<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/federal-state-regulators-prod-utilities-to-consider-technology-for-grid-upgrade/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Of the many challenges confronting the nation’s aging, straining electric grid, the need for a lot of new transmission capacity is among the most pressing, experts and policymakers say.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy said the nation will need&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/022423-DRAFTNeedsStudyforPublicComment.pdf">thousands of miles</a>&nbsp;of new lines to better link regions to handle extreme weather, reduce costs and connect new renewable energy projects.

But building a new interregional transmission line can take a decade or more — chiefly because of siting and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-does-permitting-for-clean-energy-infrastructure-work/">permitting delays</a>, local resistance, planning problems, cost allocation and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47627.pdf">other obstacles.&nbsp;</a>

And while Congress has taken some steps on permitting reform (in this<a target="_blank" href="https://www.uschamber.com/energy/permitting-provisions-in-the-recent-debt-ceiling-agreement">&nbsp;summer’s debt limit deal</a>), there’s a suite of technologies that proponents and some state and federal regulators agree could get more out of the existing transmission system right now and potentially reduce the need for new wires.

They’re called “grid-enhancing technologies,” or GETs in industry shorthand, and in many cases they’ve been<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/09/16/australian-grid-operator-turns-to-smart-wires-technology-to-unlock-renewables/">&nbsp;embraced elsewhere</a>&nbsp;but have been slower to take root in the United States.

“If we don’t squeeze every drop out of the existing system it’s going to be a tough sell as we consider the costs involved in transmission expansion,” said Dan Scripps, chair of Michigan’s utility commission, at a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission task force meeting last month. “And I believe that grid-enhancing technologies can help us do that to maximize the value from the infrastructure that we have today. “

Grid-enhancing technologies include a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/resources-2/faq/">variety of tools</a>&nbsp;to maximize the ability of the grid to handle the flow of electricity. They include sensors, power-flow devices, software and hardware that can better deliver real-time weather data and other technologies like topology optimization, which can identify the best grid configurations and route power flow around bottlenecks. Think of the electric grid as a road system and grid-enhancing technologies as traffic control devices and variable speed limits that can help alleviate congestion, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/Grid%20Enhancing%20Technologies%20-%20A%20Case%20Study%20on%20Ratepayer%20Impact%20-%20February%202022%20CLEAN%20as%20of%20032322.pdf">Department of Energy paper says</a>.

And congestion on the nation’s electric grid is a real problem. Defined broadly, congestion in electric terms means any time physical constraints on the power system prevent the cheapest power from flowing to customers, which, naturally, raises costs.

“For example, the flow of power may be restricted by the maximum thermal limit of a transformer or power line conductor,” the Department of Energy says. “Therefore, operators are forced to reroute power through less optimal paths and rely on more expensive power generation, like conventional fossil fuels, while curtailing renewable wind or solar to safely meet the demand of their customers.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://gridstrategiesllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GS_Transmission-Congestion-Costs-in-the-U.S.-RTOs1.pdf">A report</a>&nbsp;released in July by Grid Strategies, a consulting firm that works to integrate renewable power into the electric grid, found that congestion costs (after doubling between 2020 and 2021) rose to $12.1 billion in 2022, an increase of 56% from 2021, in regions of the country controlled by six large regional transmission organizations. By extrapolating that increase to the rest of the U.S., the firm estimated that the total cost to electric customers of congestion in 2022 was nearly $21 billion.

“The best way to reduce transmission congestion is to increase transmission capacity. However, very little of transmission spending is on new large-scale, high-voltage transmission lines,” Grid Strategies wrote. “In addition, few U.S. utilities have adopted dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow control or topology optimization (together known as Grid Enhancing Technologies or GETs) to make more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure.”

There was broad consensus at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSA5P_sqah0">seventh meeting last month</a>&nbsp;of FERC’s Joint Federal-State Task Force on Electric Transmission that GETs could yield big cost and reliability benefits for grid operators and electric customers.

“Perhaps the most compelling case to me for these technologies is that right now they can reduce grid congestion allowing our markets to consistently access lower cost power and to respond to real time reliability issues. And that’s particularly important when we’re dealing with extreme weather events,” said Andrew French, a member of the Kansas Corporation Commission who serves on the task force.

So why aren’t these types of technologies more prevalent in the United States?

The biggest reason, grid experts say, is how utilities earn money for grid upgrades and how their performance is measured.

“Utilities are not necessarily directly economically impacted by the inefficient use of transmission infrastructure,” said Darcie Houck, a California utilities commissioner who also serves on the task force, adding that often utilities pass on congestion costs to power generators and customers. “Utilities are financially motivated to build more capital-intensive transmission projects to grow their rate base which they earn a return on. … GETs may defer or negate the need for such capital projects thereby reducing utility revenues.”

Part of the reluctance also stems from a need for grid operators to “validate the technologies on their own system because there are not references publicly available on performance, integration, and deployment,” the Idaho National Laboratory&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://inl.gov/content/uploads/2023/03/A-Guide-to-Case-Studies-for-Grid-Enhancing-Technologies.pdf">wrote in a report</a>&nbsp;last year.

Also creating hesitance is a lack of industry standards and specifications for some of the technologies, as well as potential security concerns, said Andrew Phillips, vice president of transmission and distribution at the Electric Power Research Institute, during the FERC task force meeting.

“When a new technology comes to market, we need a spec to buy to. We need to be confident it’s going to last 30 or 40 years. And that’s a really important thing and often a barrier,” Phillips said, adding that Electric Power Research Institute, a research and development nonprofit, has developed testing for some technologies like advanced conductors and is working on standards for others.

“We need an industry accepted way of evaluating these technologies, incorporating them into our plans and then exercising those plans.”

Yet, despite the past resistance, some see attitudes among utilities changing.

“Ratepayers aren’t going to pay for twice as much grid as we have today so they have to look at other solutions,” said Julia Selker, chief operating officer at Grid Strategies as well as the executive director of the WATT Coalition, which is pushing for broader adoption of GETs. “I see a mindset shift.”

FERC has taken recent steps to get more out of the existing transmission system and push for consideration of new technologies.

In 2021, FERC issued a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ferc.gov/news-events/news/ferc-rule-improve-transmission-line-ratings-will-help-lower-transmission-costs">final rule</a>&nbsp;requiring transmission providers to use “ambient-adjusted ratings” for transmission lines that take into account actual air temperature and other weather conditions, instead of limiting a line’s capacity based on conservative, worst-case assumptions.

The order also opened the door for transmission owners to explore “dynamic line ratings,” a more real-time rating that can account for other factors that might increase line capacity, like wind speed, cloud cover and other conditions.

This summer,&nbsp; PPL Electric, which has about 1.4 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eei.org/en/news/news/all/ppl-electric-utilities-wins-95th-annual-edison-award#:~:text=AUSTIN%2C%20TEXAS%20(June%2012%2C,electric%20power%20industry's%20highest%20honor.">won an industry award</a>&nbsp;for being the first American electric company to install and integrate a dynamic line rating system within its transmission management and market operations. The technology will save its customers’ an estimated<a target="_blank" href="https://insidelines.pjm.com/dynamic-line-rating-activated-by-ppl-electric-utilities/">&nbsp;$23 million per year</a>&nbsp;in congestion costs, the company says.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Unlocking-the-Queue-Study-Summary.pdf">A 2021 report&nbsp;</a>commissioned by the WATT Coalition contends that deploying GETs nationwide would save more $5 billion a year in energy costs, against an upfront investment of $2.7 billion in the first year.

In July,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/28/federal-regulators-approve-new-rules-to-ease-power-connection-backlogs/">as part of its effort</a>&nbsp;to help clear backlogs of new power projects seeking to connect to the grid, FERC also required transmission providers to consider grid-enhancing technologies in their interconnection studies. And another proposed rule could<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/support-for-gets-in-ferc-transmission-planning-nopr/#:~:text=FERC%20Commissioners%2C%20clean%20energy%20industry,(GETs)%20in%20transmission%20planning.">&nbsp;also require</a>&nbsp;their consideration in transmission planning.

“GETs belong in long-term planning,” Selker said. “If you’re not considering GETs than you’re not making the most efficient decisions for customers.”

But there’s been some reluctance among FERC commissioners to mandate any specific technology.

“We need to really listen to the engineers on this,” Commissioner Mark Christie, a former Virginia utility regulator, said. “There’s tremendous benefit if you get it right. There’s not benefit if you don’t.”

In a concurrence filed on the new interconnection rule, Christie acknowledged the vested interest of transmission owners in building “costly new transmission assets” instead of potentially less expensive technologies that could get more out of existing lines. But he also said there was “plenty of rent seeking” as well by companies who sell grid-enhancing technologies and the organizations they fund who stand to profit from any regulation mandating their use.

“Striking the appropriate balance – one that is in the public interest – is a challenge,” Christie said.

But there’s also a role for states. Selker said utility regulators in several states, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mi-psc.force.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/0688y000002tocHAAQ">Michigan</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pucweb1.state.nv.us/PDF/AxImages/DOCKETS_2020_THRU_PRESENT/2022-4/23130.pdf">Nevada</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=be796f06-b783-4772-b31f-7d305b717094">North Carolina</a>, have asked their companies to report on their pursuit of federal funding for grid upgrades. There’s about $14 billion in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-and-transmission-program-conductor-guide">federal funding available</a>&nbsp;to states, tribes and utilities over the next several years for grid-enhancing technologies and other upgrades.

Caitlin Marquis, a managing director at Advanced Energy United, a trade group for clean energy companies, called the FERC requirement that GETs be considered in interconnection a small first step.

“There is a requirement to evaluate these technologies, there is a reporting requirement, but there is a lot left to transmission providers’ discretion. … It’s to be seen whether it results in increased use of GETs,” she said. “GETs is definitely an area where there is state interest and states could definitely be playing a bigger role in ensuring they get considered.”

Several state regulators on the FERC task force took a similar view.

“We need to squeeze every bit of value out of our existing system for the benefit of our ratepayers,” said Kimberly Duffley, a North Carolina utilities commissioner. “One thing state commissions can do is evaluate their existing rules to ensure they’re creating conditions for GETs to be considered where appropriate.”

Marissa Gillett, chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, said it’s up to state and federal regulators to develop shared savings and other programs to push utilities to consider “non-wires” grid solutions, combining “a healthy disincentive with potential incentives.”

“Our ratepayers need us as regulators, whether state or federal level, to define the rules of the road and to insist on a fuller accounting of how an incumbent [utility] lands on a capital intensive solution,” she said. “I do think we need to go beyond the simple instructions that GETs should be considered.“

She noted that utility decisions on what to build aren’t made just on engineering merits in a vacuum.

“We should all trust but verify but also encourage and enforce if necessary,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693234765157.jpeg" alt=" A PPL Electric Utilities employee installs a dynamic line rating sensor onto a transmission line in Pennsylvania from a helicopter. The sensors allow utilities to take into account wind speed, cloud cover and other conditions to determine if a line has more capacity. (Courtesy of PPL Electric Utilities)" />
 <figcaption> A PPL Electric Utilities employee installs a dynamic line rating sensor onto a transmission line in Pennsylvania from a helicopter. The sensors allow utilities to take into account wind speed, cloud cover and other conditions to determine if a line has more capacity. (Courtesy of PPL Electric Utilities)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Zullo<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/federal-state-regulators-prod-utilities-to-consider-technology-for-grid-upgrade/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Of the many challenges confronting the nation’s aging, straining electric grid, the need for a lot of new transmission capacity is among the most pressing, experts and policymakers say.Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy said the nation will need&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/022423-DRAFTNeedsStudyforPublicComment.pdf">thousands of miles</a>&nbsp;of new lines to better link regions to handle extreme weather, reduce costs and connect new renewable energy projects.But building a new interregional transmission line can take a decade or more — chiefly because of siting and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-does-permitting-for-clean-energy-infrastructure-work/">permitting delays</a>, local resistance, planning problems, cost allocation and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47627.pdf">other obstacles.&nbsp;</a>And while Congress has taken some steps on permitting reform (in this<a target="_blank" href="https://www.uschamber.com/energy/permitting-provisions-in-the-recent-debt-ceiling-agreement">&nbsp;summer’s debt limit deal</a>), there’s a suite of technologies that proponents and some state and federal regulators agree could get more out of the existing transmission system right now and potentially reduce the need for new wires.They’re called “grid-enhancing technologies,” or GETs in industry shorthand, and in many cases they’ve been<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/09/16/australian-grid-operator-turns-to-smart-wires-technology-to-unlock-renewables/">&nbsp;embraced elsewhere</a>&nbsp;but have been slower to take root in the United States.“If we don’t squeeze every drop out of the existing system it’s going to be a tough sell as we consider the costs involved in transmission expansion,” said Dan Scripps, chair of Michigan’s utility commission, at a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission task force meeting last month. “And I believe that grid-enhancing technologies can help us do that to maximize the value from the infrastructure that we have today. “<h2>What are GETs?</h2>Grid-enhancing technologies include a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/resources-2/faq/">variety of tools</a>&nbsp;to maximize the ability of the grid to handle the flow of electricity. They include sensors, power-flow devices, software and hardware that can better deliver real-time weather data and other technologies like topology optimization, which can identify the best grid configurations and route power flow around bottlenecks. Think of the electric grid as a road system and grid-enhancing technologies as traffic control devices and variable speed limits that can help alleviate congestion, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/Grid%20Enhancing%20Technologies%20-%20A%20Case%20Study%20on%20Ratepayer%20Impact%20-%20February%202022%20CLEAN%20as%20of%20032322.pdf">Department of Energy paper says</a>.And congestion on the nation’s electric grid is a real problem. Defined broadly, congestion in electric terms means any time physical constraints on the power system prevent the cheapest power from flowing to customers, which, naturally, raises costs.“For example, the flow of power may be restricted by the maximum thermal limit of a transformer or power line conductor,” the Department of Energy says. “Therefore, operators are forced to reroute power through less optimal paths and rely on more expensive power generation, like conventional fossil fuels, while curtailing renewable wind or solar to safely meet the demand of their customers.”<a target="_blank" href="https://gridstrategiesllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GS_Transmission-Congestion-Costs-in-the-U.S.-RTOs1.pdf">A report</a>&nbsp;released in July by Grid Strategies, a consulting firm that works to integrate renewable power into the electric grid, found that congestion costs (after doubling between 2020 and 2021) rose to $12.1 billion in 2022, an increase of 56% from 2021, in regions of the country controlled by six large regional transmission organizations. By extrapolating that increase to the rest of the U.S., the firm estimated that the total cost to electric customers of congestion in 2022 was nearly $21 billion.“The best way to reduce transmission congestion is to increase transmission capacity. However, very little of transmission spending is on new large-scale, high-voltage transmission lines,” Grid Strategies wrote. “In addition, few U.S. utilities have adopted dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow control or topology optimization (together known as Grid Enhancing Technologies or GETs) to make more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure.”<h2>Why adoption of GETs has lagged</h2>There was broad consensus at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSA5P_sqah0">seventh meeting last month</a>&nbsp;of FERC’s Joint Federal-State Task Force on Electric Transmission that GETs could yield big cost and reliability benefits for grid operators and electric customers.“Perhaps the most compelling case to me for these technologies is that right now they can reduce grid congestion allowing our markets to consistently access lower cost power and to respond to real time reliability issues. And that’s particularly important when we’re dealing with extreme weather events,” said Andrew French, a member of the Kansas Corporation Commission who serves on the task force.So why aren’t these types of technologies more prevalent in the United States?The biggest reason, grid experts say, is how utilities earn money for grid upgrades and how their performance is measured.“Utilities are not necessarily directly economically impacted by the inefficient use of transmission infrastructure,” said Darcie Houck, a California utilities commissioner who also serves on the task force, adding that often utilities pass on congestion costs to power generators and customers. “Utilities are financially motivated to build more capital-intensive transmission projects to grow their rate base which they earn a return on. … GETs may defer or negate the need for such capital projects thereby reducing utility revenues.”Part of the reluctance also stems from a need for grid operators to “validate the technologies on their own system because there are not references publicly available on performance, integration, and deployment,” the Idaho National Laboratory&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://inl.gov/content/uploads/2023/03/A-Guide-to-Case-Studies-for-Grid-Enhancing-Technologies.pdf">wrote in a report</a>&nbsp;last year.Also creating hesitance is a lack of industry standards and specifications for some of the technologies, as well as potential security concerns, said Andrew Phillips, vice president of transmission and distribution at the Electric Power Research Institute, during the FERC task force meeting.“When a new technology comes to market, we need a spec to buy to. We need to be confident it’s going to last 30 or 40 years. And that’s a really important thing and often a barrier,” Phillips said, adding that Electric Power Research Institute, a research and development nonprofit, has developed testing for some technologies like advanced conductors and is working on standards for others.“We need an industry accepted way of evaluating these technologies, incorporating them into our plans and then exercising those plans.”Yet, despite the past resistance, some see attitudes among utilities changing.“Ratepayers aren’t going to pay for twice as much grid as we have today so they have to look at other solutions,” said Julia Selker, chief operating officer at Grid Strategies as well as the executive director of the WATT Coalition, which is pushing for broader adoption of GETs. “I see a mindset shift.”<h2>A push from FERC and the states</h2>FERC has taken recent steps to get more out of the existing transmission system and push for consideration of new technologies.In 2021, FERC issued a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ferc.gov/news-events/news/ferc-rule-improve-transmission-line-ratings-will-help-lower-transmission-costs">final rule</a>&nbsp;requiring transmission providers to use “ambient-adjusted ratings” for transmission lines that take into account actual air temperature and other weather conditions, instead of limiting a line’s capacity based on conservative, worst-case assumptions.The order also opened the door for transmission owners to explore “dynamic line ratings,” a more real-time rating that can account for other factors that might increase line capacity, like wind speed, cloud cover and other conditions.This summer,&nbsp; PPL Electric, which has about 1.4 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eei.org/en/news/news/all/ppl-electric-utilities-wins-95th-annual-edison-award#:~:text=AUSTIN%2C%20TEXAS%20(June%2012%2C,electric%20power%20industry's%20highest%20honor.">won an industry award</a>&nbsp;for being the first American electric company to install and integrate a dynamic line rating system within its transmission management and market operations. The technology will save its customers’ an estimated<a target="_blank" href="https://insidelines.pjm.com/dynamic-line-rating-activated-by-ppl-electric-utilities/">&nbsp;$23 million per year</a>&nbsp;in congestion costs, the company says.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Unlocking-the-Queue-Study-Summary.pdf">A 2021 report&nbsp;</a>commissioned by the WATT Coalition contends that deploying GETs nationwide would save more $5 billion a year in energy costs, against an upfront investment of $2.7 billion in the first year.In July,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/28/federal-regulators-approve-new-rules-to-ease-power-connection-backlogs/">as part of its effort</a>&nbsp;to help clear backlogs of new power projects seeking to connect to the grid, FERC also required transmission providers to consider grid-enhancing technologies in their interconnection studies. And another proposed rule could<a target="_blank" href="https://watt-transmission.org/support-for-gets-in-ferc-transmission-planning-nopr/#:~:text=FERC%20Commissioners%2C%20clean%20energy%20industry,(GETs)%20in%20transmission%20planning.">&nbsp;also require</a>&nbsp;their consideration in transmission planning.“GETs belong in long-term planning,” Selker said. “If you’re not considering GETs than you’re not making the most efficient decisions for customers.”But there’s been some reluctance among FERC commissioners to mandate any specific technology.“We need to really listen to the engineers on this,” Commissioner Mark Christie, a former Virginia utility regulator, said. “There’s tremendous benefit if you get it right. There’s not benefit if you don’t.”In a concurrence filed on the new interconnection rule, Christie acknowledged the vested interest of transmission owners in building “costly new transmission assets” instead of potentially less expensive technologies that could get more out of existing lines. But he also said there was “plenty of rent seeking” as well by companies who sell grid-enhancing technologies and the organizations they fund who stand to profit from any regulation mandating their use.“Striking the appropriate balance – one that is in the public interest – is a challenge,” Christie said.But there’s also a role for states. Selker said utility regulators in several states, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mi-psc.force.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/0688y000002tocHAAQ">Michigan</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pucweb1.state.nv.us/PDF/AxImages/DOCKETS_2020_THRU_PRESENT/2022-4/23130.pdf">Nevada</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=be796f06-b783-4772-b31f-7d305b717094">North Carolina</a>, have asked their companies to report on their pursuit of federal funding for grid upgrades. There’s about $14 billion in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-and-transmission-program-conductor-guide">federal funding available</a>&nbsp;to states, tribes and utilities over the next several years for grid-enhancing technologies and other upgrades.Caitlin Marquis, a managing director at Advanced Energy United, a trade group for clean energy companies, called the FERC requirement that GETs be considered in interconnection a small first step.“There is a requirement to evaluate these technologies, there is a reporting requirement, but there is a lot left to transmission providers’ discretion. … It’s to be seen whether it results in increased use of GETs,” she said. “GETs is definitely an area where there is state interest and states could definitely be playing a bigger role in ensuring they get considered.”Several state regulators on the FERC task force took a similar view.“We need to squeeze every bit of value out of our existing system for the benefit of our ratepayers,” said Kimberly Duffley, a North Carolina utilities commissioner. “One thing state commissions can do is evaluate their existing rules to ensure they’re creating conditions for GETs to be considered where appropriate.”Marissa Gillett, chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, said it’s up to state and federal regulators to develop shared savings and other programs to push utilities to consider “non-wires” grid solutions, combining “a healthy disincentive with potential incentives.”“Our ratepayers need us as regulators, whether state or federal level, to define the rules of the road and to insist on a fuller accounting of how an incumbent [utility] lands on a capital intensive solution,” she said. “I do think we need to go beyond the simple instructions that GETs should be considered.“She noted that utility decisions on what to build aren’t made just on engineering merits in a vacuum.“We should all trust but verify but also encourage and enforce if necessary,” she said.

Federal, state regulators prod utilities to consider technology for grid upgrade

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/who-wants-to-be-nebraskas-next-state-treasurer-big-names-interested/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Treasurer John Murante confirmed last week that he intends to leave his elected office to lead the Nebraska Public Employee Retirement Systems.

Speculation about who might replace him as treasurer began within minutes of word that Gov. Jim Pillen would select the replacement for a post that often springboards the holder to higher office. The treasurer is the state’s in-house banker and financial adviser.

The Governor’s Office said Friday evening it will “announce an application process to find a well-qualified new treasurer” once it receives a resignation letter from Murante. Several people with knowledge of the process expect Pillen to act quickly after the treasurer formally resigns.&nbsp;

The office is already hearing from potential applicants, several Nebraskans considering applying told the Nebraska Examiner. Here are some potential candidates, based on our reporting:

* State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, a lawyer who chairs the Legislature’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee.

“I am interested and will be applying,” Slama said.&nbsp;

* State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau of Omaha, a business owner who finished fourth in the 2022 GOP primary race for governor.&nbsp;

“I think I could do the job well,” Thibodeau said.&nbsp;

* State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, a chiropractor who chairs the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.

“I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no,” Hansen said.

* Taylor Royal, Murante’s GOP primary election opponent for treasurer in 2018 and an Omaha financial adviser.

“I’m qualified and considering it,” Royal said.

* Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, a rising local official attributed with helping his city grow. His family owns Moostash Joe Tours.&nbsp;

“I have heard from people about it,” Spellerberg said.

Another name bandied about online but who could not be reached to confirm interest was State Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, a farmer with a business background.

The most common suggestion of potential candidates had no name. A dozen Republicans contacted said some variation of, “There’s probably a guy Pillen knows from Columbus.”

Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb said she did not expect any high-profile members of her party to apply because there is “no chance Pillen would pick one.”

Other people discussed as potential candidates around the Capitol told the Examiner directly or through surrogates that they would not pursue the $85,000-a-year job.

The no-thank-yous include former Treasurer Don Stenberg, former State Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln and former Nebraska State Patrol Col. Tom Nesbitt, who ran for the office in 2010.

The next election for treasurer for whomever Pillen appoints is 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693229790108.jpeg" alt="The Sower atop the Nebraska State Capitol (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Sower atop the Nebraska State Capitol (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/who-wants-to-be-nebraskas-next-state-treasurer-big-names-interested/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State Treasurer John Murante confirmed last week that he intends to leave his elected office to lead the Nebraska Public Employee Retirement Systems.Speculation about who might replace him as treasurer began within minutes of word that Gov. Jim Pillen would select the replacement for a post that often springboards the holder to higher office. The treasurer is the state’s in-house banker and financial adviser.The Governor’s Office said Friday evening it will “announce an application process to find a well-qualified new treasurer” once it receives a resignation letter from Murante. Several people with knowledge of the process expect Pillen to act quickly after the treasurer formally resigns.&nbsp;<h2>Potential candidates</h2>The office is already hearing from potential applicants, several Nebraskans considering applying told the Nebraska Examiner. Here are some potential candidates, based on our reporting:* State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, a lawyer who chairs the Legislature’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee.“I am interested and will be applying,” Slama said.&nbsp;* State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau of Omaha, a business owner who finished fourth in the 2022 GOP primary race for governor.&nbsp;“I think I could do the job well,” Thibodeau said.&nbsp;* State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, a chiropractor who chairs the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.“I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no,” Hansen said.* Taylor Royal, Murante’s GOP primary election opponent for treasurer in 2018 and an Omaha financial adviser.“I’m qualified and considering it,” Royal said.* Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, a rising local official attributed with helping his city grow. His family owns Moostash Joe Tours.&nbsp;“I have heard from people about it,” Spellerberg said.Another name bandied about online but who could not be reached to confirm interest was State Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, a farmer with a business background.The most common suggestion of potential candidates had no name. A dozen Republicans contacted said some variation of, “There’s probably a guy Pillen knows from Columbus.”<h2>Not interested</h2>Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb said she did not expect any high-profile members of her party to apply because there is “no chance Pillen would pick one.”Other people discussed as potential candidates around the Capitol told the Examiner directly or through surrogates that they would not pursue the $85,000-a-year job.The no-thank-yous include former Treasurer Don Stenberg, former State Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln and former Nebraska State Patrol Col. Tom Nesbitt, who ran for the office in 2010.The next election for treasurer for whomever Pillen appoints is 2026.

Who wants to be Nebraska’s next state treasurer? Big names interested

PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.

McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.

“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”

An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."

McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.

Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.

With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.

“If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public,” McCarthy said.

Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impasse-spending-gas-stoves-aba009853861b06937ed4cab042482be">protest McCarthy's leadership</a>.

All sides had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations</a>&nbsp;when Biden and McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;that established topline spending levels. But McCarthy’s GOP majority rejects those amounts.

A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthy's negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said.

“We’re in this discussion together,” he said. “And so we have got to have a stronger hand.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687995753754.png" alt="Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.“If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public,” McCarthy said.Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impasse-spending-gas-stoves-aba009853861b06937ed4cab042482be">protest McCarthy's leadership</a>.All sides had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations</a>&nbsp;when Biden and McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;that established topline spending levels. But McCarthy’s GOP majority rejects those amounts.A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthy's negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said.“We’re in this discussion together,” he said. “And so we have got to have a stronger hand.”___

House Speaker: Impeachment inquiry of President Biden is likely

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that payments to Nebraska cattle producers who have suffered weather-related losses, will be compensated at a higher rate. Gov. Pillen thanked Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for answering his call to boost the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate, in response to his urgent request on behalf of Nebraska cattle producers.

Gov. Pillen contacted Sec. Vilsack in early August when it became apparent that cattlemen would suffer losses due to the combination of high temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement – a trifecta of weather conditions that took its toll on livestock across the state.

“The ag industry is often at the mercy of weather completely outside the control of an individual producer. The extremely hot temperatures and humidity that we have experienced over the past month are a good example of that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Even by doing all they could to protect their animals, producers still experienced some death loss. More work needs to be done, but I commend Sec. Vilsack and his team for understanding our situation in Nebraska and making administrative tweaks to improve program outcomes which will ensure producers are compensated in a timely fashion and at a more appropriate market rate.”

As a result of the adjustment, the LIP payment increased from $1,244 per head to $1,618, an increase of $374 per head. The LIP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). It provides assistance to producers who experience excessive livestock losses, usually due to adverse weather events.&nbsp;

The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather events. Producers who have already received LIP payments for losses this calendar year will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with the updated rate. Details about eligibility and payment rates are available on the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsa.usda.gov%2FAssets%2FUSDA-FSA-Public%2Fusdafiles%2FFactSheets%2F2022%2Ffsa_lip_livestockimdemnityprogram_factsheet_2022.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd4252792924f43174fdd08dba5a8f2b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638285917276276718%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=WowijYiHaaDXmC6qRbnHipKjfPBt52BpEdpsQf4quXA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">LIP fact sheet</a>.

Gov. Pillen continues to urge producers to do their part and report losses to their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. County FSA offices across Nebraska can help determine eligibility for federal assistance for producers who were adversely affected by any extreme weather event in 2023. Losses that occurred within the past month should be reported as soon as possible. A notice of loss is required to be documented and reported to the local FSA within 30 days of the loss becoming apparent.&nbsp;

“While there is no way to get a complete accounting of how many cattle were lost this summer, this rate increase will go a long way toward helping producers recover,” said Gov. Pillen. “At the time this weather event occurred, animals were ready for market, which means they were more valuable. Owners are deserving of a higher rate of compensation.”

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that payments to Nebraska cattle producers who have suffered weather-related losses, will be compensated at a higher rate. Gov. Pillen thanked Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for answering his call to boost the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate, in response to his urgent request on behalf of Nebraska cattle producers.Gov. Pillen contacted Sec. Vilsack in early August when it became apparent that cattlemen would suffer losses due to the combination of high temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement – a trifecta of weather conditions that took its toll on livestock across the state.“The ag industry is often at the mercy of weather completely outside the control of an individual producer. The extremely hot temperatures and humidity that we have experienced over the past month are a good example of that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Even by doing all they could to protect their animals, producers still experienced some death loss. More work needs to be done, but I commend Sec. Vilsack and his team for understanding our situation in Nebraska and making administrative tweaks to improve program outcomes which will ensure producers are compensated in a timely fashion and at a more appropriate market rate.”As a result of the adjustment, the LIP payment increased from $1,244 per head to $1,618, an increase of $374 per head. The LIP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). It provides assistance to producers who experience excessive livestock losses, usually due to adverse weather events.&nbsp;The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather events. Producers who have already received LIP payments for losses this calendar year will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with the updated rate. Details about eligibility and payment rates are available on the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsa.usda.gov%2FAssets%2FUSDA-FSA-Public%2Fusdafiles%2FFactSheets%2F2022%2Ffsa_lip_livestockimdemnityprogram_factsheet_2022.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd4252792924f43174fdd08dba5a8f2b8%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C638285917276276718%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=WowijYiHaaDXmC6qRbnHipKjfPBt52BpEdpsQf4quXA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">LIP fact sheet</a>.Gov. Pillen continues to urge producers to do their part and report losses to their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. County FSA offices across Nebraska can help determine eligibility for federal assistance for producers who were adversely affected by any extreme weather event in 2023. Losses that occurred within the past month should be reported as soon as possible. A notice of loss is required to be documented and reported to the local FSA within 30 days of the loss becoming apparent.&nbsp;“While there is no way to get a complete accounting of how many cattle were lost this summer, this rate increase will go a long way toward helping producers recover,” said Gov. Pillen. “At the time this weather event occurred, animals were ready for market, which means they were more valuable. Owners are deserving of a higher rate of compensation.”

USDA Answers Gov. Pillen’s Call to Boost Producer LIP Payment Rate

BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;

The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;

The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;

"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."

Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;

He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;

During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;

"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."

That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;

He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;

Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.

Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;

The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;

"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;

"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."

&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693011275570.png" alt="An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler" />
 <figcaption>An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

U.S. will train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, ground crews

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that 61 soldiers deployed to the southern border will return to Nebraska on Friday, Sept. 1. Members of the Nebraska Army National Guard have been in Texas since Aug. 2. Gov. Pillen joined Adjutant General Craig Strong for an in-person visit with the troops on Aug. 21.

“I know they will be happy to be reunited with their families,” said Gov. Pillen. “Every member has represented Nebraska well during this tour of duty. I appreciate their commitment to carrying the work necessary to support Operation Lone Star.”

Gov. Pillen called his trip to the U.S.- Mexico border on Monday “eye-opening.” Upon arrival in Del Rio, TX, he met with National Guard troops at Base Camp Alpha. Bags of Pipeline Jerky brought to Texas by Gov. Pillen were well-received by the soldiers.&nbsp;

“I am proud of our soldiers. They took on this deployment with a positive attitude and a desire to perform at the highest level,” said Adjutant General Strong. “For many, it affirms the reason why they wanted to join the Guard – to make a difference for their country.”

Gov. Pillen traveled to Eagle Pass, TX where he joined Republican governors Greg Abbott (TX), Kristi Noem (SD), Kim Reynolds (IA) and Kevin Stitt (OK) for a series of border security briefings from Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Texas Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks.

“It is becoming even more evident that President Biden and the Federal Government are not interested in addressing the growing issues at the border,” said Gov. Pillen. “The number of criminals arrested is going up every day. Illegal drug seizures are increasing.&nbsp; We even saw video that clearly demonstrates the difficulties that law enforcement, border agents and troops are having in stemming the tide of drug cartel members entering this country.”

The group briefing was followed by a personal helicopter tour for each governor, which included a flyover of the border, including the Rio Grande River.

“During the ground briefing we were alerted to the fact that children are being used by the cartels to bring drugs into the U.S.,” said Gov. Pillen. “Based on what I witnessed, that is not an exaggeration. That is part of what makes this a dire humanitarian crisis.”&nbsp;

Nebraska is one of 14 states sending troops and other resources to support Operation Lone Star. The other states are&nbsp;Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas.

“We are border states in that when problems are not stopped at the border, they become issues for other states to manage, even Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “For example, 426 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized, enough to kill every individual in this country, including our kids. Imagine how many drugs have slipped through the cracks including fentanyl, methamphetamine and more. This is quite literally where we need to draw the line.”

In May, Texas Gov. Abbott sent letters to the nation’s governors requesting assistance following President Biden’s decision to end Title 42.

“I hope other states will recognize the urgency of this situation and will act accordingly to support Texas,” said Gov. Pillen.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen announced that 61 soldiers deployed to the southern border will return to Nebraska on Friday, Sept. 1. Members of the Nebraska Army National Guard have been in Texas since Aug. 2. Gov. Pillen joined Adjutant General Craig Strong for an in-person visit with the troops on Aug. 21.“I know they will be happy to be reunited with their families,” said Gov. Pillen. “Every member has represented Nebraska well during this tour of duty. I appreciate their commitment to carrying the work necessary to support Operation Lone Star.”Gov. Pillen called his trip to the U.S.- Mexico border on Monday “eye-opening.” Upon arrival in Del Rio, TX, he met with National Guard troops at Base Camp Alpha. Bags of Pipeline Jerky brought to Texas by Gov. Pillen were well-received by the soldiers.&nbsp;“I am proud of our soldiers. They took on this deployment with a positive attitude and a desire to perform at the highest level,” said Adjutant General Strong. “For many, it affirms the reason why they wanted to join the Guard – to make a difference for their country.”Gov. Pillen traveled to Eagle Pass, TX where he joined Republican governors Greg Abbott (TX), Kristi Noem (SD), Kim Reynolds (IA) and Kevin Stitt (OK) for a series of border security briefings from Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Texas Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks.“It is becoming even more evident that President Biden and the Federal Government are not interested in addressing the growing issues at the border,” said Gov. Pillen. “The number of criminals arrested is going up every day. Illegal drug seizures are increasing.&nbsp; We even saw video that clearly demonstrates the difficulties that law enforcement, border agents and troops are having in stemming the tide of drug cartel members entering this country.”The group briefing was followed by a personal helicopter tour for each governor, which included a flyover of the border, including the Rio Grande River.“During the ground briefing we were alerted to the fact that children are being used by the cartels to bring drugs into the U.S.,” said Gov. Pillen. “Based on what I witnessed, that is not an exaggeration. That is part of what makes this a dire humanitarian crisis.”&nbsp;Nebraska is one of 14 states sending troops and other resources to support Operation Lone Star. The other states are&nbsp;Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas.“We are border states in that when problems are not stopped at the border, they become issues for other states to manage, even Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “For example, 426 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized, enough to kill every individual in this country, including our kids. Imagine how many drugs have slipped through the cracks including fentanyl, methamphetamine and more. This is quite literally where we need to draw the line.”In May, Texas Gov. Abbott sent letters to the nation’s governors requesting assistance following President Biden’s decision to end Title 42.“I hope other states will recognize the urgency of this situation and will act accordingly to support Texas,” said Gov. Pillen.

Gov. Pillen Announces Return Date of Deployed Soldiers & Summarizes Visit to Border

By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Almost two months after workplace accommodations for pregnant workers became law, the rules surrounding what employers can and cannot do have yet to be finalized — but that doesn’t mean the protections are not in place.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations are expected to offer more clarity once finalized, but workers can still access their rights under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and employers are still required to understand the law and follow it.

Here’s what you need to know about why workers say the law was needed, what workers’ rights are under the law and employers’ obligations to employees.

Other federal laws cover the rights of pregnant workers but advocates have long argued that many of them are too narrow to address the situations pregnant workers face when they seek accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act, for instance, does not consider pregnancy to be a disability but pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, do qualify. Under the ADA, a pregnant worker can’t seek out an accommodation in the hope of preventing dangerous pregnancy-related complications.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed in 1978, prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees, but it’s difficult in practice for workers to receive accommodations under the law, because it requires finding another worker who received accommodations like the ones they’re seeking. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process because workers may not be aware of what kinds of accommodations their coworkers are seeking or may not have access to this information in the way their employer does.

Despite those laws,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/bpc-morning-consult-pregnancy-discrimination/">23%</a>&nbsp;of mothers said in a survey last year that they had weighed whether or not to leave their job because their workplace lacked reasonable accommodations or they were worried about pregnancy discrimination.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which passed in December, has been in the works for a decade.&nbsp;In the intervening years, states began taking their own action. As of April, 30 states — including Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, and Tennessee — as well as the District of Columbia, and four localities, had similar laws to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, some of which may offer stronger protections in certain situations than the PWFA,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">according to</a>&nbsp;A Better Balance, a worker advocacy nonprofit. Twenty states did not have state protections like these at the time of its state analysis, including Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The nonprofit has a comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">list</a>&nbsp;of state policies on pregnant workers’ rights.

Congress and federal agencies, employment agencies, labor organizations, private employers with 15 or more workers, and state and local governments with 15 or more workers are subject to the law, according to the EEOC.

While the rules haven’t been finalized, if you think your rights have been violated, you can already take action. On June 27, the EEOC began allowing workers to file charges under the law for violations that occurred on that day or later. Workers need to take this step before they can file a lawsuit against their employer. The law protects employees and job applicants who need accommodations because of pregnancy, childbirth, or conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, pregnant workers should be able to make requests for reasonable accommodations, such as closer parking, uniforms in their size, and additional rest time.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is similar in many ways to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It does not require an employer to provide an accommodation if doing so would bring it “undue hardship,” or in other words, it would come at great difficulty or expense to the employer.

But the law is also a bit different than the ADA. Unlike the ADA, where the employee has to be able to do the essential functions of their job or they no longer qualify for accommodations, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act says that workers do not always have to be able to perform an essential function temporarily because of their pregnancy. It is expected that they will be able to resume those duties in the near future.

The EEOC’s proposed rules define the “near future,” or when workers will be able to perform essential functions of their job after being temporarily unable to do so, as generally going up to 40 weeks. This does not mean workers will always have 40 weeks but that needing 40 weeks doesn’t disqualify an employee for the accommodations. The regulations also say that if there are multiple options for effective accommodations, the employer should favor the worker’s preferred accommodation.

Liz Morris, deputy director for the Center for WorkLife Law, said applicants and new employees who want to work remotely because of their pregnancy will also be covered in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Applicants can request accommodations during the hiring process itself, such as making modifications to a physical test. If a pregnant applicant anticipates that they will need adjustments from an employer because of their pregnancy, the applicant can agree to a general policy without accommodations and then request them once they are employed.

The EEOC regulations also get into detail about pregnancy-related medical conditions that apply to workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, A Better Balance Vice President Elizabeth Gedmark said.

“…&nbsp;The proposed rule discusses pregnancy-related issues ranging from preterm labor to anxiety and depression while also making clear that limitations can also be ‘modest, minor, and/or episodic,’” she told States Newsroom over email.

Lactation, potential pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility and fertility treatments, and having an abortion are also listed in the regulation. An employee who needs to take leave because of a limitation due to a condition related to pregnancy and childbirth should qualify for that leave under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, according to the proposed rules. The EEOC gives miscarriage and childbirth as examples of reasons for workers to take different forms of leave. The same definition of “near future” also applies. I

A Better Balance provides&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/sample-letters-to-give-to-your-employer-about-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act/">sample letters</a>&nbsp;for employees to use when requesting work accommodations related to pregnancy.

The rules are going through a public comment period through Oct. 10, and Victor Chen, director of communications at the EEOC, told States Newsroom that employers are not required to follow the proposed rules just yet. But he added that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act itself provides direction for employers. He suggested employers read the EEOC’s list of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act">commonly asked questions</a>&nbsp;and listen to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxYyTlXetE">webinar</a>. He said the EEOC “will move as quickly as possible to finalize the regulation” after the comment period closes.

Morris said that although the regulations aren’t set in stone, “If I were an employer, I would certainly follow them for now, as they are an excellent indication of how the law will ultimately be interpreted.”

The rules specify that employers can’t deny work to an applicant or employee because of their need for an accommodation, make a decision for a pregnant worker without any discussion on which accommodation they will receive or force them to go on leave if there is an accommodation they could take to continue working. They also can’t retaliate against workers for advocating for themselves under the law and reporting discrimination nor can they try to stop workers from enjoying their legal protections.

Michael Fallings, the managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Austin office, who specializes in federal employment law, said he thinks it will be useful for employers to have more information on how to fairly treat pregnant workers seeking reasonable accommodations.

“I think it could be helpful for employers because I think some employers are in fear of litigation at times and now that you have a law in place that says what you can or cannot do, it provides some basis for the employers,” he said.

Morris said that employers should keep in mind that they need to swiftly provide accommodations and if they can’t, they should think about interim accommodations. The proposed EEOC regulations explain that an “unnecessary delay” could result in a violation of the law.

The future of the law and its regulations

The law’s regulations may be tweaked during the rulemaking process and could be eventually challenged in the courts. The Alliance Defending Freedom, which has been involved in numerous lawsuits challenging abortion rights,&nbsp; called the proposed regulations&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adflegal.org/press-release/biden-admin-hijacks-pregnant-workers-law-impose-illegal-abortion-mandate">“federal overreach.”</a>&nbsp;The ADF, a legal advocacy group, has argued that the administration doesn’t have the legal authority to include abortion in its implementation. Morris said that accommodations related to abortion are reasonable to include because the EEOC has always defined pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions in the courts as including abortion.

Organizations that supported or opposed the law will also have the opportunity to suggest changes to the regulations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocated for the passage of the law and will provide a public comment on parts of the rule that could be changed, the group told States Newsroom, but declined to elaborate on what should be revised.

Morris said her organization also plans to submit a public comment on the proposed EEOC regulations. She wants to see some revisions on the issue of medical certification to make it even easier for employees to receive accommodations.

“A shocking number of people don’t receive prenatal care because they don’t have access to it either because of financial barriers or because they live in a remote area where it’s difficult to travel to, to receive prenatal care,” she said.

By CASEY QUINLAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Almost two months after workplace accommodations for pregnant workers became law, the rules surrounding what employers can and cannot do have yet to be finalized — but that doesn’t mean the protections are not in place.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations are expected to offer more clarity once finalized, but workers can still access their rights under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and employers are still required to understand the law and follow it.Here’s what you need to know about why workers say the law was needed, what workers’ rights are under the law and employers’ obligations to employees.<h2>Why the law was needed</h2>Other federal laws cover the rights of pregnant workers but advocates have long argued that many of them are too narrow to address the situations pregnant workers face when they seek accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act, for instance, does not consider pregnancy to be a disability but pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, do qualify. Under the ADA, a pregnant worker can’t seek out an accommodation in the hope of preventing dangerous pregnancy-related complications.The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed in 1978, prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees, but it’s difficult in practice for workers to receive accommodations under the law, because it requires finding another worker who received accommodations like the ones they’re seeking. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process because workers may not be aware of what kinds of accommodations their coworkers are seeking or may not have access to this information in the way their employer does.Despite those laws,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/bpc-morning-consult-pregnancy-discrimination/">23%</a>&nbsp;of mothers said in a survey last year that they had weighed whether or not to leave their job because their workplace lacked reasonable accommodations or they were worried about pregnancy discrimination.The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which passed in December, has been in the works for a decade.&nbsp;In the intervening years, states began taking their own action. As of April, 30 states — including Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, and Tennessee — as well as the District of Columbia, and four localities, had similar laws to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, some of which may offer stronger protections in certain situations than the PWFA,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">according to</a>&nbsp;A Better Balance, a worker advocacy nonprofit. Twenty states did not have state protections like these at the time of its state analysis, including Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The nonprofit has a comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pregnant-worker-fairness-legislative-successes/">list</a>&nbsp;of state policies on pregnant workers’ rights.<h2>What your employee rights are</h2>Congress and federal agencies, employment agencies, labor organizations, private employers with 15 or more workers, and state and local governments with 15 or more workers are subject to the law, according to the EEOC.While the rules haven’t been finalized, if you think your rights have been violated, you can already take action. On June 27, the EEOC began allowing workers to file charges under the law for violations that occurred on that day or later. Workers need to take this step before they can file a lawsuit against their employer. The law protects employees and job applicants who need accommodations because of pregnancy, childbirth, or conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, pregnant workers should be able to make requests for reasonable accommodations, such as closer parking, uniforms in their size, and additional rest time.The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is similar in many ways to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It does not require an employer to provide an accommodation if doing so would bring it “undue hardship,” or in other words, it would come at great difficulty or expense to the employer.But the law is also a bit different than the ADA. Unlike the ADA, where the employee has to be able to do the essential functions of their job or they no longer qualify for accommodations, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act says that workers do not always have to be able to perform an essential function temporarily because of their pregnancy. It is expected that they will be able to resume those duties in the near future.The EEOC’s proposed rules define the “near future,” or when workers will be able to perform essential functions of their job after being temporarily unable to do so, as generally going up to 40 weeks. This does not mean workers will always have 40 weeks but that needing 40 weeks doesn’t disqualify an employee for the accommodations. The regulations also say that if there are multiple options for effective accommodations, the employer should favor the worker’s preferred accommodation.Liz Morris, deputy director for the Center for WorkLife Law, said applicants and new employees who want to work remotely because of their pregnancy will also be covered in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Applicants can request accommodations during the hiring process itself, such as making modifications to a physical test. If a pregnant applicant anticipates that they will need adjustments from an employer because of their pregnancy, the applicant can agree to a general policy without accommodations and then request them once they are employed.The EEOC regulations also get into detail about pregnancy-related medical conditions that apply to workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, A Better Balance Vice President Elizabeth Gedmark said.“…&nbsp;The proposed rule discusses pregnancy-related issues ranging from preterm labor to anxiety and depression while also making clear that limitations can also be ‘modest, minor, and/or episodic,’” she told States Newsroom over email.Lactation, potential pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility and fertility treatments, and having an abortion are also listed in the regulation. An employee who needs to take leave because of a limitation due to a condition related to pregnancy and childbirth should qualify for that leave under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, according to the proposed rules. The EEOC gives miscarriage and childbirth as examples of reasons for workers to take different forms of leave. The same definition of “near future” also applies. IA Better Balance provides&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/sample-letters-to-give-to-your-employer-about-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act/">sample letters</a>&nbsp;for employees to use when requesting work accommodations related to pregnancy.<h2>What employers need to know</h2>The rules are going through a public comment period through Oct. 10, and Victor Chen, director of communications at the EEOC, told States Newsroom that employers are not required to follow the proposed rules just yet. But he added that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act itself provides direction for employers. He suggested employers read the EEOC’s list of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act">commonly asked questions</a>&nbsp;and listen to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftxYyTlXetE">webinar</a>. He said the EEOC “will move as quickly as possible to finalize the regulation” after the comment period closes.Morris said that although the regulations aren’t set in stone, “If I were an employer, I would certainly follow them for now, as they are an excellent indication of how the law will ultimately be interpreted.”The rules specify that employers can’t deny work to an applicant or employee because of their need for an accommodation, make a decision for a pregnant worker without any discussion on which accommodation they will receive or force them to go on leave if there is an accommodation they could take to continue working. They also can’t retaliate against workers for advocating for themselves under the law and reporting discrimination nor can they try to stop workers from enjoying their legal protections.Michael Fallings, the managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Austin office, who specializes in federal employment law, said he thinks it will be useful for employers to have more information on how to fairly treat pregnant workers seeking reasonable accommodations.“I think it could be helpful for employers because I think some employers are in fear of litigation at times and now that you have a law in place that says what you can or cannot do, it provides some basis for the employers,” he said.Morris said that employers should keep in mind that they need to swiftly provide accommodations and if they can’t, they should think about interim accommodations. The proposed EEOC regulations explain that an “unnecessary delay” could result in a violation of the law.<h2>The future of the law and its regulations</h2>The law’s regulations may be tweaked during the rulemaking process and could be eventually challenged in the courts. The Alliance Defending Freedom, which has been involved in numerous lawsuits challenging abortion rights,&nbsp; called the proposed regulations&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://adflegal.org/press-release/biden-admin-hijacks-pregnant-workers-law-impose-illegal-abortion-mandate">“federal overreach.”</a>&nbsp;The ADF, a legal advocacy group, has argued that the administration doesn’t have the legal authority to include abortion in its implementation. Morris said that accommodations related to abortion are reasonable to include because the EEOC has always defined pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions in the courts as including abortion.Organizations that supported or opposed the law will also have the opportunity to suggest changes to the regulations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocated for the passage of the law and will provide a public comment on parts of the rule that could be changed, the group told States Newsroom, but declined to elaborate on what should be revised.Morris said her organization also plans to submit a public comment on the proposed EEOC regulations. She wants to see some revisions on the issue of medical certification to make it even easier for employees to receive accommodations.“A shocking number of people don’t receive prenatal care because they don’t have access to it either because of financial barriers or because they live in a remote area where it’s difficult to travel to, to receive prenatal care,” she said.

Pregnant workers have new protections. Here’s what to expect

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-focused-on-picking-search-firm-and-committee-helping-find-next-president/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents met in closed session Friday and sketched out a process for regrouping after this week’s unexpected announcement that NU President Ted Carter is leaving to lead The Ohio State University.&nbsp;

NU Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare said the board mapped the “first few steps” toward finding a replacement for Carter. Carter was known as a respected academic administrator who built strong relationships with conservatives and liberals alike.

“We talked about engaging the search,” Clare said. “We’re going to start right away on the search.”

For now, that involves NU requesting interest from search firms willing to help identify potential candidates to lead NU’s four campuses. Clare said the board would likely hire the search firm during its next meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.

The second step involves finding people willing to serve on a search advisory committee for the next NU president. The regents are accepting nomination emails at presidentsearch@nebraska.edu&nbsp;until the close of business Sept. 6.&nbsp;

Clare, in an emailed message Friday to NU students, faculty and stakeholders, said the group hopes to review search committee nominations in September. The goal: a committee that represent a broad swath of university constituencies and the communities NU serves.

“We’re going to be methodical,” he said. “We’re not going to rush this.”

Carter,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/22/nebraskas-ted-carter-expected-to-be-next-president-at-ohio-state/">hired Tuesday to be Ohio State’s 17th president</a>&nbsp;beginning in January, has said he intends to serve the remainder of the calendar year at NU. Clare said the board did not discuss any date changes for Carter’s service. He will have served four years in the role by year’s end.

The regents’ focus is on attracting a top candidate to lead NU through the university’s five-point plan to move toward a “vision of excellence.” He also wants someone who understands the “great leadership” in NU athletics.

“I see us attracting some really outstanding people,” Clare said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693128455827.jpeg" alt=" The University of Nebraska’s Varner Hall is where the NU Board of Regents meets and where the NU president has an office. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The University of Nebraska’s Varner Hall is where the NU Board of Regents meets and where the NU president has an office. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-focused-on-picking-search-firm-and-committee-helping-find-next-president/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents met in closed session Friday and sketched out a process for regrouping after this week’s unexpected announcement that NU President Ted Carter is leaving to lead The Ohio State University.&nbsp;NU Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare said the board mapped the “first few steps” toward finding a replacement for Carter. Carter was known as a respected academic administrator who built strong relationships with conservatives and liberals alike.“We talked about engaging the search,” Clare said. “We’re going to start right away on the search.”<h2>Choosing a search firm</h2>For now, that involves NU requesting interest from search firms willing to help identify potential candidates to lead NU’s four campuses. Clare said the board would likely hire the search firm during its next meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.The second step involves finding people willing to serve on a search advisory committee for the next NU president. The regents are accepting nomination emails at presidentsearch@nebraska.edu&nbsp;until the close of business Sept. 6.&nbsp;<h2>‘Methodical’ process</h2>Clare, in an emailed message Friday to NU students, faculty and stakeholders, said the group hopes to review search committee nominations in September. The goal: a committee that represent a broad swath of university constituencies and the communities NU serves.“We’re going to be methodical,” he said. “We’re not going to rush this.”Carter,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/22/nebraskas-ted-carter-expected-to-be-next-president-at-ohio-state/">hired Tuesday to be Ohio State’s 17th president</a>&nbsp;beginning in January, has said he intends to serve the remainder of the calendar year at NU. Clare said the board did not discuss any date changes for Carter’s service. He will have served four years in the role by year’s end.The regents’ focus is on attracting a top candidate to lead NU through the university’s five-point plan to move toward a “vision of excellence.” He also wants someone who understands the “great leadership” in NU athletics.“I see us attracting some really outstanding people,” Clare said.

NU focused on picking search firm and committee helping find next president

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen hosted 24 Nebraska service members, dozens of family members and representatives of numerous support groups at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Lincoln. The annual Welcome Home Picnic was co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. The event is for veterans who discharged in the previous year.

“It’s a privilege to continue this tradition of welcoming our service members home to Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “What better way to showcase the Good Life and thank these men and women for their service than a good, old-fashioned get-together. Meeting with them, talking to their families, and hearing about their plans now that they’re out of the service, was very special.”

More than 130 people were on hand for the celebration on Thursday, Aug. 24. The event included food, games and the presentation of keepsake Welcome Home challenge coins. Also attending were 24 exhibitors from veteran service organizations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health and benefit programs, state of Nebraska recruitment, and more. The NDVA State Service Office was on hand to assist veterans interested in learning about services and filing claims for benefits.

“NDVA is here to assist our state’s veterans in their transition out of the service and back to civilian life,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “We look forward to this event each year and getting to connect with Nebraska’s newest veterans and their families to recognize them and connect them with the local, state, and federal resources they’ve earned.”

Nebraska’s Welcome Home Picnic has been taking place since 2016. Traditionally held in the backyard of the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln, this year’s event was moved indoors due to excessive heat.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen hosted 24 Nebraska service members, dozens of family members and representatives of numerous support groups at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Lincoln. The annual Welcome Home Picnic was co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) and sponsored by Walmart. The event is for veterans who discharged in the previous year.“It’s a privilege to continue this tradition of welcoming our service members home to Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “What better way to showcase the Good Life and thank these men and women for their service than a good, old-fashioned get-together. Meeting with them, talking to their families, and hearing about their plans now that they’re out of the service, was very special.”More than 130 people were on hand for the celebration on Thursday, Aug. 24. The event included food, games and the presentation of keepsake Welcome Home challenge coins. Also attending were 24 exhibitors from veteran service organizations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health and benefit programs, state of Nebraska recruitment, and more. The NDVA State Service Office was on hand to assist veterans interested in learning about services and filing claims for benefits.“NDVA is here to assist our state’s veterans in their transition out of the service and back to civilian life,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “We look forward to this event each year and getting to connect with Nebraska’s newest veterans and their families to recognize them and connect them with the local, state, and federal resources they’ve earned.”Nebraska’s Welcome Home Picnic has been taking place since 2016. Traditionally held in the backyard of the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln, this year’s event was moved indoors due to excessive heat.

Gov. Pillen Hosts Veterans and Families at Annual Welcome Home Picnic

The back-to-school season has arrived, and families across the country are busy with all the anticipation, activities, and new learning opportunities that come with it. However, on a wide range of issues – from the cost of supplies to lagging student proficiencies – many Americans are facing unprecedented hardships resulting from the anti-growth, anti-parent policies of the Biden administration.

Inflation is still hitting households hard. According to estimates from the National Retail Federation, average households will have to spend $100 more on back-to-school necessities than they did in 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index shows the cost of pens, markers, and mechanical pencils is up 13 percent from 2019. Additionally, NielsenIQ data shows binders and folders cost 48.5 percent more than last year, and crayons and highlighters are up 18.5 percent.

The Biden administration’s record on consumer costs is disappointing to say the least, and its failures to support parents and students are glaring. Under President Biden, the reopening of schools after devastating COVID closures was slow-walked, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowed teachers unions – not science – to dictate CDC COVID guidance. We’re now seeing a disturbing trend of learning lagging well behind.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the nation’s report card, test results for elementary schools have dropped by 5 points in reading and 7 points in mathematics compared to 2020. This is the worst score decline in reading in three decades, and the first ever score decline in math. Just 33 and 36 percent of fourth graders are proficient in reading and math, respectively. Sadly, proficiency for eighth graders is worse, with just 31 percent having reading proficiency and 26 percent having math proficiency.

To make matters worse, President Biden recently downplayed the role of parents in their child’s education, saying “There’s no such thing as someone else’s child.” After the Department of Justice villainized parental involvement at school board meetings in 2021, it is clear we need to stand up for the rights of parents. No one cares more about the development and success of their children than parents, and parents should have the ultimate decision-making power when it comes to what is best for their children.

This is why House Republicans have passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5), a bill to assert the rights of parents to know what is being taught in schools, be heard by school administrators, see school budgets, protect their child’s privacy, and be updated on any violent activity at school. This is commonsense, but the Senate has refused to bring H.R. 5 to the floor for a vote. The House passed H.R. 5 in March of this year, and the Senate has had more than enough time to act. It’s time for President Biden to acknowledge the rights of parents to be involved in the education of their own children.

I have also introduced legislation, the Educational Choice for Children Act (H.R. 531), which would expand families' access to high-quality education. Every child deserves a chance to succeed no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. H.R. 531 would create a pool of annual tax credits for private, non-profit scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs. These SGOs would then allocate one-for-one tax credits to donor families and businesses and grant scholarships to families. The scholarships could be used to pay for traditional tuition costs as well as tutoring, supplies, and other needs for families in rural areas where their local district cannot fully meet their needs and where traditional school options don’t exist.

With a strong tradition in education and outstanding public school system, Nebraska’s schools excel in working with parents to serve students. Despite the challenges caused by the Biden administration’s failing policies, Americans will come together to unleash the promise of young Americans. House Republicans are working hard to expand opportunity and growth, and we won’t stop fighting for families and a brighter future for our young people.

Adrian SmithThe back-to-school season has arrived, and families across the country are busy with all the anticipation, activities, and new learning opportunities that come with it. However, on a wide range of issues – from the cost of supplies to lagging student proficiencies – many Americans are facing unprecedented hardships resulting from the anti-growth, anti-parent policies of the Biden administration.Inflation is still hitting households hard. According to estimates from the National Retail Federation, average households will have to spend $100 more on back-to-school necessities than they did in 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index shows the cost of pens, markers, and mechanical pencils is up 13 percent from 2019. Additionally, NielsenIQ data shows binders and folders cost 48.5 percent more than last year, and crayons and highlighters are up 18.5 percent.The Biden administration’s record on consumer costs is disappointing to say the least, and its failures to support parents and students are glaring. Under President Biden, the reopening of schools after devastating COVID closures was slow-walked, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowed teachers unions – not science – to dictate CDC COVID guidance. We’re now seeing a disturbing trend of learning lagging well behind.According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the nation’s report card, test results for elementary schools have dropped by 5 points in reading and 7 points in mathematics compared to 2020. This is the worst score decline in reading in three decades, and the first ever score decline in math. Just 33 and 36 percent of fourth graders are proficient in reading and math, respectively. Sadly, proficiency for eighth graders is worse, with just 31 percent having reading proficiency and 26 percent having math proficiency.To make matters worse, President Biden recently downplayed the role of parents in their child’s education, saying “There’s no such thing as someone else’s child.” After the Department of Justice villainized parental involvement at school board meetings in 2021, it is clear we need to stand up for the rights of parents. No one cares more about the development and success of their children than parents, and parents should have the ultimate decision-making power when it comes to what is best for their children.This is why House Republicans have passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5), a bill to assert the rights of parents to know what is being taught in schools, be heard by school administrators, see school budgets, protect their child’s privacy, and be updated on any violent activity at school. This is commonsense, but the Senate has refused to bring H.R. 5 to the floor for a vote. The House passed H.R. 5 in March of this year, and the Senate has had more than enough time to act. It’s time for President Biden to acknowledge the rights of parents to be involved in the education of their own children.I have also introduced legislation, the Educational Choice for Children Act (H.R. 531), which would expand families' access to high-quality education. Every child deserves a chance to succeed no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. H.R. 531 would create a pool of annual tax credits for private, non-profit scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs. These SGOs would then allocate one-for-one tax credits to donor families and businesses and grant scholarships to families. The scholarships could be used to pay for traditional tuition costs as well as tutoring, supplies, and other needs for families in rural areas where their local district cannot fully meet their needs and where traditional school options don’t exist.With a strong tradition in education and outstanding public school system, Nebraska’s schools excel in working with parents to serve students. Despite the challenges caused by the Biden administration’s failing policies, Americans will come together to unleash the promise of young Americans. House Republicans are working hard to expand opportunity and growth, and we won’t stop fighting for families and a brighter future for our young people.

Back to School

LINCOLN, NE-&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen announced the reorganization and wind down of the state’s Center of Operational Excellence (COE), and a transition to a transformative systems-scale approach for reducing the size and cost of state government.

“I’ve challenged our entire team to drive breakthrough change,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are going to accelerate our progress to reduce waste in government, improve services, and save taxpayer money.”

The COE, created in 2016 as an&nbsp;expansion of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), was intended to provide continuous improvement recommendations to state agencies regarding individual government processes. With the COE having achieved its mission, the Governor will build on its work by shifting the state’s focus to reducing costs on a broader, agency-wide scale.

“The COE fulfilled its purpose of training leaders throughout state government on process improvement principles and imbuing the organization with a culture receptive to continuous improvement,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is now time to focus on breakthrough change.”

Of the 26 COE-designated&nbsp;public servants across state government, several will be moved into the Governor’s Budget Division where they will assist in integrating operational efficiencies into the state’s budget and ongoing fiscal management processes. Most of the remainder will be invited to apply for vacant positions elsewhere in government and given priority consideration for those positions.

Gov. Pillen expressed his gratitude to all those responsible for designing the COE and implementing its work. He said looks forward to building on COE’s legacy by delivering even more significant government cost reductions.

LINCOLN, NE-&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen announced the reorganization and wind down of the state’s Center of Operational Excellence (COE), and a transition to a transformative systems-scale approach for reducing the size and cost of state government.“I’ve challenged our entire team to drive breakthrough change,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are going to accelerate our progress to reduce waste in government, improve services, and save taxpayer money.”The COE, created in 2016 as an&nbsp;expansion of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), was intended to provide continuous improvement recommendations to state agencies regarding individual government processes. With the COE having achieved its mission, the Governor will build on its work by shifting the state’s focus to reducing costs on a broader, agency-wide scale.“The COE fulfilled its purpose of training leaders throughout state government on process improvement principles and imbuing the organization with a culture receptive to continuous improvement,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is now time to focus on breakthrough change.”Of the 26 COE-designated&nbsp;public servants across state government, several will be moved into the Governor’s Budget Division where they will assist in integrating operational efficiencies into the state’s budget and ongoing fiscal management processes. Most of the remainder will be invited to apply for vacant positions elsewhere in government and given priority consideration for those positions.Gov. Pillen expressed his gratitude to all those responsible for designing the COE and implementing its work. He said looks forward to building on COE’s legacy by delivering even more significant government cost reductions.

Governor Pillen Announces Wind Down of Operational Excellence Division

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands converged Saturday on the National Mall for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-on-washington-mlk-dream-speech-sharpton-062039daf026d65cbbae914456ba0543">60th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, saying a country that remains riven by racial inequality has yet to fulfill his dream.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?529724-1/60th-anniversary-march-washington">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the festivities

“We have made progress, over the last 60 years, since Dr. King led the March on Washington," said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693097195088.png" alt="After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands converged Saturday on the National Mall for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-on-washington-mlk-dream-speech-sharpton-062039daf026d65cbbae914456ba0543">60th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, saying a country that remains riven by racial inequality has yet to fulfill his dream.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?529724-1/60th-anniversary-march-washington">Click here to watch </a>a replay of the festivities“We have made progress, over the last 60 years, since Dr. King led the March on Washington," said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot."The event was convened by the Kings’ Drum Major Institute and the Rev.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/al-sharpton">Al Sharpton</a>&nbsp;'s National Action Network. A host of Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies rallied attendees on the same spot where as many as 250,000 gathered in 1963 for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in U.S. history.Inevitably, Saturday's event was shot through with contrasts to the initial, historic demonstration. Speakers and banners talked about the importance of LGBTQ and Asian American rights. Many who addressed the crowd were women after only one was given the microphone in 1963.Pamela Mays McDonald of Philadelphia attended the initial march as a child. “I was 8 years old at the original March and only one woman was allowed to speak — she was from Arkansas where I’m from — now look at how many women are on the podium today,” she said.For some, the contrasts between the size of the original demonstration and the more modest turnout Saturday were bittersweet. “I often look back and look over to the reflection pool and the Washington Monument and I see a quarter of a million people 60 years ago and just a trickling now," said Marsha Dean Phelts of Amelia Island, Florida. “It was more fired up then. But the things we were asking for and needing, we still need them today.”As speakers delivered messages, they were overshadowed by the sounds of passenger planes taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rugby games were underway along the Mall in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial while joggers and bikers went about their routines.Yolanda King, the 15-year-old granddaughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., roused marchers with remarks delivered from the same spot her grandfather gave the “I Have A Dream” speech sixty years ago.“If I could speak to my grandfather today, I would say I’m sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream,” she said. “Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools and our shopping centers.”From the podium, Sharpton promised more demonstrations to push back against injustices, new and old.“Sixty years ago Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later we’re the dreamers. The problem is we’re facing the schemers,” Sharpton said. “The dreamers are fighting for voting rights. The schemers are changing voter regulations in states. The dreamers are standing up for women’s right to choose. The schemers are arguing whether they are going to make you stop at six weeks or 15 weeks."After the speeches, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.Several leaders from groups organizing the march met Friday with Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/merrick-garland">Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division, to discuss a range of issues, including voting rights, policing and redlining.Saturday's gathering was a precursor to the actual anniversary of the Aug. 28, 1963 March on Washington. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-washington-biden-harris-1963-king-b8e4d25a9807d0be61099839044d4f02">observe the march anniversary</a>&nbsp;on Monday by meeting with organizers of the 1963 gathering. All of King’s children have been invited to meet with Biden, White House officials said.Martin Luther King Jr.'s Washington remarks have resounded through decades of push and pull toward progress in civil and human rights. But dark moments followed his speech, too.Two weeks later in 1963, four Black girls were killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/today-in-history-africa-united-states-bombings-cd946a2825508f6c3424c6a4459b6fa4">the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing</a>&nbsp;in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by the kidnapping and murder of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi the following year. The tragedies spurred passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.The voting rights marches from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama, in which marchers were brutally beaten while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in what became known as “Bloody Sunday,” forced Congress to adopt the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Speakers warned that King's unfinished dream was in danger of being further whittled away. “I’m very concerned about the direction our country is going in," Martin Luther King III said. "And it is because instead of moving forward, it feels as if we’re moving back. The question is, what are we going to do?”Rosetta Manns-Baugh knew the answer: Keep fighting.“I think we have accomplished a lot, but I also think we lost." said Manns-Baugh, who was a Trailways bus counter worker in 1963 when she left her seven children and husband at home in Virginia to come to D.C. Now she's so disillusioned she's stopped singing “We Shall Overcome,” the anthem of the civil rights movement.But even at age 92, she returned to Washington for the 60th anniversary, bringing three generations of her family, all the way down to her 18-month-old grandchild. “I think that’s why we all are here because we do expect the world to get better," Manns-Baugh said. "We can’t stop working at it that’s for sure.”___