By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/02/helping-pay-off-college-debts-touted-in-reducing-teacher-burnout-staff-shortages/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — Early retirements, teacher burnout and fewer students entering 
teachers colleges: All are combining to create an unprecedented shortage
 of educators in Nebraska schools, a state legislative committee was 
told Tuesday.

&nbsp;“I
 have never seen the level of teacher shortages that schools are now 
facing,” said Carri Collins, who supervises principals in the Omaha 
Public Schools and has been an educator for 20 years.

Collins was among several supporters of two bills that would provide state help to teachers in paying off their student debts.

The
 proposals, Legislative Bill 1128 from State Sens. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha
 and LB 945 from Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, would provide income tax 
deductions of between $5,000 and $6,000 a year on payments on student 
loans. The deductions would last five years each and be capped at $5 
million a year.

Linehan
 withdrew a third bill, LB 1169. It would have provided “loan 
forgiveness” grants of $5,000 per year, for four years, for teachers in 
their first four years of teaching. A fiscal note prepared on the bill 
said it would cost up to $29 million a year, and the funding source of 
the bill, federal stimulus funds, had already been obligated.

DeBoer
 told the committee that she doesn’t have “all the answers” to the 
teacher shortage but said helping pay off a teacher’s college loan debt 
could help encourage more students to enter the field and more teachers 
to stay in the classroom.

The
 senator, who represents northwest Omaha, said she’s heard from her 
brother, an OPS teacher, about the lack of planning time for teachers 
and the resulting burnout and fatigue.

Sara
 Skretta, an administrator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said 
enrollment has decreased 35% to 40% &nbsp;in teachers colleges nationwide in 
recent years. The decline, she said, began even before the pandemic hit.

The National Education Association recently reported that teachers’ average college debt was about $57,000.

A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-survey-massive-staff-shortages-schools-leading-educator">nationwide poll</a> of 3,621 educators released by the NEA on Monday found that 67% of respondents said burnout was a “very serious issue.”

The top three responses on how to address burnout were to increase teacher pay, hire more teachers and hire more support staff.&nbsp;

The national survey mirrors many of the findings in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nsea.org/sites/default/files/content_images/COVID19/Fall21Survey/News%20Release-NSEA%20Nov%202021%20Survey.pdf">poll</a>
 done by the Nebraska State Education Association, the state teachers’ 
union. It found that a significant increase in workload was increasing 
burnout concerns.

The Legislature’s Education Committee took no action on the two bills following a public hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643815170321.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/02/helping-pay-off-college-debts-touted-in-reducing-teacher-burnout-staff-shortages/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — Early retirements, teacher burnout and fewer students entering 
teachers colleges: All are combining to create an unprecedented shortage
 of educators in Nebraska schools, a state legislative committee was 
told Tuesday.&nbsp;“I
 have never seen the level of teacher shortages that schools are now 
facing,” said Carri Collins, who supervises principals in the Omaha 
Public Schools and has been an educator for 20 years.Collins was among several supporters of two bills that would provide state help to teachers in paying off their student debts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643815257685.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>The
 proposals, Legislative Bill 1128 from State Sens. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha
 and LB 945 from Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, would provide income tax 
deductions of between $5,000 and $6,000 a year on payments on student 
loans. The deductions would last five years each and be capped at $5 
million a year.Linehan
 withdrew a third bill, LB 1169. It would have provided “loan 
forgiveness” grants of $5,000 per year, for four years, for teachers in 
their first four years of teaching. A fiscal note prepared on the bill 
said it would cost up to $29 million a year, and the funding source of 
the bill, federal stimulus funds, had already been obligated.DeBoer
 told the committee that she doesn’t have “all the answers” to the 
teacher shortage but said helping pay off a teacher’s college loan debt 
could help encourage more students to enter the field and more teachers 
to stay in the classroom.The
 senator, who represents northwest Omaha, said she’s heard from her 
brother, an OPS teacher, about the lack of planning time for teachers 
and the resulting burnout and fatigue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643815283485.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sara
 Skretta, an administrator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said 
enrollment has decreased 35% to 40% &nbsp;in teachers colleges nationwide in 
recent years. The decline, she said, began even before the pandemic hit.The National Education Association recently reported that teachers’ average college debt was about $57,000.A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-survey-massive-staff-shortages-schools-leading-educator">nationwide poll</a> of 3,621 educators released by the NEA on Monday found that 67% of respondents said burnout was a “very serious issue.”The top three responses on how to address burnout were to increase teacher pay, hire more teachers and hire more support staff.&nbsp;The national survey mirrors many of the findings in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nsea.org/sites/default/files/content_images/COVID19/Fall21Survey/News%20Release-NSEA%20Nov%202021%20Survey.pdf">poll</a>
 done by the Nebraska State Education Association, the state teachers’ 
union. It found that a significant increase in workload was increasing 
burnout concerns.The Legislature’s Education Committee took no action on the two bills following a public hearing.

Helping pay off college debts touted to reduce teacher burnout, staff shortages

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A major winter storm with millions of Americans in its path brought a mix of rain, freezing rain and snow to the middle section of the United States as airlines canceled hundreds of flights, governors urged residents to stay off roads and schools closed campuses. 

The blast of frigid weather, which began arriving Tuesday night, put a long stretch of states from New Mexico and Colorado to Maine under winter storm warnings and watches. Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan saw freezing rain, sleet and snow on Wednesday morning. 

More than a foot of snow was possible in parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan by the time the storm moves through.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643811219804.png" alt="icy-roads.png" />
 <figcaption>icy-roads.png</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A major winter storm with millions of Americans in its path brought a mix of rain, freezing rain and snow to the middle section of the United States as airlines canceled hundreds of flights, governors urged residents to stay off roads and schools closed campuses. The blast of frigid weather, which began arriving Tuesday night, put a long stretch of states from New Mexico and Colorado to Maine under winter storm warnings and watches. Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan saw freezing rain, sleet and snow on Wednesday morning. More than a foot of snow was possible in parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan by the time the storm moves through.

Winter storm packing snow, freezing rain moves across US

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — There will be six more weeks of winter. That's the prediction made Wednesday by Punxsutawney Phil after he emerged from his burrow in Pennsylvania to perform his Groundhog Day duties.

Thousands of people gathered at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he'd seen his shadow. 

After Phil’s prediction was announced, the crowd repeatedly chanted “six more weeks!” According to folklore, spring would come early if he didn’t see it.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — There will be six more weeks of winter. That's the prediction made Wednesday by Punxsutawney Phil after he emerged from his burrow in Pennsylvania to perform his Groundhog Day duties.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aBGOfdx0Nuc?start=13" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Thousands of people gathered at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he'd seen his shadow. After Phil’s prediction was announced, the crowd repeatedly chanted “six more weeks!” According to folklore, spring would come early if he didn’t see it.

🎥 Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil predicts more winter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer on Tuesday asked the U.S. to authorize extra-low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5, potentially opening the way for the very youngest Americans to start receiving shots as early as March.

In an extraordinary move, the Food and Drug Administration had urged Pfizer and its partner BioNTech to apply earlier than the companies had planned.

The nation’s 19 million children under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for vaccination against the coronavirus. Many parents have been pushing for an expansion of shots to toddlers and preschoolers, especially as the omicron wave sent record numbers of youngsters to the hospital.

“I would say the parents in my office are desperate” to get their youngest kids vaccinated, said Dr. Dyan Hes, who runs a pediatrics practice in New York City where vaccination rates are high. For many, “that’s the first thing they ask when they walk through the door: ‘When do you think the shot is going to come out?’”

If the FDA agrees, Pfizer shots containing one-tenth of the dose given to adults could be dispensed to children as young as 6 months. Pfizer said Tuesday it had started submitting its data to the FDA and expects to complete the process in a few days.

An open question is how many shots those youngsters will need. Two of the extra-low doses turned out to be strong enough for babies but not for preschoolers. Pfizer is testing three shots, and the final data is expected in late March.

That means the FDA may consider whether to authorize two shots for now, with potentially a third shot being cleared later if the study supports it.

The FDA said Tuesday it will convene a panel of independent researchers and physicians in mid-February to help review the Pfizer data. The agency isn’t required to follow the panelists’ advice, but their input is a key step in publicly vetting vaccine safety and effectiveness.

The question of how long to wait for new vaccine data — and how much to require — is a concern for FDA regulators, who face pressure to be more proactive against a virus that has repeatedly confounded health experts.

The FDA asked Pfizer to begin submitting its application now due to omicron’s “greater toll on children,” an agency spokeswoman said, citing record cases among children under 5.

“In light of these new data and the rise in illnesses and hospitalization in this youngest age group, FDA believed that it was prudent to request that Pfizer submit the data it had available,” agency spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo said in an emailed statement.

The FDA’s ultimate decision could come within the month but that isn’t the only hurdle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has to sign off.

The Biden administration has been trying to speed the authorization of COVID-19 shots for children, contending vaccinations are critical for opening schools and day care centers and keeping them open, and for freeing up parents from child care duties so they can go back to work.

Yet vaccination rates have been lower among children than in other age groups. As of last week, just 20% of kids ages 5 to 11 and just over half of 12- to 17-year-olds were fully vaccinated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nearly three-quarters of adults are fully vaccinated.

While young children are far less likely than adults to get severely ill from the coronavirus, it can happen, and pediatric COVID-19 infections are higher than at any other point in the pandemic.

“What we’re seeing right now is still a lot of hospitalizations and unfortunately some deaths in this age group,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the University of Colorado, who is on the AAP’s infectious disease committee. If the FDA clears vaccinations for these youngsters, “that’s going to be really important because all of those hospitalizations and deaths essentially are preventable.”

For kids under 5, Pfizer’s study is giving participants two shots three weeks apart, followed by a third dose at least two months later. The company is testing whether the youngsters produce antibody levels similar to those known to protect teens and young adults.

In December, Pfizer announced that children under 2 looked to be protected but that the antibody response was too low in 2- to 4-year-olds. It’s not clear why, but one possibility is that the extra-low dose was a little too low for the preschoolers.

Since the preliminary results showed the shots were safe, Pfizer added a third dose to the testing in hopes of improving protection.

Chicago health officials have been trying to prepare parents for months for the day the shots are available, said Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, a family medicine physician for Cook County Health, which oversees the public hospital system. Some parents wonder how rigorously the shots will be evaluated or have other questions that she said are critical to address.

Rajagopal is excited about getting her own 2-year-old son vaccinated if FDA clears the way, so it will be safer for him to play with other children.

“I have been waiting and waiting and waiting,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer on Tuesday asked the U.S. to authorize extra-low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5, potentially opening the way for the very youngest Americans to start receiving shots as early as March.In an extraordinary move, the Food and Drug Administration had urged Pfizer and its partner BioNTech to apply earlier than the companies had planned.The nation’s 19 million children under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for vaccination against the coronavirus. Many parents have been pushing for an expansion of shots to toddlers and preschoolers, especially as the omicron wave sent record numbers of youngsters to the hospital.“I would say the parents in my office are desperate” to get their youngest kids vaccinated, said Dr. Dyan Hes, who runs a pediatrics practice in New York City where vaccination rates are high. For many, “that’s the first thing they ask when they walk through the door: ‘When do you think the shot is going to come out?’”If the FDA agrees, Pfizer shots containing one-tenth of the dose given to adults could be dispensed to children as young as 6 months. Pfizer said Tuesday it had started submitting its data to the FDA and expects to complete the process in a few days.An open question is how many shots those youngsters will need. Two of the extra-low doses turned out to be strong enough for babies but not for preschoolers. Pfizer is testing three shots, and the final data is expected in late March.That means the FDA may consider whether to authorize two shots for now, with potentially a third shot being cleared later if the study supports it.The FDA said Tuesday it will convene a panel of independent researchers and physicians in mid-February to help review the Pfizer data. The agency isn’t required to follow the panelists’ advice, but their input is a key step in publicly vetting vaccine safety and effectiveness.The question of how long to wait for new vaccine data — and how much to require — is a concern for FDA regulators, who face pressure to be more proactive against a virus that has repeatedly confounded health experts.The FDA asked Pfizer to begin submitting its application now due to omicron’s “greater toll on children,” an agency spokeswoman said, citing record cases among children under 5.“In light of these new data and the rise in illnesses and hospitalization in this youngest age group, FDA believed that it was prudent to request that Pfizer submit the data it had available,” agency spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo said in an emailed statement.The FDA’s ultimate decision could come within the month but that isn’t the only hurdle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has to sign off.The Biden administration has been trying to speed the authorization of COVID-19 shots for children, contending vaccinations are critical for opening schools and day care centers and keeping them open, and for freeing up parents from child care duties so they can go back to work.Yet vaccination rates have been lower among children than in other age groups. As of last week, just 20% of kids ages 5 to 11 and just over half of 12- to 17-year-olds were fully vaccinated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nearly three-quarters of adults are fully vaccinated.While young children are far less likely than adults to get severely ill from the coronavirus, it can happen, and pediatric COVID-19 infections are higher than at any other point in the pandemic.“What we’re seeing right now is still a lot of hospitalizations and unfortunately some deaths in this age group,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the University of Colorado, who is on the AAP’s infectious disease committee. If the FDA clears vaccinations for these youngsters, “that’s going to be really important because all of those hospitalizations and deaths essentially are preventable.”For kids under 5, Pfizer’s study is giving participants two shots three weeks apart, followed by a third dose at least two months later. The company is testing whether the youngsters produce antibody levels similar to those known to protect teens and young adults.In December, Pfizer announced that children under 2 looked to be protected but that the antibody response was too low in 2- to 4-year-olds. It’s not clear why, but one possibility is that the extra-low dose was a little too low for the preschoolers.Since the preliminary results showed the shots were safe, Pfizer added a third dose to the testing in hopes of improving protection.Chicago health officials have been trying to prepare parents for months for the day the shots are available, said Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, a family medicine physician for Cook County Health, which oversees the public hospital system. Some parents wonder how rigorously the shots will be evaluated or have other questions that she said are critical to address.Rajagopal is excited about getting her own 2-year-old son vaccinated if FDA clears the way, so it will be safer for him to play with other children.“I have been waiting and waiting and waiting,” she said.___

US could approve COVID vaccine for kids under 5 by next month

This new scam can seriously affect a business’ 
reputation. If you own a company, watch out for scammers trying to steal
 your Google Business Profile — along with all the good reviews you 
worked so hard to get.

When you search for a business in Google, information about that 
company will typically appear in the right sidebar. This is called a 
Google Business Profile. Alongside basic information, such as address, 
phone number, and operating hours, there’s a link enabling the business 
owner to claim and edit the profile. Unfortunately, it’s also an 
opportunity for scammers. &nbsp;

Scammers click the “Own this business?” link, which sends a request 
email to the current owner. If you or someone in your company approves 
this request, thinking it is legitimate, the scammer can take over your 
profile. They will likely change the name of your business and lock you out of the account.

Scammers then use this new business profile, with all of your reviews, to fool consumers into contacting them. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22797-bbb-scam-alert-locked-out-dont-fall-for-a-locksmith-cons" target="_blank">Scam locksmiths</a>
 commonly use this technique. If your business profile is stolen, you’ll
 need to go through a process with Google support to reclaim your 
profile. In the meantime, your profile may have received bad reviews or 
been altered by scammers.

How to protect your Google Business Profile

Read up on the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23063-better-business-briefing-the-power-of-customer-reviews-on-small-businesses" target="_blank">power of customer reviews</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/19932-bbb-warning-businesses-dont-fall-for-that-scam" target="_blank">scams targeting small businesses</a>.

If you’ve spotted a scam, report it to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>, even if you didn’t fall victim or lose any money. Your report can help others avoid common scam tactics.

Stay up to date on the latest scams by subscribing to&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/" target="_blank">BBB’s weekly Scam Alerts email</a>. Learn how to spot a scam at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">BBB.org/SpotaScam</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThis new scam can seriously affect a business’ 
reputation. If you own a company, watch out for scammers trying to steal
 your Google Business Profile — along with all the good reviews you 
worked so hard to get.<h2>How the scam works</h2>When you search for a business in Google, information about that 
company will typically appear in the right sidebar. This is called a 
Google Business Profile. Alongside basic information, such as address, 
phone number, and operating hours, there’s a link enabling the business 
owner to claim and edit the profile. Unfortunately, it’s also an 
opportunity for scammers. &nbsp;Scammers click the “Own this business?” link, which sends a request 
email to the current owner. If you or someone in your company approves 
this request, thinking it is legitimate, the scammer can take over your 
profile. They will likely change the name of your business and lock you out of the account.Scammers then use this new business profile, with all of your reviews, to fool consumers into contacting them. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22797-bbb-scam-alert-locked-out-dont-fall-for-a-locksmith-cons" target="_blank">Scam locksmiths</a>
 commonly use this technique. If your business profile is stolen, you’ll
 need to go through a process with Google support to reclaim your 
profile. In the meantime, your profile may have received bad reviews or 
been altered by scammers.<h2>How to protect your Google Business Profile </h2><ul>
 <li>Reject suspicious ownership requests. Stop scammers
 in their tracks by rejecting unauthorized attempts to claim your 
business profile immediately. If you aren’t sure if a member of your 
staff is behind the request, find out before you accept it. </li><li>Check your email and any alerts you receive from Google in a timely fashion. Scammers are counting on you not noticing strange activity on your profile. When initially verifying your account, be sure to use an email that you check regularly. </li><li>Contact Google support if your account gets hijacked. Regain control of your stolen account through Google’s support team. Fill out <a href="https://support.google.com/business/contact/gmb_3p_complaints" target="_blank">this form on Google</a> to start the reclaiming process. </li><li>Always report fraudulent activity. <a href="https://support.google.com/business/contact/gmb_3p_complaints" target="_blank">Report any problems</a> to Google immediately. You can also report your experience at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report will help other businesses stay alert to similar threats.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Read up on the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23063-better-business-briefing-the-power-of-customer-reviews-on-small-businesses" target="_blank">power of customer reviews</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/19932-bbb-warning-businesses-dont-fall-for-that-scam" target="_blank">scams targeting small businesses</a>.If you’ve spotted a scam, report it to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>, even if you didn’t fall victim or lose any money. Your report can help others avoid common scam tactics.Stay up to date on the latest scams by subscribing to&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/" target="_blank">BBB’s weekly Scam Alerts email</a>. Learn how to spot a scam at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">BBB.org/SpotaScam</a>.

Scam alert: Scammers targeting Google Business Profiles

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An unfinished stretch of bicycle trail that would connect Omaha and Lincoln could get a financial boost from the state under a proposal presented to Nebraska lawmakers. 

Trail advocates are asking members of the Appropriations Committee to approve state funding to bridge the 8-mile gap between the existing MoPac trails in rural Cass County. They’re also seeking financial assistance for work on the Cowboy Trail, a scenic pathway through northern Nebraska that’s used by bikers, hikers and horse riders. 

The projects are part of the larger Great American Rail-Trail initiative, an effort to connect existing trails into one nation-spanning, 3,700-mile route from Washington state to Washington, D.C.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643763723814.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An unfinished stretch of bicycle trail that would connect Omaha and Lincoln could get a financial boost from the state under a proposal presented to Nebraska lawmakers. Trail advocates are asking members of the Appropriations Committee to approve state funding to bridge the 8-mile gap between the existing MoPac trails in rural Cass County. They’re also seeking financial assistance for work on the Cowboy Trail, a scenic pathway through northern Nebraska that’s used by bikers, hikers and horse riders. The projects are part of the larger Great American Rail-Trail initiative, an effort to connect existing trails into one nation-spanning, 3,700-mile route from Washington state to Washington, D.C.

Bike advocates ask for aid to finish Lincoln-to-Omaha trail

DONIPHAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged child sex crimes have arrested a suspect.

On January 12, the U.S. Marshals Service in Omaha arrested 37-year-old Christopher Jimeson on a Doniphan County warrant, according to a media release from Highland Police.

This week, Jimeson of Nemaha County Nebraska was extradited to Doniphan County Kansas to face requested charges including aggravated criminal sodomy of a child; aggravated indecent liberties of a child; criminal threat; and aggravated endangerment of a child.

He has a previous drug conviction in Nebraska, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643734138066.png" alt="Jimeson-photo Doniphan County" />
 <figcaption>Jimeson-photo Doniphan County</figcaption>
 </figure>DONIPHAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged child sex crimes have arrested a suspect.On January 12, the U.S. Marshals Service in Omaha arrested 37-year-old Christopher Jimeson on a Doniphan County warrant, according to a media release from Highland Police.This week, Jimeson of Nemaha County Nebraska was extradited to Doniphan County Kansas to face requested charges including aggravated criminal sodomy of a child; aggravated indecent liberties of a child; criminal threat; and aggravated endangerment of a child.He has a previous drug conviction in Nebraska, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Kansas child sex crime suspect arrested in Nebraska

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A major winter storm was expected to affect a huge swath of the United States, with heavy snow starting in the Rockies and freezing rain as far south as Texas before it drops snow and ice on the Midwest. 

The forecast comes nearly a year after a catastrophic winter storm devastated Texas’ power grid, causing hundreds of deaths. 

Winter storm watches and warnings covered a wide swath of the country from El Paso, Texas, through the Midwest and parts of the Northeast to Burlington, Vermont. During the multiday storm, some areas may see a mix of rain and freezing rain before it changes to snow. 

More than a foot of snow is forecast in places. Airlines had canceled more than 1,000 flights in the U.S. scheduled for Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639170227894.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A major winter storm was expected to affect a huge swath of the United States, with heavy snow starting in the Rockies and freezing rain as far south as Texas before it drops snow and ice on the Midwest. The forecast comes nearly a year after a catastrophic winter storm devastated Texas’ power grid, causing hundreds of deaths. Winter storm watches and warnings covered a wide swath of the country from El Paso, Texas, through the Midwest and parts of the Northeast to Burlington, Vermont. During the multiday storm, some areas may see a mix of rain and freezing rain before it changes to snow. More than a foot of snow is forecast in places. Airlines had canceled more than 1,000 flights in the U.S. scheduled for Wednesday.

Flights canceled as wide swath of US braces for winter storm

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-moves-to-make-new-tax-credit-easier-for-taxpayers-to-claim/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — A state tax official said Tuesday that Nebraskans should find it 
easier this year to claim a new and growing state tax credit — one that 
many taxpayers didn’t claim last year.

&nbsp;About $78.5 million
 out of the $125 million in credits available through Legislative Bill 
1107 had been claimed by property owners through Jan. 21, according to 
state tax officials.

&nbsp;The fact that so much remained unclaimed led to some criticism. &nbsp;The credit, <a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/about/nebraska-income-tax-credit-school-district-taxes-paid-nebraska-property-tax-incentive-act">which provides an income tax refund for a portion of property taxes that support K-12 school districts</a>, the main beneficiary of property taxes. The credit was passed as part of a compromise in the Nebraska Legislature.

One critic was the <a target="_blank" href="https://platteinstitute.org/50-million-in-nebraska-property-tax-relief-goes-unclaimed-total-may-rise/">Platte Institute,</a>
 an Omaha-based, free market think tank, which said the credit under LB 
1107 did nothing to stop the growth of property taxes and was not a 
permanent solution. A state association that represents accountants also
 maintained that the credit was difficult to calculate for some 
taxpayers.

&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Revenue unveiled <a target="_blank" href="https://ndr-1107parcel.ne.gov/parcellookup/faces/search.xhtml">a new, “enhanced” lookup tool</a> for taxpayers to calculate their credit, which State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton billed as a “super-sized” credit this year.

A
 spokeswoman for the Revenue Department, former State Sen. Lydia Brasch,
 said officials took suggestions from several sources, including a state
 senator, to “enhance” the lookup tool on the department’s website that 
helps taxpayers calculate their credit.

“We believe that it will be easier to use,” Brasch said.

Last year, the credit amounted to about 6% of Nebraskans’ payments in property taxes to support K-12 schools. This
 year, because of the state’s strong tax collections and growing cash 
reserves, about $548 million will be available through the credit. That 
would amount to a 25.3% refund.

&nbsp;“This
 puts dollars back into the pockets of the people who paid soaring 
property taxes across the entire state,” Fulton said in a press release.

Brasch
 said many tax returns from last year have yet to be processed, so more 
people might claim the $125 million available last year.&nbsp;

To claim the income tax credit, taxpayers
 should file the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act Credit Computation,
 Form PTC, with their income tax or franchise tax returns. 

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-moves-to-make-new-tax-credit-easier-for-taxpayers-to-claim/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — A state tax official said Tuesday that Nebraskans should find it 
easier this year to claim a new and growing state tax credit — one that 
many taxpayers didn’t claim last year.&nbsp;About $78.5 million
 out of the $125 million in credits available through Legislative Bill 
1107 had been claimed by property owners through Jan. 21, according to 
state tax officials.&nbsp;The fact that so much remained unclaimed led to some criticism. &nbsp;The credit, <a target="_blank" href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/about/nebraska-income-tax-credit-school-district-taxes-paid-nebraska-property-tax-incentive-act">which provides an income tax refund for a portion of property taxes that support K-12 school districts</a>, the main beneficiary of property taxes. The credit was passed as part of a compromise in the Nebraska Legislature.<h2>Enhanced look-up tool</h2>One critic was the <a target="_blank" href="https://platteinstitute.org/50-million-in-nebraska-property-tax-relief-goes-unclaimed-total-may-rise/">Platte Institute,</a>
 an Omaha-based, free market think tank, which said the credit under LB 
1107 did nothing to stop the growth of property taxes and was not a 
permanent solution. A state association that represents accountants also
 maintained that the credit was difficult to calculate for some 
taxpayers.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Revenue unveiled <a target="_blank" href="https://ndr-1107parcel.ne.gov/parcellookup/faces/search.xhtml">a new, “enhanced” lookup tool</a> for taxpayers to calculate their credit, which State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton billed as a “super-sized” credit this year.A
 spokeswoman for the Revenue Department, former State Sen. Lydia Brasch,
 said officials took suggestions from several sources, including a state
 senator, to “enhance” the lookup tool on the department’s website that 
helps taxpayers calculate their credit.“We believe that it will be easier to use,” Brasch said.<h2>$548 million now available</h2>Last year, the credit amounted to about 6% of Nebraskans’ payments in property taxes to support K-12 schools. This
 year, because of the state’s strong tax collections and growing cash 
reserves, about $548 million will be available through the credit. That 
would amount to a 25.3% refund.&nbsp;“This
 puts dollars back into the pockets of the people who paid soaring 
property taxes across the entire state,” Fulton said in a press release.Brasch
 said many tax returns from last year have yet to be processed, so more 
people might claim the $125 million available last year.&nbsp;To claim the income tax credit, taxpayers
 should file the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act Credit Computation,
 Form PTC, with their income tax or franchise tax returns.

Nebraska moves to make new tax credit easier for taxpayers to claim

BY:&nbsp;JENNIFER SHUTT,&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JACOB FISCHLER <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

WASHINGTON — Governors of both parties from throughout the United States met here over the weekend to try to speak on a unified front about what their states need from the federal government.

But the waters were muddied by governors’ clearly divided political views about two major issues of the moment: voting laws and whether Congress should pass a massive climate and social spending bill. One main area of agreement: They like that the bipartisan federal infrastructure law is sending much-needed cash to their states for bridges, roads, broadband and more.

Governors “worked together to secure more resources so that we can fix our roadways and build a more resilient and equitable infrastructure system,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who made infrastructure a key part of her 2018 campaign.

The National Governors Association winter meeting was the first time in two years the bipartisan group met in the nation’s capital, because of the pandemic. While there were repeated mentions of working between the political parties, that overlap didn’t appear to extend very far.&nbsp;

With the governors gathered at the White House on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris said that “in the spirit of bipartisanship,” governors should think about states as laboratories of democracy, especially when it comes to voting rights.&nbsp;

“I would ask that in this coming year we work together to ensure that all Americans who are eligible to vote actually have meaningful access to the ballot,” Harris said.&nbsp;

Her comments and those over the weekend from Republican governors touched on one of the bigger political disputes playing out in the states and in Congress: whether voting laws need to be expanded to allow eligible Americans more voting options or tightened to prevent possible fraud.&nbsp;

False statements from former President Donald Trump, and some congressional Republicans, about the validity of the last election have led some GOP-controlled states to revamp their voting laws, and more may do so this year prior to the midterm elections.

Many Democrats argue the various changes to state election laws will disenfranchise minority and rural voters, making voting more difficult.&nbsp;

Republicans generally disagree, saying the changes are needed to avoid any potential future fraud. The Department of Justice under the Trump administration found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

Congressional Democrats have attempted to set minimum voting standards for every state. GOP senators have blocked that legislation from advancing.&nbsp;

NGA Chair and Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson addressed the 2020 presidential election in response to a question from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at a press briefing Saturday morning, saying he didn’t believe that the election was stolen and respected the results.&nbsp;

“To me it’s all about the future. Anybody who wants to talk about the last election is going to lose the next election. And so that’s what I focus on,” he said, seeming to take a dig at Trump — who keeps releasing false statements about the last election while strongly hinting he’ll run again in 2024.

Hutchinson said, however, that states should change their voting laws as they see fit.

“Some of the states, which is their prerogative, have adjusted their election rules for both expanding voting access, but also to make sure that the votes have integrity,” he said.&nbsp;

Hutchinson on Sunday criticized Biden’s trip to Atlanta in early January, where the president urged Congress to pass voting rights protections. Hutchinson said the speech, focusing on a core Democratic legislative goal, wasn’t an example of bipartisanship.&nbsp;

“You got to even be more careful as president, versus whenever you’re in the House or the Senate, and is more important in that regard,” Hutchinson said. “So I would urge the president to really use the tone out there that reflects civility and bipartisanship across the board.”

Hutchinson last year signed his Republican controlled state legislature’s bill that changed the state’s voting requirements and would restrict polling locations and absentee ballots.&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-governor-signing-voter-id-bill-into-law">signed</a>&nbsp;another bill enactingd strict voter I.D. requirements. The state will no longer allow people without identification to cast a ballot, even if they sign a statement that confirms their identity.&nbsp;

Republican and Democratic governors also disagreed about whether Congress should pass Democrats’ $1.5 trillion climate and social spending package known as Build Back Better, currently stalled because of objections from West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III.&nbsp;

“I think there’s a difference of philosophy as to whether that is needed,” Hutchinson said.&nbsp;

Democratic lawmakers and the White House are in ongoing negotiations over how to pass a scaled-down version of the bill that could provide a bevy of programs, including universal pre-kindergarten, a cap on child care costs and programs aimed at curbing climate change.&nbsp;

Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a former U.S. House member, said the role of the NGA isn’t necessarily to solve those political and policy differences, but to find areas of agreement and try to speak with one voice on those issues.&nbsp;

On federal spending legislation, he said, that voice generally calls on the federal government to “maximize discretion for states and for governors.”

“While we aren’t always going to agree on what should be done — whatever vehicle and whatever party and whatever policy is moving — we want to make sure [it] can work at the state level,” Polis said.&nbsp;

“As language emerges, I would expect that we would be outspoken about giving governors and giving the states discretion in the ability to use funds as best needed rather than being strictly dictated from Washington.”&nbsp;

Wanting to stress the bipartisan nature of the National Governors Association, Hutchinson and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat and the vice chair of the group, spent an hour discussing the importance of working together.&nbsp;

“We’re problem solvers,” Hutchinson said, adding that there were certain policies that Republicans and Democrats could agree on.

Murphy agreed, but neither governor specified what policies both parties agreed on and could work together on.&nbsp;

“You don’t have to give up your principles in order to find common ground,” Murphy said.&nbsp;

Hutchinson said that if the president expects to pass his social spending and climate package, he must work with Republicans. He said Republicans likely would agree with some portions of the bill, but he did not specify what those parts were.&nbsp;

One area Democratic and Republican governors firmly agreed upon was the bipartisan infrastructure law.&nbsp;

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told governors over the weekend that he would work with them to quickly deliver the federal funding to their states. The administration released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/">guidebook</a>&nbsp;Monday to outline the resources available to state and local officials under the law.

Governors, he said, were influential in “shaping the design” of the law and advocating to make it a reality.

“We saw governors from so-called red states and so-called blue states alike calling for investments like this,” Buttigieg said.&nbsp;

Governors of both parties praised the law during Buttigieg’s session.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who led an NGA infrastructure initiative when he chaired the organization in 2019 and 2020, said he was pleased the group’s recommendations were included in the infrastructure law.&nbsp;

Hogan was particularly pleased with measures advancing public-private partnerships, he said.

The agenda for the governors also included a black-tie dinner with the Bidens at Mount Vernon on Sunday night followed by the Monday meeting at the White House.

Attendees at the White House event included: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Hogan, Whitmer, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, Murphy, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643736555753.png" alt="Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, chairman, introduces the 114th annual NGA Winter Meeting. (National Governors Association)" />
 <figcaption>Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, chairman, introduces the 114th annual NGA Winter Meeting. (National Governors Association)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;JENNIFER SHUTT,&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JACOB FISCHLER <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>WASHINGTON — Governors of both parties from throughout the United States met here over the weekend to try to speak on a unified front about what their states need from the federal government.But the waters were muddied by governors’ clearly divided political views about two major issues of the moment: voting laws and whether Congress should pass a massive climate and social spending bill. One main area of agreement: They like that the bipartisan federal infrastructure law is sending much-needed cash to their states for bridges, roads, broadband and more.Governors “worked together to secure more resources so that we can fix our roadways and build a more resilient and equitable infrastructure system,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who made infrastructure a key part of her 2018 campaign.The National Governors Association winter meeting was the first time in two years the bipartisan group met in the nation’s capital, because of the pandemic. While there were repeated mentions of working between the political parties, that overlap didn’t appear to extend very far.&nbsp;With the governors gathered at the White House on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris said that “in the spirit of bipartisanship,” governors should think about states as laboratories of democracy, especially when it comes to voting rights.&nbsp;“I would ask that in this coming year we work together to ensure that all Americans who are eligible to vote actually have meaningful access to the ballot,” Harris said.&nbsp;Her comments and those over the weekend from Republican governors touched on one of the bigger political disputes playing out in the states and in Congress: whether voting laws need to be expanded to allow eligible Americans more voting options or tightened to prevent possible fraud.&nbsp;False statements from former President Donald Trump, and some congressional Republicans, about the validity of the last election have led some GOP-controlled states to revamp their voting laws, and more may do so this year prior to the midterm elections.Many Democrats argue the various changes to state election laws will disenfranchise minority and rural voters, making voting more difficult.&nbsp;Republicans generally disagree, saying the changes are needed to avoid any potential future fraud. The Department of Justice under the Trump administration found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;Congressional Democrats have attempted to set minimum voting standards for every state. GOP senators have blocked that legislation from advancing.&nbsp;NGA Chair and Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson addressed the 2020 presidential election in response to a question from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at a press briefing Saturday morning, saying he didn’t believe that the election was stolen and respected the results.&nbsp;<h2>Access, integrity</h2>“To me it’s all about the future. Anybody who wants to talk about the last election is going to lose the next election. And so that’s what I focus on,” he said, seeming to take a dig at Trump — who keeps releasing false statements about the last election while strongly hinting he’ll run again in 2024.Hutchinson said, however, that states should change their voting laws as they see fit.“Some of the states, which is their prerogative, have adjusted their election rules for both expanding voting access, but also to make sure that the votes have integrity,” he said.&nbsp;Hutchinson on Sunday criticized Biden’s trip to Atlanta in early January, where the president urged Congress to pass voting rights protections. Hutchinson said the speech, focusing on a core Democratic legislative goal, wasn’t an example of bipartisanship.&nbsp;“You got to even be more careful as president, versus whenever you’re in the House or the Senate, and is more important in that regard,” Hutchinson said. “So I would urge the president to really use the tone out there that reflects civility and bipartisanship across the board.”Hutchinson last year signed his Republican controlled state legislature’s bill that changed the state’s voting requirements and would restrict polling locations and absentee ballots.&nbsp;He also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-governor-signing-voter-id-bill-into-law">signed</a>&nbsp;another bill enactingd strict voter I.D. requirements. The state will no longer allow people without identification to cast a ballot, even if they sign a statement that confirms their identity.&nbsp;<h2>Build Back Better</h2>Republican and Democratic governors also disagreed about whether Congress should pass Democrats’ $1.5 trillion climate and social spending package known as Build Back Better, currently stalled because of objections from West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III.&nbsp;“I think there’s a difference of philosophy as to whether that is needed,” Hutchinson said.&nbsp;Democratic lawmakers and the White House are in ongoing negotiations over how to pass a scaled-down version of the bill that could provide a bevy of programs, including universal pre-kindergarten, a cap on child care costs and programs aimed at curbing climate change.&nbsp;Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a former U.S. House member, said the role of the NGA isn’t necessarily to solve those political and policy differences, but to find areas of agreement and try to speak with one voice on those issues.&nbsp;On federal spending legislation, he said, that voice generally calls on the federal government to “maximize discretion for states and for governors.”“While we aren’t always going to agree on what should be done — whatever vehicle and whatever party and whatever policy is moving — we want to make sure [it] can work at the state level,” Polis said.&nbsp;“As language emerges, I would expect that we would be outspoken about giving governors and giving the states discretion in the ability to use funds as best needed rather than being strictly dictated from Washington.”&nbsp;<h2>Problem solvers</h2>Wanting to stress the bipartisan nature of the National Governors Association, Hutchinson and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat and the vice chair of the group, spent an hour discussing the importance of working together.&nbsp;“We’re problem solvers,” Hutchinson said, adding that there were certain policies that Republicans and Democrats could agree on.Murphy agreed, but neither governor specified what policies both parties agreed on and could work together on.&nbsp;“You don’t have to give up your principles in order to find common ground,” Murphy said.&nbsp;Hutchinson said that if the president expects to pass his social spending and climate package, he must work with Republicans. He said Republicans likely would agree with some portions of the bill, but he did not specify what those parts were.&nbsp;<h2>Roads and bridges</h2>One area Democratic and Republican governors firmly agreed upon was the bipartisan infrastructure law.&nbsp;Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told governors over the weekend that he would work with them to quickly deliver the federal funding to their states. The administration released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/">guidebook</a>&nbsp;Monday to outline the resources available to state and local officials under the law.Governors, he said, were influential in “shaping the design” of the law and advocating to make it a reality.“We saw governors from so-called red states and so-called blue states alike calling for investments like this,” Buttigieg said.&nbsp;Governors of both parties praised the law during Buttigieg’s session.Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who led an NGA infrastructure initiative when he chaired the organization in 2019 and 2020, said he was pleased the group’s recommendations were included in the infrastructure law.&nbsp;Hogan was particularly pleased with measures advancing public-private partnerships, he said.The agenda for the governors also included a black-tie dinner with the Bidens at Mount Vernon on Sunday night followed by the Monday meeting at the White House.Attendees at the White House event included: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Hogan, Whitmer, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, Murphy, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.

Governors attempt to bridge deep political divides in big D.C. meeting

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/01/nebraska-senators-want-to-create-a-new-state-housing-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

House
 prices on the Nebraska homefront have jumped: The average sale price 
across the Omaha and Lincoln areas went up more than 11% in the last 
year and about 25% since 2018.

Looking
 farther back, over a decade, the Great Plains Regional MLS shows also 
that the average Omaha-area sale price of new and existing houses rose a
 whopping 80% —&nbsp; to about $293,000.&nbsp;

Industry
 leaders say the data reveals an alarming scenario for house-seeking 
Huskers, one driven largely by high construction costs and fierce 
competition for a dwindling supply of for-sale houses.

Be
 they newly constructed or already lived in, the houses that did go on 
the market in or around Lincoln and Omaha in 2021 were snatched up in 
less than half the time it took to sell a house two years earlier.

Now
 multiple efforts are underway to put more housing within the reach of 
more Nebraskans. Among those is a legislative proposal to create a new 
Nebraska housing department, which would be dedicated to housing.

Legislative
 Bill 1073 would establish a Housing and Urban Development Department to
 manage housing programs now scattered among multiple state agencies, 
including the Department of Economic Development, Department of Human 
Services and Nebraska Investment Finance Agency.

The
 bill’s sponsors — Sens. Justin Wayne and Megan Hunt of Omaha, along 
with Bennington Sen. Wendy DeBoer and Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen — said 
Nebraska should follow the lead of at least 20 other states and 
establish a state housing agency or division.

“Housing
 has been repeatedly identified as the No. 1 economic development issue 
facing Nebraska,” said Wayne. “We have nobody that has taken ownership 
of tackling that issue on a state level. With that, there’s no direct 
accountability.”

Indeed,
 he said, homeownership is one of the greatest ways to pass wealth to 
the next generation. It helps build equity and a sense of financial 
security and provides families with more of a stake and control in their
 community.

The
 group of senators foresees the proposed department focusing on 
affordability, making both homeownership and rental housing more 
accessible. That ultimately would help respond to the state’s need to 
lure more workers.&nbsp;

With
 the sizable amount of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds eyed for 
housing-related programs, the proposed Nebraska HUD department could be 
the coordinator and clearinghouse.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, for example, has proposed investing <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/01/31/new-funding-for-…a-lifetime-boost/">$75 million</a> of ARPA funds into state affordable housing programs, most of that for rural areas.

Wayne
 and Sen. Terrell McKinney want to direct roughly half of a proposed 
nearly $440 million North Omaha Recovery Plan toward housing.

Hansen, Sen. Tony Vargas and Sen. Matt Williams are among other lawmakers who have proposed funding for housing development.&nbsp;

Justin
 Brady of Radcliffe &amp; Associates lobbies on behalf of various state 
real estate entities, including the Nebraska Realtors Association and 
builders groups in Lincoln and Omaha.

He
 said his efforts focus on ensuring that ARPA funds are indeed set aside
 for housing and that they’re divided appropriately to be spent in the 
four years allowed.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “But when you’re short of labor and short of supplies … is that doable?”

High
 housing costs have become a growing concern across the state. There’s 
been a push in some circles for legislation to require private 
developers to allot a portion of lower-rent dwellings in projects 
awarded a public subsidy, such as tax-increment financing.

The
 City of Lincoln has tapped the nonprofit Community Development 
Resources to coordinate an effort aimed at easing the financial burden 
of owning a home.

In
 Omaha, the new Welcome Home coalition of business and real estate 
professionals is hoping to nudge policymakers into changing zoning and 
other regulations they contend impede starter-home construction.

Front Porch Investments is another organization devoted to affordable housing, as is the Omaha Missing Middle Campaign.

DeBoer,
 whose legislative district in the Bennington area has seen a boom of 
high-priced residential construction, said housing is a statewide issue 
that warrants a dedicated agency.

She called it “an idea whose time has come.”

Meanwhile,
 Andy Alloway of Nebraska Realty, whose agents cover much of the state 
and parts of Iowa, expects housing costs to continue to rise and sales 
activity to stay strong in coming months.

“We
 just have had a lot of people in the market. Real estate is an 
attractive thing,” said Alloway, past president of the Nebraska 
Association of Realtors.

Millennials
 have been competing with out-of-state investors seeking to buy local 
residential property, he said, all while “continued, unprecedented, 
ridiculously low interest rates fueled demand.”&nbsp;

Consider conditions reported by the Great Plains MLS for the combined Lincoln and Omaha market:&nbsp;

Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez, an Omaha native, has more than 35 years of experience, largely at the Omaha World-Herald.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643731279132.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/01/nebraska-senators-want-to-create-a-new-state-housing-agency/">Nebraska Examiner</a>House
 prices on the Nebraska homefront have jumped: The average sale price 
across the Omaha and Lincoln areas went up more than 11% in the last 
year and about 25% since 2018.Looking
 farther back, over a decade, the Great Plains Regional MLS shows also 
that the average Omaha-area sale price of new and existing houses rose a
 whopping 80% —&nbsp; to about $293,000.&nbsp;Industry
 leaders say the data reveals an alarming scenario for house-seeking 
Huskers, one driven largely by high construction costs and fierce 
competition for a dwindling supply of for-sale houses.Be
 they newly constructed or already lived in, the houses that did go on 
the market in or around Lincoln and Omaha in 2021 were snatched up in 
less than half the time it took to sell a house two years earlier.Now
 multiple efforts are underway to put more housing within the reach of 
more Nebraskans. Among those is a legislative proposal to create a new 
Nebraska housing department, which would be dedicated to housing.<h2>Like 20 other states</h2>Legislative
 Bill 1073 would establish a Housing and Urban Development Department to
 manage housing programs now scattered among multiple state agencies, 
including the Department of Economic Development, Department of Human 
Services and Nebraska Investment Finance Agency.The
 bill’s sponsors — Sens. Justin Wayne and Megan Hunt of Omaha, along 
with Bennington Sen. Wendy DeBoer and Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen — said 
Nebraska should follow the lead of at least 20 other states and 
establish a state housing agency or division.“Housing
 has been repeatedly identified as the No. 1 economic development issue 
facing Nebraska,” said Wayne. “We have nobody that has taken ownership 
of tackling that issue on a state level. With that, there’s no direct 
accountability.”Indeed,
 he said, homeownership is one of the greatest ways to pass wealth to 
the next generation. It helps build equity and a sense of financial 
security and provides families with more of a stake and control in their
 community.The
 group of senators foresees the proposed department focusing on 
affordability, making both homeownership and rental housing more 
accessible. That ultimately would help respond to the state’s need to 
lure more workers.&nbsp;With
 the sizable amount of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds eyed for 
housing-related programs, the proposed Nebraska HUD department could be 
the coordinator and clearinghouse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643732333753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Pete Ricketts, for example, has proposed investing <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/01/31/new-funding-for-…a-lifetime-boost/">$75 million</a> of ARPA funds into state affordable housing programs, most of that for rural areas.Wayne
 and Sen. Terrell McKinney want to direct roughly half of a proposed 
nearly $440 million North Omaha Recovery Plan toward housing.Hansen, Sen. Tony Vargas and Sen. Matt Williams are among other lawmakers who have proposed funding for housing development.&nbsp;<h2>‘Tremendous opportunity’</h2>Justin
 Brady of Radcliffe &amp; Associates lobbies on behalf of various state 
real estate entities, including the Nebraska Realtors Association and 
builders groups in Lincoln and Omaha.He
 said his efforts focus on ensuring that ARPA funds are indeed set aside
 for housing and that they’re divided appropriately to be spent in the 
four years allowed.“It’s a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “But when you’re short of labor and short of supplies … is that doable?”High
 housing costs have become a growing concern across the state. There’s 
been a push in some circles for legislation to require private 
developers to allot a portion of lower-rent dwellings in projects 
awarded a public subsidy, such as tax-increment financing.The
 City of Lincoln has tapped the nonprofit Community Development 
Resources to coordinate an effort aimed at easing the financial burden 
of owning a home.In
 Omaha, the new Welcome Home coalition of business and real estate 
professionals is hoping to nudge policymakers into changing zoning and 
other regulations they contend impede starter-home construction.Front Porch Investments is another organization devoted to affordable housing, as is the Omaha Missing Middle Campaign.DeBoer,
 whose legislative district in the Bennington area has seen a boom of 
high-priced residential construction, said housing is a statewide issue 
that warrants a dedicated agency.She called it “an idea whose time has come.”<h2>Millennials, investors compete</h2>Meanwhile,
 Andy Alloway of Nebraska Realty, whose agents cover much of the state 
and parts of Iowa, expects housing costs to continue to rise and sales 
activity to stay strong in coming months.“We
 just have had a lot of people in the market. Real estate is an 
attractive thing,” said Alloway, past president of the Nebraska 
Association of Realtors.Millennials
 have been competing with out-of-state investors seeking to buy local 
residential property, he said, all while “continued, unprecedented, 
ridiculously low interest rates fueled demand.”&nbsp;Consider conditions reported by the Great Plains MLS for the combined Lincoln and Omaha market:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The
 number of home sales was up 2.5% in 2021 compared to the year before 
and 13% compared to two years ago. Alloway said sales likely would have 
been higher had there been more homes on the market and available to 
sell.</li><li>A
 newly built home in 2021, on average, was on the market 38 days before 
it sold — compared with 73 days two years earlier. Existing homes stayed
 on the market 11 days in 2021, compared with 22 days two years earlier.</li><li>In
 an average month in 2021, there were about half the number of houses to
 sell than there were two years earlier. “Low inventory is an obvious 
challenge, a broken record that leads to multiple offer situations on 
most properties under $250,000 or $300,000,” said Alloway.</li>
 </ul>Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez, an Omaha native, has more than 35 years of experience, largely at the Omaha World-Herald.&nbsp;

Neb. senators want to create a new state housing agency

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The family of a&nbsp;Kansas woman charged with joining the Islamic State group&nbsp;and leading an all-female battalion says they want nothing to do with her, a prosecutor said Monday.

Allison Ekren, 42, made an initial appearance on Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. The hearing lasted only minutes; she was ordered to remain in jail pending a detention hearing set for Thursday afternoon, and an attorney was appointed to represent her.

At the end of the hearing, though, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh told the judge that he had been in contact with Ekren’s parents and her adult children, and all had said they wanted no contact with her.

The magistrate judge, Ivan Davis, said he had little ability to keep her from reaching out to her family from jail, but told Ekren he would take it into account at Thursday’s hearing if she contacted her family against their wishes.

Ekren, speaking in a soft-spoken voice and wearing an inmate jumpsuit and headscarf, said she understood the restriction. She also told the judge, in response to his question, that she preferred to be addressed as Ekren. The Justice Department used her full name, Allison Fluke-Ekren, when it announced charges against her Saturday.

Prosecutors say Ekren wanted to recruit operatives to attack a college campus in the U.S. and discussed the idea of attacking a shopping mall. She told one witness that “she considered any attack that did not kill a large number of individuals to be a waste of resources,” according to an FBI affidavit.

The affidavit also alleges Ekren became leader of an Islamic State unit called “Khatiba Nusaybah” in the Syrian city of Raqqa in late 2016. The all-female unit was trained in the use of AK-47 rifles, grenades and suicide belts.

According to court papers, Ekren moved to Egypt in 2008 and traveled frequently between Egypt and the U.S. over the next three years. She has not been in the U.S. since 2011. Prosecutors believe she moved to Syria around 2012.

Ekren’s newly appointed attorney, Joseph King, declined comment after Monday’s hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643715398750.png" alt="Ekren photo Alexandria, VA Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ekren photo Alexandria, VA Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The family of a&nbsp;Kansas woman charged with joining the Islamic State group&nbsp;and leading an all-female battalion says they want nothing to do with her, a prosecutor said Monday.Allison Ekren, 42, made an initial appearance on Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. The hearing lasted only minutes; she was ordered to remain in jail pending a detention hearing set for Thursday afternoon, and an attorney was appointed to represent her.At the end of the hearing, though, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh told the judge that he had been in contact with Ekren’s parents and her adult children, and all had said they wanted no contact with her.The magistrate judge, Ivan Davis, said he had little ability to keep her from reaching out to her family from jail, but told Ekren he would take it into account at Thursday’s hearing if she contacted her family against their wishes.Ekren, speaking in a soft-spoken voice and wearing an inmate jumpsuit and headscarf, said she understood the restriction. She also told the judge, in response to his question, that she preferred to be addressed as Ekren. The Justice Department used her full name, Allison Fluke-Ekren, when it announced charges against her Saturday.Prosecutors say Ekren wanted to recruit operatives to attack a college campus in the U.S. and discussed the idea of attacking a shopping mall. She told one witness that “she considered any attack that did not kill a large number of individuals to be a waste of resources,” according to an FBI affidavit.The affidavit also alleges Ekren became leader of an Islamic State unit called “Khatiba Nusaybah” in the Syrian city of Raqqa in late 2016. The all-female unit was trained in the use of AK-47 rifles, grenades and suicide belts.According to court papers, Ekren moved to Egypt in 2008 and traveled frequently between Egypt and the U.S. over the next three years. She has not been in the U.S. since 2011. Prosecutors believe she moved to Syria around 2012.Ekren’s newly appointed attorney, Joseph King, declined comment after Monday’s hearing.

Kan. woman accused of plotting terror attack appears before judge

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators are urging drugmaker Pfizer to apply for emergency authorization for a two-dose regimen of its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old while awaiting data on a three-dose course, aiming to clear the way for the shots as soon as late February, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press Monday.

The company’s application was expected to be submitted as soon as Tuesday.

Early Pfizer data has shown the vaccine — which is administered to younger kids at one-tenth the strength of the adult shot — is safe and produces an immune response. But last year Pfizer announced the two-dose shot proved to be less effective at preventing COVID-19 in kids ages 2-5, and regulators encouraged the company to add a third dose to the study on the belief that another dose would boost the vaccine’s effectiveness much like booster doses do in adults.

Now, the Food and Drug Administration is pushing the company to submit its application based on the two-dose data for potential approval in February, and then to return for additional authorization once it has the data from the third dose study, which is expected in March, the person familiar with the matter said. The two-step authorization process could mean that young children could be vaccinated more than a month earlier than previous estimates, assuming the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention greenlight the shots.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive regulatory issues. The person said the decreased effectiveness of the two-dose vaccine was not unexpected given the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant of COVID-19. Allowing young kids to be vaccinated with a two-dose shot earlier would ultimately accelerate when they could get the expected stronger protection from a third dose.

That would be welcome news for parents of young children, the last remaining age group without approval of COVID-19 shots.

Young children are far less likely than adults to develop serious complications or to die from COVID-19, but incidences of illness among the age group have risen amid the nationwide spike in cases from the omicron variant. Most cases and deaths occur among older people, especially those who are unvaccinated.

Speeding the authorization of pediatric vaccines against COVID-19 has been a priority for more than a year of the Biden administration, which believes them critical to reopening and keeping open schools and day care centers — and for freeing up parents occupied by childcare responsibilities to return to the workforce.

Vaccines for kids ages 5-12 were approved by U.S. regulators in November, though uptake of shots has been slower than U.S. officials hoped.

Pfizer’s primary series is administered three weeks apart. The third dose for young kids is being studied for administration at least two months after the second dose.

News of the earlier regulatory review was first reported by The Washington Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="&nbsp;Pfizer's application was expected to be submitted as soon as Tuesday-photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Pfizer's application was expected to be submitted as soon as Tuesday-photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators are urging drugmaker Pfizer to apply for emergency authorization for a two-dose regimen of its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old while awaiting data on a three-dose course, aiming to clear the way for the shots as soon as late February, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press Monday.The company’s application was expected to be submitted as soon as Tuesday.Early Pfizer data has shown the vaccine — which is administered to younger kids at one-tenth the strength of the adult shot — is safe and produces an immune response. But last year Pfizer announced the two-dose shot proved to be less effective at preventing COVID-19 in kids ages 2-5, and regulators encouraged the company to add a third dose to the study on the belief that another dose would boost the vaccine’s effectiveness much like booster doses do in adults.Now, the Food and Drug Administration is pushing the company to submit its application based on the two-dose data for potential approval in February, and then to return for additional authorization once it has the data from the third dose study, which is expected in March, the person familiar with the matter said. The two-step authorization process could mean that young children could be vaccinated more than a month earlier than previous estimates, assuming the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention greenlight the shots.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive regulatory issues. The person said the decreased effectiveness of the two-dose vaccine was not unexpected given the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant of COVID-19. Allowing young kids to be vaccinated with a two-dose shot earlier would ultimately accelerate when they could get the expected stronger protection from a third dose.That would be welcome news for parents of young children, the last remaining age group without approval of COVID-19 shots.Young children are far less likely than adults to develop serious complications or to die from COVID-19, but incidences of illness among the age group have risen amid the nationwide spike in cases from the omicron variant. Most cases and deaths occur among older people, especially those who are unvaccinated.Speeding the authorization of pediatric vaccines against COVID-19 has been a priority for more than a year of the Biden administration, which believes them critical to reopening and keeping open schools and day care centers — and for freeing up parents occupied by childcare responsibilities to return to the workforce.Vaccines for kids ages 5-12 were approved by U.S. regulators in November, though uptake of shots has been slower than U.S. officials hoped.Pfizer’s primary series is administered three weeks apart. The third dose for young kids is being studied for administration at least two months after the second dose.News of the earlier regulatory review was first reported by The Washington Post.

Pfizer seeks approval of COVID shots for kids under age 5

WASHINGTON — Now that the 2022 tax season is open, the Internal 
Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to make sure they've got what they 
need before they file and to consider free resources available to help 
them get organized.

This news release is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions">Additional help</a>&nbsp;is available at IRS.gov or in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>.

While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file 
prematurely. People who file before they receive all the proper tax 
reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to processing 
delays.

Typically, year-end forms start arriving by mail – or are available 
online – in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any of 
the information shown is inaccurate or not available, taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc154">contact the payer</a> right away for a correction or to ensure they have their current mailing or email address.

New this year, the IRS sent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419, Advance Child Tax Credit Reconciliation</a>,
 in January 2022 to help individuals reconcile and receive the full 
amount of their 2021 Child Tax Credit. This letter includes the total 
amount of the 2021 advance Child Tax Credit payments issued and the 
number of qualifying children used to calculate their advance payments. 
People need this important information to accurately claim the other 
half of the 2021 Child Tax Credit when filing their 2021 tax return and 
prevent delays in processing. The IRS reminds people to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-child-tax-credit-letters">check this information</a> carefully.

Most eligible people were already issued their third Economic Impact 
Payment and won't include any information about it when they file. 
However, people who didn't qualify for a third payment or did not 
receive the full amount may be eligible for the 2021 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 based on their 2021 tax situation. They will need the total amount of 
their third Economic Impact Payment to file an accurate tax return to 
avoid a processing delay. Taxpayers can sign into their IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment or wait to receive IRS Letter 6475.

Individuals not required to file must file a tax return to claim important tax credits

The IRS strongly encourages individuals who are not required to file a
 tax return to file one this season to claim potentially thousands of 
dollars in tax credits. By filing a tax return, individuals could claim:

Individuals can use their IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to securely access information about their federal tax account, including payments, tax records and more.

To help with filing a return, individuals can view:

They can also now make and track payments and manage 
communication preferences, including the option to go paperless and 
request email notifications for certain notices available online. 
Taxpayers are encouraged to register for an online account, if they 
haven't already, or sign in to access this information and explore these
 new features.

Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may help taxpayers find overlooked <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals">deductions or credits</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Now that the 2022 tax season is open, the Internal 
Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to make sure they've got what they 
need before they file and to consider free resources available to help 
them get organized.This news release is part of a series called the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions">Additional help</a>&nbsp;is available at IRS.gov or in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-17">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>.<h2>Don't file before ready</h2>While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file 
prematurely. People who file before they receive all the proper tax 
reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to processing 
delays.Typically, year-end forms start arriving by mail – or are available 
online – in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any of 
the information shown is inaccurate or not available, taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc154">contact the payer</a> right away for a correction or to ensure they have their current mailing or email address.New this year, the IRS sent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419, Advance Child Tax Credit Reconciliation</a>,
 in January 2022 to help individuals reconcile and receive the full 
amount of their 2021 Child Tax Credit. This letter includes the total 
amount of the 2021 advance Child Tax Credit payments issued and the 
number of qualifying children used to calculate their advance payments. 
People need this important information to accurately claim the other 
half of the 2021 Child Tax Credit when filing their 2021 tax return and 
prevent delays in processing. The IRS reminds people to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-child-tax-credit-letters">check this information</a> carefully.Most eligible people were already issued their third Economic Impact 
Payment and won't include any information about it when they file. 
However, people who didn't qualify for a third payment or did not 
receive the full amount may be eligible for the 2021 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 based on their 2021 tax situation. They will need the total amount of 
their third Economic Impact Payment to file an accurate tax return to 
avoid a processing delay. Taxpayers can sign into their IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment or wait to receive IRS Letter 6475.<h2>Individuals not required to file must file a tax return to claim important tax credits</h2>The IRS strongly encourages individuals who are not required to file a
 tax return to file one this season to claim potentially thousands of 
dollars in tax credits. By filing a tax return, individuals could claim:<ul>
 <li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 to receive any remaining 2021 stimulus payments that they might not 
have received (for example, if they added a new child or other dependent
 in 2021);</li><li>The remaining <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Child Tax Credit</a>
 for which they are eligible, including any monthly payments that they 
might not have received (for example, if they added a new qualifying 
child in 2021); and</li><li>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>,
 the federal government's largest refundable tax credit for low- to 
moderate-income families (the amount of which has been nearly tripled 
for filers without children).</li>
 </ul><h2>View IRS account information online</h2>Individuals can use their IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> to securely access information about their federal tax account, including payments, tax records and more.To help with filing a return, individuals can view:<ul>
 <li>The total amounts of Economic Impact Payments issued for tax year 2021</li><li>The total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments</li><li>Their adjusted gross income from their last tax return</li><li>The total of any estimated tax payments they made, and refunds applied as a credit</li>
 </ul>They can also now make and track payments and manage 
communication preferences, including the option to go paperless and 
request email notifications for certain notices available online. 
Taxpayers are encouraged to register for an online account, if they 
haven't already, or sign in to access this information and explore these
 new features.<h2>Important 2021 tax documents</h2>Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may help taxpayers find overlooked <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals">deductions or credits</a>.Taxpayers should wait to file until they have all their supporting income statements including but not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Forms W-2 from employer(s)</li><li>Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including 
unemployment compensation, dividends and distributions from a pension, 
annuity or retirement plan</li><li>Form 1099-K, 1099-Misc, W-2 or other income statement if they worked in the gig economy</li><li>Form 1099-INT if they received interest payments</li><li>Other income documents and records reporting virtual or crypto currency transactions</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/questions-and-answers-about-health-care-information-forms-for-individuals">Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement</a>, to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/premium-tax-credit-claiming-the-credit-and-reconciling-advance-credit-payments">reconcile advance Premium Tax Credits</a> for Marketplace coverage</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6419">Letter 6419, 2021 Total advance Child Tax Credit Payments</a> to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/premium-tax-credit-claiming-the-credit-and-reconciling-advance-credit-payments">reconcile advance Child Tax Credit payments</a></li><li>Letter 6475, 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit</li>
 </ul><h2>Free help</h2>Once taxpayers have collected all their tax documents and information, they're ready to consider how they will file.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is a great option for eligible taxpayers who are only filing a tax 
return to reconcile 2021 advance payments and claim the remaining 
portion of their Child Tax Credit or to claim the 2021 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>,
 either because they didn't receive a third-round Economic Impact 
Payment or did not receive the full amount. IRS Free File can also be 
used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides a refundable 
tax credit based on a filer's income and family size.IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000
 or less in 2021. This year, there are eight IRS Free File products in 
English and one in Spanish.Taxpayers can use a "look up" tool to choose from one of the Free 
File Providers. Each provider sets its own eligibility standards, 
generally based on income, age and state residency giving taxpayers who 
earned $73,000 or less at least one product to use for free.Free File is just one way the IRS provides free tax preparation 
options to taxpayers through a partnership model. The IRS also partners 
with community organizations to train IRS-certified volunteers to 
prepare and electronically file basic income tax returns for qualified 
individuals for free.Qualified taxpayers who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with 
disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need help 
preparing their own tax returns can get free tax help at one of 
thousands of community volunteer sites through the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-free-tax-return-preparation-programs">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program</a>.And the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-free-tax-return-preparation-programs">Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a>
 program offered by AARP, offers free tax help for all taxpayers, 
particularly those who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about
 pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax 
preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three 
state returns.<h2>New alternative media preference to help taxpayers</h2>Beginning January 31, 2022, taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, 
audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional 
taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with 
their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or call <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a> to elect their preferred format.As a reminder, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Forms 1040 and 1040-SR</a> are available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/es/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">Spanish</a>, and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-lep">Schedule LEP, Request for Change in Language Preference</a>, allows taxpayers to request information in 20 different languages besides English.<h2>E-file and choose direct deposit</h2>The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically and use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>
 to get their refunds. Combining e-file with direct deposit is the 
safest and fastest way to receive a refund. Taxpayers can file 
electronically through a tax professional, IRS Free File or commercial 
tax preparation software. When choosing e-file and direct deposit, most 
people receive their refunds in less than 21 days.People who don't have a bank account can visit the <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC website</a> or use the National Credit Union Administration's <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>
 to find an institution that allows them to open an account online and 
for tips on how to choose the right account. Veterans can check out the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>
 for access to financial services at participating banks. Taxpayers can 
also ask their preparer if they offer other electronic refund options.Although most refunds are delivered in 21 days, it could take longer 
if the tax return includes errors, is incomplete or requires further 
security review. Paper-filed tax returns and paper refund checks will 
take even longer this year.