association farmer and President Michael Dibbern.&nbsp;"Although we're disappointed that this common-sense legislation didn't pass during the lame duck session, we're grateful for Senator Fischer's perseverance. By securing year-round E15 approval, we can increase corn grind, drive economic growth and provide a vital market opportunity for farmers. This legislation would also bring much-needed consistency and stability to the marketplace, allowing American families to choose lower-cost, lower-emission E15 at the pump every day. We're appreciative of Senator Fischer's tireless advocacy and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to advance the interests of Nebraska's corn farmers.”

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau again thanks Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer for her continued leadership on trying to approve the sale of E-15 year-round. It is past time for the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to become law, and we look forward to working to get this important legislation to President Trump’s desk this year. For too long, outdated rules and regulations have prevented the year-round sale of E-15, and 2025 must be the year we finally rectify this issue,”&nbsp;said Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation President Mark McHargue.

"Thank you to Senator Fischer for leading the fight for year-round E-15, which is a huge opportunity for Nebraska’s ethanol industry, farmers, and drivers. This bill means stronger rural economies, lower prices at the pump, and a cleaner fuel option for drivers. On behalf of our members across the state, Renewable Fuels Nebraska applauds her leadership and calls on Congress to act now and pass this bipartisan policy,”&nbsp;said Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell.Full List of Nebraska Endorsements:

Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.

"Year-round, nationwide E15 sales will prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations and give consumers reliable access to the fuels they use every day. We thank Representatives Smith and Craig, as well as Senators Fischer and Duckworth, for championing this important bipartisan effort. Now, Congress must act to bring certainty and consistency to the fuel marketplace,”&nbsp;said American Petroleum Institute SVP Government Relations Kristin Whitman.“This bipartisan legislation would finally bring nationwide consistency and stability to the marketplace and eliminate the need for last-minute emergency waivers. With the summer driving season just around the corner, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options. Time is of the essence,”&nbsp;said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.&nbsp;

“Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, farmers, and consumers have all rallied behind this commonsense approach. We thank Sens. Deb Fischer and Tammy Duckworth for their continued leadership on this important issue. RFA commends them and their fellow renewable fuel supporters in the Senate for continuing to fight for fair market access for our nation’s farmers, ethanol producers, and consumers.”

"We applaud Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for leading the charge once again to unlock permanent, nationwide access to E15. Rural families and American consumers are lucky to have them in our corner, and we hope this is the bill that finally makes it over the finish line. The American people have waited for too long to get reliable access to a fuel that can lower costs while creating jobs in rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work with our champions in Congress and the White House to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,”&nbsp;said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.“Nationwide consumer access to E15 will save drivers money at the pump while boosting the farm economy,”&nbsp;said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr.&nbsp;

“We want to applaud the sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill for introducing legislation that promises to significantly benefit consumers and farmers alike.”“E-15 is a win for both farmers and consumers, offering a vital opportunity to lower fuel prices and provide more choices at the pump,”&nbsp;said National Farmer Union President Rob Larew.&nbsp;

“This legislation supports family farmers by creating stronger, more reliable markets while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With this bill, we’re taking critical steps toward a more sustainable future, and we urge lawmakers to act quickly to ensure farmers and consumers benefit from these opportunities.”

“To effectively serve their customers, convenience retailers need a stable and predictable year-round market for fuels like E15,"&nbsp;said National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) General Counsel Doug Kantor.&nbsp;

"We are grateful to Senator Fischer and Senator Duckworth for their continued leadership on this issue, with legislation that will improve the environmental attributes of summer gasoline while lowering costs for families and small businesses across the country."

Full List of National Endorsements:

American Petroleum Institute, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores.

Senator Fischer has been a steadfast champion for year-round E15 since 2015, when she first co-led a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1239/cosponsors?s=8&amp;r=6&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22deb+fischer+ethanol%22%7D">to allow year-round E15 during the 114th&nbsp;Congress</a>.

In 2017, during the 115th Congress, she introduced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/517?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22deb+fischer+ethanol%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act</a>&nbsp;to amend the Clear Air Act and help make year-round E15 a reality. Later that year, she testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/6/video-senate-epw-committee-holds-hearing-on-fischer-e15-legislation">support of her bipartisan legislation</a>.

In 2019, Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/6/fischer-travels-with-president-trump-to-nebraska-iowa-for-year-round-e-15-sale-announcement">traveled with President Trump</a>&nbsp;to Nebraska and Iowa when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-delivers-president-trumps-promise-allow-year-round-sale-e15-gasoline-and-improve-0">he announced</a>&nbsp;regulatory efforts to allow the sale of E15. When President Trump’s efforts were&nbsp;struck&nbsp;down by courts, Senator Fischer continued to lead by reintroducing this legislation in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2339?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Consumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=2">2021, during the&nbsp;117th Congress</a>.&nbsp;Senator Fischer&nbsp;released an updated&nbsp;bill in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/11/fischer-introduces-year-round-e15-legislation-with-landmark-support">that included unprecedented support.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/11/fischer-introduces-year-round-e15-legislation-with-landmark-support"></a>In&nbsp;2023, Senator Fischer introduced&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2707?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Nationwide+COnsumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act+of+2023%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023</a>&nbsp;to break down remaining barriers and unlock the full potential of&nbsp;nationwide, year-round E15, advancing America’s energy independence. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-craig-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-codify-year-round-e15">introduced companion legislation.</a>Last month, on the first day of his term, President Trump took steps to make E15 available year-round through his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/">Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency</a>.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/986fe4f8-7cee-4c88-9c22-6db4727597c6/fischer-s-nationwide-consumer-and-fuel-retailer-choice-act-of-2025.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led her colleagues in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2707?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Nationwide+COnsumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act+of+2023%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">reintroducing</a>&nbsp;the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. Senator Fischer’s legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of year-round E15—fulfilling&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/">President Trump’s mandate for energy independence.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/"></a>By allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, this legislation will finally end years of patchwork regulations and give both producers and consumers the certainty they deserve.&nbsp;Securing this permanent fix, coupled with Senator Fischer's work with the administration to ensure strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs), will enable biofuels to contribute to our nation's energy dominance.Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan, bicameral bill include&nbsp;U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D. Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (NE-03) and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.“It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.“For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;“Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”“I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers. I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid fuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Craig.&nbsp;“This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”Nebraska Stakeholder Support:“We applaud Senator Fischer's leadership and continued passion in reintroducing the year-round E15 legislation, a critical step forward for America's corn farmers,"&nbsp;said Nebraska Corn Growers Association farmer and President Michael Dibbern.&nbsp;"Although we're disappointed that this common-sense legislation didn't pass during the lame duck session, we're grateful for Senator Fischer's perseverance. By securing year-round E15 approval, we can increase corn grind, drive economic growth and provide a vital market opportunity for farmers. This legislation would also bring much-needed consistency and stability to the marketplace, allowing American families to choose lower-cost, lower-emission E15 at the pump every day. We're appreciative of Senator Fischer's tireless advocacy and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to advance the interests of Nebraska's corn farmers.”“The Nebraska Farm Bureau again thanks Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer for her continued leadership on trying to approve the sale of E-15 year-round. It is past time for the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to become law, and we look forward to working to get this important legislation to President Trump’s desk this year. For too long, outdated rules and regulations have prevented the year-round sale of E-15, and 2025 must be the year we finally rectify this issue,”&nbsp;said Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation President Mark McHargue."Thank you to Senator Fischer for leading the fight for year-round E-15, which is a huge opportunity for Nebraska’s ethanol industry, farmers, and drivers. This bill means stronger rural economies, lower prices at the pump, and a cleaner fuel option for drivers. On behalf of our members across the state, Renewable Fuels Nebraska applauds her leadership and calls on Congress to act now and pass this bipartisan policy,”&nbsp;said Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell.Full List of Nebraska Endorsements:Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.National Stakeholder Support:"Year-round, nationwide E15 sales will prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations and give consumers reliable access to the fuels they use every day. We thank Representatives Smith and Craig, as well as Senators Fischer and Duckworth, for championing this important bipartisan effort. Now, Congress must act to bring certainty and consistency to the fuel marketplace,”&nbsp;said American Petroleum Institute SVP Government Relations Kristin Whitman.“This bipartisan legislation would finally bring nationwide consistency and stability to the marketplace and eliminate the need for last-minute emergency waivers. With the summer driving season just around the corner, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options. Time is of the essence,”&nbsp;said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.&nbsp;“Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, farmers, and consumers have all rallied behind this commonsense approach. We thank Sens. Deb Fischer and Tammy Duckworth for their continued leadership on this important issue. RFA commends them and their fellow renewable fuel supporters in the Senate for continuing to fight for fair market access for our nation’s farmers, ethanol producers, and consumers.”"We applaud Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for leading the charge once again to unlock permanent, nationwide access to E15. Rural families and American consumers are lucky to have them in our corner, and we hope this is the bill that finally makes it over the finish line. The American people have waited for too long to get reliable access to a fuel that can lower costs while creating jobs in rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work with our champions in Congress and the White House to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,”&nbsp;said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.“Nationwide consumer access to E15 will save drivers money at the pump while boosting the farm economy,”&nbsp;said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr.&nbsp;“We want to applaud the sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill for introducing legislation that promises to significantly benefit consumers and farmers alike.”“E-15 is a win for both farmers and consumers, offering a vital opportunity to lower fuel prices and provide more choices at the pump,”&nbsp;said National Farmer Union President Rob Larew.&nbsp;“This legislation supports family farmers by creating stronger, more reliable markets while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With this bill, we’re taking critical steps toward a more sustainable future, and we urge lawmakers to act quickly to ensure farmers and consumers benefit from these opportunities.”“To effectively serve their customers, convenience retailers need a stable and predictable year-round market for fuels like E15,"&nbsp;said National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) General Counsel Doug Kantor.&nbsp;"We are grateful to Senator Fischer and Senator Duckworth for their continued leadership on this issue, with legislation that will improve the environmental attributes of summer gasoline while lowering costs for families and small businesses across the country."Full List of National Endorsements:American Petroleum Institute, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores.Background:Senator Fischer has been a steadfast champion for year-round E15 since 2015, when she first co-led a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1239/cosponsors?s=8&amp;r=6&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22deb+fischer+ethanol%22%7D">to allow year-round E15 during the 114th&nbsp;Congress</a>.In 2017, during the 115th Congress, she introduced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/517?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22deb+fischer+ethanol%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act</a>&nbsp;to amend the Clear Air Act and help make year-round E15 a reality. Later that year, she testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/6/video-senate-epw-committee-holds-hearing-on-fischer-e15-legislation">support of her bipartisan legislation</a>.In 2019, Senator Fischer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/6/fischer-travels-with-president-trump-to-nebraska-iowa-for-year-round-e-15-sale-announcement">traveled with President Trump</a>&nbsp;to Nebraska and Iowa when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-delivers-president-trumps-promise-allow-year-round-sale-e15-gasoline-and-improve-0">he announced</a>&nbsp;regulatory efforts to allow the sale of E15. When President Trump’s efforts were&nbsp;struck&nbsp;down by courts, Senator Fischer continued to lead by reintroducing this legislation in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2339?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Consumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=2">2021, during the&nbsp;117th Congress</a>.&nbsp;Senator Fischer&nbsp;released an updated&nbsp;bill in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/11/fischer-introduces-year-round-e15-legislation-with-landmark-support">that included unprecedented support.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/11/fischer-introduces-year-round-e15-legislation-with-landmark-support"></a>In&nbsp;2023, Senator Fischer introduced&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2707?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Nationwide+COnsumer+and+Fuel+Retailer+Choice+Act+of+2023%22%7D&amp;s=8&amp;r=1">Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023</a>&nbsp;to break down remaining barriers and unlock the full potential of&nbsp;nationwide, year-round E15, advancing America’s energy independence. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-craig-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-codify-year-round-e15">introduced companion legislation.</a>Last month, on the first day of his term, President Trump took steps to make E15 available year-round through his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/">Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency</a>.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/986fe4f8-7cee-4c88-9c22-6db4727597c6/fischer-s-nationwide-consumer-and-fuel-retailer-choice-act-of-2025.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support America’s Energy Independence

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen extended his congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her overwhelming confirmation as the new secretary of agriculture. &nbsp;The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald J. Trump’s selection to head the USDA on a vote of 72-28. Gov. Pillen issued the following statement:

“I've had the opportunity to meet with Sec. Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level&nbsp; on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. &nbsp;I’ve extended an invitation to Sec. Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen extended his congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her overwhelming confirmation as the new secretary of agriculture. &nbsp;The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald J. Trump’s selection to head the USDA on a vote of 72-28. Gov. Pillen issued the following statement:“I've had the opportunity to meet with Sec. Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level&nbsp; on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. &nbsp;I’ve extended an invitation to Sec. Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”

Gov. Pillen Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request.&nbsp;

“Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”

During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation.&nbsp;

“This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.”&nbsp;

Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR.&nbsp; He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment.&nbsp;

“By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”

Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game &amp; Parks Commission.&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request.&nbsp;“Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation.&nbsp;“This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.”&nbsp;Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR.&nbsp; He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the&nbsp;Department of Water, Energy and Environment.&nbsp;“By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game &amp; Parks Commission.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-rural-hospitals">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement&nbsp;models so that they can have&nbsp;greater financial sustainability.

Currently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.S

enator Fischer’s legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility&nbsp;requirements. The bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities. U.S. Representatives&nbsp;Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced identical companion legislation&nbsp;in the House.

“Rural community hospitals ensure that every Nebraskan can access the health services they rely on, regardless of their zip code. Our legislation will help rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my Nebraska delegation colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the Senate and the House,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;

“Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood.“Hospitals serving rural populations in Nebraska and across the country should operate under the Medicare reimbursement designations which best fit their needs and circumstances. This bill provides for commonsense regulatory flexibility ensuring such rural hospitals can best serve Nebraskans. I thank Rep. Flood and Sen. Fischer for working with me to advance this legislative solution,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.

The full text of the legislation can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d6004ae-27a7-41ee-9ee7-4a55ec83ccbe/supporting-access-to-rural-community-hospitals-act-2025-signed-.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-rural-hospitals">reintroduced</a>&nbsp;legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement&nbsp;models so that they can have&nbsp;greater financial sustainability.Currently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.Senator Fischer’s legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility&nbsp;requirements. The bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities. U.S. Representatives&nbsp;Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced identical companion legislation&nbsp;in the House.“Rural community hospitals ensure that every Nebraskan can access the health services they rely on, regardless of their zip code. Our legislation will help rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my Nebraska delegation colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the Senate and the House,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;“Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,”&nbsp;said Congressman Flood.“Hospitals serving rural populations in Nebraska and across the country should operate under the Medicare reimbursement designations which best fit their needs and circumstances. This bill provides for commonsense regulatory flexibility ensuring such rural hospitals can best serve Nebraskans. I thank Rep. Flood and Sen. Fischer for working with me to advance this legislative solution,”&nbsp;said Congressman Smith.The full text of the legislation can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d6004ae-27a7-41ee-9ee7-4a55ec83ccbe/supporting-access-to-rural-community-hospitals-act-2025-signed-.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support Rural Hospitals

(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 200 weather-related incidents during the most recent snowstorm.

As the snow fell across Nebraska, troopers remained busy across the entire state. Troopers investigated 34 crashes, performed 161 motorist assists, and helped other agencies with 18 responses from the evening hours of Tuesday through the Thursday morning commute.

After a bitterly cold start to Thursday, frigid temps are in the forecast for most of next week. NSP advises all motorists to be prepared during winter driving conditions and extreme cold.

“Exposure in extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous after only a short amount of time,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Everyone on the road should have a plan in case they become stranded. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle and have a full tank of gas before you hit the road.”

Some items to keep in your winter survival kit are:

First Aid Kit&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ice Scraper&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gloves/Hat

Phone Charger&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blankets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tool Kit

Extra Clothing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Extra Food&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Red Flag/Bandana

Shovel/Bag of Sand&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tow Rope

Motorists should always check the Nebraska 511 system for updated travel conditions throughout the state before attempting to travel in winter weather. Any motorist who becomes stranded can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP dispatcher.

If you become stranded on the road, stay with your vehicle and call for help. The vehicle is the best shelter from the elements and is the easiest thing for emergency personnel to find while looking for a stranded motorist.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to over 200 weather-related incidents during the most recent snowstorm.As the snow fell across Nebraska, troopers remained busy across the entire state. Troopers investigated 34 crashes, performed 161 motorist assists, and helped other agencies with 18 responses from the evening hours of Tuesday through the Thursday morning commute.After a bitterly cold start to Thursday, frigid temps are in the forecast for most of next week. NSP advises all motorists to be prepared during winter driving conditions and extreme cold.“Exposure in extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous after only a short amount of time,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Everyone on the road should have a plan in case they become stranded. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle and have a full tank of gas before you hit the road.”Some items to keep in your winter survival kit are:First Aid Kit&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ice Scraper&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gloves/HatPhone Charger&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blankets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tool KitExtra Clothing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Extra Food&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Red Flag/BandanaShovel/Bag of Sand&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tow RopeMotorists should always check the Nebraska 511 system for updated travel conditions throughout the state before attempting to travel in winter weather. Any motorist who becomes stranded can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP dispatcher.If you become stranded on the road, stay with your vehicle and call for help. The vehicle is the best shelter from the elements and is the easiest thing for emergency personnel to find while looking for a stranded motorist.

Troopers Respond to Over 200 Calls During Winter Storm

This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.

Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739468534690.png" alt="Image igloo" />
 <figcaption>Image igloo</figcaption>
 </figure>This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

Igloo recall: Cooler handle hazard causes fingertip amputation injuries

JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.

The stores that will close include the locations at&nbsp;10521 S. 15th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska and three locations in Kansas: 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg in Wichita will remain open for now.

"This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."

In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring.

"JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."

<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739470367752.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.The stores that will close include the locations at&nbsp;10521 S. 15th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska and three locations in Kansas: 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg in Wichita will remain open for now."This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring."JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

Fabric stores in Neb., Kan. among 100s to close nationwide

Lincoln, Ne -&nbsp;

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/bui" target="_blank">Business and Labor Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a bill Feb. 10 that seeks to provide public benefits to work-authorized immigrants in Nebraska.

<a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB299&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB299</a>, introduced by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, would grant access to public employment and retirement benefits — including unemployment insurance benefits, deferred compensation and educational financial aid — to all work-eligible Nebraskans regardless of immigration status. The bill also would extend eligible benefits to a qualified employee’s family members and dependents.

Ibach said Nebraska is the only state in which work-authorized immigrants, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status recipients, cannot access the unemployment benefits they have earned and that their employers have paid for.

The individuals the bills seek to benefit are not criminals or undocumented immigrants, Ibach said, they are “good people” who work hard, pay taxes and contribute to society.

“We, as a state, financially benefit from them being here,” she said. “I fully believe the least we can do is treat them equally.”

Speaking in support of the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, Matt Williams said the biggest challenge Nebraska businesses face is workforce. It’s a problem throughout the state, he said, and one that LB299 could help resolve.

“Over the last decade, 100% of our state’s population increase has come from immigration,” Williams said. “Positive immigration solutions will create strong Nebraska communities, families and workforce all across our state.”

Several DACA recipients also testified in support of the proposal, including Zayra Navarrete. She said work authorization has allowed her to contribute to a pension and life insurance, but without unemployment benefits she would be forced to take out a loan or sell her assets if faced with an unexpected job loss.

“The contribution of DACA recipients in many work fields is substantial, but the care and respect [we receive] is minimal,” Navarrete said.

Tom Venzor of the Nebraska Catholic Conference also testified in support of the proposal. He said the current prohibition on unemployment benefits for work-authorized immigrants is an injustice for Nebraskans who have worked hard to support their families, contribute to local communities and grow the state economy.

“We have an opportunity through LB299 to adjust our state’s public policy and provide work-authorized migrants the same benefits their coworkers receive,” Venzor said. “This legislation makes not only economic sense … but it also makes moral sense as the just thing to do.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Omaha Chamber and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Traynor also testified in favor, calling the proposal a “no nonsense” way to ensure a strong labor force.

Opposing the bill was interim Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. LB299 essentially creates a new definition of “eligible alien,” she said, which is broad enough to potentially provide benefits even if an immigrant lost their work authorization.

Thurber said the department has been advised by the federal government that the bill could jeopardize federal funds if the language causes the state to be out of conformity with federal regulations. The result could be the loss of nearly $400 million in federal unemployment tax credits, she said.

Thurber also noted that maintaining conformity becomes “particularly concerning” given current uncertainties surrounding the future of the DACA program.

Lincoln, Ne -&nbsp;

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="http://news.legislature.ne.gov/bui" target="_blank">Business and Labor Committee</a>&nbsp;considered a bill Feb. 10 that seeks to provide public benefits to work-authorized immigrants in Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739452306972.jpeg" alt="Sumner Senator Teresa Ibach" />
 <figcaption>Sumner Senator Teresa Ibach</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_number.php?DocumentNumber=LB299&amp;Legislature=109th" target="_blank">LB299</a>, introduced by Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, would grant access to public employment and retirement benefits — including unemployment insurance benefits, deferred compensation and educational financial aid — to all work-eligible Nebraskans regardless of immigration status. The bill also would extend eligible benefits to a qualified employee’s family members and dependents.Ibach said Nebraska is the only state in which work-authorized immigrants, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status recipients, cannot access the unemployment benefits they have earned and that their employers have paid for.The individuals the bills seek to benefit are not criminals or undocumented immigrants, Ibach said, they are “good people” who work hard, pay taxes and contribute to society.“We, as a state, financially benefit from them being here,” she said. “I fully believe the least we can do is treat them equally.”Speaking in support of the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, Matt Williams said the biggest challenge Nebraska businesses face is workforce. It’s a problem throughout the state, he said, and one that LB299 could help resolve.“Over the last decade, 100% of our state’s population increase has come from immigration,” Williams said. “Positive immigration solutions will create strong Nebraska communities, families and workforce all across our state.”Several DACA recipients also testified in support of the proposal, including Zayra Navarrete. She said work authorization has allowed her to contribute to a pension and life insurance, but without unemployment benefits she would be forced to take out a loan or sell her assets if faced with an unexpected job loss.“The contribution of DACA recipients in many work fields is substantial, but the care and respect [we receive] is minimal,” Navarrete said.Tom Venzor of the Nebraska Catholic Conference also testified in support of the proposal. He said the current prohibition on unemployment benefits for work-authorized immigrants is an injustice for Nebraskans who have worked hard to support their families, contribute to local communities and grow the state economy.“We have an opportunity through LB299 to adjust our state’s public policy and provide work-authorized migrants the same benefits their coworkers receive,” Venzor said. “This legislation makes not only economic sense … but it also makes moral sense as the just thing to do.”Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Omaha Chamber and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Traynor also testified in favor, calling the proposal a “no nonsense” way to ensure a strong labor force.Opposing the bill was interim Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. LB299 essentially creates a new definition of “eligible alien,” she said, which is broad enough to potentially provide benefits even if an immigrant lost their work authorization.Thurber said the department has been advised by the federal government that the bill could jeopardize federal funds if the language causes the state to be out of conformity with federal regulations. The result could be the loss of nearly $400 million in federal unemployment tax credits, she said.Thurber also noted that maintaining conformity becomes “particularly concerning” given current uncertainties surrounding the future of the DACA program.

Legislative Bill would extend unemployment, other benefits to DACA recipients

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike.

"The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike."The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

U.S. forces help with deadly attack on ISIS operatives

Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 11 to a bill intended to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates without the use of general fund dollars. Modeled on a proposal approved by lawmakers last year to levy an assessment on all Nebraska hospitals, LB527, introduced by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, would use a similar mechanism to levy an assessment on the state’s health maintenance organizations.

Under the bill, the state Department of Health and Human Services would be required to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Aug. 1, 2025.

If approved, the state plan amendment would authorize collection of a 6% tax on all non-Medicare premiums written in Nebraska under an HMO certificate of authority, to be collected by the state Department of Insurance.

Revenue generated by the tax would be remitted to a newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund. DHHS would use the fund to leverage federal matching dollars to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services, with an emphasis on evaluation and management, labor and delivery and rural health services.

The fund also would be used to pay a monthly per-member fee of at least $75 to qualified primary care providers who meet criteria to serve as a primary care medical home for target populations. Any remaining funds would be used within the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs.

Jacobson said the bill, when combined with federal matching funds, would generate approximately $115 million to enhance rates for providers. Those enhanced rates would help increase access to health care services, he said, noting that more than half of Nebraska counties currently are defined as maternity care deserts.

“This bill is incredibly important to the future of health care in our state, especially in rural areas and especially for pregnant women and Nebraska children,” Jacobson said.

Following adoption of a technical amendment from the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, senators voted 39-0 to advance LB527 from general file.

Lincoln, Ne - Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 11 to a bill intended to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates without the use of general fund dollars. Modeled on a proposal approved by lawmakers last year to levy an assessment on all Nebraska hospitals, LB527, introduced by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, would use a similar mechanism to levy an assessment on the state’s health maintenance organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739378841299.jpeg" alt="Mike Jacobsen - Nebraska Senator-District 42" />
 <figcaption>Mike Jacobsen - Nebraska Senator-District 42</figcaption>
 </figure>Under the bill, the state Department of Health and Human Services would be required to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Aug. 1, 2025.If approved, the state plan amendment would authorize collection of a 6% tax on all non-Medicare premiums written in Nebraska under an HMO certificate of authority, to be collected by the state Department of Insurance.Revenue generated by the tax would be remitted to a newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund. DHHS would use the fund to leverage federal matching dollars to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services, with an emphasis on evaluation and management, labor and delivery and rural health services.The fund also would be used to pay a monthly per-member fee of at least $75 to qualified primary care providers who meet criteria to serve as a primary care medical home for target populations. Any remaining funds would be used within the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs.Jacobson said the bill, when combined with federal matching funds, would generate approximately $115 million to enhance rates for providers. Those enhanced rates would help increase access to health care services, he said, noting that more than half of Nebraska counties currently are defined as maternity care deserts.“This bill is incredibly important to the future of health care in our state, especially in rural areas and especially for pregnant women and Nebraska children,” Jacobson said.Following adoption of a technical amendment from the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, senators voted 39-0 to advance LB527 from general file.

NE Lawmakers give First-Round Yes to Bill to Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates without General Fund Dollars

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Witkoff left Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia since 2021, according to a statement from the White House.

President Trump, Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from Russia and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the burtal and terrible war in Ukraine.

"Since President Trump's swearing-in, he has successfully secured the released of Americans around the world and he will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States."

Marc Fogel is expected to be back on American soil and reunited with family and loved ones tonight, according to the release.

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Witkoff left Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia since 2021, according to a statement from the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WELCOME HOME, MARC!🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/0b2Igcqudp">pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1889529852757201368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WELCOME HOME, MARC!🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/0b2Igcqudp">pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1889529852757201368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MARC FOGEL IS BACK!!! 🇺🇸 PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ZMceoU0OfA">pic.twitter.com/ZMceoU0OfA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1889505612792258637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739304767115.png" alt="Marc Fogel on the flight home from Russia on Tuesday-photo by Adam Boehler, United States Envoy for Hostages. " />
 <figcaption>Marc Fogel on the flight home from Russia on Tuesday-photo by Adam Boehler, United States Envoy for Hostages. </figcaption>
 </figure>President Trump, Witkoff and the President's advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from Russia and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the burtal and terrible war in Ukraine."Since President Trump's swearing-in, he has successfully secured the released of Americans around the world and he will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States."Marc Fogel is expected to be back on American soil and reunited with family and loved ones tonight, according to the release.

White House: American teacher freed from Russian prison is home

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/nebraska-lawmakers-hear-support-for-opening-unemployment-insurance-to-immigrant-dreamers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would put the state in sync with nearly all, if not all, other states in allowing access to unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants who have permission to work in the U.S. but who lack permanent residency.

The state’s current prohibition on the benefits applies to certain authorized immigrant workers despite the fact their employers pay unemployment insurance taxes on their behalf.

So-called “Dreamers,” who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here illegally as minors by their parents, are a primary population excluded from such benefits.

Nebraska Dreamers, legally in the U.S. as recipients of the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, were among the 10 people in the majority that testified Monday in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB299.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 299</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Capitol.

LB 299, the topic of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee, has bipartisan sponsorship. It was introduced by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, a Republican, and by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a Democrat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739297179070.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, a coalition of labor unions, hospitals, banks, cattlemen and pork producers gather in September at the Capitol to proclaim that certain immigration policies and laws should be updated, partly to help address Nebraska’s workforce shortage. The alliance supported Legislative Bill 299, which was the topic of a public hearing Monday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities, a coalition of labor unions, hospitals, banks, cattlemen and pork producers gather in September at the Capitol to proclaim that certain immigration policies and laws should be updated, partly to help address Nebraska’s workforce shortage. The alliance supported Legislative Bill 299, which was the topic of a public hearing Monday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/10/nebraska-lawmakers-hear-support-for-opening-unemployment-insurance-to-immigrant-dreamers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would put the state in sync with nearly all, if not all, other states in allowing access to unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants who have permission to work in the U.S. but who lack permanent residency.The state’s current prohibition on the benefits applies to certain authorized immigrant workers despite the fact their employers pay unemployment insurance taxes on their behalf.So-called “Dreamers,” who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here illegally as minors by their parents, are a primary population excluded from such benefits.Nebraska Dreamers, legally in the U.S. as recipients of the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, were among the 10 people in the majority that testified Monday in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB299.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 299</a>&nbsp;at the Nebraska Capitol.<h2>Bipartisan support</h2>LB 299, the topic of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee, has bipartisan sponsorship. It was introduced by State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, a Republican, and by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, a Democrat.We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws.– State Sen. Jane Raybould of LincolnZayra Navarrete, who has had DACA status since 2013 and works as a financial advisor in Hastings, told the committee she contributes to a pension, life insurance and unemployment benefits. She said she lives in fear that if unforeseen circumstances led to a job loss, she would not have the same lifeline as co-workers.“I am constantly preparing alternatives for an emergency crisis,” Navarrete said, figuring out backup strategies that include taking out loans or selling personal assets.She said the question of unemployment benefits for workers in her situation came to the forefront during COVID-19 — when some workers who were laid-off were not provided the same help to get by during the crescendo of the pandemic.Said Navarrete: “Why is a state that is benefiting over $14 million in state and local taxes from DACA recipients not allowing us to access those funds?”The National Immigration Law Center did not have a current comprehensive inventory of states with policies akin to LB 299. But Tanya Broder, senior counsel, said that most, if not all states, offer unemployment insurance benefits to immigrants in similar situations.Nick Grandgenett, an attorney with Nebraska Appleseed, said the proposed legislation would benefit DACA recipients as well as asylum-seekers who have been granted work authorization while their requests are reviewed and others with Temporary Protected Status that is granted when returning to a person’s home country is unsafe due to natural disaster, extraordinary conditions or war.<h2>Labor Department objects</h2>The only person to testify in opposition to LB 299 on Monday was interim Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber, who noted that the measure essentially creates a new state definition for “eligible alien.”She said that more than $400 million in tax credits is at stake.For Nebraska to receive federal funds to help administer its unemployment program, the state must meet certain federal conformity requirements, Thurber said.She said Nebraska has been given an advanced warning by the U.S. Department of Labor that, as drafted, LB 299 likely creates a conformity issue. She said her understanding is that the language is too broad, allowing benefits even if the immigrant lost legal authorization to work in the U.S.Maintaining conformity under LB 299, she said, “becomes particularly concerning” given the uncertain future of DACA, depending on the results of an ongoing court battle.Thurber’s objections prompted a firm challenge from committee member State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln.“You know, Nebraska does have a conformity issue — a nonconformity issue,” Raybould said. “We were the very last state in the entire United States to allow our DACA qualified people to have a driver’s license. … We were the last state in the entire union to recognize the degrees they have achieved through their hard work at our own universities.”Raybould said it is her understanding that Nebraska is the only state that does not allow DACA and certain other authorized immigrant workers access to unemployment benefits that their employers contribute to.Thurber said she was not saying there aren’t “ways around” the nonconformity language, and noted that the Labor Department worked with State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha on similar 2021 legislation that was never enacted.She said, however, that as currently drafted, LB 299 could cost Nebraska employers more than $400 million in federal tax credits unless conformity questions are resolved.<h2>Business support</h2>Backing the proposed legislation Monday were groups such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/18/more-than-60-ne-entities-show-unified-front-to-update-laws-state-policies-that-help-immigrants/">Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities</a>&nbsp;and business organizations including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Omaha and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce.“We’re talking about Nebraska’s workforce shortage, and these individuals have been essential to filling in that workforce shortage and are in compliance with the federal laws,” said Raybould. “I find it really hard to believe that we in the state of Nebraska can not get it right like all the other 49 states have done to make sure we are in conformity … What are we doing wrong?”Thurber, at the end of the back-and-forth, said she has offered assistance to Ibach to address the conformity issue.State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, chair of the Business and Labor Committee, said 46 people wrote in support of the proposed legislation and eight were opposed.The committee took no action on whether to advance the bill to debate by the full Legislature.