BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/lia-chien/">LIA CHIEN</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/19/democratic-women-in-u-s-senate-target-project-2025-on-reproductive-rights/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats held a press conference this week to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration.

The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf">Project 2025</a>, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal.

The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trump’s political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration.

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is&nbsp; the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada.

Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide.

“Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, they’ve given it out, to rip away a woman’s right to choose in every single state in America,” she said.

Murray addressed concerns about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too">the Comstock Act</a>, a key element of Republicans’ legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States.

In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/the-comstock-act-implications-for-abortion-care-nationwide/">prohibit</a>&nbsp;mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6">rejected</a>&nbsp;an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups.

Abortion pills accounted for 63% of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020">abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit.

In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/olc/opinion/application-comstock-act-mailing-prescription-drugs-can-be-used-abortions">determined</a>&nbsp;it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act.

Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesday’s press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate.

“We don’t need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books,” Mitchell said,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/us/politics/trump-allies-abortion-restrictions.html">quoted</a>&nbsp;in the New York Times.

In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too">introduce</a>&nbsp;legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether.

Murray told reporters at Tuesday’s event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access.

“Just let me make it very clear,” said Murray. “Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply.”

Schumer slammed Republicans for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-ivf-protections">blocking</a>&nbsp;Duckworth’s IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00197.htm">received</a>&nbsp;48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

“In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism,” said Schumer.

Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HLA24625.pdf">Reproductive Freedom for Women Act</a>, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should “enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law,” Schumer said.

The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference.

Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trump’s appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion.

She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in November’s elections.

“Every judge we confirm makes a difference,” she said. “We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law.”

During Trump’s first term, he appointed three&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/nominations/SupremeCourtNominations1789present.htm">justices</a>&nbsp;to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/26/trump-legacy-supreme-court-422058">significant</a>&nbsp;in writing opinions far beyond Trump’s time in office.

Senators at Tuesday’s event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.

“Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception,” Hirono said.

Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life.

“This isn’t about protecting life,” said Hirono. “This is about power and control and the Republicans’ obsession with controlling women’s bodies.”

Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about women’s rights but don’t vote to protect them.

“When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they won’t lift a finger to protect women in this country,” she said.

Murray vowed to protect women’s rights no matter the outcome of November’s election.

“We are fighting back,” said Murray. “We’re doing everything we can to protect women’s rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718886172392.png" alt="Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Lia Chien/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic women serving in the U.S. Senate held a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, about reproductive rights. Left to right, Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is at right. (Lia Chien/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/lia-chien/">LIA CHIEN</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/19/democratic-women-in-u-s-senate-target-project-2025-on-reproductive-rights/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats held a press conference this week to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration.The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health care if elected in November outlined in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf">Project 2025</a>, an almost 1,000-page conservative policy proposal.The plan would restructure the federal government to be in line with Trump’s political beliefs. The Trump campaign has said other groups do not speak for it, but the project is led by former staffers, including the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management in the Trump administration.Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state, who is&nbsp; the former chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led the press event. She was joined by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jacky Rosen of Nevada.Murray said Project 2025, drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, would pose a threat to access to reproductive care nationwide.“Donald Trump and his allies are planning a detailed road map, they’ve given it out, to rip away a woman’s right to choose in every single state in America,” she said.<h2>Comstock Act</h2>Murray addressed concerns about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too">the Comstock Act</a>, a key element of Republicans’ legal argument in restricting access to abortion in the United States.In 1873, Congress passed the act to ban mailing of obscene matter, which includes abortion materials. In some interpretations of the law, the act could be used to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/the-comstock-act-implications-for-abortion-care-nationwide/">prohibit</a>&nbsp;mailing chemical abortion pills, like mifepristone. The Supreme Court last week unanimously&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6">rejected</a>&nbsp;an effort to reduce access to mifepristone by anti-abortion groups.Abortion pills accounted for 63% of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020">abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights nonprofit.In line with the Roe v. Wade ruling that upheld abortion rights, chemical abortion pills were protected and it was legal to mail them. In December 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, the Department of Justice&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/olc/opinion/application-comstock-act-mailing-prescription-drugs-can-be-used-abortions">determined</a>&nbsp;it is still legal to mail drugs like mifepristone despite the Comstock Act.Still, Republicans potentially could use the Comstock Act to reduce abortion access under a second Trump presidency, the Project 2025 document indicates. Schumer highlighted a quote at Tuesday’s press conference from Jonathan F. Mitchell, an architect of Project 2025 and lifelong anti-abortion advocate.“We don’t need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books,” Mitchell said,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/us/politics/trump-allies-abortion-restrictions.html">quoted</a>&nbsp;in the New York Times.In May, Sen. Tina Smith from Minnesota announced she planned to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too">introduce</a>&nbsp;legislation to repeal the Comstock Act altogether.Murray told reporters at Tuesday’s event the DOJ has said Republicans could not use the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access.“Just let me make it very clear,” said Murray. “Our Department of Justice has made it very clear that Comstock does not apply.”<h2>IVF legislation</h2>Schumer slammed Republicans for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-ivf-protections">blocking</a>&nbsp;Duckworth’s IVF access legislation last week. The bill needed 60 votes to advance but only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00197.htm">received</a>&nbsp;48. Only two Republican senators voted to advance it: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.“In the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have shown that for all their attempts to sound moderate on reproductive care, when it comes time to vote, they choose MAGA extremism,” said Schumer.Schumer announced that he has begun the process of putting a new bill, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HLA24625.pdf">Reproductive Freedom for Women Act</a>, on the legislative calendar. The proposed legislation co-sponsored by Murray and every Democratic woman in the Senate would express the sense of Congress that lawmakers should “enshrin(e) the protections of Roe into law,” Schumer said.<h2>Trump appointments</h2>The power of the courts was also a prime focus of lawmakers at the press conference.Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted how Trump’s appointments to federal courts had a major impact on not only the overturning of Roe, but in restricting reproductive care across the country, including abortion.She highlighted that judges will be critical in protecting rights to legal standing in bringing cases and prohibiting extreme actions by a possible Trump administration. Senate Democrats are battling to keep control of the chamber in November’s elections.“Every judge we confirm makes a difference,” she said. “We know the American people are with us. They are with us on having judges in place that actually respect the law.”During Trump’s first term, he appointed three&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/nominations/SupremeCourtNominations1789present.htm">justices</a>&nbsp;to the Supreme Court: Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. All three were confirmed to the court by the Senate and will remain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/26/trump-legacy-supreme-court-422058">significant</a>&nbsp;in writing opinions far beyond Trump’s time in office.<h2>Planned Parenthood</h2>Senators at Tuesday’s event called out a number of plans in Project 2025 that Democrats oppose. For example, the plan says the Department of Health and Human Services should make it clear states can defund Planned Parenthood in their Medicaid plans and should propose rules to disqualify Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.“Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women with low incomes seeking contraception,” Hirono said.Hirono also noted that Project 2025 proposed changing the name of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life.“This isn’t about protecting life,” said Hirono. “This is about power and control and the Republicans’ obsession with controlling women’s bodies.”Duckworth expressed frustration with Republicans who tell American voters that they care about women’s rights but don’t vote to protect them.“When the rubber meets the road and we ask not just for empty words on Twitter before their vote, they won’t lift a finger to protect women in this country,” she said.Murray vowed to protect women’s rights no matter the outcome of November’s election.“We are fighting back,” said Murray. “We’re doing everything we can to protect women’s rights and we will be here to block anything that the Trump administration tries to do.”

Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement about the new Nebraska law requiring online pornographers to verify the age of people consuming their obscene content.

Pornhub, one of the world’s busiest online purveyors of pornography, announced it will go dark in Nebraska when the law goes into effect next month.

“To the news that one of the world’s busiest porn traffickers will shut down in Nebraska, I say: ‘good riddance.’ I was proud to sign LB1092 into law and am grateful for Sen. Dave Murman’s leadership on this issue. This is a great development for the protection of our kids, culture, and values. Our kids already face too many threats from Big Tech and the obscene content industry. Having one fewer outlet trying to sexualize their childhood is a good thing for their futures and a good thing for Nebraska.”

The new anti-obscenity law, the Online Age Verification Liability Act, LB1092, goes into effect July 15.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskaexaminer.com%2F2024%2F06%2F20%2Fpornhub-intends-to-ban-nebraska-users-after-passage-of-lb-1092%2F%3Femci%3D267bb025-862e-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096%26emdi%3Dde7c503b-f42e-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096%26ceid%3D393734&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C805e0885cdcf449a8bb608dc915e942b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638545082594480972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6MjtwxaP0vAk%2F6STNJ4z6NnRGZPEkcnEkTyMju%2BbUjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Pornhub intends to ban Nebraska users after passage of LB 1092 • Nebraska Examiner</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement about the new Nebraska law requiring online pornographers to verify the age of people consuming their obscene content.Pornhub, one of the world’s busiest online purveyors of pornography, announced it will go dark in Nebraska when the law goes into effect next month.“To the news that one of the world’s busiest porn traffickers will shut down in Nebraska, I say: ‘good riddance.’ I was proud to sign LB1092 into law and am grateful for Sen. Dave Murman’s leadership on this issue. This is a great development for the protection of our kids, culture, and values. Our kids already face too many threats from Big Tech and the obscene content industry. Having one fewer outlet trying to sexualize their childhood is a good thing for their futures and a good thing for Nebraska.”The new anti-obscenity law, the Online Age Verification Liability Act, LB1092, goes into effect July 15.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskaexaminer.com%2F2024%2F06%2F20%2Fpornhub-intends-to-ban-nebraska-users-after-passage-of-lb-1092%2F%3Femci%3D267bb025-862e-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096%26emdi%3Dde7c503b-f42e-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096%26ceid%3D393734&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjim.buehler%40nebraska.gov%7C805e0885cdcf449a8bb608dc915e942b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638545082594480972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6MjtwxaP0vAk%2F6STNJ4z6NnRGZPEkcnEkTyMju%2BbUjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Pornhub intends to ban Nebraska users after passage of LB 1092 • Nebraska Examiner</a>

Governor Jim Pillen Issues Statement on News that Pornhub will shut down in Nebraska

A mountain lion was killed by a member of the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office the evening of June 19 at a subdivision just north of Scottsbluff.

The mountain lion, twice spotted Wednesday in the Scotts Bluff Country Club subdivision that surrounds a golf course, was shot because it was an immediate threat to the public.

Sam Wilson, carnivore and furbearer program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the mountain lion was a 1½-year-old male, ear-tagged as part of the state’s research efforts. He said 1½ years is the age young males begin dispersing from their mothers to find their own territory and potential mates.

The mountain lion first was seen and reported by a resident about 1:50 p.m. Mountain time. Scotts Bluff County law enforcement and Game and Parks conservation officers and wildlife biologists searched but were unable to find the animal. Another resident, southwest from the original sighting, reported seeing the mountain lion at about 7 p.m. Officers responded, removing the animal for the safety of the public.

A mountain lion was killed by a member of the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office the evening of June 19 at a subdivision just north of Scottsbluff.The mountain lion, twice spotted Wednesday in the Scotts Bluff Country Club subdivision that surrounds a golf course, was shot because it was an immediate threat to the public.Sam Wilson, carnivore and furbearer program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the mountain lion was a 1½-year-old male, ear-tagged as part of the state’s research efforts. He said 1½ years is the age young males begin dispersing from their mothers to find their own territory and potential mates.The mountain lion first was seen and reported by a resident about 1:50 p.m. Mountain time. Scotts Bluff County law enforcement and Game and Parks conservation officers and wildlife biologists searched but were unable to find the animal. Another resident, southwest from the original sighting, reported seeing the mountain lion at about 7 p.m. Officers responded, removing the animal for the safety of the public.

Mountain lion removed from Scottsbluff subdivision

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/nu-regents-approve-inflationary-tuition-increases-millions-in-cuts-for-2024-25-budget/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted 5-2 Thursday to approve next year’s budget with inflationary tuition increases meant to help wipe out a lingering budget deficit.

The approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/docs/board/agendas/Agenda%206-20-24%20with%20Materials.pdf">$1.1 billion state-aided budget</a>, made up of taxpayer dollars and tuition, will raise the cost of attendance between 3.2% and 3.4% across NU’s campuses. Campus leaders will need to find an additional $11.8 million to cut from their budgets in the next year, too, after cutting about $30 million in the past two fiscal years. Cuts haven’t been identified yet.

An additional $3.1 million that has bubbled up because of inflation will not be reallocated to the campuses and must be absorbed by next summer as well.

Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, who concurrently serves as NU’s chief financial officer, said the “reasonable” steps are expected to end an approximate $50 million budget deficit that NU has been looking to close for about 18 months.

“We could have stuck our head in the sand, but instead we dealt with it,” said Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who was board chair in 2023 when the most recent cuts began.

Tuition ‘somewhat of a double hit’&nbsp;

Campus chancellors, student regents and many elected regents joined Kabourek to defend&nbsp; the tuition increases, arguing they still kept rates affordable compared to other Big Ten universities.&nbsp;

Regent Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City said she could have supported smaller tuition increases, but not when families are already paying more on everything, including in state dollars to NU.&nbsp;

“To me, the families have already chipped in because they’re paying the taxes and things that we turn to the Legislature and everybody for,” Wilmot said. “Then, when we ask those students from those families to chip in again, I feel that’s somewhat of a double hit.”

Regents voted to increase tuition across the board 3.5% in 2023 for the first time in multiple years, after they had voted to keep rates flat for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, said tuition is a small part of the total NU budget (about 34%). He said the increases “may not be fair, Kathy, but that’s life.”

“I do think it’s only equitable that the students and their families participate in those additional funds because they’re going to receive the direct benefit,” Scheer said.

Scheer added that Nebraskans would benefit generally from the increased investments, such as through improved medical, legal or accounting services.

The other “no” vote came from Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, the board chair, who said the university shouldn’t fund any diversity, equity or inclusion initiatives or programs, especially as other degree opportunities and employment positions are eliminated.

Schafer said he’d like all DEI-related funding to be invested in teaching or research.

“We need to recruit and have folks — diversity — here, but we shouldn’t be using tax dollars to fund and promote certain races or genders above others,” Schafer said. “It ought to be a fair and level and equal playing field for all.”

Asked whether he’s seen the promotion of one race or gender at NU campuses, Schafer said: “Just the fact that we have funding and we’re promoting different things, I think there’s some things that we could just do better.”

Roughly $1 million of the $1.1 billion state-aided budget is annually spent on such programs, or about 0.1%, according to an NU spokesperson. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln cut $800,000 from its Office of Diversity and Inclusion last year, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney similarly cut $90,000 from its budget.

Campus chancellors said the funding is used for diversity offices but also to support students or staff who might be first generation, veterans, active military or have disabilities, as examples.

UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett told regents that “as we think about our future in light of the environment that we’re in,” his campus is in ongoing talks about how to reimagine DEI-related work.

Bennett told the Examiner this is about how UNL can approach modifications or additions that might help the campus better serve its community. It’s too early to know what that will look like, he said, adding that “everything is sort of up for consideration,” including reductions or reprioritizing funds.

“I’d like for us to be positioned in an offensive mode as opposed to playing defense,” Bennett said.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, sought to prohibit DEI-related funding at Nebraska colleges this year. Kabourek, on behalf of NU, testified against the bill. It never advanced from committee.

Bennett said the programs will continue to belong at UNL as students must be prepared to understand different multicultural, socioeconomic, geographic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

“I think for our students to really be competitive and be job ready on Day One, having some appreciation in being able to embrace the workforce is really going to be important,” Bennett said.

Several regents and Kabourek said the budget could mean a renewed focus on investments rather than the cuts and tuition increases that have defined past budget cycles.&nbsp;

One such investment, through taxpayer dollars, will be $15 million for recruiting and operating costs for the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex at UNK.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;is also slated to expand through a $1.5 million investment to support 50 students each year. The program, launched in February, covers the cost of attendance for Nebraska resident students who ace the 36-point ACT or score similarly on the SAT. These students also receive an annual $5,000 stipend and campus-led programming.

Seventeen students will be part of the first class this fall, and NU expects to launch an application process for students who score a 32-35 on the ACT to apply beginning next year.

“We want every young person who has a dream to think about how the University of Nebraska can help them pursue that,” Kabourek said.

The balanced budget, a top goal for the interim president, should give President-elect Jeffrey Gold a “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/13/nu-proposes-inflationary-tuition-increases-to-help-close-budget-deficit/#:~:text=Proposed%20tuition%20increases%20would%20gather,for%20average%2015%2Dcredit%20semesters.">clean slate</a>” to focus on his own priorities when he takes office July 1. The current UNMC chancellor and NU chief academic officer will take the helm with $1.5 million under his belt for priorities of his choosing.

Gold said new donors want a structurally balanced budget to invest in excellence and not help NU dig out of difficult recurring financial challenges, and he said the new budget “sets that stage.”

He signaled that competing for readmittance into the Association of American Universities will remain a top goal that NU will win in the end.

“Indeed, coming at this with a structurally sound budget, coming at it with an opportunity to invest in excellence, is relatively precedent-setting among the 70-some odd institutions that are currently members of the AAU,” Gold said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718976956548.jpeg" alt=" Interim University of Nebraska President Chris Kabourek, who concurrently serves as the university’s chief financial officer, leads his final regents meeting that includes approval of NU’s 2024-25 operating budget. June 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Interim University of Nebraska President Chris Kabourek, who concurrently serves as the university’s chief financial officer, leads his final regents meeting that includes approval of NU’s 2024-25 operating budget. June 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/nu-regents-approve-inflationary-tuition-increases-millions-in-cuts-for-2024-25-budget/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted 5-2 Thursday to approve next year’s budget with inflationary tuition increases meant to help wipe out a lingering budget deficit.The approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/docs/board/agendas/Agenda%206-20-24%20with%20Materials.pdf">$1.1 billion state-aided budget</a>, made up of taxpayer dollars and tuition, will raise the cost of attendance between 3.2% and 3.4% across NU’s campuses. Campus leaders will need to find an additional $11.8 million to cut from their budgets in the next year, too, after cutting about $30 million in the past two fiscal years. Cuts haven’t been identified yet.An additional $3.1 million that has bubbled up because of inflation will not be reallocated to the campuses and must be absorbed by next summer as well.Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, who concurrently serves as NU’s chief financial officer, said the “reasonable” steps are expected to end an approximate $50 million budget deficit that NU has been looking to close for about 18 months.“We could have stuck our head in the sand, but instead we dealt with it,” said Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who was board chair in 2023 when the most recent cuts began.<h2>Tuition ‘somewhat of a double hit’&nbsp;</h2>Campus chancellors, student regents and many elected regents joined Kabourek to defend&nbsp; the tuition increases, arguing they still kept rates affordable compared to other Big Ten universities.&nbsp;Regent Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City said she could have supported smaller tuition increases, but not when families are already paying more on everything, including in state dollars to NU.&nbsp;“To me, the families have already chipped in because they’re paying the taxes and things that we turn to the Legislature and everybody for,” Wilmot said. “Then, when we ask those students from those families to chip in again, I feel that’s somewhat of a double hit.”Regents voted to increase tuition across the board 3.5% in 2023 for the first time in multiple years, after they had voted to keep rates flat for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic.Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, said tuition is a small part of the total NU budget (about 34%). He said the increases “may not be fair, Kathy, but that’s life.”“I do think it’s only equitable that the students and their families participate in those additional funds because they’re going to receive the direct benefit,” Scheer said.Scheer added that Nebraskans would benefit generally from the increased investments, such as through improved medical, legal or accounting services.<h2>Opposition to DEI initiatives, programs</h2>The other “no” vote came from Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, the board chair, who said the university shouldn’t fund any diversity, equity or inclusion initiatives or programs, especially as other degree opportunities and employment positions are eliminated.Schafer said he’d like all DEI-related funding to be invested in teaching or research.“We need to recruit and have folks — diversity — here, but we shouldn’t be using tax dollars to fund and promote certain races or genders above others,” Schafer said. “It ought to be a fair and level and equal playing field for all.”Asked whether he’s seen the promotion of one race or gender at NU campuses, Schafer said: “Just the fact that we have funding and we’re promoting different things, I think there’s some things that we could just do better.”Roughly $1 million of the $1.1 billion state-aided budget is annually spent on such programs, or about 0.1%, according to an NU spokesperson. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln cut $800,000 from its Office of Diversity and Inclusion last year, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney similarly cut $90,000 from its budget.Campus chancellors said the funding is used for diversity offices but also to support students or staff who might be first generation, veterans, active military or have disabilities, as examples.<h2>‘Offensive mode’ to prepare students</h2>UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett told regents that “as we think about our future in light of the environment that we’re in,” his campus is in ongoing talks about how to reimagine DEI-related work.Bennett told the Examiner this is about how UNL can approach modifications or additions that might help the campus better serve its community. It’s too early to know what that will look like, he said, adding that “everything is sort of up for consideration,” including reductions or reprioritizing funds.“I’d like for us to be positioned in an offensive mode as opposed to playing defense,” Bennett said.State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, sought to prohibit DEI-related funding at Nebraska colleges this year. Kabourek, on behalf of NU, testified against the bill. It never advanced from committee.Bennett said the programs will continue to belong at UNL as students must be prepared to understand different multicultural, socioeconomic, geographic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.“I think for our students to really be competitive and be job ready on Day One, having some appreciation in being able to embrace the workforce is really going to be important,” Bennett said.<h2>Budget investments</h2>Several regents and Kabourek said the budget could mean a renewed focus on investments rather than the cuts and tuition increases that have defined past budget cycles.&nbsp;One such investment, through taxpayer dollars, will be $15 million for recruiting and operating costs for the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex at UNK.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;is also slated to expand through a $1.5 million investment to support 50 students each year. The program, launched in February, covers the cost of attendance for Nebraska resident students who ace the 36-point ACT or score similarly on the SAT. These students also receive an annual $5,000 stipend and campus-led programming.Seventeen students will be part of the first class this fall, and NU expects to launch an application process for students who score a 32-35 on the ACT to apply beginning next year.“We want every young person who has a dream to think about how the University of Nebraska can help them pursue that,” Kabourek said.<h2>Next NU president starts July 1</h2>The balanced budget, a top goal for the interim president, should give President-elect Jeffrey Gold a “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/13/nu-proposes-inflationary-tuition-increases-to-help-close-budget-deficit/#:~:text=Proposed%20tuition%20increases%20would%20gather,for%20average%2015%2Dcredit%20semesters.">clean slate</a>” to focus on his own priorities when he takes office July 1. The current UNMC chancellor and NU chief academic officer will take the helm with $1.5 million under his belt for priorities of his choosing.Gold said new donors want a structurally balanced budget to invest in excellence and not help NU dig out of difficult recurring financial challenges, and he said the new budget “sets that stage.”He signaled that competing for readmittance into the Association of American Universities will remain a top goal that NU will win in the end.“Indeed, coming at this with a structurally sound budget, coming at it with an opportunity to invest in excellence, is relatively precedent-setting among the 70-some odd institutions that are currently members of the AAU,” Gold said.

NU Regents approve inflationary tuition increases, millions in cuts for 2024-25 budget

HALL COUNTY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a a deadly attempted robbery at a highway rest area in Nebraska have identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver of Eureka, Missouri, according to the Hall County, Nebraska Sheriff's office.

James Thompson, Jr., 22,&nbsp;Elyria, Ohio, is being held in the Hall County jail on requested charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, robbery, fleeing in a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and traffic violations.

Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a disturbance at the westbound rest area at 4148 Interstate 80, according to a media release from the Hall County, Nebraska sheriff office.&nbsp;

First responders found two victims who had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. EMS transported both victims, a 72-year-old Gary Weaver and a 71-year-old Mary Weaver both of Eureka, Missouri, to the hospital in Grand Island.&nbsp; Gary Weaver died of his injuries and Mary Weaver was reported in critical condition..

Local law enforcement provide the Nebraska State Patrol with a description of the suspect vehicle.&nbsp; Troopers located the vehicle and arrested Thompson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718978922466.png" alt="Thompson photo Hall Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Thompson photo Hall Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HALL COUNTY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a a deadly attempted robbery at a highway rest area in Nebraska have identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver of Eureka, Missouri, according to the Hall County, Nebraska Sheriff's office.James Thompson, Jr., 22,&nbsp;Elyria, Ohio, is being held in the Hall County jail on requested charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, robbery, fleeing in a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and traffic violations.Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a disturbance at the westbound rest area at 4148 Interstate 80, according to a media release from the Hall County, Nebraska sheriff office.&nbsp;First responders found two victims who had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. EMS transported both victims, a 72-year-old Gary Weaver and a 71-year-old Mary Weaver both of Eureka, Missouri, to the hospital in Grand Island.&nbsp; Gary Weaver died of his injuries and Mary Weaver was reported in critical condition..Local law enforcement provide the Nebraska State Patrol with a description of the suspect vehicle.&nbsp; Troopers located the vehicle and arrested Thompson.

Sheriff IDs Mo. couple in deadly knife attack at Nebraska highway rest area

DAMASCUS —A U.S. airstrike in Syria killed a Senior ISIS Official, according to a statement Wednesday from the U.S. Central Command.

On June 16, U.S. Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator. His death will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks.

CENTCOM, alongside allies and partners in the region, will continue to execute operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities and ensure its enduring defeat.

There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike.

In addition, U.S. forces destroyed a ground control station, command and control node in an area of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and destroyed two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea.according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.

DAMASCUS —A U.S. airstrike in Syria killed a Senior ISIS Official, according to a statement Wednesday from the U.S. Central Command.On June 16, U.S. Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator. His death will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks.CENTCOM, alongside allies and partners in the region, will continue to execute operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities and ensure its enduring defeat.There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike.In addition, U.S. forces destroyed a ground control station, command and control node in an area of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and destroyed two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea.according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.

U.S. Airstrike in Syria kills senior ISIS official

JUNE 19, 2024 (GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a California man following a pursuit with a stolen vehicle in central Nebraska.

At approximately 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Jeep speeding at over 100 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Grand Island, at mile marker 321. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

Near mile marker 293, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Jeep eventually came to a stop in the median and the driver fled on foot. The vehicle was determined to have been stolen out of Ohio.

Troopers and Buffalo County deputies searched the area. Using a thermal drone, troopers were able to locate the driver in the I-80 ditch. The driver, Thomas Hernandez, 33, of Fullerton, California, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and theft by unlawful taking. He was lodged in Hall County Corrections.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJUNE 19, 2024 (GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a California man following a pursuit with a stolen vehicle in central Nebraska.At approximately 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Jeep speeding at over 100 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Grand Island, at mile marker 321. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.Near mile marker 293, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The Jeep eventually came to a stop in the median and the driver fled on foot. The vehicle was determined to have been stolen out of Ohio.Troopers and Buffalo County deputies searched the area. Using a thermal drone, troopers were able to locate the driver in the I-80 ditch. The driver, Thomas Hernandez, 33, of Fullerton, California, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and theft by unlawful taking. He was lodged in Hall County Corrections.###

California Man Arrested In Central Nebraska After Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is announcing the appointments made to boards and commissions from January 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024.

A list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req">https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req</a>), along with instructions for completing an application.

Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities

Cathy Clark-Martinez, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mark Shriver, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brent Hoffman, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lisa Lunz, Wakefield&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bradley Lubben, Eagle&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daniel Thiele, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Virlyn Bolte, Henderson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards

Roger Figard, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell Kreachbaum Jr., Central City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Quentin Brown, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barbara Pretends Eagle, Winnebago&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Susan Baker, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

County Attorney Standards Advisory Council

Breanna Flaherty, Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Robert Bowen, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brian Kruse, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lynn Mayhew, Grand Island&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

James Theiler, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brad Bird, Blair&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kurt Bogner, Norfolk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seth Harder, Plainview&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Judicial Nominating Commission for the County and District Courts - 6th Judicial District

Scott Olson, Tekamah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Les Shallberg, Fremont&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Judicial Nominating Commission for the District Court – 10th&nbsp;Judicial District

Judicial Nominating Commission for the Worker's Compensation Court

Joesph Wilcox, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Selk, Oakland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Shadle, Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scott Smathers, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kennon Meyer, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ryan Morgan, Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen is announcing the appointments made to boards and commissions from January 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024.A list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req">https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req</a>), along with instructions for completing an application.Advisory Committee on Developmental DisabilitiesCathy Clark-Martinez, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Shriver, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kristen Larsen, LincolnBrent Hoffman, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashley Hansen, Bertrand&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning Farmer BoardWade Thornburg, Pickrell&nbsp;&nbsp;Lisa Lunz, Wakefield&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bradley Lubben, Eagle&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brit Anderson, GothenburgJohn Walvoord, Waterloo&nbsp;&nbsp;Board of Barber ExaminersTara Sterns, LincolnBoard of Engineers and ArchitectsBrett Foley, DentonDaniel Thiele, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Kelly, OmahaBoard of Examiners for Land SurveyorsVirlyn Bolte, Henderson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary Pro, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeremy Feusner, HoldregeBoard of Public Roads Classifications and StandardsBrandon Varilek, RaymondRoger Figard, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Russell Kreachbaum Jr., Central City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven Rames, WayneBoiler Safety Code Advisory BoardSteven Bley, NehawkaCoalition for Juvenile JusticeNandi Kumondan, Lincoln&nbsp;Commission on African American AffairsQuentin Brown, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Malinda Williams, Omaha&nbsp;Dorothy Johnson, Omaha&nbsp;Commission on Indian AffairsKyle Taylor, NorfolkSidney Tuttle Sr., NiobraraBarbara Pretends Eagle, Winnebago&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Susan Baker, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;William Johnson Jr., ElkhornCounty Attorney Standards Advisory CouncilBreanna Flaherty, Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robert Bowen, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marvin Kohout, DorchesterElizabeth Waterman, LexingtonDouglas County Election CommissionerBrian Kruse, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Education Commission of the StatesJohn Spatz, LincolnMichael Baumgartner, LincolnEnhanced Wireless 911 Advisory BoardJames Davidsaver, LincolnBenjamin Backus, Gering&nbsp;Neil Miller, KearneyWilliam Muldoon, OmahaEnvironmental Quality CouncilJill Becker, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;Lynn Mayhew, Grand Island&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;James Theiler, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lisa Lunz, Wakefield&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brad Bird, Blair&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allison Willis, OmahaMarty Stange, JuniataKurt Bogner, Norfolk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Harder, Plainview&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Game and Parks CommissionDonna Kush, OmahaInvestment CouncilGail Werner-Robertson, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;Judicial Nominating Commission for the County and District Courts - 6th Judicial DistrictScott Olson, Tekamah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Les Shallberg, Fremont&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Judicial Nominating Commission for the District Court – 10th&nbsp;Judicial DistrictKathy Tessman, HastingsJena Cerveny, HastingsRobert Butz, HoldregeJudicial Nominating Commission for the Worker's Compensation CourtJoesph Wilcox, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeanette Jackson, ColumbusMichael Selk, Oakland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kathryn Eidenmiller, LincolnNatural Resources CommissionJohn Shadle, Columbus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rick Kubat, OmahaBradley Dunbar, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scott Smathers, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stanley Clouse, Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;Kennon Meyer, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry Mohrman, ColumbusNebraska Aeronautics CommissionThomas Trumble, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon Large, Bennet&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Arts CouncilJeanne Salerno, OmahaNebraska Board of GeologistsRyan Morgan, Chadron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caroline Burberry, LincolnNebraska Brand CommitteeBrenda Masek, PurdumChristopher Gentry, HyannisNebraska Capitol CommissionKatherine Spohn, Friend&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually ImpairedPatricia Schonlau, Bellevue&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miguel Rocha, Scottsbluff&nbsp;Brent Heyen, LincolnNebraska Commission on Problem GamblingKelly Lambert, Trumbull&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cameron Arch, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Claudia Moore, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Todd Zohner, StantonDan Volnek, LincolnPaul Leckband, NorfolkNebraska Council on Developmental DisabilitiesJoe Valenti, OmahaBrent Hoffman, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashley Hansen, Bertrand&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Commission of Industrial RelationsSpencer Hartman, Lincoln&nbsp;Nebraska Commission on Latino-AmericansAida Evans, Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaime Suarez, OmahaNebraska Crime CommissionSteven Russell, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryan Waugh, Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Todd Schmaderer, OmahaKevin Spencer, Gering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shawn Eatherton, KearneyJeffrey Davis, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas McBride, LincolnNebraska Nuclear and Hydrogen Industry Work Group – Hydrogen IndustryJennifer Kroger, LincolnNebraska Real Property Appraiser BoardDerek Minshull, North PlatteNebraska State Board of Public AccountancyDonald Neal Jr., Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa Ruff, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska State Council for the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender SupervisionSally Reinhardt-Stewart, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska State Electrical BoardMichael Hunsberger, Broken BowDon Gerjevic, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephen Farrington, ElkhornNebraska State Historical SocietyJack Berg, BridgeportPolice Standards Advisory CouncilSteven Reeves, North Platte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason Stille, LincolnPostsecondary EducationDeborah Frison, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Timothy Daniels, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;Dennis Headrick, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;LeDonna Griffin, OmahaPublic Employees Retirement BoardJanis Elliott, Papillion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Riparian Vegetation Management Task ForceMichael Reed, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry Heyen, Ceresco&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Kanger, LincolnLance Philben, Long Pine&nbsp;Andrew Tonnies, North Bend&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brad Edgerton, CambridgeKatheryn Hickle, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State Athletic CommissionAaron Hendry, Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State Board of HealthJ Paul Cook, OmahaBrett Lindau, Broken Bow&nbsp;Connie Lynn Peterson, Hastings&nbsp;Jeffery Wienke, Raymond&nbsp;State College System Board of TrusteesChristopher Jennings, O'NeillState Racing and Gaming CommissionHelen Abbott Feller, WisnerState Records BoardSean Blocher, Elkhorn&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Maloley, OmahaStudent Trustee – State College SystemBraxton Dalton, Raymond&nbsp;Cayla Schuster, Peru&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alec Langan, ChadronTax Equalization and Review CommissionSteven Keetle, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacqueline Russell, HastingsVeterans Advisory CommissionJohn Liebsack, Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards & Commissions

&nbsp;HALL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the deadly stabbing of a Missouri man during an attempted robbery at a rest area on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a disturbance at the westbound rest area at 4148 Interstate 80, according to a media release from the Hall County, Nebraska sheriff office.&nbsp; 

First responders found two victims who had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. EMS transported both victims, a 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, both of Eureka, Missouri, to the hospital in Grand Island.&nbsp; The man died of his injuries and the woman was reported in critical condition..

Local law enforcement provide the Nebraska State Patrol with a description of the suspect vehicle.&nbsp; Troopers located the vehicle and were able to make an arrest of a 22-year-old man from Elyria, Ohio.&nbsp;

Police have not released the names of the victims.

&nbsp;HALL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the deadly stabbing of a Missouri man during an attempted robbery at a rest area on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a disturbance at the westbound rest area at 4148 Interstate 80, according to a media release from the Hall County, Nebraska sheriff office.&nbsp; First responders found two victims who had suffered wounds from an assault with a knife. EMS transported both victims, a 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, both of Eureka, Missouri, to the hospital in Grand Island.&nbsp; The man died of his injuries and the woman was reported in critical condition..Local law enforcement provide the Nebraska State Patrol with a description of the suspect vehicle.&nbsp; Troopers located the vehicle and were able to make an arrest of a 22-year-old man from Elyria, Ohio.&nbsp;Police have not released the names of the victims.

Mo. man dies after knife attack at Nebraska highway rest area

Over the past few weeks, Nebraskans across the state have begun receiving their property valuation notices. The common reaction to those statements can be summed up in one word -- outrage. One Nebraskan recently interviewed for a news story had the perfect reaction to the question “what goes through your head when viewing your property tax valuations?” Her response: “I can’t say that on TV.” She is not alone. Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values.

Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept. However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.

In the 2024 Preliminary Property Tax Valuation estimates, 57 out of 93 counties had double digit valuation increases. The largest increase was 28% in Boone County. Out of our three largest counties, Douglas saw an 8% increase, Sarpy 11%, and Lancaster had a 5% increase.

Unfortunately, when valuations increase, you inevitably pay more in property taxes. Period. That’s because we have a spending problem here in Nebraska.

It’s time we have transformational change in our tax code. It’s time that we stop taxing Nebraskans out of their homes. We can solve this problem with a broad tax base and low tax rate. This will reduce the burden on homeowners, ranchers, and farmers and put more of a tax burden on the special interests that have received a free ride for the past 60 years.

I vow to do everything in my power as your Governor to cut your property taxes. To any state senator reading this -- clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15. We have the people’s work to do.

By Governor Jim PillenOver the past few weeks, Nebraskans across the state have begun receiving their property valuation notices. The common reaction to those statements can be summed up in one word -- outrage. One Nebraskan recently interviewed for a news story had the perfect reaction to the question “what goes through your head when viewing your property tax valuations?” Her response: “I can’t say that on TV.” She is not alone. Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values.Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept. However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.In the 2024 Preliminary Property Tax Valuation estimates, 57 out of 93 counties had double digit valuation increases. The largest increase was 28% in Boone County. Out of our three largest counties, Douglas saw an 8% increase, Sarpy 11%, and Lancaster had a 5% increase.Unfortunately, when valuations increase, you inevitably pay more in property taxes. Period. That’s because we have a spending problem here in Nebraska.It’s time we have transformational change in our tax code. It’s time that we stop taxing Nebraskans out of their homes. We can solve this problem with a broad tax base and low tax rate. This will reduce the burden on homeowners, ranchers, and farmers and put more of a tax burden on the special interests that have received a free ride for the past 60 years.I vow to do everything in my power as your Governor to cut your property taxes. To any state senator reading this -- clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15. We have the people’s work to do.

Doing the People’s Work: Property Tax Reform

The stocker/yearling sector of the cattle industry offers flexibility and an opportunity for new producers to get started in the business. Nebraska Extension beef systems team is offering a chance to learn from producers with established stocker/yearling operations July 11 during the fifth annual Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour near Bassett, Nebraska. &nbsp;

"A stocker/yearling component in a cattle production system can improve profitability and give some options that allow for quick adjustment in drought situations," said Hannah Smith, Nebraska Extension beef educator and one of the organizers of the event. &nbsp;

The annual Stocker/Yearling Tour has been popular with both beginning and established producers as it gives them an opportunity to see how other producers have incorporated the stocker/yearling component into their systems, and they can learn from their peers. &nbsp;

"We build in time for attendees to ask questions and discuss the practical elements of stocker/yearling management," said Erin Laborie, Nebraska Extension Beef educator and event organizer. "We want to hear from producers about what they need to know from a research standpoint, so we can shape UNL’s priorities around that, but this kind of discussion where they learn from each other has been valuable to both attendees and tour hosts." &nbsp;

This year’s tour and program are focused on the marketing aspect of yearling cattle, which was a topic that many previous attendees asked to address more in-depth.&nbsp;

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. CDT outside of the Bassett Livestock Auction, 105 W. 4th Street, Bassett, Nebraska. Two local cattle operations are opening their pastures to the group to visit. Lunch will be served at Bassett Livestock Auction, followed by a producer panel to discuss the intricacies of marketing in the stocker/yearling space and how value can be captured through the various scenarios.&nbsp;

"We planned this to coincide with the annual Barbecue Yearling and Fall Calf sale at Bassett Livestock Auction, which is always a popular event that brings people to the area," Smith said. "People who come to town for the sale can stay one more day and learn about options that could have major implications for the way they do business."&nbsp;

The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Please register by July 1 at <a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDHUqOgDH7Ay_9FhOaf2n6hudfvlexhYqI6UFihDXGs-ky.0.hs3I2pidA~ke5AXHfGJFO" target="_blank">go.unl.edu/stockertour24</a> or contact the BKR Extension Office at 402-387-2213. For more information, contact Hannah Smith (402-387-2213, <a href="mailto:hannah.greenwell@unl.edu" target="_blank">hannah.greenwell@unl.edu</a>) or Erin Laborie (308-268-3105, <a href="mailto:erin.laborie@unl.edu)" target="_blank">erin.laborie@unl.edu)</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726413674.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Erin LaborieThe stocker/yearling sector of the cattle industry offers flexibility and an opportunity for new producers to get started in the business. Nebraska Extension beef systems team is offering a chance to learn from producers with established stocker/yearling operations July 11 during the fifth annual Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour near Bassett, Nebraska. &nbsp;"A stocker/yearling component in a cattle production system can improve profitability and give some options that allow for quick adjustment in drought situations," said Hannah Smith, Nebraska Extension beef educator and one of the organizers of the event. &nbsp;The annual Stocker/Yearling Tour has been popular with both beginning and established producers as it gives them an opportunity to see how other producers have incorporated the stocker/yearling component into their systems, and they can learn from their peers. &nbsp;"We build in time for attendees to ask questions and discuss the practical elements of stocker/yearling management," said Erin Laborie, Nebraska Extension Beef educator and event organizer. "We want to hear from producers about what they need to know from a research standpoint, so we can shape UNL’s priorities around that, but this kind of discussion where they learn from each other has been valuable to both attendees and tour hosts." &nbsp;This year’s tour and program are focused on the marketing aspect of yearling cattle, which was a topic that many previous attendees asked to address more in-depth.&nbsp;Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. CDT outside of the Bassett Livestock Auction, 105 W. 4th Street, Bassett, Nebraska. Two local cattle operations are opening their pastures to the group to visit. Lunch will be served at Bassett Livestock Auction, followed by a producer panel to discuss the intricacies of marketing in the stocker/yearling space and how value can be captured through the various scenarios.&nbsp;"We planned this to coincide with the annual Barbecue Yearling and Fall Calf sale at Bassett Livestock Auction, which is always a popular event that brings people to the area," Smith said. "People who come to town for the sale can stay one more day and learn about options that could have major implications for the way they do business."&nbsp;The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Please register by July 1 at <a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDHUqOgDH7Ay_9FhOaf2n6hudfvlexhYqI6UFihDXGs-ky.0.hs3I2pidA~ke5AXHfGJFO" target="_blank">go.unl.edu/stockertour24</a> or contact the BKR Extension Office at 402-387-2213. For more information, contact Hannah Smith (402-387-2213, <a href="mailto:hannah.greenwell@unl.edu" target="_blank">hannah.greenwell@unl.edu</a>) or Erin Laborie (308-268-3105, <a href="mailto:erin.laborie@unl.edu)" target="_blank">erin.laborie@unl.edu)</a>.&nbsp;

Annual Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour focuses on marketing yearling cattle

Kimball, Neb. - The Kimball Police Department and Pine Bluffs Police Department (WY) announced they have entered into a mutual aid agreement.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Kimball Police Chief Jose Ruiz met with Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith in Pines Bluff and entered the mutual aid agreement. A mutual aid agreement is where law enforcement from both the agencies can cross state lines and work together. This can include weather related, assisting with mass casualties, active shooters are just a few examples.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718723313338.jpeg" alt="L-R: Kimball Police Chief Jose Ruiz, Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Kimball Police Chief Jose Ruiz, Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith (Courtesy of Kimball Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Kimball, Neb. - The Kimball Police Department and Pine Bluffs Police Department (WY) announced they have entered into a mutual aid agreement.&nbsp;On Thursday, Kimball Police Chief Jose Ruiz met with Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith in Pines Bluff and entered the mutual aid agreement. A mutual aid agreement is where law enforcement from both the agencies can cross state lines and work together. This can include weather related, assisting with mass casualties, active shooters are just a few examples.&nbsp;

Kimball Police Department and Pine Bluffs Police Department (WY) enters mutual aid agreement

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/17/nebraska-gov-pillen-issues-save-the-date-for-special-session-on-property-taxes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen offered one of the clearest timelines yet Monday for when he might call a special session on property tax relief this summer.

“To any state senator reading this — clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15,” Pillen wrote in his latest column. “We have the people’s work to do.”

In his “save-the-date” announcement, Pillen made clear he will follow through with a stated goal to reduce property tax obligations for Nebraskans in 2024, after a previous plan failed to pass in this spring’s regular legislative session. At a dozen town halls across Nebraska, he has offered ideas that he says could help shave off another $1 billion for property tax relief, adding on to 2023 efforts.

The governor’s goal is that by the end of his second year in office, he will have shifted or eliminated 40%, or about $2 billion, from the state’s annual pool for local property taxes.

Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s daily agenda, said in a statement that the “save-the-date” announcement came as no surprise because property taxes are important to Nebraskans, and they need to be addressed.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">special session would cost thousands,</a>&nbsp;nearly $16,000 per day for a five-day session and more for lengthier sessions, according to initial estimates. Pillen has said that is “pennies compared to our property tax increases.”

Arch said he has discussed possible dates with the governor should he choose to call a special session. Pillen committed to doing so in April, telling senators they should “enjoy halftime.”

“Regardless, his recent remarks are not an official call for a special session, and I fully expect he will let members of the Legislature know of his intentions prior to making an official proclamation,” Arch said.

That proclamation would also need to stipulate the scope of legislation that can be considered.

Senators have already vowed to stretch the limits of what legislation they can introduce, such as to expand gambling or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">revive a proposal vetoed in April</a>&nbsp;to allow lawsuits against political subdivisions in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child abuse and child sexual assault</a>.

“So we’re legalizing marijuana, decreasing our prison population, scrapping the plan to build a $350m prison and equitably taxing people?” State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said on X, formerly Twitter.

Multiple senators reached Monday afternoon said they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatorblood/status/1802834316780605601">hadn’t received notice</a>&nbsp;of the special session time frame prior to the governor’s column being released.

‘Outrage’ in property valuation increases

In his short column, Pillen focused on property valuation increases in the wake of valuation notices that have gone out recently, stating that a “common reaction … can be summed up in one word —&nbsp;outrage.”

“Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values,” Pillen said.

“Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept,” he continued. “However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.”

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/statewide_equalization/RealPropVal%25Chg2023-2024.pdf">preliminary report on real property tax valuation estimates</a>&nbsp;for 2024 shows double-digit valuation increases in 50 of the state’s 93 counties. Boone County increased the most, at 27.93%. The three counties with the most people —&nbsp;Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy — increased by 7.85%, 5.49% and 10.72% in valuations, respectively. The report does not include personal or state assessed property values.

Valuations statewide are preliminarily reported to increase 9.57%. Across the 93 counties, valuations have increased 10.55%. Cheyenne County is the only county where valuations decreased.

Rising valuations doesn’t mean the amount of property taxes collected will increase the same.

For example, in 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%208.pdf">valuations increased 11.44%</a>, up $32.7 billion at year’s end. Property taxes collected increased 5.7%, to $5.3 billion at year’s end.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%2010.pdf">Taxing subdivisions</a>, of which there are hundreds in Nebraska, then decide how much they’ll collect in taxes when deciding levies.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Pillen said it is “time we have transformational change” in the state’s tax code, which he said will be solved “with a broad tax base and low tax rate.” At his town halls, he has proposed:

The governor has hinted at tackling valuations in a special session but has not yet offered a definitive answer of how he might address them. At his town hall in&nbsp; Fremont, after a woman told him&nbsp; her valuation went up 113%, he said to expect legislation to be considered that would make it so taxpayers don’t need to be concerned what their valuation or tax rate is.

Pillen said property tax obligations would be reduced by 40% and kept flat. He did not specify how that goal would be accomplished.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who has regularly clashed with the governor,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatormachaela/status/1802793305517736092">criticized Monday’s announcement on X</a>, stating there is no agreement and no new plan.

“The only thing that’s happened since adjournment is the Gov has traveled NE holding town halls where he insulted [Nebraskans] and [the Nebraska Legislature] for not supporting a massive tax shift that DIRECTLY benefits him personally,” Cavanaugh said.

State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward said she is a little nervous about the timing suggested for a special session without hearing a formal plan. However, she said, she is “all in on figuring out something to fund our schools and get it off the property tax.”

“We are working on some bills whether they be dropped in special session or potentially next year in regards to this,” Hughes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718721300015.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/17/nebraska-gov-pillen-issues-save-the-date-for-special-session-on-property-taxes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen offered one of the clearest timelines yet Monday for when he might call a special session on property tax relief this summer.“To any state senator reading this — clear your schedule from July 26 to August 15,” Pillen wrote in his latest column. “We have the people’s work to do.”In his “save-the-date” announcement, Pillen made clear he will follow through with a stated goal to reduce property tax obligations for Nebraskans in 2024, after a previous plan failed to pass in this spring’s regular legislative session. At a dozen town halls across Nebraska, he has offered ideas that he says could help shave off another $1 billion for property tax relief, adding on to 2023 efforts.The governor’s goal is that by the end of his second year in office, he will have shifted or eliminated 40%, or about $2 billion, from the state’s annual pool for local property taxes.<h2>Official call still pending</h2>Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who sets the Legislature’s daily agenda, said in a statement that the “save-the-date” announcement came as no surprise because property taxes are important to Nebraskans, and they need to be addressed.&nbsp;<h2>Special session costs</h2>A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/30/property-tax-special-session-could-be-among-costliest-in-nebraska-history/">special session would cost thousands,</a>&nbsp;nearly $16,000 per day for a five-day session and more for lengthier sessions, according to initial estimates. Pillen has said that is “pennies compared to our property tax increases.”Arch said he has discussed possible dates with the governor should he choose to call a special session. Pillen committed to doing so in April, telling senators they should “enjoy halftime.”“Regardless, his recent remarks are not an official call for a special session, and I fully expect he will let members of the Legislature know of his intentions prior to making an official proclamation,” Arch said.That proclamation would also need to stipulate the scope of legislation that can be considered.Senators have already vowed to stretch the limits of what legislation they can introduce, such as to expand gambling or&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">revive a proposal vetoed in April</a>&nbsp;to allow lawsuits against political subdivisions in certain cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">child abuse and child sexual assault</a>.“So we’re legalizing marijuana, decreasing our prison population, scrapping the plan to build a $350m prison and equitably taxing people?” State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said on X, formerly Twitter.Multiple senators reached Monday afternoon said they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatorblood/status/1802834316780605601">hadn’t received notice</a>&nbsp;of the special session time frame prior to the governor’s column being released.<h2>‘Outrage’ in property valuation increases</h2>In his short column, Pillen focused on property valuation increases in the wake of valuation notices that have gone out recently, stating that a “common reaction … can be summed up in one word —&nbsp;outrage.”“Countless Nebraskans are in disbelief when they see the recent increases in their home values,” Pillen said.“Double digit increases in valuations year over year is not something we should accept,” he continued. “However, special interest groups have intimidated and paralyzed our Legislature.”A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/statewide_equalization/RealPropVal%25Chg2023-2024.pdf">preliminary report on real property tax valuation estimates</a>&nbsp;for 2024 shows double-digit valuation increases in 50 of the state’s 93 counties. Boone County increased the most, at 27.93%. The three counties with the most people —&nbsp;Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy — increased by 7.85%, 5.49% and 10.72% in valuations, respectively. The report does not include personal or state assessed property values.Valuations statewide are preliminarily reported to increase 9.57%. Across the 93 counties, valuations have increased 10.55%. Cheyenne County is the only county where valuations decreased.Rising valuations doesn’t mean the amount of property taxes collected will increase the same.For example, in 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%208.pdf">valuations increased 11.44%</a>, up $32.7 billion at year’s end. Property taxes collected increased 5.7%, to $5.3 billion at year’s end.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%2010.pdf">Taxing subdivisions</a>, of which there are hundreds in Nebraska, then decide how much they’ll collect in taxes when deciding levies.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.<h2>What’s on the table?</h2>Pillen said it is “time we have transformational change” in the state’s tax code, which he said will be solved “with a broad tax base and low tax rate.” At his town halls, he has proposed:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Eliminating some sales tax exemptions</a>, but not on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/15/nebraska-gov-pillen-taking-potshots-at-state-senators-while-seeking-tax-relief-support/">groceries, medicine, transactions in churches</a>&nbsp;or on items that are later taxed as personal property.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/04/gov-pillen-explains-willingness-to-accept-more-than-nebraskas-fair-share-in-federal-funds/">Accepting more federal dollars</a>, such as more than $1 billion for hospitals in 2024.</li><li>Front-loading property tax credits based on income taxes paid so taxpayers get the credit before paying taxes, instead of after.</li><li>Addressing school funding, such as having the state pick up more of the tab in financing local schools instead of leaving it up to individual school districts.</li>
 </ul>The governor has hinted at tackling valuations in a special session but has not yet offered a definitive answer of how he might address them. At his town hall in&nbsp; Fremont, after a woman told him&nbsp; her valuation went up 113%, he said to expect legislation to be considered that would make it so taxpayers don’t need to be concerned what their valuation or tax rate is.Pillen said property tax obligations would be reduced by 40% and kept flat. He did not specify how that goal would be accomplished.<h2>Senators awaiting formal plan</h2>State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who has regularly clashed with the governor,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/senatormachaela/status/1802793305517736092">criticized Monday’s announcement on X</a>, stating there is no agreement and no new plan.“The only thing that’s happened since adjournment is the Gov has traveled NE holding town halls where he insulted [Nebraskans] and [the Nebraska Legislature] for not supporting a massive tax shift that DIRECTLY benefits him personally,” Cavanaugh said.State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward said she is a little nervous about the timing suggested for a special session without hearing a formal plan. However, she said, she is “all in on figuring out something to fund our schools and get it off the property tax.”“We are working on some bills whether they be dropped in special session or potentially next year in regards to this,” Hughes said.