KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is offering a new scholarship for pre-nursing students, thanks to a generous estate gift from the late Glenn and Pearle Lahaye.

Worth $10,000 over two years, the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship was created to provide additional financial support for central and western Nebraska students pursuing this health care profession.

It’s available to incoming students who plan to study in the pre-nursing program, with preference given to those from Sheridan, Keya Paha and Cherry counties or areas along and west of Highway 281. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT composite score of at least 20 to qualify. And they must plan to continue their nursing studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing.

UNK students currently completing their first year in the pre-nursing program are also eligible to apply for a $5,000 scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.

The nursing scholarship is supported by a more than $600,000 gift from the Lahayes, along with funding from the Health Sciences Excellence Fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

“With the significant nursing shortage that continues in our state, we are extremely grateful for this generous donation from the Glenn and Pearle Lahaye Trust that will provide scholarships for pre-nursing students from central and western Nebraska for years to come,” said Peggy Abels, director of UNK Health Sciences. “The financial assistance provided by the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship will allow students to focus on academic success and gaining health care experience, thereby having a substantial impact on the success of these future nurses and the communities they will serve. Their generosity will have a lasting effect on the health care workforce in Nebraska.”

To apply for the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://go.unk.edu/lahayescholarship">go.unk.edu/lahayescholarship</a>. The application deadline is April 1.

For more information, contact Abels at 308-865-8260 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:abelsp@unk.edu">abelsp@unk.edu</a>.

Currently, there are 200 students enrolled in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/pre-nursing.php">pre-nursing program at UNK</a>. Over the past five years, 97% of UNK students applying to nursing school were accepted into a professional program.

Most of them choose to continue their education at UNMC, a longtime partner when it comes to training nurses to serve rural Nebraska. The institutions have been working together for more than two decades, going back to the days of Kearney State College.

More recently, they opened the $19 million Health Science Education Complex in 2015, allowing the UNMC College of Nursing to expand its undergraduate and graduate programs on the Kearney campus. The 46,000-square-foot facility also houses programs offered by the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.

The second phase of that project – a $95 million&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2024/04/01/unk-unmc-celebrate-future-of-health-care-education-during-beam-raising-ceremony/">Rural Health Education Building</a>&nbsp;scheduled to open next year – will further address the ongoing need for nurses and other health care professionals in rural Nebraska. Located directly north of the Health Science Education Complex, the three-story, 110,000-square-foot facility allows UNMC to grow its nursing and allied health programs in Kearney while launching new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals here.

The UNMC College of Nursing in Kearney admits nearly 90 students each year, with twice-a-year admission dates. There are UNMC nursing programs in Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff and Norfolk, as well.

“The longstanding partnership between UNK and UNMC has transformed health care education in rural Nebraska, ensuring students have access to high-quality training right here in Kearney,” said interim UNK Chancellor Charlie Bicak. “The Lahaye Nursing Scholarship adds another crucial layer of support, helping pre-nursing students from central and western Nebraska pursue their passion for health care without financial barriers.”

Glenn and Pearle (Jones) Lahaye were both native Nebraskans born and raised in small, rural communities.

Originally from Burton, Pearle graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1941 and spent most of her career working as a secretary and bookkeeper.

Glenn graduated from Rushville High School in 1939 and served as a dental technician and corporal in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was stationed in Great Bend, Kansas, when the couple married there on March 20, 1944.

Following his military service, Glenn worked as a dental laboratory technician for five years before entering the banking business in Gordon and Merriman. The couple were part of the Gordon Jubilee Committee, and Pearle was a member of the Cherry County Extension Board.

In 1978, the couple moved to Minden, where Glenn was a member of the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. He also did clock repair work in the area.

Glenn passed away in 2002 at the age of 79, and Pearle died in 2022 at the age of 97. They’re both buried in Gordon Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739203761046.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is offering a new scholarship for pre-nursing students, thanks to a generous estate gift from the late Glenn and Pearle Lahaye.Worth $10,000 over two years, the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship was created to provide additional financial support for central and western Nebraska students pursuing this health care profession.It’s available to incoming students who plan to study in the pre-nursing program, with preference given to those from Sheridan, Keya Paha and Cherry counties or areas along and west of Highway 281. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT composite score of at least 20 to qualify. And they must plan to continue their nursing studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing.UNK students currently completing their first year in the pre-nursing program are also eligible to apply for a $5,000 scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.The nursing scholarship is supported by a more than $600,000 gift from the Lahayes, along with funding from the Health Sciences Excellence Fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation.“With the significant nursing shortage that continues in our state, we are extremely grateful for this generous donation from the Glenn and Pearle Lahaye Trust that will provide scholarships for pre-nursing students from central and western Nebraska for years to come,” said Peggy Abels, director of UNK Health Sciences. “The financial assistance provided by the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship will allow students to focus on academic success and gaining health care experience, thereby having a substantial impact on the success of these future nurses and the communities they will serve. Their generosity will have a lasting effect on the health care workforce in Nebraska.”To apply for the Lahaye Nursing Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://go.unk.edu/lahayescholarship">go.unk.edu/lahayescholarship</a>. The application deadline is April 1.For more information, contact Abels at 308-865-8260 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:abelsp@unk.edu">abelsp@unk.edu</a>.<h2>UNMC PARTNERSHIP</h2>Currently, there are 200 students enrolled in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/pre-nursing.php">pre-nursing program at UNK</a>. Over the past five years, 97% of UNK students applying to nursing school were accepted into a professional program.Most of them choose to continue their education at UNMC, a longtime partner when it comes to training nurses to serve rural Nebraska. The institutions have been working together for more than two decades, going back to the days of Kearney State College.More recently, they opened the $19 million Health Science Education Complex in 2015, allowing the UNMC College of Nursing to expand its undergraduate and graduate programs on the Kearney campus. The 46,000-square-foot facility also houses programs offered by the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.The second phase of that project – a $95 million&nbsp;<a href="https://unknews.unk.edu/2024/04/01/unk-unmc-celebrate-future-of-health-care-education-during-beam-raising-ceremony/">Rural Health Education Building</a>&nbsp;scheduled to open next year – will further address the ongoing need for nurses and other health care professionals in rural Nebraska. Located directly north of the Health Science Education Complex, the three-story, 110,000-square-foot facility allows UNMC to grow its nursing and allied health programs in Kearney while launching new programs to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals here.The UNMC College of Nursing in Kearney admits nearly 90 students each year, with twice-a-year admission dates. There are UNMC nursing programs in Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff and Norfolk, as well.“The longstanding partnership between UNK and UNMC has transformed health care education in rural Nebraska, ensuring students have access to high-quality training right here in Kearney,” said interim UNK Chancellor Charlie Bicak. “The Lahaye Nursing Scholarship adds another crucial layer of support, helping pre-nursing students from central and western Nebraska pursue their passion for health care without financial barriers.”<h2>ABOUT THE DONORS</h2>Glenn and Pearle (Jones) Lahaye were both native Nebraskans born and raised in small, rural communities.Originally from Burton, Pearle graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1941 and spent most of her career working as a secretary and bookkeeper.Glenn graduated from Rushville High School in 1939 and served as a dental technician and corporal in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was stationed in Great Bend, Kansas, when the couple married there on March 20, 1944.Following his military service, Glenn worked as a dental laboratory technician for five years before entering the banking business in Gordon and Merriman. The couple were part of the Gordon Jubilee Committee, and Pearle was a member of the Cherry County Extension Board.In 1978, the couple moved to Minden, where Glenn was a member of the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. He also did clock repair work in the area.Glenn passed away in 2002 at the age of 79, and Pearle died in 2022 at the age of 97. They’re both buried in Gordon Cemetery.

UNK launches $10,000 scholarship for future nurses

LINCOLN – For the third time in as many years, supporters of Nebraska public schools are coming together to remind state legislators that voters have already settled the issue and said NO to using public funds to pay for private schools.&nbsp;

LB509, a repeat of a 2023 voucher scheme that would hand out lavish income tax credits to benefit private schools, is in front of state senators this session and many taxpayers are frustrated that time is being taken up by an issue that only months ago was rejected by a large majority of Nebraska voters.&nbsp;

“Nebraskans have strongly rejected using public funds to pay for private schools,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “It’s time for our state leaders to listen to the voters and to focus on important issues – including efforts to address the teacher shortage in our state.”&nbsp;

Over the past two years, more than 200,000 Nebraskans signed petitions to repeal legislation using public funds for private schools. In 2023, the referendum petition to repeal LB753’s private school voucher scheme far exceeded the number of signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot. In a widely criticized move, the sponsor of LB753 bill then introduced LB1402 to take away Nebraskans’ right to vote on LB753. Both bills would have imposed a costly new private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royers said that some of those pushing voucher scheme bills have also “sought to demean hundreds of citizen volunteers and the intelligence of more than 200,000 petition signers by fabricating tales accusing Nebraska voters of ignorance, of not comprehending what they signed, and worse, of falsely accusing hundreds of educated volunteers of lying to gain signatures.”&nbsp;

One of those volunteers, Jean McGuire, Lincoln, confirmed that petition signers knew what they were signing and what they wanted.&nbsp;

“Over the past two years, I stood outside our public libraries to collect petition signatures to put the repeal of both LB753 and 1402 on the ballot,” said McGuire. “Voters sought out those of us collecting signatures and asked to sign the petition. We didn’t go to them – they came to us. The claims from voucher supporters that Nebraska voters did not know or understand what the petition was about is not true. Nebraskans knew what they were doing and the message they wanted to send to legislators was and remains clear: Do not divert public funds to pay for private schools.”&nbsp;

Dr. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, said the bill also presents budget concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Nebraska Legislature is currently undertaking the unenviable task of constructing a budget with a projected $432 million deficit for the biennium,” Firestone said. “With so many important programs and budget line items to consider, there is no fiscal space for a $25 million expense for private school scholarships that could accelerate to $100 million over time. The budget should reflect the will and values of Nebraskans. LB 509 proposes new government spending with no measures of accountability, and it does not respect the will of the voters."&nbsp;

Polls by the Holland Children’s Movement show Nebraskans are opposed to giving public dollars to private schools. Indeed, Nebraska voters have rejected public funds for private schools at the ballot box on four separate occasions since 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Public opinion research results of the Holland Children’s Institute continually demonstrate major opposition to utilizing taxpayer dollars to subsidize private schools (most recently 67% “opposed”) and these policies were rejected by voters (57%) on the November ballot,” said Hadley Richters of the Holland Children’s Movement. “The Legislature should spend less time attempting to ignore the will of the people and more time encouraging the highest-quality public school systems for the future of Nebraska’s children.”&nbsp;

"Nebraska voters made clear less than 100 days ago how they felt about public dollars being used to fund private schools. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHGd686K_gjFc8jgY4FrW5Fc1TYo_7ZH/view?emci=683d9f1e-e2e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=bcabfd4d-f1e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;ceid=14445458" target="_blank">LB 509</a> is yet another attempt to institute a voucher scheme and disregard the will of Nebraska voters,” said Dr. Ferial Pearson, Board President of Stand For Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska. “Looking across the country, we know these programs have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective at delivering improved academic outcomes. We will continue to fight for the public schools that serve 9 out of 10 Nebraska students."&nbsp;&nbsp;

A near carbon-copy of LB 753 from 2023, LB509 would give a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute money to private school tuition for some students – up to half that person or corporation's income tax liability, a more lucrative incentive than the state offers for any other type of charitable giving, including churches, food banks, and cancer research.&nbsp;

For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org" target="_blank">Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org</a> 402-432-7776 or <a href="mailto:Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org" target="_blank">Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org</a> 402-762-5402&nbsp;

Support Our Schools Press ReleaseLINCOLN – For the third time in as many years, supporters of Nebraska public schools are coming together to remind state legislators that voters have already settled the issue and said NO to using public funds to pay for private schools.&nbsp;LB509, a repeat of a 2023 voucher scheme that would hand out lavish income tax credits to benefit private schools, is in front of state senators this session and many taxpayers are frustrated that time is being taken up by an issue that only months ago was rejected by a large majority of Nebraska voters.&nbsp;“Nebraskans have strongly rejected using public funds to pay for private schools,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. “It’s time for our state leaders to listen to the voters and to focus on important issues – including efforts to address the teacher shortage in our state.”&nbsp;Over the past two years, more than 200,000 Nebraskans signed petitions to repeal legislation using public funds for private schools. In 2023, the referendum petition to repeal LB753’s private school voucher scheme far exceeded the number of signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot. In a widely criticized move, the sponsor of LB753 bill then introduced LB1402 to take away Nebraskans’ right to vote on LB753. Both bills would have imposed a costly new private school voucher scheme on Nebraska taxpayers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Royers said that some of those pushing voucher scheme bills have also “sought to demean hundreds of citizen volunteers and the intelligence of more than 200,000 petition signers by fabricating tales accusing Nebraska voters of ignorance, of not comprehending what they signed, and worse, of falsely accusing hundreds of educated volunteers of lying to gain signatures.”&nbsp;One of those volunteers, Jean McGuire, Lincoln, confirmed that petition signers knew what they were signing and what they wanted.&nbsp;“Over the past two years, I stood outside our public libraries to collect petition signatures to put the repeal of both LB753 and 1402 on the ballot,” said McGuire. “Voters sought out those of us collecting signatures and asked to sign the petition. We didn’t go to them – they came to us. The claims from voucher supporters that Nebraska voters did not know or understand what the petition was about is not true. Nebraskans knew what they were doing and the message they wanted to send to legislators was and remains clear: Do not divert public funds to pay for private schools.”&nbsp;Dr. Rebecca Firestone, executive director of OpenSky Policy Institute, said the bill also presents budget concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Nebraska Legislature is currently undertaking the unenviable task of constructing a budget with a projected $432 million deficit for the biennium,” Firestone said. “With so many important programs and budget line items to consider, there is no fiscal space for a $25 million expense for private school scholarships that could accelerate to $100 million over time. The budget should reflect the will and values of Nebraskans. LB 509 proposes new government spending with no measures of accountability, and it does not respect the will of the voters."&nbsp;Polls by the Holland Children’s Movement show Nebraskans are opposed to giving public dollars to private schools. Indeed, Nebraska voters have rejected public funds for private schools at the ballot box on four separate occasions since 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Public opinion research results of the Holland Children’s Institute continually demonstrate major opposition to utilizing taxpayer dollars to subsidize private schools (most recently 67% “opposed”) and these policies were rejected by voters (57%) on the November ballot,” said Hadley Richters of the Holland Children’s Movement. “The Legislature should spend less time attempting to ignore the will of the people and more time encouraging the highest-quality public school systems for the future of Nebraska’s children.”&nbsp;"Nebraska voters made clear less than 100 days ago how they felt about public dollars being used to fund private schools. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHGd686K_gjFc8jgY4FrW5Fc1TYo_7ZH/view?emci=683d9f1e-e2e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=bcabfd4d-f1e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;ceid=14445458" target="_blank">LB 509</a> is yet another attempt to institute a voucher scheme and disregard the will of Nebraska voters,” said Dr. Ferial Pearson, Board President of Stand For Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Nebraska. “Looking across the country, we know these programs have proven to be expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective at delivering improved academic outcomes. We will continue to fight for the public schools that serve 9 out of 10 Nebraska students."&nbsp;&nbsp;A near carbon-copy of LB 753 from 2023, LB509 would give a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute money to private school tuition for some students – up to half that person or corporation's income tax liability, a more lucrative incentive than the state offers for any other type of charitable giving, including churches, food banks, and cancer research.&nbsp;For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org" target="_blank">Karen.Kilgarin@nsea.org</a> 402-432-7776 or <a href="mailto:Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org" target="_blank">Cassie.Ivy@nsea.org</a> 402-762-5402&nbsp;

Lawmakers Must Respect Voters and Reject Latest Voucher Scheme Bills 

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

WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.

Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.

Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.

Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.

He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.

Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”

“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.

The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.

Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”

“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.

“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.

“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.

Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”

“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.

Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”

“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739206873043.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.<h2>Restoring ‘common sense’</h2>Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.<h2>‘We will fight any attempt’</h2>Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

U.S. House members battle over eliminating Dept. of Education 

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Stewart, age 29, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession of stolen mail and possession of Post Office master keys. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Stewart to 40 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Stewart’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;

On April 13, 2024, around midnight, a York County Deputy Sheriff pulled over Stewart who was driving a rental car eastbound on Interstate 80.&nbsp; The deputy smelled marijuana and searched the car, locating some marijuana paraphernalia. In the trunk, deputies found a suitcase containing a United States Postal Service envelope containing personal checks with different amounts issued by various persons and businesses. Stewart was not the payee on any of the checks. The suitcase also contained a laptop computer, a printer, and numerous blank checks. Deputies found a FedEx uniform and two United States Postal Service master or arrow keys, that are used to open Post Office collection and delivery mailboxes, in Stewart’s coat pocket. Stewart admitted the items in the car belonged to him.

In total, deputies seized 392 personal checks, 1,310 blank checks, and 42 blank check backs. Of the 392 checks located in Stewart's vehicle, there were 294 different people or businesses who had written checks. The victims’ checks were dated between December 2023 and April 2024, ranged in value from $1 up to $31,000, and totaled $222,439.95. Of the 392 checks, there were victims located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Florida. Several victims incurred loss from stop or late payment fees, replacing checks, reestablishing bank accounts, and from resending checks that never made it to their destination. Stewart was ordered to pay $325.40 in restitution to cover these losses.

Deputies called two different victims from North Carolina whose checks were found. Both reported that they had issued the checks to pay bills and had placed them in mailboxes where they lived in North Carolina. Neither victim knew Stewart, nor had they given him permission to have the checks.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the York County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Stewart, age 29, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession of stolen mail and possession of Post Office master keys. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Stewart to 40 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Stewart’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;On April 13, 2024, around midnight, a York County Deputy Sheriff pulled over Stewart who was driving a rental car eastbound on Interstate 80.&nbsp; The deputy smelled marijuana and searched the car, locating some marijuana paraphernalia. In the trunk, deputies found a suitcase containing a United States Postal Service envelope containing personal checks with different amounts issued by various persons and businesses. Stewart was not the payee on any of the checks. The suitcase also contained a laptop computer, a printer, and numerous blank checks. Deputies found a FedEx uniform and two United States Postal Service master or arrow keys, that are used to open Post Office collection and delivery mailboxes, in Stewart’s coat pocket. Stewart admitted the items in the car belonged to him.In total, deputies seized 392 personal checks, 1,310 blank checks, and 42 blank check backs. Of the 392 checks located in Stewart's vehicle, there were 294 different people or businesses who had written checks. The victims’ checks were dated between December 2023 and April 2024, ranged in value from $1 up to $31,000, and totaled $222,439.95. Of the 392 checks, there were victims located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Florida. Several victims incurred loss from stop or late payment fees, replacing checks, reestablishing bank accounts, and from resending checks that never made it to their destination. Stewart was ordered to pay $325.40 in restitution to cover these losses.Deputies called two different victims from North Carolina whose checks were found. Both reported that they had issued the checks to pay bills and had placed them in mailboxes where they lived in North Carolina. Neither victim knew Stewart, nor had they given him permission to have the checks.This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the York County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

New York Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen Mail and Postal Keys   

KEARNEY – The late Ruth Ann Pigott Janssen, a beloved former professor and chair of the sociology department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has left a record-setting gift that will impact the lives of students for generations to come.

This extraordinary investment – totaling nearly $2.25 million – is the largest estate gift from emeriti faculty in UNK’s history. Pigott Janssen died in 2022 at the age of 87.

Her generous gift was made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. A portion of the gift is directed to three priorities in the sociology department: an endowed scholarship fund, an undergraduate student research fund and a fund to support a lectureship program. The rest of Pigott Janssen’s gift will be invested for 20 years, with the resulting funds allocated to a future capital project based on a campus priority.

Interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak said Pigott Janssen’s legacy at UNK extends far beyond her distinguished career as a sociology professor.

“Ruth dedicated her life to education, fostering a passion for learning in her students and colleagues alike,” Bicak said. “Her gift is a testament to her enduring commitment to advancing sociology and empowering future generations. Ruth’s impact will continue to enrich the academic experience at UNK for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for her generosity and the indelible mark she has left on UNK.”

Pigott Janssen began her teaching career at Kearney State College, now UNK, in 1974 as a sociology instructor. She earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1985 and spent five years as chair of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/sociology/index.php">UNK’s sociology department</a>&nbsp;before retiring in 2000.

During her time as a sociology professor, Pigott Janssen provided her students not only with a top-notch education in sociology classes but also the gift of her time. One former student credits Pigott Janssen with preparing him for college-level work and a higher education career.

“Not only was I the only male in the class, I was also woefully unprepared,” said Daniel Bruggeman, a 1980 Kearney State graduate. “She called me into her office for a series of tutorials where she patiently walked me through some of the essential features of a well-written and thoughtfully argued college-level paper. This had a transformative effect on my development as a student. It was a gift that would profoundly impact my future as a student and a teacher.”

Bruggeman, senior lecturer emeritus of art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, retired in 2023 after 30 years of teaching at the college level. He credits Pigott Janssen with serving as a role model for how a great educator leads a class.

“I developed a passion for not only well-researched and skillfully presented course material but also empathy and patience for the students who arrive less prepared than others to learn,” Bruggeman said.

Suzanne Maughan Spencer, current chair of UNK’s sociology department, said she’s grateful for the time she spent with Pigott Janssen as the retired chair contemplated how her gift could assist students and the department.

“Her gift has had a profound impact on students and the department,” Maughan Spencer said. “Now, as the current department chair who also teaches the same classes Dr. Pigott Janssen once taught, I am appreciative of her foresight, her contemplative planning and her generous legacy. I know she would be overjoyed to see the students’ eagerness to pursue their passion for sociological education without the stress of financial burdens.”

One of those students is Crista Manning, a senior from Grand Island majoring in sociology and pre-public health.

“The Ruth Pigott Janssen Sociology Scholarship has greatly influenced my educational experience at UNK by alleviating the financial strain of college,” Manning said. “This scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to redirect funds to professional development, such as the research conference I plan to attend in a couple of months.”

“The Ruth Pigott Janssen Sociology Scholarship has assisted me in my&nbsp;academics here at UNK,” said Hannah Reeve, a senior sociology major from Potter. “This helping hand has allowed me to continue to pursue my goal of introducing social programs and support for the Nebraska Panhandle where I’m from.”

Pigott Janssen’s gift supports&nbsp;<a href="https://onlyinnebraska.org/">Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future</a>. The campaign seeks to engage 150,000 benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska. UNK’s goals are to engage 12,000 donors to raise $70 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739203394234.jpeg" alt="Ruth Pigott Janssen&nbsp; (UNK Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Ruth Pigott Janssen&nbsp; (UNK Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler EllysonUNK CommunicationsKEARNEY – The late Ruth Ann Pigott Janssen, a beloved former professor and chair of the sociology department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has left a record-setting gift that will impact the lives of students for generations to come.This extraordinary investment – totaling nearly $2.25 million – is the largest estate gift from emeriti faculty in UNK’s history. Pigott Janssen died in 2022 at the age of 87.Her generous gift was made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. A portion of the gift is directed to three priorities in the sociology department: an endowed scholarship fund, an undergraduate student research fund and a fund to support a lectureship program. The rest of Pigott Janssen’s gift will be invested for 20 years, with the resulting funds allocated to a future capital project based on a campus priority.Interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak said Pigott Janssen’s legacy at UNK extends far beyond her distinguished career as a sociology professor.“Ruth dedicated her life to education, fostering a passion for learning in her students and colleagues alike,” Bicak said. “Her gift is a testament to her enduring commitment to advancing sociology and empowering future generations. Ruth’s impact will continue to enrich the academic experience at UNK for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for her generosity and the indelible mark she has left on UNK.”Pigott Janssen began her teaching career at Kearney State College, now UNK, in 1974 as a sociology instructor. She earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1985 and spent five years as chair of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/sociology/index.php">UNK’s sociology department</a>&nbsp;before retiring in 2000.During her time as a sociology professor, Pigott Janssen provided her students not only with a top-notch education in sociology classes but also the gift of her time. One former student credits Pigott Janssen with preparing him for college-level work and a higher education career.“Not only was I the only male in the class, I was also woefully unprepared,” said Daniel Bruggeman, a 1980 Kearney State graduate. “She called me into her office for a series of tutorials where she patiently walked me through some of the essential features of a well-written and thoughtfully argued college-level paper. This had a transformative effect on my development as a student. It was a gift that would profoundly impact my future as a student and a teacher.”Bruggeman, senior lecturer emeritus of art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, retired in 2023 after 30 years of teaching at the college level. He credits Pigott Janssen with serving as a role model for how a great educator leads a class.“I developed a passion for not only well-researched and skillfully presented course material but also empathy and patience for the students who arrive less prepared than others to learn,” Bruggeman said.Suzanne Maughan Spencer, current chair of UNK’s sociology department, said she’s grateful for the time she spent with Pigott Janssen as the retired chair contemplated how her gift could assist students and the department.“Her gift has had a profound impact on students and the department,” Maughan Spencer said. “Now, as the current department chair who also teaches the same classes Dr. Pigott Janssen once taught, I am appreciative of her foresight, her contemplative planning and her generous legacy. I know she would be overjoyed to see the students’ eagerness to pursue their passion for sociological education without the stress of financial burdens.”One of those students is Crista Manning, a senior from Grand Island majoring in sociology and pre-public health.“The Ruth Pigott Janssen Sociology Scholarship has greatly influenced my educational experience at UNK by alleviating the financial strain of college,” Manning said. “This scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to redirect funds to professional development, such as the research conference I plan to attend in a couple of months.”“The Ruth Pigott Janssen Sociology Scholarship has assisted me in my&nbsp;academics here at UNK,” said Hannah Reeve, a senior sociology major from Potter. “This helping hand has allowed me to continue to pursue my goal of introducing social programs and support for the Nebraska Panhandle where I’m from.”Pigott Janssen’s gift supports&nbsp;<a href="https://onlyinnebraska.org/">Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future</a>. The campaign seeks to engage 150,000 benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska. UNK’s goals are to engage 12,000 donors to raise $70 million.

Former sociology chair Pigott Janssen leaves $2.25M gift to University of Nebraska at Kearney

(Seward, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is now able to release additional information regarding the ongoing investigation of a homicide that occurred overnight in Seward.

At approximately 11:46 p.m. Saturday, Seward County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a residence in the 600 block of North 2nd&nbsp;Street in Seward.&nbsp;

Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male exiting the residence. The man, identified as Casey Kindt, 54, was suffering from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Inside the residence, officers located a deceased female with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as Jamie Hagen, 36.&nbsp;

Kindt was transported to Seward Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He has since been transferred to UNMC in Omaha for additional treatment. Troopers are maintaining custody of Kindt during his medical treatment.

Officers also located a juvenile inside the home. The juvenile had made the initial call to 911 and was unharmed.

The Nebraska State Patrol was requested to conduct a homicide investigation. Investigators have discovered that the suspect and victim were previously in a relationship. Hagen had since been granted a protection order against Kindt. After preliminary investigation, it is believed that Kindt entered the home, shot Hagen multiples times, then shot himself.

The investigation remains ongoing. NSP has been assisted on scene by the Seward Police Department and Seward County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Seward, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is now able to release additional information regarding the ongoing investigation of a homicide that occurred overnight in Seward.At approximately 11:46 p.m. Saturday, Seward County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a residence in the 600 block of North 2nd&nbsp;Street in Seward.&nbsp;Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male exiting the residence. The man, identified as Casey Kindt, 54, was suffering from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Inside the residence, officers located a deceased female with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as Jamie Hagen, 36.&nbsp;Kindt was transported to Seward Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He has since been transferred to UNMC in Omaha for additional treatment. Troopers are maintaining custody of Kindt during his medical treatment.Officers also located a juvenile inside the home. The juvenile had made the initial call to 911 and was unharmed.The Nebraska State Patrol was requested to conduct a homicide investigation. Investigators have discovered that the suspect and victim were previously in a relationship. Hagen had since been granted a protection order against Kindt. After preliminary investigation, it is believed that Kindt entered the home, shot Hagen multiples times, then shot himself.The investigation remains ongoing. NSP has been assisted on scene by the Seward Police Department and Seward County Sheriff’s Office.

 NSP Releases Additional Information in Seward Homicide Investigation

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s&nbsp;(R-Neb.)&nbsp;legislation to improve passenger vehicle safety passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-reintroduces-she-drives-act-to-improve-passenger-vehicle-safety">She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act</a>&nbsp;passed unanimously and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.

If signed into law, the She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. Today, the dummies used during crash testing are modeled after the average height and weight of an adult male. This bill would require the use of a female crash test dummy in addition to the male dummy, a reform that will save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of serious injuries. In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

“Today, women are 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men. That tragic statistic is a preventable one. Our bill will update crash test dummy standards to reflect the diversity of drivers on our roads, ensuring protection and safety for more Americans. I’m grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed soon,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Women are far more vulnerable than men to sustaining serious injuries from a car crash,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;

“The&nbsp;She DRIVES Act&nbsp;would help keep our mothers and daughters safer on the road by ensuring that women are finally represented in crash testing.”

“We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;

“I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee and is now that much closer to helping us save lives by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans. I’ll continue to work with Senator Fischer as we push for the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill—because all Americans deserve safer roadways.”

“We applaud Senator Fischer for her steadfast leadership in advancing the She DRIVES Act and ensuring that vehicle safety standards account for all drivers and passengers,”&nbsp;said Women Drive Too Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke.&nbsp;

“This bill is a critical step toward modernizing crash testing to reflect the real-world experiences of women on the road. We are grateful for the bipartisan support from the Commerce Committee and look forward to working with Congress to see this life-saving legislation become law.”

“For far too long, vehicle safety testing standards have failed American women. Today, with the advancement of the bipartisan She DRIVES Act, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to end this fatal discrimination. While this victory is a testament to the power of collaboration across the aisle and country, the fight is not over yet. Now, it’s up to the full Senate get this across the finish line,”&nbsp;said Drive US Forward President and Founder Maria Weston Kuhn.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s&nbsp;(R-Neb.)&nbsp;legislation to improve passenger vehicle safety passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-reintroduces-she-drives-act-to-improve-passenger-vehicle-safety">She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act</a>&nbsp;passed unanimously and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.If signed into law, the She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. Today, the dummies used during crash testing are modeled after the average height and weight of an adult male. This bill would require the use of a female crash test dummy in addition to the male dummy, a reform that will save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of serious injuries. In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).“Today, women are 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men. That tragic statistic is a preventable one. Our bill will update crash test dummy standards to reflect the diversity of drivers on our roads, ensuring protection and safety for more Americans. I’m grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed soon,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Women are far more vulnerable than men to sustaining serious injuries from a car crash,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;She DRIVES Act&nbsp;would help keep our mothers and daughters safer on the road by ensuring that women are finally represented in crash testing.”“We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;“I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee and is now that much closer to helping us save lives by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans. I’ll continue to work with Senator Fischer as we push for the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill—because all Americans deserve safer roadways.”“We applaud Senator Fischer for her steadfast leadership in advancing the She DRIVES Act and ensuring that vehicle safety standards account for all drivers and passengers,”&nbsp;said Women Drive Too Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke.&nbsp;“This bill is a critical step toward modernizing crash testing to reflect the real-world experiences of women on the road. We are grateful for the bipartisan support from the Commerce Committee and look forward to working with Congress to see this life-saving legislation become law.”“For far too long, vehicle safety testing standards have failed American women. Today, with the advancement of the bipartisan She DRIVES Act, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to end this fatal discrimination. While this victory is a testament to the power of collaboration across the aisle and country, the fight is not over yet. Now, it’s up to the full Senate get this across the finish line,”&nbsp;said Drive US Forward President and Founder Maria Weston Kuhn.

Fischer Legislation to Improve Passenger Vehicle Safety  Passes Commerce Committee

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to support the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;(LB89), sponsored on his behalf by Senator Kathleen Kauth. The Governor’s testimony comes just two days after his trip to the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed the executive order:&nbsp;No Men in Women’s Sports.&nbsp;

In August 2023, Gov. Pillen signed his executive order establishing biological definitions for men and women and specifying that data collected on individuals by public schools, state agencies and offices reference the sex of the person at birth. He was the second governor in the nation to sign such an order and last month, hosted a news conference attended by athletes and state senators, supporting the introduction of LB89.&nbsp;

“We need to ensure that girls and women are not treated unfairly, especially in sports where men certainly have a physical, competitive advantage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, we need to afford girls and women the privacy and protection that they expect and deserve when they are in spaces where they could be most vulnerable to victimization.”&nbsp;

Much like the Governor’s executive order, LB89 also establishes biological definitions for men and women. Other provisions include:

Requirements apply to schools, including post-secondary institutions, as well as state agencies. Exceptions are included for situations in which a member of the opposite sex would be allowed to enter a bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;

“I am thrilled that President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect women and girls in athletics,” said Sen. Kauth. “This provides a supportive framework for states like Nebraska to implement bills like the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;to protect women and girls in all areas the state has responsibility. I look forward to strong support for the&nbsp;Stand With Women&nbsp;Act.”&nbsp;

Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, University of Nebraska -- Kearney, high school and college athletes plus other advocates also spoke in favor of the bill.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to support the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;(LB89), sponsored on his behalf by Senator Kathleen Kauth. The Governor’s testimony comes just two days after his trip to the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed the executive order:&nbsp;No Men in Women’s Sports.&nbsp;In August 2023, Gov. Pillen signed his executive order establishing biological definitions for men and women and specifying that data collected on individuals by public schools, state agencies and offices reference the sex of the person at birth. He was the second governor in the nation to sign such an order and last month, hosted a news conference attended by athletes and state senators, supporting the introduction of LB89.&nbsp;“We need to ensure that girls and women are not treated unfairly, especially in sports where men certainly have a physical, competitive advantage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, we need to afford girls and women the privacy and protection that they expect and deserve when they are in spaces where they could be most vulnerable to victimization.”&nbsp;Much like the Governor’s executive order, LB89 also establishes biological definitions for men and women. Other provisions include:<ul>
 <li>Requiring signage designating that restrooms and locker rooms are specifically for use by either males or females</li><li>Prohibiting use of a restroom by a member of the opposite sex</li><li>Prohibiting biological boys or men from participating in girls’ or women’s sporting activities</li>
 </ul>Requirements apply to schools, including post-secondary institutions, as well as state agencies. Exceptions are included for situations in which a member of the opposite sex would be allowed to enter a bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;“I am thrilled that President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect women and girls in athletics,” said Sen. Kauth. “This provides a supportive framework for states like Nebraska to implement bills like the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;to protect women and girls in all areas the state has responsibility. I look forward to strong support for the&nbsp;Stand With Women&nbsp;Act.”&nbsp;Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, University of Nebraska -- Kearney, high school and college athletes plus other advocates also spoke in favor of the bill.

Governor Pillen Testifies in Support of the Stand With Women Act

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;

The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.

State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?

Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”

But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.

“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”

Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.

Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.

State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.

“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”

Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.

Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.

FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.

But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”

“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”

Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.

But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.

FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.

Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.

“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.

Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.

FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.

The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.

<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.

Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.

Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.

“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”

Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.

“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”

Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.

After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.

“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.

Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.

Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.

“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”

Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.

“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.

“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639393151807.png" alt="File photo Tornado damage in Kansas" />
 <figcaption>File photo Tornado damage in Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;<h2>The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.</h2>State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”<h2>FEMA’s role</h2>Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”<h2>Local experience</h2>Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

Trump Wants States to Handle Disasters Without FEMA - States say they can't

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.

“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”

The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.

The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”

The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;

Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.

The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716140421905.png" alt="File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.<h2>No estimated timeframe</h2>The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

Lawmakers press Social Security on lag in paying expanded benefits to public employees

NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.

This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.

“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”

“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”

“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.

“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.

“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.

“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.

To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739026217872.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:<ul>
 <li>Stick to trusted retail locations.</li><li>Be cautious when shopping online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals often use legitimate product photos while selling fraudulent items.</li><li>Use caution before purchasing expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise to ensure a safe transaction and responsible customer service.</li><li>Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching, missing security labels, or irregular markings on apparel.</li><li>Check your online bank statements regularly. Keep a record of purchases and confirmation pages and compare them to your bank statements. If discrepancies arise, report them immediately.</li><li>Purchase event tickets only from trusted sources, such as the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, On Location, or other reputable ticket retailers. This year, Super Bowl LIX will be entirely digital, and no paper tickets will be accepted. Screenshots or PDFs of tickets will not be valid for entry.</li>
 </ul>

$39.5M in Counterfeit Sports Merchandise Seized Ahead of Super Bowl 

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicandro Garcia Perez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia Perez to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.

On June 9, 2023, Garcia Perez was contacted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper at a rest stop along Interstate 80 outside of York, Nebraska.&nbsp; The two engaged in conversation for a period of time before the trooper asked Garcia Perez for consent to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Garcia Perez consented to the search.&nbsp; The trooper began the search and in the back of the vehicle, under the spare tire area, the trooper found multiple square white packages, consistent with cocaine.&nbsp; The trooper also found additional bricks underneath the second and third row seats in the vehicle.&nbsp; Twenty-two bricks in total were found, for a total weight of 55.86 pounds or 25.33 kilograms.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicandro Garcia Perez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia Perez to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.On June 9, 2023, Garcia Perez was contacted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper at a rest stop along Interstate 80 outside of York, Nebraska.&nbsp; The two engaged in conversation for a period of time before the trooper asked Garcia Perez for consent to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Garcia Perez consented to the search.&nbsp; The trooper began the search and in the back of the vehicle, under the spare tire area, the trooper found multiple square white packages, consistent with cocaine.&nbsp; The trooper also found additional bricks underneath the second and third row seats in the vehicle.&nbsp; Twenty-two bricks in total were found, for a total weight of 55.86 pounds or 25.33 kilograms.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Mexico National Sentenced to Over 3 1/2 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the Chiefs and Eagles vie for the title of Super Bowl Champion, fans across Nebraska can be the MVP of Super Bowl Sunday by driving sober.

The Nebraska State Patrol is urging everyone to have a gameplan for safe travel this Sunday. Troopers are partnering with police officers across the country to monitor for impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday.

“Whether you’re rooting for a Chiefs’ three-peat, an Eagles’ win, or you’re just a fan of the commercials, everyone should have a plan for a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you’re traveling somewhere for the game, prepare ahead of time to have a sober driver. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl Party, don’t let impaired fans get behind the wheel.”

So far in 2025, Nebraska Troopers have made over 140 arrests for driving under the influence. Last year, NSP saw a 20% increase in DUI arrests across the state.

This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $5,904 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. This is a part of a national campaign organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the Chiefs and Eagles vie for the title of Super Bowl Champion, fans across Nebraska can be the MVP of Super Bowl Sunday by driving sober.The Nebraska State Patrol is urging everyone to have a gameplan for safe travel this Sunday. Troopers are partnering with police officers across the country to monitor for impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday.“Whether you’re rooting for a Chiefs’ three-peat, an Eagles’ win, or you’re just a fan of the commercials, everyone should have a plan for a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you’re traveling somewhere for the game, prepare ahead of time to have a sober driver. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl Party, don’t let impaired fans get behind the wheel.”So far in 2025, Nebraska Troopers have made over 140 arrests for driving under the influence. Last year, NSP saw a 20% increase in DUI arrests across the state.This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $5,904 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. This is a part of a national campaign organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Troopers Urge Sober Drivers to Be Part of Super Bowl Gameplan

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-cellphone-ban-advances-to-full-nebraska-legislature-first-of-pillens-2025-priorities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The first of Gov. Jim Pillen’s 2025 legislative priorities advanced Thursday to the full Nebraska Legislature: banning most student cellphones in public K-12 schools.

The Legislature’s Education Committee voted 7-0, with one member absent, to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59086" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 140</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, which was introduced at Pillen’s request.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LB140-committee-amendment_2025.pdf">As amended by the committee</a>, the bill would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/04/students-teachers-endorse-bill-to-ban-cellphones-during-nebraska-school-days/">ban student use of electronic communication devices</a>, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while they are attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips.&nbsp;But it would leave school districts wide latitude of when and where they could authorize student cellphone use.

Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would need to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of school this fall. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools.&nbsp;Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the policies, if any, would be up to individual school districts.

Stakeholder participation would need to be included in drafting cellphone guidelines “to ensure that such policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents and educators in each community.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/152?file=ae089f55-da38-4837-aefb-379ee7d2ce8c" target="_blank">survey of 218 superintendents in October and November</a>, by the Nebraska Department of Education, indicated that 80% of responding districts had already implemented similar policies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738938465950.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen testifies before the Legislature’s Education Committee on a bill introduced at his request to ban student cellphone use during school days. Pillen holds his cellphone to emphasize his testimony. Feb. 4, 2025. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Jim Pillen)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen testifies before the Legislature’s Education Committee on a bill introduced at his request to ban student cellphone use during school days. Pillen holds his cellphone to emphasize his testimony. Feb. 4, 2025. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Jim Pillen)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-cellphone-ban-advances-to-full-nebraska-legislature-first-of-pillens-2025-priorities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The first of Gov. Jim Pillen’s 2025 legislative priorities advanced Thursday to the full Nebraska Legislature: banning most student cellphones in public K-12 schools.The Legislature’s Education Committee voted 7-0, with one member absent, to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59086" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 140</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, which was introduced at Pillen’s request.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LB140-committee-amendment_2025.pdf">As amended by the committee</a>, the bill would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/04/students-teachers-endorse-bill-to-ban-cellphones-during-nebraska-school-days/">ban student use of electronic communication devices</a>, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while they are attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips.&nbsp;But it would leave school districts wide latitude of when and where they could authorize student cellphone use.Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would need to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of school this fall. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools.&nbsp;Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the policies, if any, would be up to individual school districts.Stakeholder participation would need to be included in drafting cellphone guidelines “to ensure that such policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents and educators in each community.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/152?file=ae089f55-da38-4837-aefb-379ee7d2ce8c" target="_blank">survey of 218 superintendents in October and November</a>, by the Nebraska Department of Education, indicated that 80% of responding districts had already implemented similar policies.LB 140, supported also by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, would not prohibit such devices from being used:<ul>
 <li>If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.</li><li>When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.</li><li>In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”</li><li>When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.</li><li>When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.</li>
 </ul>Some Education Committee members said they don’t intend to prevent school districts from choosing to allow cellphones during lunch or passing periods, as many allow in existing policies.Pillen has said his goal is to prohibit cellphones during school hours “from bell to bell.” He’s also urged parents and grandparents to limit student cellphone use at night before bed.Sanders said she was excited that her bill advanced.&nbsp;State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, committee chair, told the Nebraska Examiner that while cellphones can be positive, children and adults can become almost addicted to or spend too much time on their devices.“I think most parents will celebrate the fact that the screen time for their students in school, at least, will be limited,” Murman said.Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said in a statement to the Examiner that the governor knows senators will give the issues in the bill “their utmost attention.”“This is a bipartisan issue and a unified Education Committee proves that,” Strimple said in a statement.“Guardrails are necessary to ensure that kids are free from distractions while attending school, and it’s the responsibility of adults to make sure the harmful effects of cellphone use are minimized to the greatest degree possible,” the statement continued. “Additionally, this legislation allows for Nebraska’s talented teachers to get back to teaching and not policing cellphone use in the classroom.”