LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This week, Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany. The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, the state’s agriculture and banking industries, and the ag tech sector. The mission will take place from November 7-14.

“European consumers place a high value on sustainability,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel can help meet this demand. We are excited to showcase our state’s precision ag technologies and leadership in animal agriculture while in Czechia and Germany.”

In the Czech Republic, Nebraska’s delegation will meet with the national government’s ministries of agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships. The State will also explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.

Nebraska has longstanding cultural ties to the Czech Republic. From the mid-1850s to the 1910s, an estimated 50,000 Czechs settled in Nebraska. By the early 20th&nbsp;century, Nebraska had welcomed more Czech immigrants, per capita, than any other state. To honor this heritage, Gov. Pillen signed LB 140 into law this year, creating Czech Heritage license plates. Additionally, Nebraska’s National Guard has a 30+ year partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic through the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program. Since 1993, the partners have cooperated on more than 300 engagements, such as joint training exercises and military expertise exchanges.

In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will recruit investment into the state’s bioeconomy; meet with leaders of German state governments; and take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture. Gov. Pillen will give the keynote address at EuroTier’s International Cattle &amp; Pig Event on Nov. 11. The state delegation will also meet with German companies doing business in Nebraska to thank them for their ongoing investment. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, especially beef. In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union—more than any other U.S. state.

“German businesses are renowned for their manufacturing prowess,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Nebraska’s world-class workforce, central location, and strengths in transportation and logistics are strong selling points as we invite manufacturers to locate or expand in our state.”

Bayer, CLAAS, Continental, Evonik, and Graepel, and Siemens&nbsp;are among the German companies with significant operations&nbsp;in the Cornhusker State.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;This week, Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany. The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, the state’s agriculture and banking industries, and the ag tech sector. The mission will take place from November 7-14.“European consumers place a high value on sustainability,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel can help meet this demand. We are excited to showcase our state’s precision ag technologies and leadership in animal agriculture while in Czechia and Germany.”In the Czech Republic, Nebraska’s delegation will meet with the national government’s ministries of agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships. The State will also explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.Nebraska has longstanding cultural ties to the Czech Republic. From the mid-1850s to the 1910s, an estimated 50,000 Czechs settled in Nebraska. By the early 20th&nbsp;century, Nebraska had welcomed more Czech immigrants, per capita, than any other state. To honor this heritage, Gov. Pillen signed LB 140 into law this year, creating Czech Heritage license plates. Additionally, Nebraska’s National Guard has a 30+ year partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic through the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program. Since 1993, the partners have cooperated on more than 300 engagements, such as joint training exercises and military expertise exchanges.In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will recruit investment into the state’s bioeconomy; meet with leaders of German state governments; and take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture. Gov. Pillen will give the keynote address at EuroTier’s International Cattle &amp; Pig Event on Nov. 11. The state delegation will also meet with German companies doing business in Nebraska to thank them for their ongoing investment. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, especially beef. In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union—more than any other U.S. state.“German businesses are renowned for their manufacturing prowess,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Nebraska’s world-class workforce, central location, and strengths in transportation and logistics are strong selling points as we invite manufacturers to locate or expand in our state.”Bayer, CLAAS, Continental, Evonik, and Graepel, and Siemens&nbsp;are among the German companies with significant operations&nbsp;in the Cornhusker State.

 Gov. Pillen to Lead State Delegation to Czech Republic and Germany

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/bacon-leads-but-nebraskas-2nd-district-race-remains-too-close-to-call/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska’s most competitive congressional race may have to wait a little longer to declare a winner, as votes for U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and State Sen. Tony Vargas remained too close to call early Wednesday.

Bacon led Vargas, 51%-49%, by 6 a.m. Wednesday in the 2nd District race. The Republican incumbent’s lead grew overnight to 8,300 votes. Election officials still need to count at least 9,000 ballots, including last-day early votes in Douglas County and provisional ballots that need to be verified.

Bacon told the Examiner that he was encouraged by the results but that there were more votes to count. His campaign manager, Matthew Zacher, told a gathering of Republicans that Bacon hoped to be able to speak about the race Wednesday.

Zacher said he was “cautiously optimistic” that Bacon would beat&nbsp;Vargas, a Democrat.

Vargas, in a statement, asked his supporters to be patient. He said the past few years have taught Americans that counting votes takes time — and that accurate results are worth it.

“Our democracy is worth waiting for and we’re going to have to be patient until all the work of tallying the votes is finished,” Vargas said. “We feel really good about where we are, and after every vote is counted, we are confident that we’ll win this race.”&nbsp;

Early votes returned Tuesday are unlikely to depart significantly from the trends of early voting overall, which favored Vargas. A similar trend could narrow the gap. Others said those early votes could skew toward west Omaha, helping Bacon.

All three county election commissioners in the 2nd Congressional District have at least some votes yet to count, but none has more than Douglas County, home to Omaha and the largest share of the district’s Democrats.

Bacon has complained of swimming against the tide of Vice President Kamala Harris and her backers, who were outspending Trump in the 2nd District roughly 20 to 1.&nbsp;

The 2nd District race is costlier, in part, because of the potential for the stray electoral vote, or “blue dot.” It’s one of a dozen or so swing districts nationally that either party can win, though Republicans hold a slight advantage in voter registrations and redistricting added rural Saunders County and swapped out some purpling suburbs in Sarpy County.

The 2nd District includes all of Douglas and Saunders Counties and a slice of western Sarpy County.

As of mid-October, the two candidates had already raised a total of nearly $13 million and spent more than $11 million, with Vargas having a slight edge, according to federal campaign finance filings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730902383761.jpeg" alt="Nebraska voters in the state’s 2nd Congressional District will face a rematch between Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas, left, and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Candidate photos courtesy of the campaigns; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska voters in the state’s 2nd Congressional District will face a rematch between Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas, left, and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Candidate photos courtesy of the campaigns; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/bacon-leads-but-nebraskas-2nd-district-race-remains-too-close-to-call/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska’s most competitive congressional race may have to wait a little longer to declare a winner, as votes for U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and State Sen. Tony Vargas remained too close to call early Wednesday.Bacon led Vargas, 51%-49%, by 6 a.m. Wednesday in the 2nd District race. The Republican incumbent’s lead grew overnight to 8,300 votes. Election officials still need to count at least 9,000 ballots, including last-day early votes in Douglas County and provisional ballots that need to be verified.Bacon told the Examiner that he was encouraged by the results but that there were more votes to count. His campaign manager, Matthew Zacher, told a gathering of Republicans that Bacon hoped to be able to speak about the race Wednesday.Zacher said he was “cautiously optimistic” that Bacon would beat&nbsp;Vargas, a Democrat.Vargas, in a statement, asked his supporters to be patient. He said the past few years have taught Americans that counting votes takes time — and that accurate results are worth it.“Our democracy is worth waiting for and we’re going to have to be patient until all the work of tallying the votes is finished,” Vargas said. “We feel really good about where we are, and after every vote is counted, we are confident that we’ll win this race.”&nbsp;Early votes returned Tuesday are unlikely to depart significantly from the trends of early voting overall, which favored Vargas. A similar trend could narrow the gap. Others said those early votes could skew toward west Omaha, helping Bacon.All three county election commissioners in the 2nd Congressional District have at least some votes yet to count, but none has more than Douglas County, home to Omaha and the largest share of the district’s Democrats.Bacon has complained of swimming against the tide of Vice President Kamala Harris and her backers, who were outspending Trump in the 2nd District roughly 20 to 1.&nbsp;The 2nd District race is costlier, in part, because of the potential for the stray electoral vote, or “blue dot.” It’s one of a dozen or so swing districts nationally that either party can win, though Republicans hold a slight advantage in voter registrations and redistricting added rural Saunders County and swapped out some purpling suburbs in Sarpy County.The 2nd District includes all of Douglas and Saunders Counties and a slice of western Sarpy County.As of mid-October, the two candidates had already raised a total of nearly $13 million and spent more than $11 million, with Vargas having a slight edge, according to federal campaign finance filings.

Bacon leads Vargas in Nebraska’s 2nd District race

Lincoln, NE -- It took two years, two successful petition drives, and more&nbsp;than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans to ensure voters could decide at the ballot box whether they support giving public funds to private schools.

The answer – for the fourth time in the state’s electoral history – is no.*

A coalition of Nebraska non-profit organizations led the fight to repeal the voucher schemes passed by the Legislature. The first successful petition drive gathered 117,000 signatures and would have put LB753, passed by lawmakers in 2023, on the ballot. To prevent a vote of the people, the bill’s sponsor passed a new voucher scheme, LB1402 in 2024. The coalition then launched a second successful petition drive to ensure voters could decide the issue at the ballot box.&nbsp;

“The vote to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme is a clear directive to the Legislature and the Governor: Nebraskans do not support using public funds to pay for private schools. Elected officials need to respect the wishes of voters and stop trying to impose costly voucher schemes on taxpayers. Public funds should be used to support our public schools, which are open and available to all students, and which are accountable to Nebraska taxpayers. Thousands of volunteers helped with this effort and their work is very much appreciated. Also, this vote is a morale booster for our dedicated and caring public school teachers. On behalf of our NSEA members, I want to sincerely thank Nebraskans for their support of our public schools,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association.

“LB1402 was passed as an&nbsp;attempt to silence voters – but Nebraskans want their voices heard and respected. Nebraskans do not support diverting tax funds to pay for private schools. They want strong public schools to have the resources necessary to help children learn and succeed. They know that taking public funds that should be spent to ensure strong public schools and diverting those dollars to pay for private schools threatens Nebraska’s constitutional guarantee of a free, quality public education that is accessible to and able to serve all children. I want to thank all&nbsp;those who helped with this herculean effort to protect the right of referendum and public education,” said&nbsp;Jenni Benson, president of Support Our Schools Nebraska.

"Nebraskans demand fiscal accountability, and they made their voices heard at the ballot box by repealing a private school voucher program that lacks transparency or accountability for how our hard-earned&nbsp;tax dollars are spent. The will of the people of Nebraska will always supersede national efforts to meddle in our fiscal policies and the investments we make as a state. We are grateful to the people of Nebraska today and share their commitment to serving all students. OpenSky Policy Institute will continue to provide research and analysis on programs that drive educational achievement and success in our outstanding public schools and for the children of Nebraska," said&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director at OpenSky Policy Institute.

"Today, Nebraska voters stood up for the future of our children and the strength of our public schools. By repealing LB 1402, we have protected essential funding for our public schools and reaffirmed our shared commitment to providing every child in Nebraska with access to a high-quality, equitable education. This victory was made possible by the hard work and dedication of countless parents, teachers, students, and community members who believe in the power and promise of public education. Our public schools are the backbone of our communities, and we will continue working to ensure they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we will keep advocating for a stronger, fairer education system that serves all Nebraska students," said&nbsp;Dr. Ferial Pearson, Chair of Stand For Schools.

"This referendum has been a testament to the power of the people in Nebraska. Direct democracy helps voters have a direct say in the issues that impact us every day and, despite multiple&nbsp;attempts by big money special interests to subvert the will of the people, Nebraskans stood firm to ensure the state would be accountable to its citizens. The Nebraska Table and the Second House Collaborative are proud to stand with the countless community members who have worked so tirelessly to fight for our public schools in every corner of the state," said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table and Second House Collaborative.

*Nebraska voters have four times rejected Constitutional Amendments that would have allowed public funds to be used for private schools:

<a target="_blank" href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/">Nebraska Private School Voucher Scheme, Referendum Measure 435 (2024)</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Student_Loans_and_Grants,_Amendment_6b_(1976)">Nebraska Student Loans and Grants, Amendment 6b (1976) - Ballotpedia</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Private_School_Grants,_Amendment_12_(1970)">Nebraska Private School Grants, Amendment 12 (1970) - Ballotpedia</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Transportation_for_Private_Schools,_Amendment_6_(1966)">Nebraska Transportation for Private Schools, Amendment 6 (1966) - Ballotpedia</a>

Support Our SchoolsLincoln, NE -- It took two years, two successful petition drives, and more&nbsp;than 200,000 signatures from Nebraskans to ensure voters could decide at the ballot box whether they support giving public funds to private schools.The answer – for the fourth time in the state’s electoral history – is no.*A coalition of Nebraska non-profit organizations led the fight to repeal the voucher schemes passed by the Legislature. The first successful petition drive gathered 117,000 signatures and would have put LB753, passed by lawmakers in 2023, on the ballot. To prevent a vote of the people, the bill’s sponsor passed a new voucher scheme, LB1402 in 2024. The coalition then launched a second successful petition drive to ensure voters could decide the issue at the ballot box.&nbsp;“The vote to repeal LB1402’s voucher scheme is a clear directive to the Legislature and the Governor: Nebraskans do not support using public funds to pay for private schools. Elected officials need to respect the wishes of voters and stop trying to impose costly voucher schemes on taxpayers. Public funds should be used to support our public schools, which are open and available to all students, and which are accountable to Nebraska taxpayers. Thousands of volunteers helped with this effort and their work is very much appreciated. Also, this vote is a morale booster for our dedicated and caring public school teachers. On behalf of our NSEA members, I want to sincerely thank Nebraskans for their support of our public schools,” said&nbsp;Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association.“LB1402 was passed as an&nbsp;attempt to silence voters – but Nebraskans want their voices heard and respected. Nebraskans do not support diverting tax funds to pay for private schools. They want strong public schools to have the resources necessary to help children learn and succeed. They know that taking public funds that should be spent to ensure strong public schools and diverting those dollars to pay for private schools threatens Nebraska’s constitutional guarantee of a free, quality public education that is accessible to and able to serve all children. I want to thank all&nbsp;those who helped with this herculean effort to protect the right of referendum and public education,” said&nbsp;Jenni Benson, president of Support Our Schools Nebraska."Nebraskans demand fiscal accountability, and they made their voices heard at the ballot box by repealing a private school voucher program that lacks transparency or accountability for how our hard-earned&nbsp;tax dollars are spent. The will of the people of Nebraska will always supersede national efforts to meddle in our fiscal policies and the investments we make as a state. We are grateful to the people of Nebraska today and share their commitment to serving all students. OpenSky Policy Institute will continue to provide research and analysis on programs that drive educational achievement and success in our outstanding public schools and for the children of Nebraska," said&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director at OpenSky Policy Institute."Today, Nebraska voters stood up for the future of our children and the strength of our public schools. By repealing LB 1402, we have protected essential funding for our public schools and reaffirmed our shared commitment to providing every child in Nebraska with access to a high-quality, equitable education. This victory was made possible by the hard work and dedication of countless parents, teachers, students, and community members who believe in the power and promise of public education. Our public schools are the backbone of our communities, and we will continue working to ensure they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we will keep advocating for a stronger, fairer education system that serves all Nebraska students," said&nbsp;Dr. Ferial Pearson, Chair of Stand For Schools."This referendum has been a testament to the power of the people in Nebraska. Direct democracy helps voters have a direct say in the issues that impact us every day and, despite multiple&nbsp;attempts by big money special interests to subvert the will of the people, Nebraskans stood firm to ensure the state would be accountable to its citizens. The Nebraska Table and the Second House Collaborative are proud to stand with the countless community members who have worked so tirelessly to fight for our public schools in every corner of the state," said&nbsp;Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building, Nebraska Table and Second House Collaborative.*Nebraska voters have four times rejected Constitutional Amendments that would have allowed public funds to be used for private schools:<a target="_blank" href="https://supportourschoolsnebraska.org/">Nebraska Private School Voucher Scheme, Referendum Measure 435 (2024)</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Student_Loans_and_Grants,_Amendment_6b_(1976)">Nebraska Student Loans and Grants, Amendment 6b (1976) - Ballotpedia</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Private_School_Grants,_Amendment_12_(1970)">Nebraska Private School Grants, Amendment 12 (1970) - Ballotpedia</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Transportation_for_Private_Schools,_Amendment_6_(1966)">Nebraska Transportation for Private Schools, Amendment 6 (1966) - Ballotpedia</a>

Nebraskans Vote to Repeal LB1402’s Voucher Scheme

Here are the final results featuring U.S. Senate, House races, ballot measures and more. Below are the results:

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris defeated Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump

Trump would earn four out of five electoral votes from the state of Nebraska.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer defeated Independent Dan Osborn

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts defeated (D) Preston Love

A winner still awaits between (R) Don Bacon and (D) Tony Vargas. At this time Bacon has a slight lead over Vargas.

(R) Adrian Smith wins reelection over (D) Dan Ebers

Nebraska Statewide Ballot Measure Results:

INITIATIVE 434 - LIMITS ABORTION AFTER FIRST TRIMESTER

INITIATIVE 439 - CREATES CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTION

INITIATIVE 437- LEGALIZES MEDICAL MARIJUANA

INITIATIVE 438 - REGULATES MEDICAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRY

REFERENDUM 435 - AUTHORIZES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS

INITIATIVE 436 - REQUIRES PAID SICK LEAVE

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730863372618.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here are the final results featuring U.S. Senate, House races, ballot measures and more. Below are the results:Statewide Vote (Presidental):Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala HarrisU.S. President - District 1:Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala HarrisU.S. President - District 2:Vice President Kamala Harris defeated Republican Presidential Nominee Donald TrumpU.S. President - District 3:Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala HarrisTrump would earn four out of five electoral votes from the state of Nebraska.U.S. Senate:U.S. Senator Deb Fischer defeated Independent Dan OsbornU.S. Senate:U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts defeated (D) Preston LoveU.S. House District 1:(R) Mike Flood defeated (D) Carol BloodU.S. House District 2:A winner still awaits between (R) Don Bacon and (D) Tony Vargas. At this time Bacon has a slight lead over Vargas.U.S. House District 3:(R) Adrian Smith wins reelection over (D) Dan EbersState Legislature - District 43:Tanya Storer defeated&nbsp;Tony TangwallState Legislature - District 47:Paul Strommen defeated Larry BolingerNebraska Statewide Ballot Measure Results:INITIATIVE 434 - LIMITS ABORTION AFTER FIRST TRIMESTERNebraskans voted FORFor - 496,586 votesAgainst - 401,072 votesINITIATIVE 439 - CREATES CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTIONNebraska voted AGAINSTAgainst - 462,756 votesFor - 436,750 votesINITIATIVE 437- LEGALIZES MEDICAL MARIJUANANebraskans voted FORFor - 614,236 votesAgainst - 254,079 votesINITIATIVE 438 - REGULATES MEDICAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRYNebraskans voted FORFor - 578,375 votesAgainst - 285,573 votesREFERENDUM 435 - AUTHORIZES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLSNebraskans voted to REPEALRepeal - 492,478 votesRetain - 370,542 votesINITIATIVE 436 - REQUIRES PAID SICK LEAVENebraskans voted FORFor - 638,737 votesAgainst - 221,309 votes

2024 Nebraska Election Results

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A majority of Nebraskans voted Tuesday to embrace legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, though the final say will likely be up to the courts, not the ballot box.

Both Initiative Measures 437 and 438, to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, had a wide margin of support statewide. The measures came from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign. This was the campaign’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/13/nebraska-medical-marijuana-advocates-confident-third-time-is-the-charm/">third attempt</a>&nbsp;to reach the ballot.

Whether medical cannabis becomes legal in the state post-election, however, depends on the outcome of legal challenges currently playing out in Lancaster County District Court.

District Judge Susan Strong is weighing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">legal arguments</a>&nbsp;following a four-day trial about the validity of tens of thousands of already validated signatures on each measure’s petition for ballot access. Her decision isn’t expected for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/attorneys-make-final-arguments-in-trial-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">at least two weeks</a>.

Strong rejected an attempt to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">prevent counting or making public</a>&nbsp;Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/Login.aspx" target="_blank">election results</a>.

AP called the race in favor of Initiative 437 on Tuesday night just before midnight. As of that time, the legalization ballot measure led with 71.2% of the vote. Initiative 438, the regulatory ballot measure, followed closely, at 67.5%.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/ballot-measures/nebraska-medical-cannabis-patient-protection-act/">Initiative Measure 437</a>, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would set an allowable amount of medical cannabis at 5 ounces; exempt patients and caregivers from penalty for using or assisting someone else in using the cannabis; and require a written recommendation from a health care practitioner before prescription.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/ballot-measures/nebraska-medical-cannabis-regulation-act/">Initiative Measure 438</a>, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, would define cannabis; legalize possessing, manufacturing, distributing, delivering and dispensing cannabis for medical purposes; and create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the new law.

Crista Eggers, the campaign manager for the ballot measures, told the Nebraska Examiner on Tuesday that after more than a decade of fighting, and three ballot attempts, “it solidifies for us that we have always been fighting for the right reason.”

“We have been fighting for the patients in this state, and tonight’s win is not because of a few people or one campaign,” she said. “Tonight’s win is for the Nebraska patients.”

The legal challenges were brought by John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member who opposes medical marijuana, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who launched his own challenges as part of Kuehn’s lawsuit, even though his office had already certified the ballot measures for the ballot

Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ office is defending Evnen in the case. Hilgers has opposed legalizing medical cannabis and delta-8, which contains THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high. Hilgers served with Kuehn in the Legislature, as did one of Kuehn’s attorneys, former State Sen. Andrew La Grone.

The lawsuit could end in one of a few ways. Strong could:

Strong and attorneys involved in the case have acknowledged that no matter who prevails, the decision is likely to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Eggers, whose 10-year-old son, Colton, has epilepsy and severe seizures, said there is still work ahead. The campaign remains confident it will prevail in its court fight, Eggers said,&nbsp;and hopes that someday soon, patients and loved ones will find hope and strength from a new treatment option.

“The day that that happens, that’s when we know that we did our jobs,” Eggers said. “It’s not over, a lot ahead of us, but I think tonight speaks that Nebraskans have had their voices heard once and for all on this issue.”

Multiple legislative efforts, including some led by one of the ballot sponsors, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, had previously stalled, moving the fight to the ballot box.

The campaign started in 2019 for the 2020 ballot with a constitutional amendment that the Nebraska Supreme Court ultimately ruled was too broad, in violation of the Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp;

For the 2022 ballot, sponsors returned with separate petitions to legalize and regulate the drug, but they fell short of gathering enough signatures, in part after a major donor’s death.

The 2024 attempt is the furthest Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has gotten.

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-reclassification-biden-garland-dea-3c9478472e124c7aaa9b934270b0d450" target="_blank">reclassify marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug, which could aid future federal approval.

Thirty-eight states have legalized medical marijuana, while 24 of them, plus Washington, D.C., have also legalized recreational use. The other states, including Nebraska, allow limited access to cannabis products with little to no THC, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/29/most-americans-now-live-in-a-legal-marijuana-state-and-most-have-at-least-one-dispensary-in-their-county/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center</a>.

Nebraska’s constitutional officers will meet Dec. 2 to certify Tuesday’s election results. Legal challenges can continue after that date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730898785382.jpeg" alt="Supporters of medical cannabis joined together in support of two related ballot measures for the 2024 general election at a public hearing for Initiative Measures 437 and 438 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Among those in the photo are Dominic Gillen, far left, and Shelley Gillen, left front row, who is kneeling by their son, Will Gillen. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Supporters of medical cannabis joined together in support of two related ballot measures for the 2024 general election at a public hearing for Initiative Measures 437 and 438 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Among those in the photo are Dominic Gillen, far left, and Shelley Gillen, left front row, who is kneeling by their son, Will Gillen. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A majority of Nebraskans voted Tuesday to embrace legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, though the final say will likely be up to the courts, not the ballot box.Both Initiative Measures 437 and 438, to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, had a wide margin of support statewide. The measures came from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign. This was the campaign’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/13/nebraska-medical-marijuana-advocates-confident-third-time-is-the-charm/">third attempt</a>&nbsp;to reach the ballot.Whether medical cannabis becomes legal in the state post-election, however, depends on the outcome of legal challenges currently playing out in Lancaster County District Court.District Judge Susan Strong is weighing&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/29/trial-begins-in-case-against-nebraskas-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">legal arguments</a>&nbsp;following a four-day trial about the validity of tens of thousands of already validated signatures on each measure’s petition for ballot access. Her decision isn’t expected for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/attorneys-make-final-arguments-in-trial-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions/">at least two weeks</a>.Strong rejected an attempt to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/01/judge-rules-nebraska-medical-cannabis-votes-will-be-counted-and-is-leaning-against-delaying-trial/">prevent counting or making public</a>&nbsp;Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://electionresults.nebraska.gov/Login.aspx" target="_blank">election results</a>.AP called the race in favor of Initiative 437 on Tuesday night just before midnight. As of that time, the legalization ballot measure led with 71.2% of the vote. Initiative 438, the regulatory ballot measure, followed closely, at 67.5%.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/ballot-measures/nebraska-medical-cannabis-patient-protection-act/">Initiative Measure 437</a>, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would set an allowable amount of medical cannabis at 5 ounces; exempt patients and caregivers from penalty for using or assisting someone else in using the cannabis; and require a written recommendation from a health care practitioner before prescription.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/ballot-measures/nebraska-medical-cannabis-regulation-act/">Initiative Measure 438</a>, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, would define cannabis; legalize possessing, manufacturing, distributing, delivering and dispensing cannabis for medical purposes; and create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the new law.Crista Eggers, the campaign manager for the ballot measures, told the Nebraska Examiner on Tuesday that after more than a decade of fighting, and three ballot attempts, “it solidifies for us that we have always been fighting for the right reason.”“We have been fighting for the patients in this state, and tonight’s win is not because of a few people or one campaign,” she said. “Tonight’s win is for the Nebraska patients.”<h2>Legal challenges</h2>The legal challenges were brought by John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member who opposes medical marijuana, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who launched his own challenges as part of Kuehn’s lawsuit, even though his office had already certified the ballot measures for the ballotAttorney General Mike Hilgers’ office is defending Evnen in the case. Hilgers has opposed legalizing medical cannabis and delta-8, which contains THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high. Hilgers served with Kuehn in the Legislature, as did one of Kuehn’s attorneys, former State Sen. Andrew La Grone.The lawsuit could end in one of a few ways. Strong could:<ul>
 <li>Side with Kuehn and Evnen outright, voiding the election results.</li><li>Side with Kuehn and Evnen but allow the ballot sponsors to try to cure the “invalidity” of enough signatures in a second phase of the trial, after the election.</li><li>Side with the ballot sponsors outright, ending the lower court trial, which would leave the election results intact.</li>
 </ul>Strong and attorneys involved in the case have acknowledged that no matter who prevails, the decision is likely to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.Eggers, whose 10-year-old son, Colton, has epilepsy and severe seizures, said there is still work ahead. The campaign remains confident it will prevail in its court fight, Eggers said,&nbsp;and hopes that someday soon, patients and loved ones will find hope and strength from a new treatment option.“The day that that happens, that’s when we know that we did our jobs,” Eggers said. “It’s not over, a lot ahead of us, but I think tonight speaks that Nebraskans have had their voices heard once and for all on this issue.”<h2>Third try for ballot measure</h2>Multiple legislative efforts, including some led by one of the ballot sponsors, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, had previously stalled, moving the fight to the ballot box.The campaign started in 2019 for the 2020 ballot with a constitutional amendment that the Nebraska Supreme Court ultimately ruled was too broad, in violation of the Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp;For the 2022 ballot, sponsors returned with separate petitions to legalize and regulate the drug, but they fell short of gathering enough signatures, in part after a major donor’s death.The 2024 attempt is the furthest Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has gotten.The U.S. Department of Justice has formally moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-reclassification-biden-garland-dea-3c9478472e124c7aaa9b934270b0d450" target="_blank">reclassify marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug, which could aid future federal approval.Thirty-eight states have legalized medical marijuana, while 24 of them, plus Washington, D.C., have also legalized recreational use. The other states, including Nebraska, allow limited access to cannabis products with little to no THC, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/29/most-americans-now-live-in-a-legal-marijuana-state-and-most-have-at-least-one-dispensary-in-their-county/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center</a>.Nebraska’s constitutional officers will meet Dec. 2 to certify Tuesday’s election results. Legal challenges can continue after that date.

Medical cannabis prevails at Nebraska’s ballot box, but fate depends on legal challenges

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 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason and that reason was to save out country and to restore America to greatness and now we are going to fulfill that mission together.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2wTYk219vL">pic.twitter.com/2wTYk219vL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1854072522091745743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. JD Vance: &quot;I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/07l3cIiklu">pic.twitter.com/07l3cIiklu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1854067034289574277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible. It is now clear that we&#39;ve achieved the most incredible political -- Hey! Look what happened! Is this crazy?!?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/M3AZkFe3vh">pic.twitter.com/M3AZkFe3vh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1854065386922119560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Donald Trump is elected the 47th president of the U.S.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraska-voters-reject-state-funding-for-students-attending-private-k-12-schools/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected Nebraska’s new school voucher or scholarship program, steering public dollars spent to public schools.

Supporters of using state tax dollars to offset the costs of a private K-12 education have argued that families unhappy with their public schools need more options.

But rural and urban supporters of public schools, the Nebraska State Education Association and private foundations supporting public schools won the day.

Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said he was proud to see right- and left-leaning counties agree that vouchers were the wrong choice.

“It confirms what we knew, the majority of Nebraskans don’t want public dollars going to private schools,” Royers said. “What really stood out to me is the consistency.”

Royers said he is hopeful that state senators will follow the will of the voters and move onto other more pressing issues in education that teachers and parents can work on together.

Support Our Schools argued&nbsp;that diverting even small amounts of public money toward private K-12 schools with a scholarship program or vouchers risked long-term support for public education.

They pointed to the experiences in other states with voucher programs, including neighboring Iowa, which has seen the national rankings of its public schools slide since that program began.

They argued that school choice programs typically end up largely benefiting the people already making the choice to send their children to private schools.

And they said such programs risked creating greater concentrations of poverty in some schools by draining them of students who often act as stabilizing force

Lawmakers plan to keep working for choice

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and other lawmakers backing “opportunity scholarships” have already said they plan to keep working for school choice regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election.

Linehan, in a statement, said the teachers union and Support Our Schools spent two years and $7 million distorting the truth “in their endless pursuit to keep opportunity away from kids.”

“I am confident Nebraskans and the leaders in this state will continue fighting to keep kids first,” Linehan said.

The first version of Nebraska’s school choice law, passed in 2023, provided a tax credit for those donating to a scholarship fund for private K-12 education. After passage, those opposing the law launched a petition drive to put the issue before voters.

Linehan sidestepped that referendum by replacing the law in the 2024 legislative session.

She and other lawmakers transformed the program into a $10 million annual state appropriation for private school vouchers, to be run through the office of State Treasurer Tom Briese, a Linehan ally.

The Support Our Schools campaign, with support from public school proponents, including Omaha Public Schools supporter Susie Buffett, collected the necessary signatures a second time to challenge the law on the ballot.

Royers, new president of the NSEA, and Jenni Benson of Support Our Schools, the previous NSEA leader, have said Linehan should not have tried to avoid letting voters weigh in on an unpopular program.

Families of some children attending private schools through the precursor program, Opportunity Scholarships, or through the latest version have said they can’t afford private school tuition without such financial help.

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a Democrat who supports school choice, has said parents cannot afford to wait for public school systems to improve. They need help for their kids now, he said.

Jeremy Ekeler, executive director of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, said his group and supporters of the program have focused on helping families who couldn’t wait for school districts and systems to change.

“While tonight we did not see the results that we hoped for, those thousands of Nebraska families who finally have access to the right educational fit for their children thanks to LB 1402 will make their voices heard for years to come,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether other lawmakers will offer a similar proposal in 2025. Linehan and Wayne are both term-limited and won’t return to the Legislature next year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730872232176.jpeg" alt=" Jenni Benson, then-president of the Nebraska State Education Association and sponsor of the Support Our Schools ballot referendum, leads supporters in transporting more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State. July 17, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Jenni Benson, then-president of the Nebraska State Education Association and sponsor of the Support Our Schools ballot referendum, leads supporters in transporting more than 86,000 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State. July 17, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/nebraska-voters-reject-state-funding-for-students-attending-private-k-12-schools/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected Nebraska’s new school voucher or scholarship program, steering public dollars spent to public schools.Supporters of using state tax dollars to offset the costs of a private K-12 education have argued that families unhappy with their public schools need more options.But rural and urban supporters of public schools, the Nebraska State Education Association and private foundations supporting public schools won the day.Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said he was proud to see right- and left-leaning counties agree that vouchers were the wrong choice.“It confirms what we knew, the majority of Nebraskans don’t want public dollars going to private schools,” Royers said. “What really stood out to me is the consistency.”<h2>Royers hopes state senators move on</h2>Royers said he is hopeful that state senators will follow the will of the voters and move onto other more pressing issues in education that teachers and parents can work on together.Support Our Schools argued&nbsp;that diverting even small amounts of public money toward private K-12 schools with a scholarship program or vouchers risked long-term support for public education.They pointed to the experiences in other states with voucher programs, including neighboring Iowa, which has seen the national rankings of its public schools slide since that program began.They argued that school choice programs typically end up largely benefiting the people already making the choice to send their children to private schools.And they said such programs risked creating greater concentrations of poverty in some schools by draining them of students who often act as stabilizing force<h2>Lawmakers plan to keep working for choice</h2>State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and other lawmakers backing “opportunity scholarships” have already said they plan to keep working for school choice regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election.Linehan, in a statement, said the teachers union and Support Our Schools spent two years and $7 million distorting the truth “in their endless pursuit to keep opportunity away from kids.”“I am confident Nebraskans and the leaders in this state will continue fighting to keep kids first,” Linehan said.The first version of Nebraska’s school choice law, passed in 2023, provided a tax credit for those donating to a scholarship fund for private K-12 education. After passage, those opposing the law launched a petition drive to put the issue before voters.<h2>2023 law replaced in 2024</h2>Linehan sidestepped that referendum by replacing the law in the 2024 legislative session.She and other lawmakers transformed the program into a $10 million annual state appropriation for private school vouchers, to be run through the office of State Treasurer Tom Briese, a Linehan ally.The Support Our Schools campaign, with support from public school proponents, including Omaha Public Schools supporter Susie Buffett, collected the necessary signatures a second time to challenge the law on the ballot.Royers, new president of the NSEA, and Jenni Benson of Support Our Schools, the previous NSEA leader, have said Linehan should not have tried to avoid letting voters weigh in on an unpopular program.Families of some children attending private schools through the precursor program, Opportunity Scholarships, or through the latest version have said they can’t afford private school tuition without such financial help.State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a Democrat who supports school choice, has said parents cannot afford to wait for public school systems to improve. They need help for their kids now, he said.Jeremy Ekeler, executive director of Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska, said his group and supporters of the program have focused on helping families who couldn’t wait for school districts and systems to change.“While tonight we did not see the results that we hoped for, those thousands of Nebraska families who finally have access to the right educational fit for their children thanks to LB 1402 will make their voices heard for years to come,” he said.It remains to be seen whether other lawmakers will offer a similar proposal in 2025. Linehan and Wayne are both term-limited and won’t return to the Legislature next year.&nbsp;

Nebraska voters reject state funding for students attending private K-12 schools

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/red-scare-incumbent-fischer-survives-osborn-in-nebraska-u-s-senate-race/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer survived an unexpectedly close race Tuesday with registered nonpartisan Dan Osborn, leaning on her GOP base to secure a third term.

The Associated Press called the race for Fischer late Tuesday. She led by nearly 4 percentage points at 11:30 p.m., with more rural votes coming in. Some early voting ballots returned on Election Day and provisional ballots still need to be counted, but those are unlikely to change the result.

Fischer had voiced confidence during the campaign that Nebraskans would reward her willingness to prioritize their needs, including agriculture and infrastructure, and would worry less about sound bites or national news.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, she said Nebraskans “still vote for candidates who share their values.”

Her defenders had worried that her preference for doing work behind-the-scenes to craft and pass legislation, rather than spending more time promoting herself and her work, cost her with some Nebraskans who follow politics only at election time.

“Nearly $30 million, that’s the amount of money out-of-state Democrats spent trying to buy a Nebraska Senate seat,” Fischer said. “It did not happen. … They wasted their money.”

For several months during the campaign, Fischer would not acknowledge her opponent, rejecting polls that indicated a close race as being flawed and touting her own internal polling showing a big lead.&nbsp;

By late Tuesday, the race appeared headed toward the narrowest margin for any Nebraska GOP Senate candidate since 2000, when Republican Attorney General Don Stenberg lost to former Gov. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., 51%-49%.

Osborn, an Omaha union leader known for his work helping to lead the Omaha Kellogg’s strike in 2021, put a scare into Fischer’s campaign.

He did so largely by painting himself as Nebraska’s version of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a gruff, working-class guy interested in focusing Congress on kitchen-table issues.

Osborn avoided giving specific answers about his views on many policy questions until late into the campaign, saying he preferred to hear more from Nebraskans about what they want.

He hammered Fischer for increasing her personal wealth while in office and described her in ads and on the stump as a typical politician beholden to the whims of her largest donors.

The Osborn crowd went from upbeat, swaying along with a live country musician, to somber more numbers came in around 10:30 pm., showing Fischer pulling ahead for the first time all night. Osborn hadn’t yet spoken at his campaign party as of 11:30 p.m.

Fischer served two terms in the Nebraska Legislature before being elected to the Senate in 2012. She served on the Valentine school board before that. Her family owns a ranch near Valentine. She and her husband have moved to Lincoln.

She and her surrogates said Osborn was partly to blame for Kellogg’s announcing the Omaha plant was slated for closure. The union’s current leaders rejected the idea that Osborn was to blame.

Fischer labeled him a Democrat in sheep’s clothing. She and her supporters spent millions on ads seeking to tie Osborn to liberal leaders including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont.

State and local election records, however, showed Osborn registered as a nonpartisan since at least 2004.

Osborn has said he personally aligned more with Democrats before 2016, but like many in organized labor, he has welcomed the Republican Party becoming more open to union members.

The race brought millions in outside money and interest to a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats roughly 2 to 1 and a quarter of registrants align with neither party.

One hint of Fischer’s vulnerability: Ending Spending, an outside group tied to Marlene and Joe Ricketts, which helped Fischer win office in 2012, jumped into the 2024 race after polling indicated potential trouble.&nbsp;

Another sign: The National Republican Senatorial Committee also stepped in to boost her campaign. That group typically spends money on tough races in battleground states and open seats.

One of Fischer’s biggest challenges was shoring up the Republican base at a time when some of them in state and county GOPs spent months divided over supporting the federal delegation.&nbsp;

Local political observers said Fischer smartly emphasized her GOP roots and improved her chances of winning by persuading former President Donald Trump to cut an ad on her behalf.

Fischer, like U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., had frustrated Trump by voting for a bipartisan infrastructure bill under President Joe Biden. She had also criticized some of his comments in 2016. But Trump ultimately endorsed her.

Polling showed Osborn securing a larger slice of the rural 3rd District electorate than most Democrats have in statewide races. He also polled well in Omaha and Lincoln.

Some Democrats said Osborn hurt himself by initially seeking and later declining the endorsement of the Nebraska Democratic Party and some third parties. Osborn and his supporters also worked to keep other names off the ballot, from third parties.

It was part of what Fischer and Osborn both described as a “political science experiment” of a campaign. Osborn ran neither left nor right and would not say which party he’d caucus with if he won.

For Fischer, the win comes at a time of war in the Middle East and Europe, when she says the nation needs her experience as a senior member on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Responding to Osborn criticism that she broke her promise to serve only two terms Fischer said she did so after coming to realize the importance of seniority after serving in the Senate. Osborn pledged to serve only two terms.

Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730872069595.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., faces nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska’s Senate race this fall. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., faces nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska’s Senate race this fall. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/red-scare-incumbent-fischer-survives-osborn-in-nebraska-u-s-senate-race/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer survived an unexpectedly close race Tuesday with registered nonpartisan Dan Osborn, leaning on her GOP base to secure a third term.The Associated Press called the race for Fischer late Tuesday. She led by nearly 4 percentage points at 11:30 p.m., with more rural votes coming in. Some early voting ballots returned on Election Day and provisional ballots still need to be counted, but those are unlikely to change the result.Fischer had voiced confidence during the campaign that Nebraskans would reward her willingness to prioritize their needs, including agriculture and infrastructure, and would worry less about sound bites or national news.&nbsp;On Tuesday, she said Nebraskans “still vote for candidates who share their values.”Her defenders had worried that her preference for doing work behind-the-scenes to craft and pass legislation, rather than spending more time promoting herself and her work, cost her with some Nebraskans who follow politics only at election time.“Nearly $30 million, that’s the amount of money out-of-state Democrats spent trying to buy a Nebraska Senate seat,” Fischer said. “It did not happen. … They wasted their money.”For several months during the campaign, Fischer would not acknowledge her opponent, rejecting polls that indicated a close race as being flawed and touting her own internal polling showing a big lead.&nbsp;By late Tuesday, the race appeared headed toward the narrowest margin for any Nebraska GOP Senate candidate since 2000, when Republican Attorney General Don Stenberg lost to former Gov. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., 51%-49%.Osborn, an Omaha union leader known for his work helping to lead the Omaha Kellogg’s strike in 2021, put a scare into Fischer’s campaign.He did so largely by painting himself as Nebraska’s version of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a gruff, working-class guy interested in focusing Congress on kitchen-table issues.Osborn avoided giving specific answers about his views on many policy questions until late into the campaign, saying he preferred to hear more from Nebraskans about what they want.He hammered Fischer for increasing her personal wealth while in office and described her in ads and on the stump as a typical politician beholden to the whims of her largest donors.The Osborn crowd went from upbeat, swaying along with a live country musician, to somber more numbers came in around 10:30 pm., showing Fischer pulling ahead for the first time all night. Osborn hadn’t yet spoken at his campaign party as of 11:30 p.m.Fischer served two terms in the Nebraska Legislature before being elected to the Senate in 2012. She served on the Valentine school board before that. Her family owns a ranch near Valentine. She and her husband have moved to Lincoln.She and her surrogates said Osborn was partly to blame for Kellogg’s announcing the Omaha plant was slated for closure. The union’s current leaders rejected the idea that Osborn was to blame.Fischer labeled him a Democrat in sheep’s clothing. She and her supporters spent millions on ads seeking to tie Osborn to liberal leaders including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont.State and local election records, however, showed Osborn registered as a nonpartisan since at least 2004.Osborn has said he personally aligned more with Democrats before 2016, but like many in organized labor, he has welcomed the Republican Party becoming more open to union members.The race brought millions in outside money and interest to a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats roughly 2 to 1 and a quarter of registrants align with neither party.One hint of Fischer’s vulnerability: Ending Spending, an outside group tied to Marlene and Joe Ricketts, which helped Fischer win office in 2012, jumped into the 2024 race after polling indicated potential trouble.&nbsp;Another sign: The National Republican Senatorial Committee also stepped in to boost her campaign. That group typically spends money on tough races in battleground states and open seats.One of Fischer’s biggest challenges was shoring up the Republican base at a time when some of them in state and county GOPs spent months divided over supporting the federal delegation.&nbsp;Local political observers said Fischer smartly emphasized her GOP roots and improved her chances of winning by persuading former President Donald Trump to cut an ad on her behalf.Fischer, like U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., had frustrated Trump by voting for a bipartisan infrastructure bill under President Joe Biden. She had also criticized some of his comments in 2016. But Trump ultimately endorsed her.Polling showed Osborn securing a larger slice of the rural 3rd District electorate than most Democrats have in statewide races. He also polled well in Omaha and Lincoln.Some Democrats said Osborn hurt himself by initially seeking and later declining the endorsement of the Nebraska Democratic Party and some third parties. Osborn and his supporters also worked to keep other names off the ballot, from third parties.It was part of what Fischer and Osborn both described as a “political science experiment” of a campaign. Osborn ran neither left nor right and would not say which party he’d caucus with if he won.For Fischer, the win comes at a time of war in the Middle East and Europe, when she says the nation needs her experience as a senior member on the Senate Armed Services Committee.Responding to Osborn criticism that she broke her promise to serve only two terms Fischer said she did so after coming to realize the importance of seniority after serving in the Senate. Osborn pledged to serve only two terms.Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez contributed to this report.

Red scare: Incumbent Fischer survives Osborn in Nebraska U.S. Senate race

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/former-nebraska-gov-ricketts-wins-first-election-to-u-s-senate-defeating-love/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday finished the job he started during his first run for office in 2006, winning election to the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;

Ricketts, an Omaha Republican, comfortably defeated Preston Love Jr., an Omaha Democrat. Ricketts was running as an incumbent because his successor as governor, Jim Pillen, appointed him to the seat in early 2023. That appointment came after former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse resigned from the seat.

The Associated Press called the race for Ricketts after the first round of election results were announced from early voting.

He appeared likely to win by&nbsp;a larger margin than U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., on Tuesday, although his race was closer than Sasse’s 38-percentage point win in 2020.

Ricketts attributed his success to connecting with Nebraska voters where they are. He said getting out in the state helps him hear what matters. His campaign helped organize a three-day barnstorming tour with the federal delegation.

“People are worried about inflation,” Ricketts said. “It’s putting a squeeze on the pocketbook people don’t like. And the fact, our southern border is open and they’re seeing the impacts on their communities.”

The former governor’s win over Love, a longtime civil rights activist and advocate for North Omaha, followed a race in which Ricketts largely targeted the state’s Republican base.

Some in that base had criticized Ricketts for securing his appointment from Pillen, who was publicly supported by Ricketts during the contested 2022 gubernatorial primary. Pillen called Ricketts the most qualified applicant.

Ricketts pledged to conservative Nebraskans that if elected he would check the worst spending impulses of President Joe Biden and his potential successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

He also pledged to be a reliable vote for tax and regulatory cuts sought by former President Donald Trump. He emphasized work to make the federal government more effective and efficient.

Ricketts’ record shows him as a fiscal conservative who held the state’s purse strings tightly as governor. In the Senate, he has emphasized national defense, support for Israel and border security.

Ricketts said the Senate needed a stricter immigration bill than the bipartisan border bill proposed by Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford, which Republicans stopped after Trump intervened.

Love has said he ran in part to give Democrats a choice in the race and to boost turnout among populations that may have lost hope about voting.

He said no family should have as much political influence as the Ricketts family does, as top donors to conservative causes and ballot initiatives, including one this year supporting abortion restrictions.

Ricketts backed Initiative 434, a constitutional amendment that would ban abortion after the first trimester, with some exceptions. Love supported Initiative 439, an abortion-rights amendment that would add a right to abortion to the Nebraska Constitution until fetal viability, the timing of which would be defined by a treating health care practitioner.

Love, in an interview with the Examiner on Tuesday, said he was proud of his campaign for working to connect voters with a better way forward. He said he was “encouraged by the turnout in communities where people have lost trust in the process of voting.”

“I know we did all that we could do,” he said.

With Tuesday’s win, Ricketts will finish the last two years of Sasse’s term and has said he will run again in 2026 for a full six-year term. Sasse left to lead the University of Florida, which he has since resigned.

Ricketts lost his first Senate race in 2006 to former U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., in what was then the most expensive Senate race in Nebraska history. He largely self-financed his bid, and later described that decision as a mistake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730861408670.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., right, ran for the final two years of a U.S. Senate term against Democratic challenger Preston Love Jr. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., right, ran for the final two years of a U.S. Senate term against Democratic challenger Preston Love Jr. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/05/former-nebraska-gov-ricketts-wins-first-election-to-u-s-senate-defeating-love/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday finished the job he started during his first run for office in 2006, winning election to the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;Ricketts, an Omaha Republican, comfortably defeated Preston Love Jr., an Omaha Democrat. Ricketts was running as an incumbent because his successor as governor, Jim Pillen, appointed him to the seat in early 2023. That appointment came after former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse resigned from the seat.The Associated Press called the race for Ricketts after the first round of election results were announced from early voting.He appeared likely to win by&nbsp;a larger margin than U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., on Tuesday, although his race was closer than Sasse’s 38-percentage point win in 2020.<h2>Traveling the state</h2>Ricketts attributed his success to connecting with Nebraska voters where they are. He said getting out in the state helps him hear what matters. His campaign helped organize a three-day barnstorming tour with the federal delegation.“People are worried about inflation,” Ricketts said. “It’s putting a squeeze on the pocketbook people don’t like. And the fact, our southern border is open and they’re seeing the impacts on their communities.”The former governor’s win over Love, a longtime civil rights activist and advocate for North Omaha, followed a race in which Ricketts largely targeted the state’s Republican base.Some in that base had criticized Ricketts for securing his appointment from Pillen, who was publicly supported by Ricketts during the contested 2022 gubernatorial primary. Pillen called Ricketts the most qualified applicant.Ricketts pledged to conservative Nebraskans that if elected he would check the worst spending impulses of President Joe Biden and his potential successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.He also pledged to be a reliable vote for tax and regulatory cuts sought by former President Donald Trump. He emphasized work to make the federal government more effective and efficient.<h2>Record as governor</h2>Ricketts’ record shows him as a fiscal conservative who held the state’s purse strings tightly as governor. In the Senate, he has emphasized national defense, support for Israel and border security.Ricketts said the Senate needed a stricter immigration bill than the bipartisan border bill proposed by Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford, which Republicans stopped after Trump intervened.Love has said he ran in part to give Democrats a choice in the race and to boost turnout among populations that may have lost hope about voting.He said no family should have as much political influence as the Ricketts family does, as top donors to conservative causes and ballot initiatives, including one this year supporting abortion restrictions.Ricketts backed Initiative 434, a constitutional amendment that would ban abortion after the first trimester, with some exceptions. Love supported Initiative 439, an abortion-rights amendment that would add a right to abortion to the Nebraska Constitution until fetal viability, the timing of which would be defined by a treating health care practitioner.<h2>Love glad he gave voters a choice</h2>Love, in an interview with the Examiner on Tuesday, said he was proud of his campaign for working to connect voters with a better way forward. He said he was “encouraged by the turnout in communities where people have lost trust in the process of voting.”“I know we did all that we could do,” he said.With Tuesday’s win, Ricketts will finish the last two years of Sasse’s term and has said he will run again in 2026 for a full six-year term. Sasse left to lead the University of Florida, which he has since resigned.Ricketts lost his first Senate race in 2006 to former U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., in what was then the most expensive Senate race in Nebraska history. He largely self-financed his bid, and later described that decision as a mistake.

Former Nebraska Gov. Ricketts wins first election to U.S. Senate, defeating Love

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/virtual-listening-session-on-state-housing-programs-to-be-hosted-nov-8-by-nebraska-ded/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A virtual “listening session” is to be held Friday, Nov. 8, on housing programs administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The 10:30 a.m. session, hosted by the DED, is to capture feedback, insight and ideas pertaining to the&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/housing/" target="_blank">agency’s housing programs.</a>

“This is an opportunity to share your housing development perspective and experience to help identify ways in which programs and processes can better address the growing need for affordable housing in Nebraska,” according to a flier by the DED.

<a href="https://sonvideo.webex.com/webappng/sites/sonvideo/meeting/register/6e666c844d1649a1b4aaf341a95c166d?ticket=4832534b000000077675cbdf1c682e9c808ffc854fc6f60a86985d7f7f090108166e02d09730a184&amp;timestamp=1730328944131&amp;RGID=rce173f083d24ecdd666a5ff1e3adeeb4" target="_blank">Registration is required&nbsp;</a>by 5 p.m. Wednesday to participate, it said.&nbsp;

DED spokeswoman Kate Ellingson said a variety of programs could be discussed during the session and it is not limited to any particular ones.

Other in-person listening sessions were held Oct. 22 (in North Platte and Kearney) and Oct. 23 (in Lincoln and Omaha).

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/virtual-listening-session-on-state-housing-programs-to-be-hosted-nov-8-by-nebraska-ded/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A virtual “listening session” is to be held Friday, Nov. 8, on housing programs administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.The 10:30 a.m. session, hosted by the DED, is to capture feedback, insight and ideas pertaining to the&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/housing/" target="_blank">agency’s housing programs.</a>“This is an opportunity to share your housing development perspective and experience to help identify ways in which programs and processes can better address the growing need for affordable housing in Nebraska,” according to a flier by the DED.<a href="https://sonvideo.webex.com/webappng/sites/sonvideo/meeting/register/6e666c844d1649a1b4aaf341a95c166d?ticket=4832534b000000077675cbdf1c682e9c808ffc854fc6f60a86985d7f7f090108166e02d09730a184&amp;timestamp=1730328944131&amp;RGID=rce173f083d24ecdd666a5ff1e3adeeb4" target="_blank">Registration is required&nbsp;</a>by 5 p.m. Wednesday to participate, it said.&nbsp;DED spokeswoman Kate Ellingson said a variety of programs could be discussed during the session and it is not limited to any particular ones.Other in-person listening sessions were held Oct. 22 (in North Platte and Kearney) and Oct. 23 (in Lincoln and Omaha).

Virtual ‘listening session’ on state housing programs to be hosted Nov. 8 by Nebraska DED

Alzheimer's Association – Nebraska Chapter

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and Family Caregivers Month. To mark these events, the Alzheimer’s Association - Nebraska Chapter is encouraging people to lend a helping hand to more than 40,000 family members and friends serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers.

Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference. The Alzheimer’s Association - Nebraska Chapter offers these suggestions:

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn:&nbsp;Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease – its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a Team:&nbsp;Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association offers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/care-team-calendar" target="_blank">links</a>&nbsp;to several free, online care calendar resources that families can use to build their care team, share takes and coordinate helpers.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give Caregivers a Break:&nbsp;Make a standing appointment to give the caregiver a break. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check In:&nbsp;Many Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers report feeling isolated or alone. So, start the conversation&nbsp;–&nbsp;a phone call to check in, sending a note, or stopping by for a visit can make&nbsp;<a>a big difference</a>&nbsp;in a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tackle the To-Do List:&nbsp;Ask for a list of errands that need to be run – such as picking up groceries or prescriptions.&nbsp;Offer to do yard work or other household chores. It can be hard for a caregiver to find time to complete these simple tasks that we often take for granted.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be Specific and Be Flexible:&nbsp;Open-ended offers of support (“call me if you need anything” or “let me know if I can help”) may be well-intended but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help for the Holidays:&nbsp;Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families&nbsp;facing&nbsp;Alzheimer’s. Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Join the Fight:&nbsp;Honor a person living with the disease and their caregivers by joining the fight against Alzheimer’s. You can volunteer&nbsp;with&nbsp;your local Alzheimer’s Association&nbsp;chapter, participate in fundraising events such as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/walk" target="_blank">Walk to End Alzheimer’s</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/thelongestday" target="_blank">The Longest Day</a>, advocate for more research funding, or sign up to participate in a clinical study through the Alzheimer’s Association’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/trialmatch" target="_blank">Trial Match</a>.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/Nebraska</a>.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer's Association – Nebraska ChapterNovember is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and Family Caregivers Month. To mark these events, the Alzheimer’s Association - Nebraska Chapter is encouraging people to lend a helping hand to more than 40,000 family members and friends serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers.Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference. The Alzheimer’s Association - Nebraska Chapter offers these suggestions:●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn:&nbsp;Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease – its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a Team:&nbsp;Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association offers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/care-team-calendar" target="_blank">links</a>&nbsp;to several free, online care calendar resources that families can use to build their care team, share takes and coordinate helpers.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give Caregivers a Break:&nbsp;Make a standing appointment to give the caregiver a break. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check In:&nbsp;Many Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers report feeling isolated or alone. So, start the conversation&nbsp;–&nbsp;a phone call to check in, sending a note, or stopping by for a visit can make&nbsp;<a>a big difference</a>&nbsp;in a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tackle the To-Do List:&nbsp;Ask for a list of errands that need to be run – such as picking up groceries or prescriptions.&nbsp;Offer to do yard work or other household chores. It can be hard for a caregiver to find time to complete these simple tasks that we often take for granted.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be Specific and Be Flexible:&nbsp;Open-ended offers of support (“call me if you need anything” or “let me know if I can help”) may be well-intended but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help for the Holidays:&nbsp;Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families&nbsp;facing&nbsp;Alzheimer’s. Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Join the Fight:&nbsp;Honor a person living with the disease and their caregivers by joining the fight against Alzheimer’s. You can volunteer&nbsp;with&nbsp;your local Alzheimer’s Association&nbsp;chapter, participate in fundraising events such as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/walk" target="_blank">Walk to End Alzheimer’s</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/thelongestday" target="_blank">The Longest Day</a>, advocate for more research funding, or sign up to participate in a clinical study through the Alzheimer’s Association’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alz.org/trialmatch" target="_blank">Trial Match</a>.To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://alz.org/nebraska" target="_blank">alz.org/Nebraska</a>.Alzheimer's Association®The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit<a href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;alz.org</a>&nbsp;or call 800.272.3900.

8 Ways to Support an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/supreme-court-ruling-raises-concern-about-hauling-people-back-to-county-jails/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A ruling Friday by the Nebraska Supreme Court is raising concerns that some criminal offenders might have to return to a county jail to serve out more days behind bars.

That, some officials said, would be an expensive endeavor for counties and one that could exacerbate overcrowding in local jails, though one prosecutor said the impact will be limited.

The state’s highest court, in a rare, 4-3 split decision, ruled Friday that county jail inmates must serve 15 days on every separate conviction before any “good-time” reductions can be applied to their confinement.

Several counties, including at least Lancaster and Hall Counties, now calculate good time (a reduction in a sentence for good behavior) contrary to Friday’s ruling. They read the state law to mean that inmates must serve 15 days on their entire jail sentence, which possibly covers several separate convictions.&nbsp;

That results in a shorter stay in jail than if the 15 days of so-called “hard time” must be served on each conviction.

Lancaster County Public Defender Kristi Egger called the ruling “shortsighted” because it did not explain how county jails should respond to the decision. If it means some defendants have to return to jail for a few more days, Egger said that could lead to increased overcrowding in county jails, such as Lancaster County.

Egger cited a pointed dissenting opinion written by retiring Chief Justice Mike Heavican, who wrote that it took a “Sisyphean attempt” by the majority to conclude that state law required the 15 days behind bars for every separate offense before getting good time.

“If significant work must be done to discover whether a statute is unambiguous, that statute is probably ambiguous,” Heavican wrote.&nbsp;

If a statute is ambiguous, the “rule of lenity” dictates that an issue be decided in favor of a defendant, he said.

The attorney who argued the case before the Supreme Court said Monday he doubts whether Friday’s ruling will require anyone to be “hauled back to jail,” as happened a decade ago,when the state corrections department miscalculated the release date of dozens of inmates, requiring several to return to prison.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/04/supreme-court-ruling-raises-concern-about-hauling-people-back-to-county-jails/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A ruling Friday by the Nebraska Supreme Court is raising concerns that some criminal offenders might have to return to a county jail to serve out more days behind bars.That, some officials said, would be an expensive endeavor for counties and one that could exacerbate overcrowding in local jails, though one prosecutor said the impact will be limited.The state’s highest court, in a rare, 4-3 split decision, ruled Friday that county jail inmates must serve 15 days on every separate conviction before any “good-time” reductions can be applied to their confinement.Several counties, including at least Lancaster and Hall Counties, now calculate good time (a reduction in a sentence for good behavior) contrary to Friday’s ruling. They read the state law to mean that inmates must serve 15 days on their entire jail sentence, which possibly covers several separate convictions.&nbsp;That results in a shorter stay in jail than if the 15 days of so-called “hard time” must be served on each conviction.Lancaster County Public Defender Kristi Egger called the ruling “shortsighted” because it did not explain how county jails should respond to the decision. If it means some defendants have to return to jail for a few more days, Egger said that could lead to increased overcrowding in county jails, such as Lancaster County.Egger cited a pointed dissenting opinion written by retiring Chief Justice Mike Heavican, who wrote that it took a “Sisyphean attempt” by the majority to conclude that state law required the 15 days behind bars for every separate offense before getting good time.“If significant work must be done to discover whether a statute is unambiguous, that statute is probably ambiguous,” Heavican wrote.&nbsp;If a statute is ambiguous, the “rule of lenity” dictates that an issue be decided in favor of a defendant, he said.<h2>‘Apples and oranges’</h2>The attorney who argued the case before the Supreme Court said Monday he doubts whether Friday’s ruling will require anyone to be “hauled back to jail,” as happened a decade ago,when the state corrections department miscalculated the release date of dozens of inmates, requiring several to return to prison.Travis Rodak, who argued the case for Box Butte County, said Friday’s case and what happened in the state prison system in 2014 were like comparing “apples and oranges.”&nbsp;“I don’t see this impacting a lot of current cases,” Rodak said.For one thing, he said, there aren’t many offenders who are serving consecutive sentences for two totally different crimes. It’s more common for offenders to serve sentences concurrently — and such concurrent sentences are unaffected by Friday’s ruling.In an email, Kearney County Attorney Melanie Bellamy, president of the state county attorneys association, said she was glad the Supreme Court had clarified the good time issue, adding that it would be up to each&nbsp;individual county, “working with local courts and law enforcement,” to comply with the Mullins v. Box Butte decision.Longtime Hall County Public Defender Gerald Piccolo said he expects his county to explore returning some people back to jail to finish out the extra days they didn’t serve, based on the Supreme Court’s ruling. He added, however, he wouldn’t do that if he was running the jail because of the expense involved in tracking down those people and housing them.&nbsp;&nbsp;The case argued before the Supreme Court involved Samuel Mullins, now 35, who pleaded no contest to resisting arrest in December 2022 and then to domestic assault in January 2023. Those were two separate misdemeanor offenses.&nbsp;In Box Butte County, the state law was interpreted to mean that the two separate offenses required two separate stints of 15 days in jail before good time reductions could be applied.<h2>County’s interpretation appealed</h2>Bell Island, a defense attorney who represented Mullins, appealed the county’s interpretation as being wrong. The Nebraska Defense Attorneys Association, represented by Lincoln lawyer Spike Eickholt, joined the case, arguing that the 15-day wait should be applied to the “sum of all sentences” to be served.&nbsp;The unsigned majority opinion on Friday agreed with the arguments raised by Rodak, who argued that “common sense, legislative intent, and public policy would seem to dictate that convictions for separate offenses, unless ordered to be served concurrently by the Court, must have separate and independent sentencing calculations.”The court majority concluded that it was unnecessary to&nbsp;“depend upon legislative materials such as committee reports or floor debates” and to “scour such legislative materials” to determine if state law concerning county jail good time calculation was ambiguous or not because the statutory language appeared clear.That prompted disagreement from Heavican — who retired as of Oct. 31 — as well as a separate dissent written by Justice Jonathan Papik and signed by Justice Stephanie Stacy.&nbsp;Egger, the Lancaster County public defender, said the ruling did a “disservice” by not looking at legislative discussion and lawmakers’ attempt to standardize criminal sentences across the state.&nbsp;“At a time when the jails are full and the cost of housing people in custody is higher and higher, and when it is obvious that Legislature was trying to do something to give appropriate credit where credit was due by changing the good time statute, the majority opinion in Mullins misses the mark,” Egger said.