&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;This week, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Amtrak Chairman and Director Anthony Coscia questioning the company’s exorbitant bonuses for top-level executives. Amtrak receives significant federal subsidies, so these bonuses are awarded at taxpayers’ expense. In addition to the letter, Senator Fischer introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8CD5603F-A7FA-4995-879D-66F39BE2CFAA" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that will increase accountability and transparency within Amtrak.

Amtrak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/us/politics/amtrak-executive-bonuses.html#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Amtrak%20paid%20out,from%20Senator%20Ted%20Cruz's%20office." target="_blank">paid out</a>&nbsp;nearly $75 million in bonuses during fiscal year (FY) 2023, comprising four percent of the company’s $1.75 billion net loss that year. The company awarded annual bonuses larger than $200,000 to 14 executives.

“C-suite executives of any other corporation that suffered over $1&nbsp;billion in annual losses would be fired. Amtrak, however, is rewarding them. These bonuses are particularly galling because they come at taxpayers’ expense without Amtrak having achieved even satisfactory performance,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote.

“Neither financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, nor capital project success explains the bonuses the Board has awarded,”&nbsp;the Senators continued.

In the letter, Sens. Fischer and Cruz requested a briefing from Amtrak on how its board sets metrics for bonus awards, especially on the proportionality of these awards when they are necessarily funded by federal taxpayers. They also inquired into the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) oversight of Amtrak’s bonus awards. Finally, they asked how the Amtrak Board and FRA are working to reduce operating losses and net losses.

Read the full text of this letter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/index.cfm?a=files.serve&amp;File_id=75CBFE30-675F-42F3-89EA-227609226396" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON –&nbsp;This week, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Amtrak Chairman and Director Anthony Coscia questioning the company’s exorbitant bonuses for top-level executives. Amtrak receives significant federal subsidies, so these bonuses are awarded at taxpayers’ expense. In addition to the letter, Senator Fischer introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8CD5603F-A7FA-4995-879D-66F39BE2CFAA" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that will increase accountability and transparency within Amtrak.Amtrak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/us/politics/amtrak-executive-bonuses.html#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Amtrak%20paid%20out,from%20Senator%20Ted%20Cruz's%20office." target="_blank">paid out</a>&nbsp;nearly $75 million in bonuses during fiscal year (FY) 2023, comprising four percent of the company’s $1.75 billion net loss that year. The company awarded annual bonuses larger than $200,000 to 14 executives.“C-suite executives of any other corporation that suffered over $1&nbsp;billion in annual losses would be fired. Amtrak, however, is rewarding them. These bonuses are particularly galling because they come at taxpayers’ expense without Amtrak having achieved even satisfactory performance,”&nbsp;the Senators wrote.“Neither financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, nor capital project success explains the bonuses the Board has awarded,”&nbsp;the Senators continued.In the letter, Sens. Fischer and Cruz requested a briefing from Amtrak on how its board sets metrics for bonus awards, especially on the proportionality of these awards when they are necessarily funded by federal taxpayers. They also inquired into the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) oversight of Amtrak’s bonus awards. Finally, they asked how the Amtrak Board and FRA are working to reduce operating losses and net losses.Read the full text of this letter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/index.cfm?a=files.serve&amp;File_id=75CBFE30-675F-42F3-89EA-227609226396" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sens. Fischer, Cruz Demand Answers on Exorbitant Amtrak Bonuses

WASHINGTON ­– U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would address&nbsp;longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency within the organization.

In the House, U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Marc&nbsp;Molinaro&nbsp;(NY-19) are introducing similar, companion bills.

“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility. Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only&nbsp;heightened the need for additional scrutiny. My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html" target="_blank">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.

The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness within the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:

<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf" target="_blank">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Deb FischerWASHINGTON ­– U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would address&nbsp;longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency within the organization.In the House, U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Marc&nbsp;Molinaro&nbsp;(NY-19) are introducing similar, companion bills.“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility. Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only&nbsp;heightened the need for additional scrutiny. My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.Background:Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html" target="_blank">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness within the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:<ul>
 <li>Expand board meeting requirements to include representatives from state-sponsored and long-distance routes and Amtrak passenger groups.</li><li>Mandate compliance with federal open meeting requirements, with a public notice at least 30 days prior.</li><li>Require disclosure to Congress of bonus payments exceeding $50,000 to Amtrak employees.</li><li>Mandate disclosure of vendor agreements and associated costs over $250,000 — facilitating informed decision-making by states and rail partners.</li>
 </ul><a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf" target="_blank">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Fischer Introduces Legislation to Increase Accountability and Transparency at Amtrak

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced an award of $845,767 to support the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney with completion of a multiyear restoration and expansion project. The announcement was made during an outdoor press conference held on Central Avenue in front of the museum construction site. State Senator John Lowe; Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse; MONA leaders, volunteers, and donors; and community supporters joined the Governor to celebrate the news.

“As Nebraska’s official collection of art, MONA displays who we are as a people,” said Gov. Pillen. “The museum showcases our state’s culture and celebrates the creations of artists in Nebraska. The State is grateful to support MONA as it restores its existing facility and nearly doubles its footprint in Kearney.”

The Nebraska Art Collection, formed in 1976, opened the Museum of Nebraska Art in 1986. Since that time, the museum has been housed in a former U.S. Post Office building, constructed in 1911, that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As charming as it is, the historic building placed severe constraints on MONA’s operations and ability to exhibit its 5,000+ works of art.

In December 2021, MONA broke ground on the project to renovate its historic home (25,000 square feet) and add new space (23,000 square feet). The redesigned museum will include a community studio, modernized galleries, an expanded sculpture garden, and event spaces to host programs and performances. It is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

"We are excited to soon be unveiling the reimagined Museum of Nebraska Art,” said MONA Executive Director Andrew Dunehoo. “This expansion not only increases our capacity to host larger and more diverse exhibitions and programs, but it also strengthens our role as a cornerstone of cultural revitalization in downtown Kearney and fulfills our mission and commitment to the State of Nebraska. Building upon our founding as the official State Art Collection of the State of Nebraska, the MONA will be completely revamped as a world class institution which citizens across the state can take pride in for generations to come. We are so close to the completion of our capital campaign and construction. Getting to this point would not be possible without the generous funding of this grant from the Department of Economic Development and other grants which support the arts in our communities, ensuring the cultural preservation of history and art in Nebraska. Our sincerest appreciation goes to Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska DED, and to the support of our community here in Kearney.”

DED announced $115 million of awards—apportioned by Congressional District—in June 2022 through&nbsp;the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program. The awards from this first round of program funding are supporting nonprofit organizations who experienced negative economic impacts because of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are assisting awardees with completion of capital projects delayed by the pandemic.

Due to the volume of applications in Congressional District 3, MONA was initially awarded less shovel-ready funding than it was eligible to receive.&nbsp;Since then, DED has been able to reallocate remaining program funds to increase MONA’s award amount from $115,835 to $845,767. Along with the Shovel-Ready funds, DED awarded MONA a tourism grant of $225,000 in May 2023 to offset costs of a 24-month marketing campaign to promote the museum’s reopening. Combined, these awards represent more than $1 million of investment into the success of MONA’s expansion by the State’s economic development agency.

Round one of the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program was primarily funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act ($100 million), supplemented by $15 million of state funds. DED announced a second round of grants through the program in October 2023, awarding an additional $70 million of state funds to 17 recipients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718380135380.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Governor Pillen's Office_" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Governor Pillen's Office_</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced an award of $845,767 to support the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney with completion of a multiyear restoration and expansion project. The announcement was made during an outdoor press conference held on Central Avenue in front of the museum construction site. State Senator John Lowe; Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse; MONA leaders, volunteers, and donors; and community supporters joined the Governor to celebrate the news.“As Nebraska’s official collection of art, MONA displays who we are as a people,” said Gov. Pillen. “The museum showcases our state’s culture and celebrates the creations of artists in Nebraska. The State is grateful to support MONA as it restores its existing facility and nearly doubles its footprint in Kearney.”The Nebraska Art Collection, formed in 1976, opened the Museum of Nebraska Art in 1986. Since that time, the museum has been housed in a former U.S. Post Office building, constructed in 1911, that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As charming as it is, the historic building placed severe constraints on MONA’s operations and ability to exhibit its 5,000+ works of art.In December 2021, MONA broke ground on the project to renovate its historic home (25,000 square feet) and add new space (23,000 square feet). The redesigned museum will include a community studio, modernized galleries, an expanded sculpture garden, and event spaces to host programs and performances. It is scheduled for completion in late 2024."We are excited to soon be unveiling the reimagined Museum of Nebraska Art,” said MONA Executive Director Andrew Dunehoo. “This expansion not only increases our capacity to host larger and more diverse exhibitions and programs, but it also strengthens our role as a cornerstone of cultural revitalization in downtown Kearney and fulfills our mission and commitment to the State of Nebraska. Building upon our founding as the official State Art Collection of the State of Nebraska, the MONA will be completely revamped as a world class institution which citizens across the state can take pride in for generations to come. We are so close to the completion of our capital campaign and construction. Getting to this point would not be possible without the generous funding of this grant from the Department of Economic Development and other grants which support the arts in our communities, ensuring the cultural preservation of history and art in Nebraska. Our sincerest appreciation goes to Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska DED, and to the support of our community here in Kearney.”DED announced $115 million of awards—apportioned by Congressional District—in June 2022 through&nbsp;the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program. The awards from this first round of program funding are supporting nonprofit organizations who experienced negative economic impacts because of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are assisting awardees with completion of capital projects delayed by the pandemic.Due to the volume of applications in Congressional District 3, MONA was initially awarded less shovel-ready funding than it was eligible to receive.&nbsp;Since then, DED has been able to reallocate remaining program funds to increase MONA’s award amount from $115,835 to $845,767. Along with the Shovel-Ready funds, DED awarded MONA a tourism grant of $225,000 in May 2023 to offset costs of a 24-month marketing campaign to promote the museum’s reopening. Combined, these awards represent more than $1 million of investment into the success of MONA’s expansion by the State’s economic development agency.Round one of the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery &amp; Investment Act program was primarily funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act ($100 million), supplemented by $15 million of state funds. DED announced a second round of grants through the program in October 2023, awarding an additional $70 million of state funds to 17 recipients.

Gov. Pillen Announces Additional State Funding for Central Nebraska Museum Renovation and Expansion

(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, June 14, 2023. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The recruits of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, June 14, 2023. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.Remarks will be provided by Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers at Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 69th Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday   

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tyrelle Smiley, 26, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for burglary of a United States Post Office. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Smiley to 22 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Smiley’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

On November 17, 2019, two people broke into the U.S. Post Office branch in Rockville, Nebraska. When U.S. Postal employees arrived at work on Monday, November 18, they discovered several items had been taken, including items that were being mailed, U.S. currency belonging to the Post Office, and coils of postal stamps.

Two persons, including the Smiley, were found to have been responsible for other burglaries in the area and became suspects in this burglary. A Postal Inspector met with Smiley. Smiley eventually admitted that he had entered the post office.

The Postal Inspector also interviewed a person who lived in the same apartment as Smiley. That person consented to a search of the apartment. Some of the stolen property was discovered, including a coil of stamps. Those stamps were later examined for fingerprints and Smiley’s fingerprints were found on the coil of stamps.

Judge Gerrard originally sentenced Smiley to 30 months imprisonment on June 28, 2023. There was a mistaken understanding of when the post office burglary took place relative to other burglaries Smiley had been convicted of committing in state court. That error was discovered on appeal. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals then remanded the case for resentencing.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States AttorneyUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tyrelle Smiley, 26, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for burglary of a United States Post Office. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Smiley to 22 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Smiley’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.On November 17, 2019, two people broke into the U.S. Post Office branch in Rockville, Nebraska. When U.S. Postal employees arrived at work on Monday, November 18, they discovered several items had been taken, including items that were being mailed, U.S. currency belonging to the Post Office, and coils of postal stamps.Two persons, including the Smiley, were found to have been responsible for other burglaries in the area and became suspects in this burglary. A Postal Inspector met with Smiley. Smiley eventually admitted that he had entered the post office.The Postal Inspector also interviewed a person who lived in the same apartment as Smiley. That person consented to a search of the apartment. Some of the stolen property was discovered, including a coil of stamps. Those stamps were later examined for fingerprints and Smiley’s fingerprints were found on the coil of stamps.Judge Gerrard originally sentenced Smiley to 30 months imprisonment on June 28, 2023. There was a mistaken understanding of when the post office burglary took place relative to other burglaries Smiley had been convicted of committing in state court. That error was discovered on appeal. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals then remanded the case for resentencing.This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Kearney Man Sentenced for Post Office Burglary

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday touted his administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence as the second anniversary of bipartisan gun safety legislation he signed into law approaches.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

“Never give up on hope,” Biden said during an annual conference hosted by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.

The speech came hours after the president’s son Hunter Biden was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in a federal court in Delaware of lying on paperwork related to purchasing a gun and unlawfully possessing that gun, according to media reports.

The federal jury found Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction, guilty on three related felony charges: lying to a licensed gun dealer, falsely stating on an application for a gun that he was not using drugs and for unlawfully having the gun for 11 days.

He could face up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender his sentence is expected to be much less severe.

The president has avoided publicly commenting on his son’s case and he did not mention the verdict in his speech.

Shortly after Biden began his speech, he was interrupted by a protester who accused the president of being “complicit” in the high death toll of the Israel-Hamas war that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-how-many-palestinians-has-israels-campaign-killed-2024-05-14/">has killed 35,000 Palestinians</a>&nbsp;since Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip run by the Hamas-controlled government. An agreement over a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-hamas-accept-new-israeli-ceasefire-plan-intended-end-war">U.S. backed cease-fire deal</a>&nbsp;remains elusive.

The crowd immediately drowned out the protester. A group of protesters was removed, according to a White House pool report.

“That’s alright,” he said. “Folks, it’s ok, look they care, innocent children have been lost, they make a point.”

Biden went back to his speech, and thanked the gun safety advocates and survivors “who have turned their pain” into advocacy.

“You’ve helped power a movement,” Biden said.

The gun safety law Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">signed</a>&nbsp;in 2022 was the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. It stemmed from two deadly mass shootings less than two weeks apart in 2022.

One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were murdered, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting since the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012.

The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people in a grocery store.

The 2022 law provided $750 million for states to enact “red flag laws,” which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others as well as $11 billion in mental health services for schools and families. The law cracked down on straw purchases, illegal transactions in which a buyer acquires a gun for someone else.

The bill also requires those who are under 21 and want to purchase a firearm to undergo a background check that takes into account a review of juvenile and mental health records. It also led to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">creation</a>&nbsp;of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

The Justice Department also announced Tuesday it has charged more than 500 people under provisions of the gun safety law to “target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.”

The statutes “directly prohibit straw purchasing and firearms trafficking and significantly enhance the penalties for those crimes, providing for up to 15 years in prison,” according to the Justice Department.

“Criminals rely on illegal gun traffickers and straw purchasers to obtain the weapons they use to harm our communities,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Biden acknowledged that more needs to be done on gun safety legislation and he called on Congress to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks and safe storage of firearms. In a divided Congress, any gun-related legislation is unlikely to pass.

The last time Congress passed major gun legislation was 1994, when then-President Bill Clinton signed a ban on assault weapons that spanned 10 years. When it expired, Congress did not renew the ban.

Biden also took a jab at his rival, former President Donald J. Trump, and said that he won’t tell people to “get over” a mass shooting.

After a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee said during a campaign speech in Sioux City, Iowa, that while the school shooting that left two dead – an 11-year-old student and the principal – was a “terrible thing that happened,” his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-iowa-school-shooting-get-over-it-rcna132642">advice</a>&nbsp;was to “get over it. We have to move forward.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday touted his administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence as the second anniversary of bipartisan gun safety legislation he signed into law approaches.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1020357619757302%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=207" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Never give up on hope,” Biden said during an annual conference hosted by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.The speech came hours after the president’s son Hunter Biden was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in a federal court in Delaware of lying on paperwork related to purchasing a gun and unlawfully possessing that gun, according to media reports.The federal jury found Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction, guilty on three related felony charges: lying to a licensed gun dealer, falsely stating on an application for a gun that he was not using drugs and for unlawfully having the gun for 11 days.He could face up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender his sentence is expected to be much less severe.The president has avoided publicly commenting on his son’s case and he did not mention the verdict in his speech.<h2>Gaza protest</h2>Shortly after Biden began his speech, he was interrupted by a protester who accused the president of being “complicit” in the high death toll of the Israel-Hamas war that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-how-many-palestinians-has-israels-campaign-killed-2024-05-14/">has killed 35,000 Palestinians</a>&nbsp;since Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip run by the Hamas-controlled government. An agreement over a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-urges-hamas-accept-new-israeli-ceasefire-plan-intended-end-war">U.S. backed cease-fire deal</a>&nbsp;remains elusive.The crowd immediately drowned out the protester. A group of protesters was removed, according to a White House pool report.Biden tried to calm the crowd.“That’s alright,” he said. “Folks, it’s ok, look they care, innocent children have been lost, they make a point.”<h2>Law nears second anniversary</h2>Biden went back to his speech, and thanked the gun safety advocates and survivors “who have turned their pain” into advocacy.“You’ve helped power a movement,” Biden said.The gun safety law Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">signed</a>&nbsp;in 2022 was the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. It stemmed from two deadly mass shootings less than two weeks apart in 2022.One was at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were murdered, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting since the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012.The other was in Buffalo, New York, where a white supremacist targeted a Black neighborhood and killed 10 Black people in a grocery store.The 2022 law provided $750 million for states to enact “red flag laws,” which allow the courts to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is a threat to themselves or others as well as $11 billion in mental health services for schools and families. The law cracked down on straw purchases, illegal transactions in which a buyer acquires a gun for someone else.The bill also requires those who are under 21 and want to purchase a firearm to undergo a background check that takes into account a review of juvenile and mental health records. It also led to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">creation</a>&nbsp;of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.The Justice Department also announced Tuesday it has charged more than 500 people under provisions of the gun safety law to “target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.”The statutes “directly prohibit straw purchasing and firearms trafficking and significantly enhance the penalties for those crimes, providing for up to 15 years in prison,” according to the Justice Department.“Criminals rely on illegal gun traffickers and straw purchasers to obtain the weapons they use to harm our communities,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.<h2>More work to do</h2>Biden acknowledged that more needs to be done on gun safety legislation and he called on Congress to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks and safe storage of firearms. In a divided Congress, any gun-related legislation is unlikely to pass.The last time Congress passed major gun legislation was 1994, when then-President Bill Clinton signed a ban on assault weapons that spanned 10 years. When it expired, Congress did not renew the ban.Biden also took a jab at his rival, former President Donald J. Trump, and said that he won’t tell people to “get over” a mass shooting.After a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee said during a campaign speech in Sioux City, Iowa, that while the school shooting that left two dead – an 11-year-old student and the principal – was a “terrible thing that happened,” his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-iowa-school-shooting-get-over-it-rcna132642">advice</a>&nbsp;was to “get over it. We have to move forward.”

🎥Biden touts gun safety record to advocates, as son found guilty on felony charges

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Four months after a new, full-ride scholarship and stipend was launched to attract top-performing Nebraska scholars, more of them are choosing the University of Nebraska.

Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, Gov. Jim Pillen and the NU Board of Regents launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;in February, offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">full-cost-of-attendance scholarship plus an annual $5,000 stipend</a>&nbsp;for students to attend an NU campus if they obtained a perfect ACT score, or the equivalent on the SAT (1570 or above).

On Monday, Kabourek, Pillen, Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher and a representative from the ACT celebrated 28 top ACT performers in the Nebraska State Capitol.

“I pray that all of your dreams come true … and they bring you back here to Nebraska,” Pillen told the students.

Melissa Lee, an NU spokesperson, said fewer than nine students with a perfect ACT or similar SAT score chose NU last year. The number “roughly doubled” for an inaugural 16-student cohort in the fall. Of those,&nbsp;14 plan to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and two to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;

One student, Joshua Corrado from Twentynine Palms High School in California, qualified for Nebraska residency because his parents are Nebraskans on military assignment. Shrey Agarwal, of Lincoln East High School, will also be part of the inaugural cohort for his SAT score.

“When we started this, we said, ‘Hey, if we can just change the life of one Nebraska kid, it’s all been worth it,’” Kabourek told the Nebraska Examiner.

Kabourek told the students that the door will be open to them to be a President’s Scholar with the same benefits in the future should their first pick out of high school not be the right fit.

“Just like in athletics and the transfer portal, give us a call,” Kabourek continued.

Kabourek has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/university-of-nebraska-celebrates-another-presidential-scholar-signing">joined regents</a>&nbsp;and Pillen, a former regent himself, in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/latest-presidential-scholar-will-study-pre-health-at-nebraska">meeting</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-first-commit-under-presidential-scholars-program">top students</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-2nd-presidential-scholars-recruit">around the state</a>&nbsp;in the same way coaches visit “five-star athletes,” the interim president has said. The goal is to meet more students in the future and grow the future cohort, such as Nebraska students who score a 33 or above on the ACT.

“Each has a dream, they’re such incredibly bright kids, and I know they’ll achieve them,” Kabourek said. “Whether they’re going to be the next great farmer or rancher or come up with a cure for cancer, that’s what it’s all about. We’re just really, really thankful and proud.”

Other students honored Monday chose Johns Hopkins, Texas A&amp;M, Purdue, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California-Berkeley.

This year’s graduating students with a top test score on the ACT are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718118486276.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Education Commissioner, Gov. Jim Pillen, a representative from the ACT testing company and interim NU President Chris Kabourek, front, from left, honored 23 of 28 graduating seniors for their top performance on the ACT in their high school careers. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Education Commissioner, Gov. Jim Pillen, a representative from the ACT testing company and interim NU President Chris Kabourek, front, from left, honored 23 of 28 graduating seniors for their top performance on the ACT in their high school careers. June 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/more-of-nebraskas-top-test-scorers-choose-nu-for-new-presidential-scholars-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Four months after a new, full-ride scholarship and stipend was launched to attract top-performing Nebraska scholars, more of them are choosing the University of Nebraska.Interim NU President Chris Kabourek, Gov. Jim Pillen and the NU Board of Regents launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars">Presidential Scholars Program</a>&nbsp;in February, offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/05/nu-unveils-full-cost-of-attendance-scholarship-stipend-for-perfect-act-performance/">full-cost-of-attendance scholarship plus an annual $5,000 stipend</a>&nbsp;for students to attend an NU campus if they obtained a perfect ACT score, or the equivalent on the SAT (1570 or above).On Monday, Kabourek, Pillen, Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher and a representative from the ACT celebrated 28 top ACT performers in the Nebraska State Capitol.“I pray that all of your dreams come true … and they bring you back here to Nebraska,” Pillen told the students.Melissa Lee, an NU spokesperson, said fewer than nine students with a perfect ACT or similar SAT score chose NU last year. The number “roughly doubled” for an inaugural 16-student cohort in the fall. Of those,&nbsp;14 plan to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and two to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.&nbsp;One student, Joshua Corrado from Twentynine Palms High School in California, qualified for Nebraska residency because his parents are Nebraskans on military assignment. Shrey Agarwal, of Lincoln East High School, will also be part of the inaugural cohort for his SAT score.“When we started this, we said, ‘Hey, if we can just change the life of one Nebraska kid, it’s all been worth it,’” Kabourek told the Nebraska Examiner.Kabourek told the students that the door will be open to them to be a President’s Scholar with the same benefits in the future should their first pick out of high school not be the right fit.“Just like in athletics and the transfer portal, give us a call,” Kabourek continued.Kabourek has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/university-of-nebraska-celebrates-another-presidential-scholar-signing">joined regents</a>&nbsp;and Pillen, a former regent himself, in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/05/latest-presidential-scholar-will-study-pre-health-at-nebraska">meeting</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-first-commit-under-presidential-scholars-program">top students</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/03/nebraska-signs-2nd-presidential-scholars-recruit">around the state</a>&nbsp;in the same way coaches visit “five-star athletes,” the interim president has said. The goal is to meet more students in the future and grow the future cohort, such as Nebraska students who score a 33 or above on the ACT.“Each has a dream, they’re such incredibly bright kids, and I know they’ll achieve them,” Kabourek said. “Whether they’re going to be the next great farmer or rancher or come up with a cure for cancer, that’s what it’s all about. We’re just really, really thankful and proud.”Other students honored Monday chose Johns Hopkins, Texas A&amp;M, Purdue, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California-Berkeley.This year’s graduating students with a top test score on the ACT are:<ul>
 <li>Ruby Barger (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Mark Bausch (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Charles Bork (Elkhorn North High School).</li><li>Joseph Conner (Daniel J Gross Catholic High School).</li><li>Josef Crenshaw (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Logan Doorlag (Papillion-La Vista South High School).</li><li>Rachel Fernandes (Duchesne Academy).</li><li>Jack Goltl (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Ruby Gutzmann (Blair High School).</li><li>Caleb Kelly (Pender Public School).</li><li>Logan Kieckhafer (Elkhorn High School).</li><li>Lillias McKillip (Lincoln Southeast High School).</li><li>Thomas McMullen (Millard West High School).</li><li>Lucas Menard (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Advika Namasyvayam (Millard North High School).</li><li>Kashif Nazmul (Elkhorn High School).</li><li>Elias Parsonage (Westside High School).</li><li>Lucy Rawlinson (Central High School).</li><li>Katherin Richards (McCook Senior High School).</li><li>Jeremy Robson (Millard West High School).</li><li>Andrew Rogers (Creighton Prep School).</li><li>Ethan Roth (Bennington High School).</li><li>Gunnar Santelman (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Nayan Vel (Millard North High School).</li><li>Caeden Vetro (Millard North High School).</li><li>Rachel Wu (Elkhorn South High School).</li><li>Rohan Yalamanchili (Millard North High School).</li><li>Rocco Zimmerman (Mount Michael High School).</li>
 </ul>

More of Nebraska’s top test scorers choose NU for new Presidential Scholars Program

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

FREMONT, Nebraska —&nbsp;While the State of Nebraska annually collects about $2 billion in sales taxes, another $6.5 billion is left off the table through more than 100 sales tax exemptions.

Those&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">exemptions</a>&nbsp;have been approved by the Legislature, little by little, since the statewide sales tax was first implemented in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_proptaxhistory.htm#:~:text=In%201967%2C%20the%20tax%20on,estate%20and%20productive%20personal%20property.">1967</a>&nbsp;because voters overturned a tax on intangible property and certain household goods. Over time, lawmakers have argued that certain interest groups are worthy of a tax break.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-382#:~:text=(1)%20The%20department%20shall%20prepare,and%20allowed%20under%20Nebraska's%20tax">Services</a>&nbsp;are implicitly left out of Nebraska’s tax code unless lawmakers add a tax, former Nebraska Tax Commissioner Kim Conroy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Conroy1776/status/1800156488528531618">wrote in a tweet</a>. Tangible personal property, on the other hand, is subject to sales taxes unless exempted.

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has scheduled four property tax town halls for this week:

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has made clear that every exemption is on the table this year, ranging from admission to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to laundry services to hair cuts and certain pet-related services and agricultural and business inputs.

But taxing those inputs, such as materials, seeds, artificial insemination of farm animals and water irrigation, has been widely condemned by some senators across ideological divides.

“Everybody’s got to play in the game,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner.

Much of the talk around sales taxes, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/02/pillen-tax-plan-limps-forward-after-sponsor-agrees-to-remove-sales-tax-increase/">previously rejected effort</a>&nbsp;to raise the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">sales tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_salestaxhistory.htm">more than 20 years</a>, revolves around Pillen achieving his goal of reducing property taxes by 40%, or $2 billion, in his first two years in office.

Pillen is now pitching whether and how to broaden the state tax base, such as through certain tax exemptions, as he remains focused on calling a special session to adopt changes in the state’s system of taxation.

“We’re not talking about discretionary sales tax anymore,” Pillen said.

The governor has said at multiple property tax town halls he wants to see Nebraska collect fewer taxes overall. At more recent events he has suggested possibly reducing the statewide sales tax rate, from 5.5 cents per dollar to 5 cents per dollar.

That would be a significant shift from his proposals last winter, which included raising the state sales tax rate by 1 cent to 2 cents.

Pillen hopes to use the town halls to rally Nebraskans to press their state senators to support Pillen. He needs 33 votes for an eventual property tax session. The town halls, he says, are not just for talk.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we were going to win,” Pillen told an audience Friday in Fremont.

“We’re not going in there hoping we’re going to win. We’re out here because I say, ‘BS,” Pillen continued. “If you don’t want to call, then don’t (expletive deleted) to me next year about it. If you don’t want to help, (expletive deleted), I can’t do it all myself. I need everybody’s help. … I’m working day and night.”

Pillen is ramping up the pressure on state senators, including Fremont’s representative, State Sen. Lynne Walz.

“I’m not here to make threats,” Pillen said. “I love Senator Walz, but if she’s going to vote against me, if she’s not going to be for fixing property taxes, I’ll be back. We have to fix it. And we have to come to a consensus to fix it.”

If one special session fails, he said, he’ll call special sessions “til Christmas.”

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said he is in favor of eliminating some tax exemptions and that the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">sky is not going to fall</a>” if some exemptions are removed, such as those for services by lawyers and accountants, along with exemptions for pop, candy and zoo admissions.

Nebraska’s state taxes are often referred to as a “three-legged stool,” referring to property, income and sales taxes.

However, Brandt said, a true “tax shift” has come to property taxes, which are on the verge of increasing $1 million each day and could reach $6 billion total in the next couple of years. Pillen has presented a chart at each of his town halls about the rate at which property tax is growing.

Income or sales taxes, Brandt said, might need to “help solve the other part of the equation.”

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha opposed the latest tax package, pitched by Pillen during this year’s regular legislative session because it originally called for an increase of one or two cents in the sales tax rate. Cavanaugh said sales taxes are, by definition, “regressive” and would have a bigger impact on lower income residents, who don’t buy as many discretionary items and have less of a choice about their purchases.

“While it may seem attractive to some people to put a tax on pop and candy, it would disproportionately affect poorer folks,” Cavanaugh said.

Brandt said that if people are getting their food just from a convenience store, such as for pop and candy, “you got a bigger problem.”

In the last two years, state senators have expanded, not decreased, the list of tax exemptions, including Cavanaugh, who successfully argued this year to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/22/aarp-nebraska-celebrates-new-family-caregiver-tax-credits-for-unsung-heroes/">exempt diapers</a>&nbsp;for both babies and adults from taxation.

“To pay for property tax relief by just shifting that burden more disproportionately onto folks who maybe can’t afford to buy property because [of] the fact that they’re lower income, means that they are paying more in taxes and not deriving this benefit that is being proposed,” Cavanaugh said.

The latest new or expanded exemptions include:

State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar was one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">leading opponents</a>&nbsp;to the most recent tax package,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980">Legislative Bill 388</a>, stating it came from a “baseline belief” that certain taxes can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">raised</a>&nbsp;to cut other taxes. She argued that the governor can’t&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">say he cut taxes</a>&nbsp;by adopting that model.

“There’s no guarantee that that money from increased revenue is going to be one-to-one property tax relief,” Slama said. “It just isn’t.”

Pillen has argued that taxing business or agricultural inputs would actually lower taxes overall. He clarified in Fremont that Nebraskans shouldn’t pay sales taxes on items that count for personal property, such as farm machinery.

Slama said this would be “double taxation,” while Brandt agreed the move would be a “huge red flag” and might lead some businesses to the state.

Brandt pointed out that for pop or candy, as an example product, the manufacturer does not pay sales tax on the ingredients. Instead, the consumer pays sales taxes on the finished product.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">Nebraska Department of Revenue’s 2022 Tax Expenditure Report</a>&nbsp;estimated that the state is not collecting $1.7 billion from exemptions for business components or ingredients. Another $2.1 billion is not collected through numerous agricultural exemptions, from artificial insemination, animal feed and veterinary services to chemicals, water irrigation and machinery parts or equipment.

“You’re raising taxes on farmers to say that you’ve cut property taxes for farmers. Nebraskans are smarter than that,” Slama said. “I’m not going to, in my last act in the Legislature, vote to raise taxes, especially not on farmers.”

Estimates were not available for some exemptions and didn’t include carveouts passed in 2023 or 2024. This means the state is likely not collecting more than $6.5 billion in annual revenue.

‘Property tax task force’ in progress

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said he would prefer not to tax business inputs for that reason.

“Otherwise, I think it’s best to tackle a wider variety so one person can’t say, ‘I got picked on and he didn’t,’” Clements said. “I think a broad base is better.”

Clements confirmed he is part of a “property tax task force” working to craft a tax proposal, which includes more than one dozen state senators, according to an Examiner count. Pillen, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, Budget Director Lee Will and State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator, are also part of the discussions.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Legislature’s Revenue Committee chair, confirmed there have been meetings at the Governor’s Mansion but had no update.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35255">number of exemptions</a>&nbsp;were considered and abandoned in this year’s regular legislative session that were estimated to gather $234 million in additional revenue in the first year. Proposals for about half of that sum made it into the final 2024 proposal, and some could resurface, including:

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/sales-cigarette-tax-hikes-to-lower-property-taxes-advanced/">cigarette tax hike</a>&nbsp;was also on the table, as was a proposal from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vaping products. She championed the state’s first vape tax last year and sought to increase the level this year to 20% of wholesale sales.

Research suggests taxes can lead to less smoking, Hughes said, though the research isn’t yet as clear for vapes. She also proposed new state-level regulations on vapes this year.

“If we had to have anything passed, I’m so glad vape regs passed, even before increasing the tax,” Hughes said. “That’s more important, I think, in stopping kids using these.”

Pillen said he’s in favor of increasing “sin” taxes on smoking and alcohol, such as a $1 to $2 increase on the cigarette tax, which is currently 64 cents per pack. The tax has not been adjusted since 2002. Nebraska has one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/research/misctaxes2022.pdf">lowest cigarette tax rates</a>.

“If you said, ‘I’m going to quit smoking, I can’t afford that,’ I say, ‘Good, then you’ll be healthy,’” Pillen said at one of his recent town halls. “If you say, ‘I don’t care,’ then I say, ‘That helps us with our property tax relief reform so that we have an economy that we can compete.’”

Hughes said exemptions on agricultural inputs might need to stay in place, as well as exemptions on food. She noted that talk of any exemptions will lead advocates to “crawl out of the woodwork” to protect their carveouts. But broadening the tax base, she said, could lead to a lower overall tax rate.

“I think that would be a win-win,” she said.

Slama said Pillen should “come back home” to his fiscal conservative roots by eliminating certain taxing authorities and cutting wasteful spending, which is “at the core of every high tax problem.”

The biggest feedback Slama said she’s heard from her community, in her final year as a state senator, is “don’t raise our taxes for a line on a campaign card that says you cut them.”

“If you’re going to get real relief, get real relief, which I am entirely on board with,” Slama said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718047698787.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen addresses attendees at a property tax town hall in Plattsmouth on Thursday, May 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen addresses attendees at a property tax town hall in Plattsmouth on Thursday, May 30, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/10/everybodys-got-to-play-breaking-down-nebraskas-more-than-100-sales-tax-exemptions/">Nebraska Examiner</a>FREMONT, Nebraska —&nbsp;While the State of Nebraska annually collects about $2 billion in sales taxes, another $6.5 billion is left off the table through more than 100 sales tax exemptions.Those&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">exemptions</a>&nbsp;have been approved by the Legislature, little by little, since the statewide sales tax was first implemented in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_proptaxhistory.htm#:~:text=In%201967%2C%20the%20tax%20on,estate%20and%20productive%20personal%20property.">1967</a>&nbsp;because voters overturned a tax on intangible property and certain household goods. Over time, lawmakers have argued that certain interest groups are worthy of a tax break.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-382#:~:text=(1)%20The%20department%20shall%20prepare,and%20allowed%20under%20Nebraska's%20tax">Services</a>&nbsp;are implicitly left out of Nebraska’s tax code unless lawmakers add a tax, former Nebraska Tax Commissioner Kim Conroy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Conroy1776/status/1800156488528531618">wrote in a tweet</a>. Tangible personal property, on the other hand, is subject to sales taxes unless exempted.<h2>More town halls scheduled</h2>Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has scheduled four property tax town halls for this week:<ul>
 <li>Thursday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. —&nbsp;Mid-Plains Community College North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte.</li><li>Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. —&nbsp;Norfolk Country Club, 1700 Riverside Blvd., Norfolk.</li><li>Friday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Auburn Manor, 1617 Central Ave., Auburn.</li><li>Friday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Arbor Bank, 911 Central Ave., Nebraska City.</li>
 </ul>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has made clear that every exemption is on the table this year, ranging from admission to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to laundry services to hair cuts and certain pet-related services and agricultural and business inputs.But taxing those inputs, such as materials, seeds, artificial insemination of farm animals and water irrigation, has been widely condemned by some senators across ideological divides.“Everybody’s got to play in the game,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner.<h2>‘I’m working day and night’</h2>Much of the talk around sales taxes, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/02/pillen-tax-plan-limps-forward-after-sponsor-agrees-to-remove-sales-tax-increase/">previously rejected effort</a>&nbsp;to raise the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">sales tax rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/app_rev/source/narrative_salestaxhistory.htm">more than 20 years</a>, revolves around Pillen achieving his goal of reducing property taxes by 40%, or $2 billion, in his first two years in office.Pillen is now pitching whether and how to broaden the state tax base, such as through certain tax exemptions, as he remains focused on calling a special session to adopt changes in the state’s system of taxation.“We’re not talking about discretionary sales tax anymore,” Pillen said.The governor has said at multiple property tax town halls he wants to see Nebraska collect fewer taxes overall. At more recent events he has suggested possibly reducing the statewide sales tax rate, from 5.5 cents per dollar to 5 cents per dollar.That would be a significant shift from his proposals last winter, which included raising the state sales tax rate by 1 cent to 2 cents.Pillen hopes to use the town halls to rally Nebraskans to press their state senators to support Pillen. He needs 33 votes for an eventual property tax session. The town halls, he says, are not just for talk.“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we were going to win,” Pillen told an audience Friday in Fremont.“We’re not going in there hoping we’re going to win. We’re out here because I say, ‘BS,” Pillen continued. “If you don’t want to call, then don’t (expletive deleted) to me next year about it. If you don’t want to help, (expletive deleted), I can’t do it all myself. I need everybody’s help. … I’m working day and night.”Pillen is ramping up the pressure on state senators, including Fremont’s representative, State Sen. Lynne Walz.“I’m not here to make threats,” Pillen said. “I love Senator Walz, but if she’s going to vote against me, if she’s not going to be for fixing property taxes, I’ll be back. We have to fix it. And we have to come to a consensus to fix it.”If one special session fails, he said, he’ll call special sessions “til Christmas.”<h2>Balancing the tax ‘equation’</h2>State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth said he is in favor of eliminating some tax exemptions and that the “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">sky is not going to fall</a>” if some exemptions are removed, such as those for services by lawyers and accountants, along with exemptions for pop, candy and zoo admissions.Nebraska’s state taxes are often referred to as a “three-legged stool,” referring to property, income and sales taxes.However, Brandt said, a true “tax shift” has come to property taxes, which are on the verge of increasing $1 million each day and could reach $6 billion total in the next couple of years. Pillen has presented a chart at each of his town halls about the rate at which property tax is growing.Income or sales taxes, Brandt said, might need to “help solve the other part of the equation.”<h2>Sales taxes are ‘regressive’</h2>State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha opposed the latest tax package, pitched by Pillen during this year’s regular legislative session because it originally called for an increase of one or two cents in the sales tax rate. Cavanaugh said sales taxes are, by definition, “regressive” and would have a bigger impact on lower income residents, who don’t buy as many discretionary items and have less of a choice about their purchases.“While it may seem attractive to some people to put a tax on pop and candy, it would disproportionately affect poorer folks,” Cavanaugh said.Brandt said that if people are getting their food just from a convenience store, such as for pop and candy, “you got a bigger problem.”In the last two years, state senators have expanded, not decreased, the list of tax exemptions, including Cavanaugh, who successfully argued this year to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/22/aarp-nebraska-celebrates-new-family-caregiver-tax-credits-for-unsung-heroes/">exempt diapers</a>&nbsp;for both babies and adults from taxation.“To pay for property tax relief by just shifting that burden more disproportionately onto folks who maybe can’t afford to buy property because [of] the fact that they’re lower income, means that they are paying more in taxes and not deriving this benefit that is being proposed,” Cavanaugh said.The latest new or expanded exemptions include:<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49668">Baling wire and twine</a>.</li><li>Certain nonprofits that offer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50415">community-based mental health or substance use services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54784">Electric energy</a>&nbsp;when stored, used or consumed by a motor vehicle when the electricity is subject to a new excise tax.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55625">Bullion (gold or silver)</a>&nbsp;that will now also include coins, notes, leaf, foil and film.</li>
 </ul><h2>‘You’re raising taxes’</h2>State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar was one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/stunning-last-minute-defeat-for-pillen-tax-shift-bill-likely-ensures-special-session/">leading opponents</a>&nbsp;to the most recent tax package,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49980">Legislative Bill 388</a>, stating it came from a “baseline belief” that certain taxes can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/07/nebraskas-proposed-one-cent-sales-tax-increase-still-faces-pushback/">raised</a>&nbsp;to cut other taxes. She argued that the governor can’t&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/24/gov-pillen-outlines-some-funding-levers-in-his-quest-to-lower-nebraska-property-taxes/">say he cut taxes</a>&nbsp;by adopting that model.“There’s no guarantee that that money from increased revenue is going to be one-to-one property tax relief,” Slama said. “It just isn’t.”Pillen has argued that taxing business or agricultural inputs would actually lower taxes overall. He clarified in Fremont that Nebraskans shouldn’t pay sales taxes on items that count for personal property, such as farm machinery.Slama said this would be “double taxation,” while Brandt agreed the move would be a “huge red flag” and might lead some businesses to the state.Brandt pointed out that for pop or candy, as an example product, the manufacturer does not pay sales tax on the ingredients. Instead, the consumer pays sales taxes on the finished product.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/revenue.nebraska.gov/files/doc/2022_Tax_Expenditure_Report_0.pdf">Nebraska Department of Revenue’s 2022 Tax Expenditure Report</a>&nbsp;estimated that the state is not collecting $1.7 billion from exemptions for business components or ingredients. Another $2.1 billion is not collected through numerous agricultural exemptions, from artificial insemination, animal feed and veterinary services to chemicals, water irrigation and machinery parts or equipment.“You’re raising taxes on farmers to say that you’ve cut property taxes for farmers. Nebraskans are smarter than that,” Slama said. “I’m not going to, in my last act in the Legislature, vote to raise taxes, especially not on farmers.”Estimates were not available for some exemptions and didn’t include carveouts passed in 2023 or 2024. This means the state is likely not collecting more than $6.5 billion in annual revenue.<h2>‘Property tax task force’ in progress</h2>State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said he would prefer not to tax business inputs for that reason.“Otherwise, I think it’s best to tackle a wider variety so one person can’t say, ‘I got picked on and he didn’t,’” Clements said. “I think a broad base is better.”Clements confirmed he is part of a “property tax task force” working to craft a tax proposal, which includes more than one dozen state senators, according to an Examiner count. Pillen, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, Budget Director Lee Will and State Treasurer Tom Briese, a former state senator, are also part of the discussions.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Legislature’s Revenue Committee chair, confirmed there have been meetings at the Governor’s Mansion but had no update.<h2>How to ‘expand the base’</h2>A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35255">number of exemptions</a>&nbsp;were considered and abandoned in this year’s regular legislative session that were estimated to gather $234 million in additional revenue in the first year. Proposals for about half of that sum made it into the final 2024 proposal, and some could resurface, including:<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55565">Data centers</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55592">Legal services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55564">Accounting services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55560">Soft drinks and candy</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55560">Products made from hemp</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55562">Storage and moving services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55561">Lottery tickets and skill games</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55563">Dry cleaning and laundry services</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55563">Admissions to accredited zoos and aquariums</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55371">Businesses if gross advertising revenue exceeded a certain threshold</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55562">Certain animal specialty services, such as veterinary services for pets</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55564">Repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery and equipment</a>.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/sales-cigarette-tax-hikes-to-lower-property-taxes-advanced/">cigarette tax hike</a>&nbsp;was also on the table, as was a proposal from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward to increase taxes on vaping products. She championed the state’s first vape tax last year and sought to increase the level this year to 20% of wholesale sales.Research suggests taxes can lead to less smoking, Hughes said, though the research isn’t yet as clear for vapes. She also proposed new state-level regulations on vapes this year.“If we had to have anything passed, I’m so glad vape regs passed, even before increasing the tax,” Hughes said. “That’s more important, I think, in stopping kids using these.”Pillen said he’s in favor of increasing “sin” taxes on smoking and alcohol, such as a $1 to $2 increase on the cigarette tax, which is currently 64 cents per pack. The tax has not been adjusted since 2002. Nebraska has one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/research/misctaxes2022.pdf">lowest cigarette tax rates</a>.“If you said, ‘I’m going to quit smoking, I can’t afford that,’ I say, ‘Good, then you’ll be healthy,’” Pillen said at one of his recent town halls. “If you say, ‘I don’t care,’ then I say, ‘That helps us with our property tax relief reform so that we have an economy that we can compete.’”<h2>‘Real relief’ is the goal</h2>Hughes said exemptions on agricultural inputs might need to stay in place, as well as exemptions on food. She noted that talk of any exemptions will lead advocates to “crawl out of the woodwork” to protect their carveouts. But broadening the tax base, she said, could lead to a lower overall tax rate.“I think that would be a win-win,” she said.Slama said Pillen should “come back home” to his fiscal conservative roots by eliminating certain taxing authorities and cutting wasteful spending, which is “at the core of every high tax problem.”The biggest feedback Slama said she’s heard from her community, in her final year as a state senator, is “don’t raise our taxes for a line on a campaign card that says you cut them.”“If you’re going to get real relief, get real relief, which I am entirely on board with,” Slama said.

‘Everybody’s got to play’: Breaking down Nebraska’s more than 100 sales tax exemptions

(LINCOLN, NEB.) — As a result of the recent tornadoes that have impacted the State, relief will be granted to taxpayers who were directly impacted and unable to timely file income tax returns and make payments. The Tax Commissioner for the State of Nebraska, James R. Kamm, has granted a waiver of penalties and interest for late income tax returns or payments of taxes, which are due with the Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR) on or after April 25, 2024, through September 3, 2024, so long as the returns are filed and payments are made by September 3, 2024.

An automatic waiver of penalties and interest for late filed income tax returns or payments of impacted individual, corporate, fiduciary, partnership, and S corporations due on or after April 25, 2024 is granted if the return is filed and the tax is paid by September 3, 2024. The relief includes areas identified by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as most likely to have experienced significant damage. This relief will be automatically granted solely to taxpayers whose business or home location is in one of the zip codes identified by NEMA. 

For taxpayers affected by the natural disaster whose businesses or homes are outside the areas identified by NEMA, the Tax Commissioner may grant penalty or interest relief depending on your specific circumstances. Please complete and mail a Request for Abatement of Penalty, Form 21, or Request for Abatement of Interest, Form 21A, with an explanation of how you were impacted by the natural disaster.

The DOR recognizes the difficulties that these catastrophic natural disasters present with regard to tax responsibilities and wants to help those adversely impacted, including those outside of the identified areas. 

For further information, please call 800-742-7474 (NE and IA) or 402-471-5729, or visit DOR’s website.

Nebraska Department of Revenue(LINCOLN, NEB.) — As a result of the recent tornadoes that have impacted the State, relief will be granted to taxpayers who were directly impacted and unable to timely file income tax returns and make payments. The Tax Commissioner for the State of Nebraska, James R. Kamm, has granted a waiver of penalties and interest for late income tax returns or payments of taxes, which are due with the Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR) on or after April 25, 2024, through September 3, 2024, so long as the returns are filed and payments are made by September 3, 2024.An automatic waiver of penalties and interest for late filed income tax returns or payments of impacted individual, corporate, fiduciary, partnership, and S corporations due on or after April 25, 2024 is granted if the return is filed and the tax is paid by September 3, 2024. The relief includes areas identified by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as most likely to have experienced significant damage. This relief will be automatically granted solely to taxpayers whose business or home location is in one of the zip codes identified by NEMA. For taxpayers affected by the natural disaster whose businesses or homes are outside the areas identified by NEMA, the Tax Commissioner may grant penalty or interest relief depending on your specific circumstances. Please complete and mail a Request for Abatement of Penalty, Form 21, or Request for Abatement of Interest, Form 21A, with an explanation of how you were impacted by the natural disaster.The DOR recognizes the difficulties that these catastrophic natural disasters present with regard to tax responsibilities and wants to help those adversely impacted, including those outside of the identified areas. For further information, please call 800-742-7474 (NE and IA) or 402-471-5729, or visit DOR’s website.

Tax Commissioner Grants Specific Relief Due to Tornadoes

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission has entered into a five year contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidsos.com/?utm_keyword=rapidsos&amp;utm_term=rapidsos&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=11772406525&amp;utm_medium=search-paid&amp;utm_content=113803043985&amp;hsa_kw=rapidsos&amp;hsa_acc=5293733424&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_cam=11772406525&amp;hsa_tgt=aud-1308971905192:kwd-301217571028&amp;hsa_ad=610096435858&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_grp=113803043985&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLa3wRprvAsIFXa4Yfxx9ar5PjZ7GokAoyF36PCo8d0zFYDWrNl3LhoCUi4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">RapidSOS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;to provide its premium service UNITE to all 67 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Nebraska.

An added safety platform,&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidsos.com/?utm_keyword=rapidsos&amp;utm_term=rapidsos&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=11772406525&amp;utm_medium=search-paid&amp;utm_content=113803043985&amp;hsa_kw=rapidsos&amp;hsa_acc=5293733424&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_cam=11772406525&amp;hsa_tgt=aud-1308971905192:kwd-301217571028&amp;hsa_ad=610096435858&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_grp=113803043985&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLa3wRprvAsIFXa4Yfxx9ar5PjZ7GokAoyF36PCo8d0zFYDWrNl3LhoCUi4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">RapidSOS</a>&nbsp;enhances the Next Generation 911 environment byproviding caller location information to 911 centers even if a wireless carrier is unable to delivera call. Among the suite of services offered through RapidSOS UNITE, are enhanced callerlocation information and single sign-on access.

“Many Nebraska PSAPs currently utilize RapidSOS,” said PSC State 911 Director DavidSankey. “Elevating all PSAPs to the company’s UNITE modules, will provide even more tools tosupplement caller location capabilities should a disruption in wireless service occur.”

More than 80 percent of emergency calls today, are made by wireless devices. With theintegration of RapidSOS UNITE, PSAPs will receive an added layer of support in providingemergency response.

“RapidSOS harnesses the power of technology and the data from our devices to connect communities directly to safety during an emergency,” said Edward Parkinson, President of Public Sector at RapidSOS. “RapidSOS offers a separate and redundant pathway to 911 that connects citizens in need to 911, even during outages. We thank the State of Nebraska for putting its trust in RapidSOS. It is an honor to work with public safety in the state.”

Deb CollinsLincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Public Service Commission has entered into a five year contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidsos.com/?utm_keyword=rapidsos&amp;utm_term=rapidsos&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=11772406525&amp;utm_medium=search-paid&amp;utm_content=113803043985&amp;hsa_kw=rapidsos&amp;hsa_acc=5293733424&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_cam=11772406525&amp;hsa_tgt=aud-1308971905192:kwd-301217571028&amp;hsa_ad=610096435858&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_grp=113803043985&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLa3wRprvAsIFXa4Yfxx9ar5PjZ7GokAoyF36PCo8d0zFYDWrNl3LhoCUi4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">RapidSOS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;to provide its premium service UNITE to all 67 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Nebraska.An added safety platform,&nbsp;<a href="https://rapidsos.com/?utm_keyword=rapidsos&amp;utm_term=rapidsos&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=11772406525&amp;utm_medium=search-paid&amp;utm_content=113803043985&amp;hsa_kw=rapidsos&amp;hsa_acc=5293733424&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_cam=11772406525&amp;hsa_tgt=aud-1308971905192:kwd-301217571028&amp;hsa_ad=610096435858&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_grp=113803043985&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmYCzBhA6EiwAxFwfgLa3wRprvAsIFXa4Yfxx9ar5PjZ7GokAoyF36PCo8d0zFYDWrNl3LhoCUi4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">RapidSOS</a>&nbsp;enhances the Next Generation 911 environment byproviding caller location information to 911 centers even if a wireless carrier is unable to delivera call. Among the suite of services offered through RapidSOS UNITE, are enhanced callerlocation information and single sign-on access.“Many Nebraska PSAPs currently utilize RapidSOS,” said PSC State 911 Director DavidSankey. “Elevating all PSAPs to the company’s UNITE modules, will provide even more tools tosupplement caller location capabilities should a disruption in wireless service occur.”More than 80 percent of emergency calls today, are made by wireless devices. With theintegration of RapidSOS UNITE, PSAPs will receive an added layer of support in providingemergency response.“RapidSOS harnesses the power of technology and the data from our devices to connect communities directly to safety during an emergency,” said Edward Parkinson, President of Public Sector at RapidSOS. “RapidSOS offers a separate and redundant pathway to 911 that connects citizens in need to 911, even during outages. We thank the State of Nebraska for putting its trust in RapidSOS. It is an honor to work with public safety in the state.”

PSC Provides Additional Services for Public Safety Answering Points

JERUSALEM —Iranian-backed Houthis terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden over the weekend, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. 

One missile struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss owned  and operated container ship. M/V Tavvishi reported damage but has continued  underway. The second missile was successfully destroyed by a coalition ship. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

Separately, Iranian terrorists&nbsp; launched one ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados flagged, German owned and operated cargo ship. M/V Norderney reported damage but has continued underway. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

Additionally, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one drone over the Gulf of Aden. Later, US forces successfully destroyed two Houthi land attack cruise missiles (LACM) and one missile launcher in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702740562018.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —Iranian-backed Houthis terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden over the weekend, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. One missile struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss owned and operated container ship. M/V Tavvishi reported damage but has continued underway. The second missile was successfully destroyed by a coalition ship. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. Separately, Iranian terrorists&nbsp; launched one ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados flagged, German owned and operated cargo ship. M/V Norderney reported damage but has continued underway. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. Additionally, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one drone over the Gulf of Aden. Later, US forces successfully destroyed two Houthi land attack cruise missiles (LACM) and one missile launcher in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Iran-backed terrorist's missiles damage ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden

By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>

A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.

It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.

While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.

Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.

It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.

The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.

The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.

The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.

The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.

Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.

Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.

That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.

Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a>

“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.

The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.

Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.

The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”

In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717934001181.png" alt=" From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency)." />
 <figcaption> From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.<h2>What tests were affected?</h2>The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.<h2>What does a falsely low result mean?</h2>Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a><h2>What should parents do now?</h2>“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

Thousands of children got tested for lead with faulty devices: What parents should know

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– ﻿Governor Jim Pillen traveled Wednesday to Del Rio, Texas, to see troops he deployed to assist in securing America’s southern border. He was joined by Speaker John Arch, Senator Tom Brewer, chairman of the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General for the Nebraska National Guard.

The daylong visit was spent with National Guard airmen and soldiers who have been deployed to the Del Rio area since early April. The group of about 35 troops will be there until late June/early July, on active-duty status supporting the Texas National Guard.

Gov. Pillen has been steadfast in his support to combat the humanitarian and national security crisis at border, saying that the situation is one that impacts every state, including Nebraska. &nbsp;As recently as May 31, more than 512,300 illegal immigrants have been apprehended with more than 43,400 criminal arrests, resulting in at least 38,200 felony charges. More than 487 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized.

“Nebraska’s commitment has been critical to this mission,” said Gov. Pillen. “These Nebraska troops are helping to stop the influx of criminals, weapons, drugs and human trafficking into our country and state. Every state is a border state, so Nebraska must meet its duty to secure our country.”

The Governor’s comments come on the heels of an executive order issued by President Joe Biden this week, setting daily caps on the number of illegal immigrants allowed asylum in the United States, which the Governor described as, “too little, too late.”

During his visit with Nebraska troops, Gov. Pillen thanked them for answering the call to volunteer for this mission.

“They have taken time out of their normal work and family lives to take on a challenge that is important to our nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “I join fellow Nebraskans in sharing our gratitude for their service.”

Guard members have been working side-by-side with the Texas National Guard, manning various posts along the border. Gov. Pillen and his party spent time with the troops at their base camp and then toured operational areas by vehicle. Earlier this year, 10 troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol deployed to the El Paso area for two weeks in April and worked in partnership with Texas state law enforcement in support of their efforts to secure the border.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717759921145.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– ﻿Governor Jim Pillen traveled Wednesday to Del Rio, Texas, to see troops he deployed to assist in securing America’s southern border. He was joined by Speaker John Arch, Senator Tom Brewer, chairman of the Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General for the Nebraska National Guard.The daylong visit was spent with National Guard airmen and soldiers who have been deployed to the Del Rio area since early April. The group of about 35 troops will be there until late June/early July, on active-duty status supporting the Texas National Guard.Gov. Pillen has been steadfast in his support to combat the humanitarian and national security crisis at border, saying that the situation is one that impacts every state, including Nebraska. &nbsp;As recently as May 31, more than 512,300 illegal immigrants have been apprehended with more than 43,400 criminal arrests, resulting in at least 38,200 felony charges. More than 487 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized.“Nebraska’s commitment has been critical to this mission,” said Gov. Pillen. “These Nebraska troops are helping to stop the influx of criminals, weapons, drugs and human trafficking into our country and state. Every state is a border state, so Nebraska must meet its duty to secure our country.”The Governor’s comments come on the heels of an executive order issued by President Joe Biden this week, setting daily caps on the number of illegal immigrants allowed asylum in the United States, which the Governor described as, “too little, too late.”During his visit with Nebraska troops, Gov. Pillen thanked them for answering the call to volunteer for this mission.“They have taken time out of their normal work and family lives to take on a challenge that is important to our nation,” said Gov. Pillen. “I join fellow Nebraskans in sharing our gratitude for their service.”Guard members have been working side-by-side with the Texas National Guard, manning various posts along the border. Gov. Pillen and his party spent time with the troops at their base camp and then toured operational areas by vehicle. Earlier this year, 10 troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol deployed to the El Paso area for two weeks in April and worked in partnership with Texas state law enforcement in support of their efforts to secure the border.

Gov. Pillen and Senators Visit Deployed Troops at Border

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Author/141690/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>, Department of Defense

U.S. forces are expected in the coming days to resume delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Defense Department's Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier, a senior military official said Friday.

Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, said U.S. troops have successfully reattached the temporary causeway to the beach in Gaza with the assistance of Israel Defense Force engineers following a a weather-related break in the pier.&nbsp;

"To be sure, this method of delivering aid from the sea to the people of Gaza has already proved to be effective," Cooper said. "During its previous weeklong period of operation, the temporary pier delivered 1,000 metric tons of aid — more than 2 million pounds — to the people of Gaza."&nbsp;

The U.S. halted the flow of aid using the sea corridor last month after high sea caused damage to a portion of the temporary pier, forcing crews to remove the pier from its anchor point on the Gaza coastline. &nbsp;

The pier was relocated temporarily to the Port of Ashdod, Israel, where it underwent repairs. The pier was successfully reattached to the anchor point in Gaza earlier today. &nbsp;

"Weather has always been a factor in military operations, and, as we do around the world every day, we will adjust to the weather as required," Cooper said. "I personally, and I think we as a command, could not be prouder of the exceptional work by our soldiers and sailors who have done a simply superb job in just getting the pier back on mission in very short order."&nbsp;

Cooper also highlighted the "exceptional" partnership between U.S. &nbsp;Israeli forces, which provided the necessary support to ensure the safe emplacement of the pier to the Gaza beach. &nbsp;

"They remain completely supportive of our effort to increase the volume of aid into Gaza," Cooper said. "We also continue to enjoy the support of the international community."&nbsp;

The effort, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development, is being carried out as part of broader efforts by the United States and international partners to surge assistance to Palestinians.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793166176.png" alt="A soldier assigned to the Army’s 86th Engineer Dive Detachment, 20th Engineer Brigade, welds the bow ramp of a landing craft utility vessel as part of repair operations for the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier at the Port of Ashdod, Israel, May 14, 2024." />
 <figcaption>A soldier assigned to the Army’s 86th Engineer Dive Detachment, 20th Engineer Brigade, welds the bow ramp of a landing craft utility vessel as part of repair operations for the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier at the Port of Ashdod, Israel, May 14, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Author/141690/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>, Department of DefenseU.S. forces are expected in the coming days to resume delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Defense Department's Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier, a senior military official said Friday.Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, said U.S. troops have successfully reattached the temporary causeway to the beach in Gaza with the assistance of Israel Defense Force engineers following a a weather-related break in the pier.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793045172.png" alt="U.S. soldiers, sailors and Israeli Defense Forces emplace the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the Gaza coast, May 16- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. soldiers, sailors and Israeli Defense Forces emplace the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the Gaza coast, May 16- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"To be sure, this method of delivering aid from the sea to the people of Gaza has already proved to be effective," Cooper said. "During its previous weeklong period of operation, the temporary pier delivered 1,000 metric tons of aid — more than 2 million pounds — to the people of Gaza."&nbsp;The U.S. halted the flow of aid using the sea corridor last month after high sea caused damage to a portion of the temporary pier, forcing crews to remove the pier from its anchor point on the Gaza coastline. &nbsp;The pier was relocated temporarily to the Port of Ashdod, Israel, where it underwent repairs. The pier was successfully reattached to the anchor point in Gaza earlier today. &nbsp;"Weather has always been a factor in military operations, and, as we do around the world every day, we will adjust to the weather as required," Cooper said. "I personally, and I think we as a command, could not be prouder of the exceptional work by our soldiers and sailors who have done a simply superb job in just getting the pier back on mission in very short order."&nbsp;Cooper also highlighted the "exceptional" partnership between U.S. &nbsp;Israeli forces, which provided the necessary support to ensure the safe emplacement of the pier to the Gaza beach. &nbsp;"They remain completely supportive of our effort to increase the volume of aid into Gaza," Cooper said. "We also continue to enjoy the support of the international community."&nbsp;The effort, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development, is being carried out as part of broader efforts by the United States and international partners to surge assistance to Palestinians.&nbsp;Soldiers from the Army's 7th Transportation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, and sailors from Naval Beach Group 1 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, were tapped to deploy the JLOTS capability after President Joe Biden called on the military to conduct an emergency operation during his State of the Union address.&nbsp;Delivering the capability involved a complex choreography of logistics support and landing crafts that carry the equipment used to construct the approximately 1,800-foot causeway comprised of modular, floating sections linked together. &nbsp;The units also constructed a roll-on, roll-off discharge facility that is 72 feet wide by 270 feet long. The discharge facility will remain far off Gaza's shore and enable cargo ships to offload aid shipments at sea before they’re transported to shore. &nbsp;&nbsp;bout 1,000 soldiers and sailors are involved in the operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. is also working closely with international donors who first ship aid into Cyprus where it is screened and packaged before being loaded onto ships to be transported to the temporary pier.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the pier, the aid is offloaded into a marshaling area before being distributed farther into Gaza by humanitarian organizations.&nbsp;Officials emphasized that no U.S. boots are on the ground in Gaza as part of the operation, and the safety of U.S. forces is the top priority. &nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to operating the pier, the U.S. has stood up coordination cells to ensure operations are carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those coordination efforts continued while the pier underwent repairs.&nbsp;Before the pause in operations, the pier accounted for the second highest volume of aid entering Gaza from any crossing and about 30% of the total aid delivered during that period.Cooper said the U.S. and international partners expect to increase the volume of humanitarian assistance provided through the sea corridor above previous levels once the pier operations resume. &nbsp;"Thousands of tons of aid are in various stages in the pipeline for delivery," Cooper said. "And, clearly, our international partners have seen the previous, positive effect that the pier has [had] on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and they remain committed to its continued success."