WASHIINGTON —On Monday, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power signed a financial guarantee supporting the U.S. government’s $20 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to the Government of Ukraine, according to a statement from Power's office.

(click below to watch White House statement on the loan)

 This effort is part of the G7 commitment to bring forward $50 billion in total financing under the ERA loan initiative to address critical and immediate financing needs for Ukraine in its continuing fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.&nbsp;

The proceeds of this loan were to be transferred Tuesday to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund, which will serve as trustee and administrator for the distribution of loan contributions to Ukraine from the United States.

The $20 billion U.S. ERA loan will provide immediate support to Ukraine and will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian sovereign assets immobilized in the European Union. These windfall proceeds will repay ERA lenders like the United States to provide assistance to Ukraine while minimizing the burden on U.S. taxpayers. This loan will leverage windfall proceeds earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to pay for the damage Russia has caused.&nbsp;

The Biden-Harris Administration aims to place Ukraine in the strongest possible position and will continue to take meaningful steps to help Ukraine fight for the future it deserves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726238871572.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHIINGTON —On Monday, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power signed a financial guarantee supporting the U.S. government’s $20 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to the Government of Ukraine, according to a statement from Power's office.(click below to watch White House statement on the loan)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F551621764453647%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2520" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div> This effort is part of the G7 commitment to bring forward $50 billion in total financing under the ERA loan initiative to address critical and immediate financing needs for Ukraine in its continuing fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.&nbsp;The proceeds of this loan were to be transferred Tuesday to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund, which will serve as trustee and administrator for the distribution of loan contributions to Ukraine from the United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Even in the midst of Putin&#39;s brutal attacks, Ukraine continues to rebuild. Now, Ukraine has more tools to do so. This week I signed the guarantee for the U.S. government&#39;s loan to Ukraine with proceeds earned from frozen Russian sovereign assets. <a href="https://t.co/G5boEk5zH6">pic.twitter.com/G5boEk5zH6</a>&mdash; Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) <a href="https://twitter.com/PowerUSAID/status/1866545332521230437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The $20 billion U.S. ERA loan will provide immediate support to Ukraine and will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian sovereign assets immobilized in the European Union. These windfall proceeds will repay ERA lenders like the United States to provide assistance to Ukraine while minimizing the burden on U.S. taxpayers. This loan will leverage windfall proceeds earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to pay for the damage Russia has caused.&nbsp;The Biden-Harris Administration aims to place Ukraine in the strongest possible position and will continue to take meaningful steps to help Ukraine fight for the future it deserves.

🎥U.S. gave $20 billion to Ukraine as part of new $50 billion loan 

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A top opponent of medical cannabis in Nebraska filed a new lawsuit Tuesday seeking to void two successful 2024 ballot measures to legalize and regulate the drug.

Gov. Jim Pillen has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">until Thursday</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-4" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1414" target="_blank">state law</a>&nbsp;to declare&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">which measures were successful</a>.

John Kuehn of Heartwell, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, filed his second lawsuit this fall against the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign, as well as Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen. The new lawsuit was filed in Lancaster County District Court, where&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">Kuehn on Nov. 26 lost</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-medical-cannabis-case-appealed/">appealing</a>&nbsp;a related case.

The latest lawsuit, which includes Pillen this time, argues state-level marijuana laws are “unconstitutional, unlawful, and impossible” and that the campaign’s efforts to create and delegate exclusive regulation of the drug to a new executive agency is prohibited.

“The votes were held on two activist-drafted initiative measures which had, to that point, evaded any judicial review for their compliance with the United States Constitution or Nebraska Constitution,” the lawsuit states. “The time for that reckoning is now, before further taxpayer funds are spent on a futile effort.”

State law gives Pillen the ministerial duty of declaring what ballot measures were successful at the Nov. 5 general election, including the marijuana measures: Initiative Measures 437 and 438. Kuehn’s lawsuit seeks to prevent Pillen from carrying out that duty.

‘State-led independence and innovation’

Thirty-eight states already authorize some form of medical cannabis, about two dozen of which also allow recreational marijuana sales and distribution.

Crista Eggers, one of three sponsors for the ballot measures and the campaign manager, said Tuesday that 48 other states have laws legalizing some form of cannabis or its derivatives. She said Nebraskans last month made it “overwhelmingly clear that they support safe and regulated medical cannabis access.”

“The assertion that Nebraska’s new medical cannabis laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation,” Eggers said in a statement. “Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference.”

Eggers continued: “The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”

If successful, Kuehn’s lawsuit could have ripple effects, including serving as a vehicle to challenge marijuana laws in other states. The federal government has been in the process of reclassifying marijuana as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/justice-department-formally-moves-to-reclassify-marijuana-as-a-less-dangerous-drug-in-historic-shift" target="_blank">less dangerous drug</a>.

The medical cannabis campaign had no immediate Tuesday evening.

Kuehn previously argued that the measures would violate federal law if successful when he filed his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">first lawsuit on Sept 12</a>. The core of that case alleged the measures should not have been placed on the ballot to begin with by Evnen. He argued neither secured enough valid petition signatures. His previous lawsuit included the new lawsuit’s broader arguments and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">later withdrew them</a>.

Evnen, represented by the Attorney General’s Office as a defendant in Kuehn’s case,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">later joined Kuehn’s challenge to invalidate the measures</a>. Evnen and the AG’s Office alleged widespread petition circulator fraud and notarial malfeasance. Evnen himself certified the initiatives for the ballot.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/05/district-judge-denies-requests-to-amend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit-after-dismissal/">denied the arguments</a>&nbsp;from Kuehn and Evnen, and Kuehn has appealed the case to the Nebraska Court of Appeals.

On Dec. 2, the State Canvassing Board — which consists of Pillen, Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Treasurer Tom Briese and State Auditor Mike Foley — unanimously approved the election results for Initiative Measures 437 and 438 at the Nov. 5 election.

Those measures respectively passed with 71% and 67% voter approval.

Strong was assigned Kuehn’s new case as well, which is headed to her courtroom Wednesday afternoon. She will consider an initial request to block Pillen from formally signing the measures into law.

The Governor’s Office has not responded to multiple requests for comment on if or when Pillen will sign those proclamations. The office had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

Staff for Evnen and Hilgers declined to comment on the lawsuit. Hilgers’ office defends state officials in court.

Kuehn’s attorneys urged Pillen in a letter Friday not to sign the proclamations. The letter gave him until Tuesday morning to respond. They argued Pillen is “under no such compulsion” to declare the measures successful because federal law classifies marijuana as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Marijuana-Cannabis-2020_0.pdf" target="_blank">dangerous drug</a>.

Kuehn attorney Edward Greim of Kansas City, Missouri, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://themissouritimes.com/governors-publicly-paid-impeachment-lawyer-registers-as-lobbyist/" target="_blank">past clients</a>&nbsp;include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/06/jan-6-probe-witness-lawyers-00076779" target="_blank">associates</a>&nbsp;of President-elect Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/house-jan-6-committee-to-wait-for-court-ruling-before-enforcing-vos-subpoena/" target="_blank">after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/26/todd-graves-gets-high-powered-help-lobbying-for-university-of-missouri-curator-position/" target="_blank">former Missouri Gov. Eric Greiten against a 2018 impeachment threat</a>, wrote that Pillen has a greater duty: to the U.S. and Nebraska Constitutions.

“This scheme places Nebraska squarely at odds with several federal statutes intended to strictly circumscribe the dissemination of marijuana and the business of profiting from, or laundering money gained through, marijuana production and sales,” Greim wrote.

Greim’s letter points to a&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/opinions/constitutionality-lb-110-adoption-medical-cannabis-act" target="_blank">2019 Nebraska Attorney General’s Opinion</a>, authored by then-Attorney General Doug Peterson and then-Deputy Solicitor General Dave Lopez, who is now Pillen’s chief of staff.

Greim wrote that Pillen “has not only the power, but also the duty, not to issue a proclamation giving legal effect to an initiative that violates the Nebraska and the United States Constitutions and is therefore no law at all.

“We are confident that your office will exercise its duty not to expend any taxpayer resources by preparing and issuing a proclamation declaring the Marijuaan Measures to be valid Nebraska laws,” Greim continued, adding legal action could follow.

The 2019 AG’s opinion, which is advisory and does not carry the weight of law or a judicial opinion, said any state laws regarding cannabis would be unconstitutional. This partly led to the defeat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=37628" target="_blank">previous legislative bill</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, another ballot sponsor who Kuehn is suing.

Former State Sen. Andrew La Grone of Dunbar requested that opinion in 2019. He is one of Kuehn’s attorneys.

Pillen’s staff did not respond, the lawsuit alleges, and Kuehn’s lawsuit was filed just before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Measure 437 would legalize up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a written doctor’s recommendation, while Measure 438 would establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate the drug and license medical retailers by Oct. 1, 2025.

Kuehn offers three reasons to prevent Pillen from issuing proclamations in favor of the initiatives:

“The governor lacks authority to issue a proclamation that violates the Nebraska Constitution,” the lawsuit states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733934104941.jpeg" alt="John Kuehn of Heartwell, left, and Steven Guenzel, one of Kuehn’s attorneys in an election-related case against medical cannabis. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>John Kuehn of Heartwell, left, and Steven Guenzel, one of Kuehn’s attorneys in an election-related case against medical cannabis. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A top opponent of medical cannabis in Nebraska filed a new lawsuit Tuesday seeking to void two successful 2024 ballot measures to legalize and regulate the drug.Gov. Jim Pillen has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">until Thursday</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-4" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=32-1414" target="_blank">state law</a>&nbsp;to declare&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">which measures were successful</a>.John Kuehn of Heartwell, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, filed his second lawsuit this fall against the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign, as well as Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen. The new lawsuit was filed in Lancaster County District Court, where&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">Kuehn on Nov. 26 lost</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-medical-cannabis-case-appealed/">appealing</a>&nbsp;a related case.The latest lawsuit, which includes Pillen this time, argues state-level marijuana laws are “unconstitutional, unlawful, and impossible” and that the campaign’s efforts to create and delegate exclusive regulation of the drug to a new executive agency is prohibited.“The votes were held on two activist-drafted initiative measures which had, to that point, evaded any judicial review for their compliance with the United States Constitution or Nebraska Constitution,” the lawsuit states. “The time for that reckoning is now, before further taxpayer funds are spent on a futile effort.”State law gives Pillen the ministerial duty of declaring what ballot measures were successful at the Nov. 5 general election, including the marijuana measures: Initiative Measures 437 and 438. Kuehn’s lawsuit seeks to prevent Pillen from carrying out that duty.<h2>‘State-led independence and innovation’</h2>Thirty-eight states already authorize some form of medical cannabis, about two dozen of which also allow recreational marijuana sales and distribution.Crista Eggers, one of three sponsors for the ballot measures and the campaign manager, said Tuesday that 48 other states have laws legalizing some form of cannabis or its derivatives. She said Nebraskans last month made it “overwhelmingly clear that they support safe and regulated medical cannabis access.”“The assertion that Nebraska’s new medical cannabis laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation,” Eggers said in a statement. “Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference.”Eggers continued: “The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”If successful, Kuehn’s lawsuit could have ripple effects, including serving as a vehicle to challenge marijuana laws in other states. The federal government has been in the process of reclassifying marijuana as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/justice-department-formally-moves-to-reclassify-marijuana-as-a-less-dangerous-drug-in-historic-shift" target="_blank">less dangerous drug</a>.The medical cannabis campaign had no immediate Tuesday evening.<h2>Measures set to take effect</h2>Kuehn previously argued that the measures would violate federal law if successful when he filed his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/12/lawsuit-seeks-to-invalidate-nebraskas-medical-marijuana-ballot-measures/">first lawsuit on Sept 12</a>. The core of that case alleged the measures should not have been placed on the ballot to begin with by Evnen. He argued neither secured enough valid petition signatures. His previous lawsuit included the new lawsuit’s broader arguments and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/27/district-court-judge-dismisses-some-but-not-all-charges-in-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit/">later withdrew them</a>.Evnen, represented by the Attorney General’s Office as a defendant in Kuehn’s case,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/13/secretary-of-state-celebrates-local-election-officials-in-finalizing-nebraskas-fall-2024-ballot/">later joined Kuehn’s challenge to invalidate the measures</a>. Evnen and the AG’s Office alleged widespread petition circulator fraud and notarial malfeasance. Evnen himself certified the initiatives for the ballot.Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/05/district-judge-denies-requests-to-amend-nebraska-medical-cannabis-lawsuit-after-dismissal/">denied the arguments</a>&nbsp;from Kuehn and Evnen, and Kuehn has appealed the case to the Nebraska Court of Appeals.On Dec. 2, the State Canvassing Board — which consists of Pillen, Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Treasurer Tom Briese and State Auditor Mike Foley — unanimously approved the election results for Initiative Measures 437 and 438 at the Nov. 5 election.Those measures respectively passed with 71% and 67% voter approval.Strong was assigned Kuehn’s new case as well, which is headed to her courtroom Wednesday afternoon. She will consider an initial request to block Pillen from formally signing the measures into law.The Governor’s Office has not responded to multiple requests for comment on if or when Pillen will sign those proclamations. The office had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.Staff for Evnen and Hilgers declined to comment on the lawsuit. Hilgers’ office defends state officials in court.<h2>‘Squarely at odds’ with federal law</h2>Kuehn’s attorneys urged Pillen in a letter Friday not to sign the proclamations. The letter gave him until Tuesday morning to respond. They argued Pillen is “under no such compulsion” to declare the measures successful because federal law classifies marijuana as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Marijuana-Cannabis-2020_0.pdf" target="_blank">dangerous drug</a>.Kuehn attorney Edward Greim of Kansas City, Missouri, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://themissouritimes.com/governors-publicly-paid-impeachment-lawyer-registers-as-lobbyist/" target="_blank">past clients</a>&nbsp;include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/06/jan-6-probe-witness-lawyers-00076779" target="_blank">associates</a>&nbsp;of President-elect Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/house-jan-6-committee-to-wait-for-court-ruling-before-enforcing-vos-subpoena/" target="_blank">after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/26/todd-graves-gets-high-powered-help-lobbying-for-university-of-missouri-curator-position/" target="_blank">former Missouri Gov. Eric Greiten against a 2018 impeachment threat</a>, wrote that Pillen has a greater duty: to the U.S. and Nebraska Constitutions.“This scheme places Nebraska squarely at odds with several federal statutes intended to strictly circumscribe the dissemination of marijuana and the business of profiting from, or laundering money gained through, marijuana production and sales,” Greim wrote.Greim’s letter points to a&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/opinions/constitutionality-lb-110-adoption-medical-cannabis-act" target="_blank">2019 Nebraska Attorney General’s Opinion</a>, authored by then-Attorney General Doug Peterson and then-Deputy Solicitor General Dave Lopez, who is now Pillen’s chief of staff.Greim wrote that Pillen “has not only the power, but also the duty, not to issue a proclamation giving legal effect to an initiative that violates the Nebraska and the United States Constitutions and is therefore no law at all.“We are confident that your office will exercise its duty not to expend any taxpayer resources by preparing and issuing a proclamation declaring the Marijuaan Measures to be valid Nebraska laws,” Greim continued, adding legal action could follow.The 2019 AG’s opinion, which is advisory and does not carry the weight of law or a judicial opinion, said any state laws regarding cannabis would be unconstitutional. This partly led to the defeat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=37628" target="_blank">previous legislative bill</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, another ballot sponsor who Kuehn is suing.Former State Sen. Andrew La Grone of Dunbar requested that opinion in 2019. He is one of Kuehn’s attorneys.Pillen’s staff did not respond, the lawsuit alleges, and Kuehn’s lawsuit was filed just before 3 p.m. Tuesday.<h2>Kuehn’s request</h2>Measure 437 would legalize up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a written doctor’s recommendation, while Measure 438 would establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate the drug and license medical retailers by Oct. 1, 2025.Kuehn offers three reasons to prevent Pillen from issuing proclamations in favor of the initiatives:<ul>
 <li>The governor can’t spend taxpayer dollars on illegal activity.</li><li>The matter is of “great public concern.”</li><li>The measures are legally insufficient because of overriding federal laws.</li>
 </ul>“The governor lacks authority to issue a proclamation that violates the Nebraska Constitution,” the lawsuit states.

New lawsuit seeks to void Nebraska medical cannabis ballot measures

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fortenberry-seeks-two-month-delay-of-re-trial-to-wait-for-trump-justice-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Attorneys for former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., explained in court filings this week why they want to stall the federal government’s re-filed case against him.&nbsp;

They asked for two more months to give the next leaders of the Justice Department, who will be appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, time to weigh in and perhaps drop the felony charges.

The filing for a continuance says Fortenberry wants to delay his criminal trial until early April. It is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Washington, D.C.

Fortenberry’s attorneys want the feds to rethink prosecuting him again for allegedly lying to the FBI about illegal foreign donations given to his congressional campaign in 2016.

Prosecutors are also getting pressure from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a former colleague of Fortenberry’s in Congress who chairs the House Judiciary Committee.

Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/06/rep-jim-jordans-letter-questions-prosecuting-nebraskas-jeff-fortenberry/">wrote the Justice Department a letter</a>&nbsp;asking them last week to preserve documents and correspondence about the case, hinting that his committee might consider launching a probe.

Fortenberry was convicted in 2022 of concealing those foreign donations and lying to federal agents about whether he knew the donations were illegal, based on recorded conversations.

A Los Angeles-area jury found Fortenberry guilty of three felonies in 2022. A federal judge sentenced him to probation and community service and ordered him to pay a fine.&nbsp;

Prosecutors sought a six-month prison sentence, arguing that Fortenberry repeatedly misled FBI agents about the source of $30,000 in foreign campaign contributions.&nbsp;

Fortenberry’s attorneys had argued he was prosecuted for political reasons, which prosecutors denied. Prosecutors pointed to charges filed against House and Senate Democrats, too.&nbsp;

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Fortenberry’s conviction in late 2023 on a technicality: because prosecutors charged him in California, where the fundraiser took place.

The court sided with arguments by Fortenberry’s attorneys that he should have been tried instead in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where they alleged Fortenberry lied to federal agents.

The new charges focus on lying to or misleading federal agents and falsifying or concealing material facts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733927080481.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste, walk out of the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles after court. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste, walk out of the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles after court. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fortenberry-seeks-two-month-delay-of-re-trial-to-wait-for-trump-justice-department/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Attorneys for former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., explained in court filings this week why they want to stall the federal government’s re-filed case against him.&nbsp;They asked for two more months to give the next leaders of the Justice Department, who will be appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, time to weigh in and perhaps drop the felony charges.The filing for a continuance says Fortenberry wants to delay his criminal trial until early April. It is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Washington, D.C.Fortenberry’s attorneys want the feds to rethink prosecuting him again for allegedly lying to the FBI about illegal foreign donations given to his congressional campaign in 2016.Prosecutors are also getting pressure from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a former colleague of Fortenberry’s in Congress who chairs the House Judiciary Committee.Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/06/rep-jim-jordans-letter-questions-prosecuting-nebraskas-jeff-fortenberry/">wrote the Justice Department a letter</a>&nbsp;asking them last week to preserve documents and correspondence about the case, hinting that his committee might consider launching a probe.Fortenberry was convicted in 2022 of concealing those foreign donations and lying to federal agents about whether he knew the donations were illegal, based on recorded conversations.A Los Angeles-area jury found Fortenberry guilty of three felonies in 2022. A federal judge sentenced him to probation and community service and ordered him to pay a fine.&nbsp;Prosecutors sought a six-month prison sentence, arguing that Fortenberry repeatedly misled FBI agents about the source of $30,000 in foreign campaign contributions.&nbsp;Fortenberry’s attorneys had argued he was prosecuted for political reasons, which prosecutors denied. Prosecutors pointed to charges filed against House and Senate Democrats, too.&nbsp;The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Fortenberry’s conviction in late 2023 on a technicality: because prosecutors charged him in California, where the fundraiser took place.The court sided with arguments by Fortenberry’s attorneys that he should have been tried instead in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where they alleged Fortenberry lied to federal agents.The new charges focus on lying to or misleading federal agents and falsifying or concealing material facts.

Fortenberry seeks two-month delay of re-trial to wait for Trump Justice Department

LINCOLN, Neb. - On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed challenging the medical cannabis laws that Nebraska voters overwhelmingly passed on November 5th, 2024.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM) Campaign Manager Crista Eggers released the following statement:

“48 other states in our Nation have passed laws legalizing some form of cannabis or its derivatives. With 70% support at the polls, Nebraska voters made it overwhelmingly clear that they support safe and regulated medical cannabis access.&nbsp;The assertion that Nebraska’s new medical cannabis laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. The Constitution disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation. Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference.&nbsp;

The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”

&nbsp;NMM (Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana) is a registered 2024 ballot campaign committee working to legalize access to medical cannabis in Nebraska. Learn more at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://nmm2024.org/">nmm2024.org</a>.

Crista EggersLINCOLN, Neb. - On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed challenging the medical cannabis laws that Nebraska voters overwhelmingly passed on November 5th, 2024.Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM) Campaign Manager Crista Eggers released the following statement:“48 other states in our Nation have passed laws legalizing some form of cannabis or its derivatives. With 70% support at the polls, Nebraska voters made it overwhelmingly clear that they support safe and regulated medical cannabis access.&nbsp;The assertion that Nebraska’s new medical cannabis laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. The Constitution disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation. Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference.&nbsp;The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”&nbsp;NMM (Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana) is a registered 2024 ballot campaign committee working to legalize access to medical cannabis in Nebraska. Learn more at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://nmm2024.org/">nmm2024.org</a>.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana release statement following Tuesday's Lawsuit Filed

LINCOLN, NE – Against a backdrop of flags and military helicopters, Governor Jim Pillen was joined by state senators today as he signed ceremonial copies of four bills supporting the Nebraska’s National Guard (NENG). The ceremony took place at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, on the National Guard Base in Lincoln. Members of active and retired military, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, NENG Adjutant General Craig Strong, media and guests were also on hand for the event.

In his opening remarks, Gov. Pillen thanked the state’s military members for answering the call to service seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. “I can assure you that many are incredibly grateful because you are there, and because you make a difference.”

All the bills, except one, were introduced and passed last year. Senator Loren Lippincott brought LB52 in 2023. It carried over and passed in 2024. Speaking to his measure, Sen. Lippincott stressed the importance of increased educational opportunities for members of the military. LB 52 eliminates the tuition program’s annual $900,000 credit cap.

“When our young people go off to college, they do that for a couple of reasons. Number one, to better themselves; but also, it helps make the whole unit stronger, which is a good thing,” said Sen. Lippincott. “Earlier, we were finding that we were running out of money to help our young troops when they would go to college here in Nebraska. We wanted to eliminate the cap to ensure that these troops get adequate funding.”

Lippincott said the move will help make Nebraska more competitive with other states, especially when military members consider educational opportunities. The program covers all tuition costs for military undergraduates and half the tuition for military graduate and professional students. They must be enrolled in a state-supported university, college, community college or an accredited, nonprofit independent college.

Senator Tom Brewer brought two bills in the last legislative session, one at the request  of Gov. Pillen. LB 1394 exempts National Guard pay from state income tax. Sen. Brewer called the legislation an extension of previously passed legislation de-taxing military retirement. 

He complimented Gov. Pillen for his steadfast support of the state’s ranks. “What I found with the Governor is that he truly cares about everyone in uniform. You guys are his family. And consequently, when we bring ideas to him on how to help you, he embraces them, and he helps us figure out how to turn them into law.”

The second bill introduced by Sen. Brewer brings state law in alignment with federal guidelines for the maximum age of the adjutant general. Previously set at 64, the age in Nebraska has now increased to 66.  

LB 895, sponsored by Senator Rita Sanders, authorizes the adjutant general to develop a program aimed at providing incentives for enlistment or reenlistment. She said that while Nebraska was among top states for retaining its military members, it needed a boost in recruitment. Sen. Sanders pointed to the success of programs initiated in Minnesota and Indiana, suggesting that Nebraska may want to craft its own incentive program.

“Such programs are new, but rapidly developing. Efforts in these two states have proven to be successful,” said Sen. Sanders. “This bill expands statutory authority, allowing the adjutant general to study what is being done in other states. And, if he sees fit to initiate a program in Nebraska, this provides him with the authority to do so.”

MG Strong said current membership in the Army National Guard stood at about 90 percent of its authorized strength. In the Air National Guard, it was at 97 percent. In comparing statistics year over year, he shared that recruiting in November was the best the Guard has had for that month, in the past ten years.  

“The momentum that these bills are giving us -- we are in good position to make 2025 a high point in our recruiting, because of the tools provided to us,” said MG Strong.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Against a backdrop of flags and military helicopters, Governor Jim Pillen was joined by state senators today as he signed ceremonial copies of four bills supporting the Nebraska’s National Guard (NENG). The ceremony took place at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, on the National Guard Base in Lincoln. Members of active and retired military, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, NENG Adjutant General Craig Strong, media and guests were also on hand for the event.In his opening remarks, Gov. Pillen thanked the state’s military members for answering the call to service seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. “I can assure you that many are incredibly grateful because you are there, and because you make a difference.”All the bills, except one, were introduced and passed last year. Senator Loren Lippincott brought LB52 in 2023. It carried over and passed in 2024. Speaking to his measure, Sen. Lippincott stressed the importance of increased educational opportunities for members of the military. LB 52 eliminates the tuition program’s annual $900,000 credit cap.“When our young people go off to college, they do that for a couple of reasons. Number one, to better themselves; but also, it helps make the whole unit stronger, which is a good thing,” said Sen. Lippincott. “Earlier, we were finding that we were running out of money to help our young troops when they would go to college here in Nebraska. We wanted to eliminate the cap to ensure that these troops get adequate funding.”Lippincott said the move will help make Nebraska more competitive with other states, especially when military members consider educational opportunities. The program covers all tuition costs for military undergraduates and half the tuition for military graduate and professional students. They must be enrolled in a state-supported university, college, community college or an accredited, nonprofit independent college.Senator Tom Brewer brought two bills in the last legislative session, one at the request of Gov. Pillen. LB 1394 exempts National Guard pay from state income tax. Sen. Brewer called the legislation an extension of previously passed legislation de-taxing military retirement. He complimented Gov. Pillen for his steadfast support of the state’s ranks. “What I found with the Governor is that he truly cares about everyone in uniform. You guys are his family. And consequently, when we bring ideas to him on how to help you, he embraces them, and he helps us figure out how to turn them into law.”The second bill introduced by Sen. Brewer brings state law in alignment with federal guidelines for the maximum age of the adjutant general. Previously set at 64, the age in Nebraska has now increased to 66. LB 895, sponsored by Senator Rita Sanders, authorizes the adjutant general to develop a program aimed at providing incentives for enlistment or reenlistment. She said that while Nebraska was among top states for retaining its military members, it needed a boost in recruitment. Sen. Sanders pointed to the success of programs initiated in Minnesota and Indiana, suggesting that Nebraska may want to craft its own incentive program.“Such programs are new, but rapidly developing. Efforts in these two states have proven to be successful,” said Sen. Sanders. “This bill expands statutory authority, allowing the adjutant general to study what is being done in other states. And, if he sees fit to initiate a program in Nebraska, this provides him with the authority to do so.”MG Strong said current membership in the Army National Guard stood at about 90 percent of its authorized strength. In the Air National Guard, it was at 97 percent. In comparing statistics year over year, he shared that recruiting in November was the best the Guard has had for that month, in the past ten years. “The momentum that these bills are giving us -- we are in good position to make 2025 a high point in our recruiting, because of the tools provided to us,” said MG Strong.

Gov. Pillen Hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing to Highlight Military Centric Legislation

JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

U.S. defeats terrorist attack on U.S. Navy and U.S.-flagged ships in Gulf of Aden

KEARNEY, NEB. – Cody Maricle of Boone County took top honors at the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon at Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 107th&nbsp;Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney. &nbsp;

Maricle earned the top score during the final round of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet held during the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention. The contest aims to simulate a committee meeting rather than a debate where competitors offer solutions to timely problems facing agriculture. &nbsp;

Maricle is a junior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Precision Agriculture with minors in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.

Farm Bureau student members can compete in the Collegiate Discussion Meet through their senior year of college. As the Nebraska winner, Maricle will receive $250 and an all-expense paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Denver, Colo. in March to compete with other state winners at the national level.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm BureauKEARNEY, NEB. – Cody Maricle of Boone County took top honors at the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon at Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 107th&nbsp;Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney. &nbsp;Maricle earned the top score during the final round of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet held during the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention. The contest aims to simulate a committee meeting rather than a debate where competitors offer solutions to timely problems facing agriculture. &nbsp;Maricle is a junior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Precision Agriculture with minors in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.Farm Bureau student members can compete in the Collegiate Discussion Meet through their senior year of college. As the Nebraska winner, Maricle will receive $250 and an all-expense paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Denver, Colo. in March to compete with other state winners at the national level.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Cody Maricle is Named Collegiate Discussion Meet Champion

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Shelby Olson, age 46, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced December 10, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distributing 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Olson to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Olson is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

On June 23, 2022, a confidential informant (CI) purchased 57.2 grams of meth from Olson. On June 30, 2022, the CI purchased 57.6 grams of meth from Olson. On July 7, 2022, the CI purchased 60.2 grams of meth from Olson.

All purchases were audio and video recorded with a positive identification of Olson. The first purchase occurred in a commercial motor vehicle, and Olson was recorded smoking meth while he was driving.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Shelby Olson, age 46, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced December 10, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distributing 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Olson to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Olson is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.On June 23, 2022, a confidential informant (CI) purchased 57.2 grams of meth from Olson. On June 30, 2022, the CI purchased 57.6 grams of meth from Olson. On July 7, 2022, the CI purchased 60.2 grams of meth from Olson.All purchases were audio and video recorded with a positive identification of Olson. The first purchase occurred in a commercial motor vehicle, and Olson was recorded smoking meth while he was driving.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Nebraska State Patrol.

Central Nebraska Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine

KEARNEY, NEB. – In his annual address at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue emphasized the crucial importance of farmers and ranchers uniting to safeguard agriculture and the way of life for their families.&nbsp;

“Nebraska ranks among the leading agricultural states in the country. Our focus is on producing healthy, safe, and sustainable food to support a growing global population, all while safeguarding our natural resources. This is not a matter of choosing one over the other; we can achieve both objectives,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

Returning from a recent trade mission to the United Kingdom (UK), McHargue reflected on the parallels of agriculture between the US and UK, observing that while the challenges faced are alike, the approaches to addressing them vary significantly. McHargue stressed the critical need to maintain profitability in Nebraska’s agricultural sector remains as farmers face a challenging economic landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nebraska, which has a land area comparable to that of the UK, produces nearly twice as much agricultural output, totaling $30 billion. However, the future of agriculture in Nebraska depends on balancing environmental stewardship with the need for sustainable, profitable food production. Recent investments in the state—ranging from sustainable beef production and sustainable aviation fuel to dairy growth and more—underscore Nebraska's dedication to enhancing its agricultural sector in the face of ongoing challenges,” said McHargue&nbsp;

Reducing the property tax burden for residents of Nebraska has consistently been a priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau. McHargue expressed gratitude to members for their efforts in successfully opposing a legislative proposal during the special session that aimed to tax agricultural inputs, while also emphasizing the ongoing necessity to advocate for property tax relief and address the missing year of the refundable income tax credit.&nbsp;

“Most Nebraskans are expecting to be able to claim their property tax relief for 2023 school taxes paid this year when they file their taxes next spring. Unless we fix this that is not going to happen. While we recognize the Legislature's efforts to implement an automatic tax credit, it is essential to address the modifications made during the special session that could lead to an increase in taxes for most property owners by over half a billion dollars. All property owners who paid their 2023 property taxes in compliance with state law should be treated the same,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

McHargue pointed out that the regulatory obstacles encountered by farmers in the UK are leading to decreased efficiency and productivity. He emphasized the efforts of the Nebraska Farm Bureau in advocating against unnecessary regulations that fail to support farming and ranching families, including the EPA’s new strategies causing significant reduction in the use of crop protection products and California’s Proposition 12.&nbsp;

“It’s crucial that we protect Nebraska’s producers and ensure that science-based methods remain at the forefront of agricultural production. California's Proposition 12, which forces Nebraska pork and poultry producers to adopt non-scientific production methods in order to sell into the California market, has created significant challenges for our industry. Farm Bureau is actively working to secure a legislative solution in the next Farm Bill,” said McHargue.&nbsp;

According to McHargue, the trade mission to the UK looked to build on a long trading relationship despite four years of inaction by the Biden administration.&nbsp;

"Bilateral and multilateral trade deals are essential if we're going to catch up with our competitors who never stopped their trade conversations. When you look at the trade imbalance we've seen in agriculture over the past two years—a trend we haven't experienced in many years—it raises real concerns. There are plenty of competitors in the global market looking to displace American agriculture. Regaining these lost markets could take years,” said McHargue. “Should the US implement additional tariffs it could have serious implications, which is why it’s crucial for the future of agriculture that we push for enhanced market access and opportunities for the crops and livestock produced in Nebraska.”&nbsp;

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention was held Dec. 8-10 in Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Farm BureauKEARNEY, NEB. – In his annual address at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue emphasized the crucial importance of farmers and ranchers uniting to safeguard agriculture and the way of life for their families.&nbsp;“Nebraska ranks among the leading agricultural states in the country. Our focus is on producing healthy, safe, and sustainable food to support a growing global population, all while safeguarding our natural resources. This is not a matter of choosing one over the other; we can achieve both objectives,” said McHargue.&nbsp;Returning from a recent trade mission to the United Kingdom (UK), McHargue reflected on the parallels of agriculture between the US and UK, observing that while the challenges faced are alike, the approaches to addressing them vary significantly. McHargue stressed the critical need to maintain profitability in Nebraska’s agricultural sector remains as farmers face a challenging economic landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Nebraska, which has a land area comparable to that of the UK, produces nearly twice as much agricultural output, totaling $30 billion. However, the future of agriculture in Nebraska depends on balancing environmental stewardship with the need for sustainable, profitable food production. Recent investments in the state—ranging from sustainable beef production and sustainable aviation fuel to dairy growth and more—underscore Nebraska's dedication to enhancing its agricultural sector in the face of ongoing challenges,” said McHargue&nbsp;Reducing the property tax burden for residents of Nebraska has consistently been a priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau. McHargue expressed gratitude to members for their efforts in successfully opposing a legislative proposal during the special session that aimed to tax agricultural inputs, while also emphasizing the ongoing necessity to advocate for property tax relief and address the missing year of the refundable income tax credit.&nbsp;“Most Nebraskans are expecting to be able to claim their property tax relief for 2023 school taxes paid this year when they file their taxes next spring. Unless we fix this that is not going to happen. While we recognize the Legislature's efforts to implement an automatic tax credit, it is essential to address the modifications made during the special session that could lead to an increase in taxes for most property owners by over half a billion dollars. All property owners who paid their 2023 property taxes in compliance with state law should be treated the same,” said McHargue.&nbsp;McHargue pointed out that the regulatory obstacles encountered by farmers in the UK are leading to decreased efficiency and productivity. He emphasized the efforts of the Nebraska Farm Bureau in advocating against unnecessary regulations that fail to support farming and ranching families, including the EPA’s new strategies causing significant reduction in the use of crop protection products and California’s Proposition 12.&nbsp;“It’s crucial that we protect Nebraska’s producers and ensure that science-based methods remain at the forefront of agricultural production. California's Proposition 12, which forces Nebraska pork and poultry producers to adopt non-scientific production methods in order to sell into the California market, has created significant challenges for our industry. Farm Bureau is actively working to secure a legislative solution in the next Farm Bill,” said McHargue.&nbsp;According to McHargue, the trade mission to the UK looked to build on a long trading relationship despite four years of inaction by the Biden administration.&nbsp;"Bilateral and multilateral trade deals are essential if we're going to catch up with our competitors who never stopped their trade conversations. When you look at the trade imbalance we've seen in agriculture over the past two years—a trend we haven't experienced in many years—it raises real concerns. There are plenty of competitors in the global market looking to displace American agriculture. Regaining these lost markets could take years,” said McHargue. “Should the US implement additional tariffs it could have serious implications, which is why it’s crucial for the future of agriculture that we push for enhanced market access and opportunities for the crops and livestock produced in Nebraska.”&nbsp;The Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention was held Dec. 8-10 in Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Highlights Importance of Safeguarding Agriculture; Reducing Property Tax Burden; Developing Trade Partnerships 

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska Lottery tickets can help you spread instant joy this holiday season. But when you're making up your gift list, only give tickets to people who are old enough to play.

By law, Nebraska Lottery tickets may only be purchased and redeemed by persons who are 19 years or older.

“We always encourage players to play responsibly, and we ask them to give responsibly as well,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Nebraska Lottery tickets are colorful, fun, and a great gift idea, but they should only be given to recipients who are at least 19 years of age.”

The Nebraska Lottery has joined lotteries and community organizations around the world for the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign organized by the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVOS9W-2FdqMSOb5r93fq2xtv5QsReqVT-2BI7qyV5-2BQZEq-2BF4cj5_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnyOsjbMr0uM4DUHcgUxbAAR90MdEViKGenmIFF3E-2BiHHtvm8HAGB9rj3uIR239y1jQofbgoIXfk9Ari5Hec-2BT7KHJbCvvbz-2B-2BHWaU6JnlhDLNAEDAyPDyZyuiOWpKBC7mLJok-2FPdsa741Td8LqVujBiV-2BWogpuI4ZMqkpof3lhFkcsALVpKe-2B7pJ-2Bpx7e38DnY3-2FhjxIZTCDP3ifI4XbJtl4ywHzwzQC-2BbSXI6M4oKHaaxgIgf2QHnGZXcS-2BbLbSkMt8JWG7CVk-2FqSGUFrk0Qlw-3D-3D" target="_blank">National Council on Problem Gambling</a>&nbsp;(NCPG) and supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVAogCYYw5DYSjPfCFjB12AQ-3DXSz3_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnyOsjbMr0uM4DUHcgUxbAAR90MdEViKGenmIFF3E-2BiHHtvm8HAGB9rj3uIR239y1jQofbgoIXfk9Ari5Hec-2BT7KHJbCvvbz-2B-2BHWaU6JnlhDKfqjG9X1utT2pH-2BfIHByiPCurx7Gaza-2FaFaQN78VH8KLk17wbzFF40dUvivUaXf6JKzwnkwpKf2HKdicwauF8M6ORjff-2ByBVGET1pgq1fJvspp35ogzs6-2FWQJJz5hS5-2BMy4cr-2F7UvXnb1dnoyIe2FfHabgy5CiAPOkTzQF3ms8iA-3D-3D" target="_blank">North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries</a>&nbsp;(NASPL). During the holidays the Nebraska Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery play using social media and in-store signage.

Rockey noted that each ticket, whether Scratch or Lotto, carries the minimum age (19) reminder, and the same message appears on in-store signage. “No matter how clever or attractive a game may be, it should always be played in moderation and only be given to individuals who are of legal age to play,” said Rockey.

When you give Nebraska Lottery tickets, you’re helping to build a better Nebraska. A total of $1.003 billion in Lottery proceeds has been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. &nbsp;

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

Every county in Nebraska has benefited from projects funded by Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – Nebraska Lottery tickets can help you spread instant joy this holiday season. But when you're making up your gift list, only give tickets to people who are old enough to play.By law, Nebraska Lottery tickets may only be purchased and redeemed by persons who are 19 years or older.“We always encourage players to play responsibly, and we ask them to give responsibly as well,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Nebraska Lottery tickets are colorful, fun, and a great gift idea, but they should only be given to recipients who are at least 19 years of age.”The Nebraska Lottery has joined lotteries and community organizations around the world for the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign organized by the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVOS9W-2FdqMSOb5r93fq2xtv5QsReqVT-2BI7qyV5-2BQZEq-2BF4cj5_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnyOsjbMr0uM4DUHcgUxbAAR90MdEViKGenmIFF3E-2BiHHtvm8HAGB9rj3uIR239y1jQofbgoIXfk9Ari5Hec-2BT7KHJbCvvbz-2B-2BHWaU6JnlhDLNAEDAyPDyZyuiOWpKBC7mLJok-2FPdsa741Td8LqVujBiV-2BWogpuI4ZMqkpof3lhFkcsALVpKe-2B7pJ-2Bpx7e38DnY3-2FhjxIZTCDP3ifI4XbJtl4ywHzwzQC-2BbSXI6M4oKHaaxgIgf2QHnGZXcS-2BbLbSkMt8JWG7CVk-2FqSGUFrk0Qlw-3D-3D" target="_blank">National Council on Problem Gambling</a>&nbsp;(NCPG) and supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.qkacV-2FUEFnhDrHGFtQlhVAogCYYw5DYSjPfCFjB12AQ-3DXSz3_zp2viNv8WmCDmvKbS8g-2FumCH-2BSIkHTUhcISA1gweg93LIwGEu7Eu0ohNOhpJ1nCtJT3xXLcGnwndj0t64QaXbVDk0wvL65KD1iN4vYB7rKAhKu1l-2FBLlTpj0KgRYXUJnyOsjbMr0uM4DUHcgUxbAAR90MdEViKGenmIFF3E-2BiHHtvm8HAGB9rj3uIR239y1jQofbgoIXfk9Ari5Hec-2BT7KHJbCvvbz-2B-2BHWaU6JnlhDKfqjG9X1utT2pH-2BfIHByiPCurx7Gaza-2FaFaQN78VH8KLk17wbzFF40dUvivUaXf6JKzwnkwpKf2HKdicwauF8M6ORjff-2ByBVGET1pgq1fJvspp35ogzs6-2FWQJJz5hS5-2BMy4cr-2F7UvXnb1dnoyIe2FfHabgy5CiAPOkTzQF3ms8iA-3D-3D" target="_blank">North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries</a>&nbsp;(NASPL). During the holidays the Nebraska Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery play using social media and in-store signage.Rockey noted that each ticket, whether Scratch or Lotto, carries the minimum age (19) reminder, and the same message appears on in-store signage. “No matter how clever or attractive a game may be, it should always be played in moderation and only be given to individuals who are of legal age to play,” said Rockey.When you give Nebraska Lottery tickets, you’re helping to build a better Nebraska. A total of $1.003 billion in Lottery proceeds has been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. &nbsp;Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent); Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).Every county in Nebraska has benefited from projects funded by Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska Lottery Tickets Make Great Gifts, If You’re At Least 19

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/far-fewer-seek-state-concealed-carry-permits-after-2023-law-allows-carrying-without-one/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Advocates for removing the requirement for a state permit to carry a concealed handgun argued that Nebraska gun owners would still obtain the license because it lets them legally carry in some other states.

But state statistics indicate that hasn’t been the case.

A year and three months after Nebraska became the 27th state to allow carrying concealed handguns without requiring state-mandated training and paying a $100 fee, the number of people applying for a permit has dropped significantly.

Less than half as many applicants applied for the permit during the first 11 months of 2024. Only 1,690 applications were filed in Nebraska. That’s down from the 4,002 applications for the permits over the same 11 months in 2023.

The 2024 total is more than four times lower than during the same period in 2022, when 6,939 applications were filed, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, which administers the program.

Fewer renewals of concealed carry permits, too

The number of Nebraskans with active concealed carry permits also declined this year. There were 87,470 on Dec. 1, compared with 90,296 a year ago, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

A decline in renewals for concealed carry permits might explain some of that drop. There were 7,717 applications this year to renew permits compared to 12,472 in 2023.

That means nearly 5,000 permit holders allowed their permits to expire.

State law changed to allow “permit-less carry” on Sept. 2, 2023. The previous year, 2022, was the last in which the permit law was required throughout the full 11-month period.

Today, 29 states allow carrying concealed weapons without a permit or training after Louisiana and South Carolina adopted laws this year, according to U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

A leading advocate for gun rights says fewer people are applying because they don’t have to pay a feee now to carry concealed.

An official with a national gun control advocacy group says the decline in training and permits translates into safety issues and trouble for law enforcement.

“Make no mistake: Communities suffer when states go ‘permit-less,’” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Permits increase safety by requiring applicants to complete safety training, a criminal background check and other steps such as live-fire instruction.”

Burd-Sharps said doing away with handgun permits hampers law enforcement from asking “someone to produce a permit,” even when they believe someone may be breaking the law.

State Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, sponsored the “constitutional carry” law in Nebraska. He said a decline in concealed carry permits was expected, though he was surprised at how steeply applications had declined.

Eliminating the need to make a “financial investment” to purchase a permit is the major reason, Brewer said.

Dick Clark, an aide to Brewer and a private attorney who handles gun rights cases, said the addition of more states with “permit-less carry” has reduced the incentive for gun owners to obtain a Nebraska concealed carry permit for reciprocity.

“It’s a different environment,” Clark said.

Brewer, who is leaving the Legislature because of term limits, said he has seen no statistics showing an increase in gun safety issues since Nebraska went “permit-less.” But if data shows that happened, he said senators might need to look at it.

Brewer and Clark continue to encourage people to seek a state permit, especially those not proficient in handling a handgun.

Burd-Sharps, of Everytown for Gun Safety, said after Tennessee went “permit-less,” gun thefts from vehicles in cities across the state nearly tripled, and gun homicides increased. Stolen guns, she added, often end up “at crime scenes.”

Other states have seen steep declines in filing for concealed handgun permits after doing away with the requirement, according to Everytown. Two years after Ohio passed its “permit-less” carry law, applications for concealed handgun permits were 16% of what they had been two years prior. In Tennessee, applications dropped more than 50%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733862756168.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs State Sen. Tom Brewer’s proposal to allow concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Brewer, at left, and nearly half of Nebraska’s state senators joined the signing. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs State Sen. Tom Brewer’s proposal to allow concealed carry of handguns without a permit or training on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Brewer, at left, and nearly half of Nebraska’s state senators joined the signing. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/far-fewer-seek-state-concealed-carry-permits-after-2023-law-allows-carrying-without-one/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Advocates for removing the requirement for a state permit to carry a concealed handgun argued that Nebraska gun owners would still obtain the license because it lets them legally carry in some other states.But state statistics indicate that hasn’t been the case.A year and three months after Nebraska became the 27th state to allow carrying concealed handguns without requiring state-mandated training and paying a $100 fee, the number of people applying for a permit has dropped significantly.<h2>Major change</h2>Less than half as many applicants applied for the permit during the first 11 months of 2024. Only 1,690 applications were filed in Nebraska. That’s down from the 4,002 applications for the permits over the same 11 months in 2023.The 2024 total is more than four times lower than during the same period in 2022, when 6,939 applications were filed, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, which administers the program.<h2>Fewer renewals of concealed carry permits, too</h2>The number of Nebraskans with active concealed carry permits also declined this year. There were 87,470 on Dec. 1, compared with 90,296 a year ago, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.A decline in renewals for concealed carry permits might explain some of that drop. There were 7,717 applications this year to renew permits compared to 12,472 in 2023.That means nearly 5,000 permit holders allowed their permits to expire.State law changed to allow “permit-less carry” on Sept. 2, 2023. The previous year, 2022, was the last in which the permit law was required throughout the full 11-month period.Today, 29 states allow carrying concealed weapons without a permit or training after Louisiana and South Carolina adopted laws this year, according to U.S. Concealed Carry Association.<h2>Driving the decrease</h2>A leading advocate for gun rights says fewer people are applying because they don’t have to pay a feee now to carry concealed.An official with a national gun control advocacy group says the decline in training and permits translates into safety issues and trouble for law enforcement.“Make no mistake: Communities suffer when states go ‘permit-less,’” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Permits increase safety by requiring applicants to complete safety training, a criminal background check and other steps such as live-fire instruction.”Burd-Sharps said doing away with handgun permits hampers law enforcement from asking “someone to produce a permit,” even when they believe someone may be breaking the law.State Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, sponsored the “constitutional carry” law in Nebraska. He said a decline in concealed carry permits was expected, though he was surprised at how steeply applications had declined.Eliminating the need to make a “financial investment” to purchase a permit is the major reason, Brewer said.Dick Clark, an aide to Brewer and a private attorney who handles gun rights cases, said the addition of more states with “permit-less carry” has reduced the incentive for gun owners to obtain a Nebraska concealed carry permit for reciprocity.“It’s a different environment,” Clark said.Brewer, who is leaving the Legislature because of term limits, said he has seen no statistics showing an increase in gun safety issues since Nebraska went “permit-less.” But if data shows that happened, he said senators might need to look at it.Brewer and Clark continue to encourage people to seek a state permit, especially those not proficient in handling a handgun.Burd-Sharps, of Everytown for Gun Safety, said after Tennessee went “permit-less,” gun thefts from vehicles in cities across the state nearly tripled, and gun homicides increased. Stolen guns, she added, often end up “at crime scenes.”Other states have seen steep declines in filing for concealed handgun permits after doing away with the requirement, according to Everytown. Two years after Ohio passed its “permit-less” carry law, applications for concealed handgun permits were 16% of what they had been two years prior. In Tennessee, applications dropped more than 50%.

Far fewer seek state concealed carry permits after 2023 law allows carrying without one

&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a season-long effort to keep fans safe as they travel to and from Husker football games. Troopers spent gamedays patrolling roadways, monitoring from the air, and assisting with security in and around Memorial Stadium.

On gamedays this fall, troopers made 54 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (456), driving under suspension (16), open alcohol container (19), no seat belt (12), and improper child restraint (8). Troopers also assisted 219 motorists in need of help on Nebraska roadways.

This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol has completed a season-long effort to keep fans safe as they travel to and from Husker football games. Troopers spent gamedays patrolling roadways, monitoring from the air, and assisting with security in and around Memorial Stadium.On gamedays this fall, troopers made 54 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued citations for speeding (456), driving under suspension (16), open alcohol container (19), no seat belt (12), and improper child restraint (8). Troopers also assisted 219 motorists in need of help on Nebraska roadways.This effort was made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

NSP Announces Results of Husker Gameday Traffic Safety Effort

Alliance, NE – In a significant development related to the attempted ATM theft that occurred on September 1, 2024, the Alliance Police Department has helped identify and two individuals have been arrested in connection to the crime following an extensive investigation.

Through the course of the investigation, DNA evidence was retrieved from the vehicle used in the attempted theft and sent to the Nebraska State Crime Lab for analysis. A positive DNA match led to the identification of two individuals involved in the crime.

The first suspect, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, was linked to the vehicle through DNA evidence and has been identified as the primary individual involved in the attempted theft.

Further investigation revealed that Zambrano Bolivar is currently facing charges in Texas for capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. He is presently awaiting indictment for these serious charges.

The second individual identified through the DNA analysis is Jhonatan Nahin Toro Gonzalez. Gonzalez was also inside the vehicle at the time of the attempted theft. He has been placed under arrest and is awaiting indictment in Texas on charges related to capital murder and multiple counts of kidnapping.

The identification of these suspects was made possible through collaboration between the Alliance Police Department and multiple state and federal agencies, demonstrating the strength of interagency cooperation in solving complex cases. The joint investigation not only led to the identification of the suspects but also uncovered their involvement in significant criminal activity across state lines.

The Alliance Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the community. This case highlights the important role of forensic evidence and the tireless work of law enforcement agencies at all levels in solving criminal cases.

For further information, please contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733846055711.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance, NE – In a significant development related to the attempted ATM theft that occurred on September 1, 2024, the Alliance Police Department has helped identify and two individuals have been arrested in connection to the crime following an extensive investigation.Through the course of the investigation, DNA evidence was retrieved from the vehicle used in the attempted theft and sent to the Nebraska State Crime Lab for analysis. A positive DNA match led to the identification of two individuals involved in the crime.The first suspect, Carlos Luis Zambrano Bolivar, was linked to the vehicle through DNA evidence and has been identified as the primary individual involved in the attempted theft.Further investigation revealed that Zambrano Bolivar is currently facing charges in Texas for capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. He is presently awaiting indictment for these serious charges.The second individual identified through the DNA analysis is Jhonatan Nahin Toro Gonzalez. Gonzalez was also inside the vehicle at the time of the attempted theft. He has been placed under arrest and is awaiting indictment in Texas on charges related to capital murder and multiple counts of kidnapping.The identification of these suspects was made possible through collaboration between the Alliance Police Department and multiple state and federal agencies, demonstrating the strength of interagency cooperation in solving complex cases. The joint investigation not only led to the identification of the suspects but also uncovered their involvement in significant criminal activity across state lines.Both suspects are currently in custody.The Alliance Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the community. This case highlights the important role of forensic evidence and the tireless work of law enforcement agencies at all levels in solving criminal cases.For further information, please contact the Alliance Police Department at 308-762-4955.

Alliance police identifies suspects in Sept. 2024 attempted ATM theft

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/09/nebraska-governors-priorities-shift-focus-from-spending-and-tax-changes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen plans to toss his party’s right flank some red meat next year before addressing the harder politics of closing Nebraska’s projected $432 million budget shortfall.

One reason could be the potential of Pillen facing Republican primary challengers in 2026. Those could include his top 2022 GOP primary opponent, Charles Herbster.

Pillen denied “political” motivations for picking any of his top legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which he announced last week and detailed in an interview Friday. But all four policies are likely to be popular with the GOP base that typically decides races for Nebraska governor.

Echoing themes from his 2022 campaign and speeches around the state, he said his four goals for the session would benefit Nebraska’s “kids, taxes, agriculture and values.”

“Those four words, there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference along,” Pillen said of the upcoming session, set to start on Jan. 8. “That’s what guides ’25.”

He outlined those goals in a Dec. 1 statement and clarified them during the pre-session sit-down. Some highlights:&nbsp;

Missing from the priorities was closing the state’s projected $432 million budget gap, which was largely driven by Pillen’s previous tax-cut and tax-relief changes. Another contributing factor is more spending than the governor’s budget shows, an Examiner analysis indicates.

Pillen highlights his first two years of spending increases as being fiscally conservative. He cites budget documents listing the increases at 3.9% in fiscal year 2023 and 1.9% in fiscal year 2024.

But a review of two decades of state budgets shows Pillen’s team kept the spending figures lower than his predecessors’ budgets, partly by classifying some significant expenditures as budget transfers rather than direct spending.

This affects the numbers because money that is moved between funds, such as moving it from the general fund or the rainy day fund to the state’s new Education Future Fund, is classified as a transfer and not as spending, even if the money is being moved to spend on a specific purpose.

A key example is how Pillen’s administration lists a $1 billion investment in the Education Future Fund and follow-up investments in the fund as transfers. The fund is intended to cover special education costs and create a new baseline of K-12 public school aid, which Pillen has said would reduce some of the reliance on local property taxes.

Pillen’s budget numbers show that the general fund in fiscal year 2023 increased from $5.15 billion to $5.35 billion. If he had included the $1 billion in Education Future Fund spending, the general fund budget would have jumped to $6.35 billion.

If Pillen had classified the fund the same way other governors have done with similar investments, it would push the general fund annual spending increase to 23.5% in Pillen’s first year as governor. His combined two-year spending increase would be 22.5%, instead of the listed 5.9%.

By contrast, spending increased a combined 8.9% in the first two years of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ administration. Previous Gov. Dave Heineman, also a Republican, increased spending a combined 9.6% in his first two years, an Examiner analysis found.

“The Education Future Fund is an investment in our kids,” Pillen said. “If somebody wants to call that spending, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me, but I believe in investing in our kids.”

Pillen also signed income tax rate cuts into law in 2023 that were projected to reduce revenues by $3.3 billion from 2024-2029. He and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha have called the cuts needed to compete better with neighboring states.

Those cuts phased in a reduction of the top income tax rate from 6.84% to 3.99% by 2027 and lowered corporate taxes. The governor’s critics say those changes risk the structural balance of future budgets. Some have questioned whether the state can afford the school spending changes Pillen wants.

On sports and spaces, the governor said he wants to see the next Legislature revisit the core of Legislative Bill 575, known as the Sports and Spaces Act, which fell to a filibuster in 2024.

Pillen said Nebraskans are right to want to “protect their kids” and act on their “values.” He repeated his stance that he has no ill will toward transgender kids or adults.

He said he thinks they should have the right to be who they want to be once they are old enough to understand the ramifications of their actions and mature enough to decide for themselves. But he wants specific legislation to protect women’s sports.

His issue, he said, is having a student with male characteristics playing against girls or “showering with your daughter and granddaughter.”

“That’s not going to happen if I can do anything about it,” he said.

He said he has less of a problem with women competing against men, because there is no “competitive advantage.” He wants a new law to require separate locker rooms, though.

“If there’s two young girls that are really good at wrestling and there’s not enough to have women’s wrestling, hey, it’s great to wrestle boys,” Pillen said. “That’s not a problem.”

The Nebraska School Activities Association, which governs middle and high school sports, has had a policy addressing locker rooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">sports eligibility of trans student-athletes</a>&nbsp;since 2016.

In response to a question, Pillen said he didn’t have any concerns about a sports and spaces ban potentially impacting Nebraska’s longstanding relationship with the NCAA, which oversees college sports.&nbsp;

The NCAA, which has specific guidelines for each sport to allow trans athletes to participate, signs contracts that let Omaha host the College World Series and NCAA tournament games, including volleyball and basketball.

Pillen, who played defensive back for Nebraska football, said he does not think the organization would change where it holds one of its signature championships “over a state doing what’s right.”

“All due respect, the NCAA has failed college athletics miserably for the last 20 years,” Pillen said. “Whatever their opinion is, from my seat it really doesn’t hold any water.”

The author of LB 575, State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, said she appreciates that Pillen remains committed to protecting “opportunities, safety and privacy” for women and girls.

“I am grateful he is willing to make this issue a priority,” she said.&nbsp;

Kauth has not yet shared a new version of her proposal or said how or whether her approach might change to secure more legislative votes. She has said she wants a proposal to include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">collegiate athletics</a>.

Critics of the sports and spaces restrictions have said LB 575 and similar measures needlessly attack a tiny minority of children who are transgender and already at higher risk of self-harm.

Advocates for LGBTQ kids have said the governor and supporters of similar policies in this and other states risk creating a public panic that leads to increases in bullying or worse.

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who helped filibuster the bill, said it was “embarrassing” but not surprising to see Pillen prioritize cultural issues instead of kitchen-table economics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733851817785.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov: Jim Pillen discusses his priorities for the 2025 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov: Jim Pillen discusses his priorities for the 2025 legislative session on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/09/nebraska-governors-priorities-shift-focus-from-spending-and-tax-changes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Republican Gov. Jim Pillen plans to toss his party’s right flank some red meat next year before addressing the harder politics of closing Nebraska’s projected $432 million budget shortfall.One reason could be the potential of Pillen facing Republican primary challengers in 2026. Those could include his top 2022 GOP primary opponent, Charles Herbster.Pillen denied “political” motivations for picking any of his top legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which he announced last week and detailed in an interview Friday. But all four policies are likely to be popular with the GOP base that typically decides races for Nebraska governor.Echoing themes from his 2022 campaign and speeches around the state, he said his four goals for the session would benefit Nebraska’s “kids, taxes, agriculture and values.”“Those four words, there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference along,” Pillen said of the upcoming session, set to start on Jan. 8. “That’s what guides ’25.”<h2>Governor’s priorities</h2>He outlined those goals in a Dec. 1 statement and clarified them during the pre-session sit-down. Some highlights:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>He is trying again on legislation to restrict participation in middle and high school sports and use of school bathrooms and locker rooms to a student’s sex at birth. He signaled that he would like the legislation to cover college sports as well.</li><li>He is pushing again for structural changes to how the state funds K-12 education to address property taxes, including revamping the state aid formula for K-12 schools. He says he plans to pay for any increased costs by broadening the number of services subject to the state sales tax.</li><li>He seeks a law banning the sale of lab-grown meat in cattle-ranching Nebraska. He already established this approach with an executive order in August banning state purchases of lab-grown meat.</li><li>And he aims to shift Nebraska to winner-take-all in awarding Electoral College votes in presidential elections, hunting for a 33rd vote to beat a certain filibuster.</li>
 </ul><h2>What Pillen didn’t highlight</h2>Missing from the priorities was closing the state’s projected $432 million budget gap, which was largely driven by Pillen’s previous tax-cut and tax-relief changes. Another contributing factor is more spending than the governor’s budget shows, an Examiner analysis indicates.Pillen highlights his first two years of spending increases as being fiscally conservative. He cites budget documents listing the increases at 3.9% in fiscal year 2023 and 1.9% in fiscal year 2024.But a review of two decades of state budgets shows Pillen’s team kept the spending figures lower than his predecessors’ budgets, partly by classifying some significant expenditures as budget transfers rather than direct spending.This affects the numbers because money that is moved between funds, such as moving it from the general fund or the rainy day fund to the state’s new Education Future Fund, is classified as a transfer and not as spending, even if the money is being moved to spend on a specific purpose.A key example is how Pillen’s administration lists a $1 billion investment in the Education Future Fund and follow-up investments in the fund as transfers. The fund is intended to cover special education costs and create a new baseline of K-12 public school aid, which Pillen has said would reduce some of the reliance on local property taxes.Pillen’s budget numbers show that the general fund in fiscal year 2023 increased from $5.15 billion to $5.35 billion. If he had included the $1 billion in Education Future Fund spending, the general fund budget would have jumped to $6.35 billion.If Pillen had classified the fund the same way other governors have done with similar investments, it would push the general fund annual spending increase to 23.5% in Pillen’s first year as governor. His combined two-year spending increase would be 22.5%, instead of the listed 5.9%.By contrast, spending increased a combined 8.9% in the first two years of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts’ administration. Previous Gov. Dave Heineman, also a Republican, increased spending a combined 9.6% in his first two years, an Examiner analysis found.“The Education Future Fund is an investment in our kids,” Pillen said. “If somebody wants to call that spending, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me, but I believe in investing in our kids.”Pillen also signed income tax rate cuts into law in 2023 that were projected to reduce revenues by $3.3 billion from 2024-2029. He and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha have called the cuts needed to compete better with neighboring states.Those cuts phased in a reduction of the top income tax rate from 6.84% to 3.99% by 2027 and lowered corporate taxes. The governor’s critics say those changes risk the structural balance of future budgets. Some have questioned whether the state can afford the school spending changes Pillen wants.<h2>Sports and spaces</h2>On sports and spaces, the governor said he wants to see the next Legislature revisit the core of Legislative Bill 575, known as the Sports and Spaces Act, which fell to a filibuster in 2024.Pillen said Nebraskans are right to want to “protect their kids” and act on their “values.” He repeated his stance that he has no ill will toward transgender kids or adults.He said he thinks they should have the right to be who they want to be once they are old enough to understand the ramifications of their actions and mature enough to decide for themselves. But he wants specific legislation to protect women’s sports.His issue, he said, is having a student with male characteristics playing against girls or “showering with your daughter and granddaughter.”“That’s not going to happen if I can do anything about it,” he said.He said he has less of a problem with women competing against men, because there is no “competitive advantage.” He wants a new law to require separate locker rooms, though.“If there’s two young girls that are really good at wrestling and there’s not enough to have women’s wrestling, hey, it’s great to wrestle boys,” Pillen said. “That’s not a problem.”The Nebraska School Activities Association, which governs middle and high school sports, has had a policy addressing locker rooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">sports eligibility of trans student-athletes</a>&nbsp;since 2016.In response to a question, Pillen said he didn’t have any concerns about a sports and spaces ban potentially impacting Nebraska’s longstanding relationship with the NCAA, which oversees college sports.&nbsp;The NCAA, which has specific guidelines for each sport to allow trans athletes to participate, signs contracts that let Omaha host the College World Series and NCAA tournament games, including volleyball and basketball.Pillen, who played defensive back for Nebraska football, said he does not think the organization would change where it holds one of its signature championships “over a state doing what’s right.”“All due respect, the NCAA has failed college athletics miserably for the last 20 years,” Pillen said. “Whatever their opinion is, from my seat it really doesn’t hold any water.”The author of LB 575, State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, said she appreciates that Pillen remains committed to protecting “opportunities, safety and privacy” for women and girls.“I am grateful he is willing to make this issue a priority,” she said.&nbsp;Kauth has not yet shared a new version of her proposal or said how or whether her approach might change to secure more legislative votes. She has said she wants a proposal to include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">collegiate athletics</a>.Critics of the sports and spaces restrictions have said LB 575 and similar measures needlessly attack a tiny minority of children who are transgender and already at higher risk of self-harm.Advocates for LGBTQ kids have said the governor and supporters of similar policies in this and other states risk creating a public panic that leads to increases in bullying or worse.State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who helped filibuster the bill, said it was “embarrassing” but not surprising to see Pillen prioritize cultural issues instead of kitchen-table economics.“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to address the budget deficit, child care, affordable housing, and other priorities for our state,” Hunt said.&nbsp;<h2>School funding and property taxes</h2>Pillen said he understands the challenge of pushing for changes to the state aid formula for K-12 education because legislative support often comes down to the impact on schools in senators’ legislative districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said his focus remains reducing the property tax burden. He has been sharing tax rankings that he says hurt the state when he is trying to recruit new businesses and residents. He says lawmakers hear demands for change from their constituents.He repeated many of the arguments he made last year when pushing for broader property tax reform: including that the state leans too heavily on property taxpayers to pay for schooling. He said he still wants to broaden the sales tax base to ease the burden of property taxes.&nbsp;This year, he is focused on adapting sales taxes to the modern service economy. He said he expects pushback from people who don’t want to pay more for haircuts, massages and lawn care but said he would focus on taxing services people could do for themselves.“Most of us agree we have a property tax crisis, so how do we come up with the fairest way?” Pillen asked. “If all of us are unhappy, then that’s going to be pretty good policy.”He believes the state should fund the cost of operations — the costs of teachers, staff and classroom learning. He said local property taxpayers should fund the cost of school buildings, athletic facilities, and school grounds and maintenance.He said buildings and maintenance would represent about $650 million of the $3.1 billion in property taxes spent each year on K-12 education in Nebraska.“The school districts, the school boards, the communities, they decide what kind of buildings they want to have their kids in, and that stays on the property tax,” Pillen said. “If you want to build a Taj Mahal, good for you. Your people pay for it.”He said he wants to fund education and work with school district leaders to spend less money on things that don’t help educate kids — the middle managers, administrators and “checkers of the checkers” who distract teachers from teaching.Pillen says he is focused on finding government efficiencies. He says his team is working with school superintendents, the Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Education to reduce the number of costly state mandates on schools.Legislation meant to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/07/third-attempt-made-to-prohibit-state-led-unfunded-mandates-on-nebraskas-local-governments/">curb unfunded mandates</a>&nbsp;has stalled for years in the Legislature.His goal is “decrease the administrative bloat“ and get more money back into classrooms. The next version of the state aid formula should build off the idea that it costs a certain amount to educate each child, he said.&nbsp;He says he is hearing from lawmakers and people in education about the need to make sure that any formula accounts for fast-growing districts and that rearranging aid per student will make that easier.&nbsp;Some school leaders have publicly supported the idea of shifting more school funding to the state. Others have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">questioned</a>&nbsp;whether the state will be able to meet its K-12 commitments when the farm economy sours or when state receipts drop.“I think running state government is just like life,” Pillen said. “It’s priorities. Education’s a top priority. We’re always going to find the money there.”<h2>‘Fake meat’</h2>Pillen wants Nebraska to join Florida and Alabama in banning the sale of meat alternatives, or if sales of some products that cannot be stopped to no longer be labeled as meat, which he said was misleading. He called it “bioreactor meat.”He considers the proposal part of his years-long effort to fight against animal-rights activists and others who have tried to demonize production agriculture and animal agriculture, which is personal for him as an owner of a Columbus-based hog operation.He said he hears from dairy producers dealing with labeling like almond milk, which he calls “almond nut juice.” He said companies shouldn’t be able to confuse potential consumers about what they’re buying.&nbsp;He said he knows some Nebraskans might want to purchase lab-grown meat, but they “ain’t gonna buy it in Nebraska.” Lab meat defenders say they reduce greenhouse emissions, cut down on the use of antibiotics and reduce cruelty to animals.“Cattle is king,” Pillen said. “We can’t stand back and reactive. We need to be proactive. So our policies are going to be aggressive … so we lead and create the dust, not eat the dust.”<h2>Winner-take-all</h2>Pillen also wants to make 2024 the last time Democrats can win a “blue dot” in the Omaha area’s 2nd Congressional District from a Republican candidate.Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb has said Republicans would rather change the rules than continue to compete.&nbsp;Pillen says he wants to make Nebraska like 48 other states. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that award Electoral College votes to candidates for president by congressional district, in addition to giving two votes to the winner statewide.&nbsp;Pillen pressed the Legislature to make the change in time for the 2024 general election but fell short of votes when State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat-turned-Republican, said he wouldn’t back it.He needed 33 votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster from senators in the Omaha area. One reason supporters like the current practice is seeing tens of millions of dollars being spent every four years on political ads and campaigns.Many of those senators also like the boost to Democratic voter turnout in the 1st and 2nd Districts.Nebraska Republicans have wanted to make the change for decades.&nbsp;Republicans outnumber Democrats in the state more than 2-to-1 by registration, though nonpartisan and third-party registrants make up about a fourth of the state’s registered voters.President-elect Donald Trump tried to persuade Nebraska senators to make the change&nbsp;earlier this year. Trump praised Pillen publicly for trying, but if Pillen can finish the job it could help him if he faces another run against Herbster, a multi-state businessman and top Trump donor whom Trump endorsed in 2022.Pillen on Friday said there are 33 Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature and noted that McDonnell leaves office in January.&nbsp;“My belief is that it was a mistake 30 years ago (to stop using winner-take-all),” Pillen said. “If it was such a great policy … we’d have a lot of other states that have the same policy.”He said he wants all states to play by the same rules when electing a president. He said he doesn’t believe the outside political money coming into Omaha is helpful.He does not see the change as a means of voter suppression and said people shouldn’t need the extra motivation of a competitive presidential race to choose to vote.&nbsp;“This is Nebraska,” he said. “This should be decided by Nebraskans, not lots of other people’s money. … Democracy is way more important. Our values are way more important.”