<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.

Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.

Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.

Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.

Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.

“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”

Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.

But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.

“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.

“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”

Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.

Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.

“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”

Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.

“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.

As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.

But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.

That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.

Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.

“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”

The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722955203655.jpeg" alt="Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska native Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota (Photo from Office of Governor Tim Walz)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-said-to-be-picked-by-harris-as-her-running-mate/">Jacob Fischler</a>Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, in a move meant to boost the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters, according to media reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/kamala-harris-trump-election-08-06-24/index.html" target="_blank">CNN,</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg, The Associated Press and others.Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran who won challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before running for governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022, balances Harris geographically and demographically, while bringing a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record among the most progressive of any contender to join the ticket.Walz was seen as the preferred vice presidential pick of the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-speculation-hits-fever-pitch-harris-announcement-expected-very-soon" target="_blank">interviewed both governors</a>, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, in Washington Sunday as she whittled down her shortlist.Little known until recently outside his home state to all but the closest political observers, Walz’s laid-back style and approachable demeanor — and straightforward attacks on Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — over weeks of consistent national TV appearances won praise from Democratic officials and strategists who have struggled to break Trump’s hold over white voters without college degrees.Walz, 60, emerged in recent weeks as one of the party’s top communicators through the power of a single adjective for Republicans and their policy goals.“These are weird people on the other side,” Walz said in a July 23 interview on MSNBC. “They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room.… These are weird ideas.”Despite the best efforts of President Joe Biden’s abandoned reelection bid to describe Republicans under Trump’s leadership as a threat to U.S. democracy and reproductive rights who couldn’t be trusted to responsibly govern, the attacks didn’t stick and Trump continued to climb in the polls.But shortly after Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Democrats embraced the succinct message that has been credited to the Minnesota governor.“I am loving Tim Walz on TV,” Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic strategist, told States Newsroom in a July interview on potential vice presidential picks for Harris.“I love that he’s just so down-to-earth and so pithy and that he’s like, ‘These guys are weird,’” she added. “That’s exactly it — we are overcomplicating what this message has to be.”<h2>Communicating rural values</h2>Walz, who grew up in a rural community in Nebraska, has slammed national Republicans for a relentless focus on cultural issues. He has trained that criticism recently on Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio whose rise to Republican vice presidential nominee was built on his controversial book detailing the lives of people in impoverished rural areas of Kentucky.Vance and Republicans have “obsessions” with taking away rights, Walz has said, especially related to reproductive rights and education that includes discussion of gender and sexuality.“The golden rule that makes small towns work so we’re not at each other’s throats all the time in a little town is: Mind your own damn business,” Walz told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on July 25. “I don’t need him (Vance) to tell me about my family, I don’t need him to tell me about my wife’s health care and her reproductive rights, I don’t need him telling my children what books to read.”Walz instead projects a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance.“They scream socialism, we just build roads and we build schools and we build prosperity into this,” he told Psaki.<h2>Working-class message</h2>As governor, Walz has notched a series of policy wins he can boast to the party’s progressive wing about. He signed laws to offer free meals to all public school students, expand abortion access and legalize some recreational uses of THC.But the bespectacled former high school teacher and football coach, who has donned T-shirts and hunting caps in national TV hits, also projects an image of Midwestern pragmatism.That may help balance voters’ views of a Democratic ticket led by Harris, who would be the first woman president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president, and who is seen as more liberal than most in the party after climbing the ranks through Democratic primaries in California.Christopher Devine, a political scientist at the University of Dayton, said Walz’s appeal is not unlike that of Harris’ last running mate.“Walz has a message that kind of reminds me of Joe Biden’s appeal, kind of a working-class focus,” he said. “He can speak from a rural background, he’s been a teacher and a coach and has a military background as well. He seems to me like he’s someone who could maybe help with kind of a working-class message.”The campaign will depend on Walz to carry that message to neighboring Wisconsin and other crucial Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Nebraska Native, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said to be picked by Harris as her running mate

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.

The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.

Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:

Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration

Project Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000

Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000

Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility Study

Project Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000

Project Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.

Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured&nbsp;over $2 million&nbsp;for&nbsp;critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development&nbsp;Appropriations&nbsp;Act.The bill, which must still be voted&nbsp;on&nbsp;by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday&nbsp;by the Senate Appropriations Committee.“Our water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.Funding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel RestorationProject Description:&nbsp;This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$2,300,000Harlan County Dredge EquipmentProject Description:&nbsp;This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$1,700,000Offutt Ditch Pump StationProject Description:&nbsp;This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$300,000Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility StudyProject Description:&nbsp;This&nbsp;study will develop flood risk reduction measures.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$600,000Papillion Creek BasinProject Description:&nbsp;This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.Appropriated Amount:&nbsp;$15,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fischer Advances $4 Million for Nebraska Water Resource Improvement Projects

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.

State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.

“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.

Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.

He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.

Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.

Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”

“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”

Pillen has remained firm that he believes the property tax “crisis” is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">not a valuation problem</a>&nbsp;but a spending problem.

Omaha State Sens. Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh and Kathleen Kauth, along with Brandt, have more targeted legislation to address or exempt property based on valuations.

McDonnell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58177" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 24CA</a>&nbsp;would carve out residential property for a different method of taxation, similar to valuing agricultural land 75% of its market value. A companion bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58182" target="_blank">LB 72</a>, would lock the top annual increases on residential valuations at 5%, including improvements.&nbsp;

Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">LR 2CA</a>&nbsp;would let voters carve out owner-occupied housing for a different valuation process, which would be more narrow than McDonnell’s proposal. The Legislature would then set that rate.

“Because there’s so many owner-occupied houses and that affects so much valuation in the state, you got to be careful,” Brandt said.

Two other McDonnell bills would exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">homeowners</a>&nbsp;from school taxes after 10 years in the same home (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>) and would exempt all property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in the state (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">LB 75</a>).

Cavanaugh introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58113" target="_blank">LB 22</a>, which would exempt the first $100,000 of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-3502#:~:text=Homestead%20shall%20mean%20either%20(1,on%20land%20leased%20by%20the" target="_blank">homestead’s</a>&nbsp;valuation from taxation. He described the expanded homestead exemption as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">universal</a>” relief.

Kauth’s constitutional amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58104" target="_blank">LR 6CA</a>, was patterned after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/proposition-13-40-years-later/" target="_blank">Proposition 13</a>&nbsp;in California, which passed in 1978.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s version would lock in property values for tax purposes at no more than 1.5% above its “full cash value,” or the initial purchase or construction value of a property after 2025. Valuations for existing properties would be locked in at the 2025 level.

Annual increases in “full cash value” could increase at the rate of inflation for that area, but by no more than 2%. Valuations could also decrease based on the rate of deflation.

Kauth said her proposal would give new homeowners a “choice” that they can plan for.

“You go in with your eyes wide open and you have a choice, whereas with property valuations you have no choice&nbsp;— you wait for that little postcard in the mail and you have no idea what you’re going to get,” Kauth said. “It’s always better to have a choice.”

Kauth’s constitutional amendment would also set new accountability requirements for school or community college bonds and would require any new bonds to receive 55% voter approval.

Brandt said there are multiple other “backup plans,” including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, which he worked on with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward and three other lawmakers. Unlike Pillen’s LB 1, the “alternative” proposal would reduce maximum school tax rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">over a decade</a>, by 80 cents.

The Revenue Committee spent last week considering 67 bills and constitutional amendments. Kauth, a member of the committee, said she’s looking for reform, not just relief.

“When I think of relief, I think, OK, it’s that Band-Aid,” Kauth said. “We need reform so that we don’t have to keep coming back here.”

The Revenue Committee is scheduled to meet Monday and Tuesday to comb through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">various proposals</a>&nbsp;in its hopper. It will determine what to advance to the full Legislature, and debate is expected to start Thursday on that product.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722883192855.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/05/property-valuations-freeze-could-be-backup-plan-during-nebraskas-tax-focused-special-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;Freezing property valuations or increasing income tax credits could be a “backup plan” should Nebraska lawmakers fail to pass significant property tax relief this summer.State Sens. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska and Tom Brandt of Plymouth each has legislation he has described as a “fail-safe” in case the special session falls short of expectations. Brewer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58075" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 34</a>&nbsp;would freeze property valuations for four years, while Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58144" target="_blank">LB 33</a>&nbsp;would increase refundable income tax credits by $600 million, up to $1.16 billion.“I’m not saying it’s the best solution, but I think as others fall off the radar and we don’t have them anymore, it may be something that we can embrace that will actually give us options,” Brewer told the Nebraska Examiner last week about his bill.<h2>‘Truly a stopgap’</h2>Brewer brought a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=31744" target="_blank">LB 576</a>&nbsp;in 2017, during his first year in office. Now leaving the Legislature because of term limits, Brewer said the idea could buy time for future senators.He and at least 14 other lawmakers will not return next year, nearly all because of term limits. That includes State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, who has remained firm that there is still time for a solution, including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">one for school finance changes</a>.Brewer doesn’t see LB 34 as a “primary option,” but he fears that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>, championed by Gov. Jim Pillen, will fail. Linehan introduced LB 1&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">on Pillen’s behalf</a>, and Brewer is a supporter.Brewer’s point: “Do we want to leave the session with nothing? Or do we want to have something that might get us closer?”“It is truly a stopgap to buy us time,” Brewer said. “This is the most reasonable backup plan, and that’s why I went with it.”Pillen has remained firm that he believes the property tax “crisis” is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">not a valuation problem</a>&nbsp;but a spending problem.<h2>Residential, owner-occupied housing</h2>Omaha State Sens. Mike McDonnell, John Cavanaugh and Kathleen Kauth, along with Brandt, have more targeted legislation to address or exempt property based on valuations.McDonnell’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58177" target="_blank">Legislative Resolution 24CA</a>&nbsp;would carve out residential property for a different method of taxation, similar to valuing agricultural land 75% of its market value. A companion bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58182" target="_blank">LB 72</a>, would lock the top annual increases on residential valuations at 5%, including improvements.&nbsp;Brandt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58068" target="_blank">LR 2CA</a>&nbsp;would let voters carve out owner-occupied housing for a different valuation process, which would be more narrow than McDonnell’s proposal. The Legislature would then set that rate.“Because there’s so many owner-occupied houses and that affects so much valuation in the state, you got to be careful,” Brandt said.Two other McDonnell bills would exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/29/longtime-nebraska-homeowners-would-get-targeted-relief-under-new-legislative-bills/">homeowners</a>&nbsp;from school taxes after 10 years in the same home (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58244" target="_blank">LB 77</a>) and would exempt all property taxes after 40 years of homeownership in the state (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58245" target="_blank">LB 75</a>).Cavanaugh introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58113" target="_blank">LB 22</a>, which would exempt the first $100,000 of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=77-3502#:~:text=Homestead%20shall%20mean%20either%20(1,on%20land%20leased%20by%20the" target="_blank">homestead’s</a>&nbsp;valuation from taxation. He described the expanded homestead exemption as “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">universal</a>” relief.<h2>A California model</h2>Kauth’s constitutional amendment,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58104" target="_blank">LR 6CA</a>, was patterned after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/proposition-13-40-years-later/" target="_blank">Proposition 13</a>&nbsp;in California, which passed in 1978.&nbsp;Nebraska’s version would lock in property values for tax purposes at no more than 1.5% above its “full cash value,” or the initial purchase or construction value of a property after 2025. Valuations for existing properties would be locked in at the 2025 level.Annual increases in “full cash value” could increase at the rate of inflation for that area, but by no more than 2%. Valuations could also decrease based on the rate of deflation.Kauth said her proposal would give new homeowners a “choice” that they can plan for.“You go in with your eyes wide open and you have a choice, whereas with property valuations you have no choice&nbsp;— you wait for that little postcard in the mail and you have no idea what you’re going to get,” Kauth said. “It’s always better to have a choice.”Kauth’s constitutional amendment would also set new accountability requirements for school or community college bonds and would require any new bonds to receive 55% voter approval.<h2>‘Reform’ over ‘relief’</h2>Brandt said there are multiple other “backup plans,” including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58052" target="_blank">LB 9</a>, which he worked on with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward and three other lawmakers. Unlike Pillen’s LB 1, the “alternative” proposal would reduce maximum school tax rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-propose-decade-long-plan-to-reduce-nebraska-k-12-property-tax-rates/">over a decade</a>, by 80 cents.The Revenue Committee spent last week considering 67 bills and constitutional amendments. Kauth, a member of the committee, said she’s looking for reform, not just relief.“When I think of relief, I think, OK, it’s that Band-Aid,” Kauth said. “We need reform so that we don’t have to keep coming back here.”The Revenue Committee is scheduled to meet Monday and Tuesday to comb through the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/02/ne-lawmaker-compiles-smart-act-property-tax-relief-plan/">various proposals</a>&nbsp;in its hopper. It will determine what to advance to the full Legislature, and debate is expected to start Thursday on that product.

Property valuations freeze could be ‘backup plan’ during Nebraska’s tax-focused special session

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– A recently published independent analysis of&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan to Cut Property Taxes, highlights multiple benefits to taxpayers and the state, including fulfilling the state’s constitutional obligation for funding state education.&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan, unveiled two weeks ago by Governor Jim Pillen, has been incorporated into LB1, sponsored by Revenue Committee Chairwoman Lou Ann Linehan. A committee hearing on the bill was held this week.

During that hearing, Dr. Ernie Goss, professor of economics at Creighton University, testified as to the findings of an analysis he conducted titled,&nbsp;Making Nebraska More Economically Competitive: An Evaluation of Governor Pillen’s Tax Reform Plan. According to the study,&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan&nbsp;would provide the following three-year impacts:

During his testimony for LB1, Gov. Pillen shared two documents as well. The first, a letter containing the names of more than 1,000 Nebraskans from across the state, endorsing components contained in&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan. In his letter to the Revenue Committee, Gov. Pillen spoke about the dozens of town halls he hosted across the state.

“I heard personally from people who are considering the cost of staying versus moving to another state. We can’t afford to turn a blind eye to the impact of people who will leave or who won’t move here in the first place. If we stop growing, our future is dim,” said Gov. Pillen.

The Governor also presented a second letter signed by dozens of business leaders expressing their support for principles outlined in&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan. In summary, they stated, “…by every objective measure&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan&nbsp;is a tax cut for Nebraskans. To oppose this plan would be to oppose a tax cut for the people of our state.”

“Nebraskans have shared their gratitude and support for this effort,” said Gov. Pillen. “They are people of all ages who question their ability to stay in a state where they can no longer afford their homes. They don’t have paid lobbyists to speak on their behalf and many can’t take time off from work to come to the State Capitol and testify. Yet, they are begging for relief.”&nbsp;Primary components of The Nebraska Plan will:

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Ernie-Goss-Analysis.pdf">Ernie Goss Analysis</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– A recently published independent analysis of&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan to Cut Property Taxes, highlights multiple benefits to taxpayers and the state, including fulfilling the state’s constitutional obligation for funding state education.&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan, unveiled two weeks ago by Governor Jim Pillen, has been incorporated into LB1, sponsored by Revenue Committee Chairwoman Lou Ann Linehan. A committee hearing on the bill was held this week.During that hearing, Dr. Ernie Goss, professor of economics at Creighton University, testified as to the findings of an analysis he conducted titled,&nbsp;Making Nebraska More Economically Competitive: An Evaluation of Governor Pillen’s Tax Reform Plan. According to the study,&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan&nbsp;would provide the following three-year impacts:<ul>
 <li>An overall economic increase of $25.4 billion</li><li>An upturn in wages and salaries of $8.2 billion</li><li>Boost self-employment income by $1.3 billion</li><li>Support an annual employment increase of 41,273 jobs</li><li>Lift state and local tax revenue by $1.7 billion</li>
 </ul>During his testimony for LB1, Gov. Pillen shared two documents as well. The first, a letter containing the names of more than 1,000 Nebraskans from across the state, endorsing components contained in&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan. In his letter to the Revenue Committee, Gov. Pillen spoke about the dozens of town halls he hosted across the state.“I heard personally from people who are considering the cost of staying versus moving to another state. We can’t afford to turn a blind eye to the impact of people who will leave or who won’t move here in the first place. If we stop growing, our future is dim,” said Gov. Pillen.The Governor also presented a second letter signed by dozens of business leaders expressing their support for principles outlined in&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan. In summary, they stated, “…by every objective measure&nbsp;The Nebraska Plan&nbsp;is a tax cut for Nebraskans. To oppose this plan would be to oppose a tax cut for the people of our state.”“Nebraskans have shared their gratitude and support for this effort,” said Gov. Pillen. “They are people of all ages who question their ability to stay in a state where they can no longer afford their homes. They don’t have paid lobbyists to speak on their behalf and many can’t take time off from work to come to the State Capitol and testify. Yet, they are begging for relief.”&nbsp;Primary components of The Nebraska Plan will:<ul>
 <li>Place local caps on spending at 0% or CPI, whichever is greater. Exceptions protect investments in public safety and criminal justice. It also provides flexibility to accommodate new growth and permit an override of the cap by the approval of voters.&nbsp;</li><li>Retool existing property tax programs to provide direct relief to homeowners and property owners by front loading credits instead of forcing taxpayers to claim them during the filing process.&nbsp;</li><li>Implement a new tax credit fund that will be applied against school taxes paid. When fully enacted, it will eliminate general fund taxing authority for school districts from the current $1.05 down to $0.0 in 2026. This proposal also allows for local controls, including leaving education decisions to superintendents and school boards and provides allowances for collecting property taxes to support school infrastructure.</li>
 </ul><a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Ernie-Goss-Analysis.pdf">Ernie Goss Analysis</a>

Gov. Pillen Points to Economic Analysis Touting Benefits of The Nebraska Plan to Cut Property Taxes

Kimball County - Kimball County officials have made an announcement that due to dry weather; a fire ban will be in effect until further notice. Officials say no open flames or fires are permitted.

Panhandle PostKimball County - Kimball County officials have made an announcement that due to dry weather; a fire ban will be in effect until further notice. Officials say no open flames or fires are permitted.

Fire ban in effect in Kimball County

Lincoln, NE - August 5, 2024 - It was a winning weekend for Nebraska Pick 5 players with jackpot-winning tickets sold in three consecutive drawings.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for the Friday, August 2 Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $230,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1185, 840 E 23rd Street, in Fremont. The winning numbers from Friday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 10, 15, 21, 25, 28.

In the Saturday, August 3 Nebraska Pick 5 drawing, one ticket matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #05, 7910 Cass Street, in Omaha. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 07, 20, 26, 34, 36.

Finally in the Sunday, August 4 drawing, one ticket sold at Casey's #1743, 204 S 14th Street, in Ord matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 01, 08, 10, 26, 34.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE - August 5, 2024 - It was a winning weekend for Nebraska Pick 5 players with jackpot-winning tickets sold in three consecutive drawings.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for the Friday, August 2 Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $230,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #1185, 840 E 23rd Street, in Fremont. The winning numbers from Friday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 10, 15, 21, 25, 28.In the Saturday, August 3 Nebraska Pick 5 drawing, one ticket matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Food Store #05, 7910 Cass Street, in Omaha. The winning numbers from Saturday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 07, 20, 26, 34, 36.Finally in the Sunday, August 4 drawing, one ticket sold at Casey's #1743, 204 S 14th Street, in Ord matched all five winning numbers for the $50,000 jackpot. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were and 01, 08, 10, 26, 34.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Three Nebraska Pick 5 Jackpot-Winning Tickets Sold in Fremont, Omaha and Ord

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jacob Wilkins, age 43, of Mitchell, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for two counts of falsification of annual financial reports filed by a labor union. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wilkins to 5 years’ probation.&nbsp; Wilkins will also have to serve 10 weekends in jail. Wilkins has also been ordered to pay $21,381.82 in restitution to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836. Prior to sentencing, Wilkins paid $2,316.39 in restitution back to the union.

Wilkins served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836 union out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, from 2001 until he resigned in August 2021. As the union’s president, Wilkins was required by Federal law to&nbsp; keep bank statements and supporting documentation such as receipts and invoices that would justify spending union money. The president and secretary-treasurer annually file an accounting statement with the Department of Labor documenting annual losses, assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements.

Between 2016 and 2020, Wilkins used union funds for personal expenses totaling $23,698.21. The embezzlement came to light in 2021 when other union members noticed union funds being used for expenses that were not approved by the union, and that were not union-related purchases. Wilkins admitted he used union funds for personal expenses, could not remember how he spent cash withdrawals from the union checking account, and admitted he did not obtain consent from union members before spending union money. Wilkins admitted he stopped keeping records showing how he used union funds as of 2010.

“There are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. Jacob Wilkins embezzled $23,698.21 from National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836&nbsp;that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp; “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”&nbsp;

This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp;

United States Attorney OfficerUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jacob Wilkins, age 43, of Mitchell, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for two counts of falsification of annual financial reports filed by a labor union. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wilkins to 5 years’ probation.&nbsp; Wilkins will also have to serve 10 weekends in jail. Wilkins has also been ordered to pay $21,381.82 in restitution to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836. Prior to sentencing, Wilkins paid $2,316.39 in restitution back to the union.Wilkins served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836 union out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, from 2001 until he resigned in August 2021. As the union’s president, Wilkins was required by Federal law to&nbsp; keep bank statements and supporting documentation such as receipts and invoices that would justify spending union money. The president and secretary-treasurer annually file an accounting statement with the Department of Labor documenting annual losses, assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements.Between 2016 and 2020, Wilkins used union funds for personal expenses totaling $23,698.21. The embezzlement came to light in 2021 when other union members noticed union funds being used for expenses that were not approved by the union, and that were not union-related purchases. Wilkins admitted he used union funds for personal expenses, could not remember how he spent cash withdrawals from the union checking account, and admitted he did not obtain consent from union members before spending union money. Wilkins admitted he stopped keeping records showing how he used union funds as of 2010.“There are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. Jacob Wilkins embezzled $23,698.21 from National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1836&nbsp;that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp; “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”&nbsp;This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.&nbsp;

Panhandle Man Sentenced for Falsification of Union Financial Reports   

Kimball, Neb. - A local day care employee has been arrested for child abuse in Kimball according to officials.&nbsp;

According to the Kimball Police Department (KPD), on Friday, August 2nd, around 8:30am (MT), the KPD received a report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a local day care employee allegedly abused and left marks on a 4-year-old boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The police department is investigating and learned the incident occurred on July 29th, 2024. Evidence from the investigation showed that the 4-year-old boy was abused.&nbsp;

The suspect who is identified as Ylia Morales, 68, was fired from her position and is now being charged with felony child abuse.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722870426989.jpeg" alt="Ylia Morales (Photo from Kimball Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Ylia Morales (Photo from Kimball Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Kimball, Neb. - A local day care employee has been arrested for child abuse in Kimball according to officials.&nbsp;According to the Kimball Police Department (KPD), on Friday, August 2nd, around 8:30am (MT), the KPD received a report from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a local day care employee allegedly abused and left marks on a 4-year-old boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The police department is investigating and learned the incident occurred on July 29th, 2024. Evidence from the investigation showed that the 4-year-old boy was abused.&nbsp;The suspect who is identified as Ylia Morales, 68, was fired from her position and is now being charged with felony child abuse.&nbsp;

Kimball day care employee arrested, facing child abuse charge

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff, Mark Overman

On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at around 10:36 p.m., Scotts Bluff County Deputies working security at the Scotts Bluff County Fair recognized Reginald Smith, age 30, of Torrington WY, entering the beer garden area.&nbsp; Deputies had investigated an assault case that also involved threats with a firearm that occurred in May.&nbsp; Smith was identified as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for him on July 26, 2024.

Deputies contacted Smith and asked for identification to confirm his identity.&nbsp; Upon confirmation, they told Smith he was under arrest.&nbsp; He immediately broke away and began running.&nbsp; Two unarmed Fair security guards assisted in slowing his flight, and a Deputy used a taser, which caused him to fall and he was taken into custody.&nbsp; Deputies located a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband, and several packages of suspected cocaine on his person.&nbsp; After being medically cleared for minor injuries, Smith was lodged at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.

Assault causing bodily injury – Misdemeanor

Possession of a Firearm during commission of a Felony – Felony

Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – Felony

Additional charges as a result of the arrest

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony

The Mitchell Fire Department, Mitchell Police Department, and Regional West Ambulance service assisted.

By Scotts Bluff County Sheriff, Mark OvermanOn Thursday, August 1, 2024 at around 10:36 p.m., Scotts Bluff County Deputies working security at the Scotts Bluff County Fair recognized Reginald Smith, age 30, of Torrington WY, entering the beer garden area.&nbsp; Deputies had investigated an assault case that also involved threats with a firearm that occurred in May.&nbsp; Smith was identified as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for him on July 26, 2024.Deputies contacted Smith and asked for identification to confirm his identity.&nbsp; Upon confirmation, they told Smith he was under arrest.&nbsp; He immediately broke away and began running.&nbsp; Two unarmed Fair security guards assisted in slowing his flight, and a Deputy used a taser, which caused him to fall and he was taken into custody.&nbsp; Deputies located a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband, and several packages of suspected cocaine on his person.&nbsp; After being medically cleared for minor injuries, Smith was lodged at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on $250,000 bond.Pending charges/warrant:Assault causing bodily injury – MisdemeanorTerroristic Threats – FelonyPossession of a Firearm during commission of a Felony – FelonyPossession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – FelonyAdditional charges as a result of the arrestPossession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – FelonyPossession of a Controlled Substance – FelonyThe Mitchell Fire Department, Mitchell Police Department, and Regional West Ambulance service assisted.

Wanted, armed man arrested in Panhandle

Kearney, Neb. - The victim who was killed in last week's bicycle-car collision has been identified as a local man from Kearney.

According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the victim was identified as Thomas Pribnow, age 48 of Kearney. The driver of the vehicle was&nbsp;Nathaniel Heckenlively, age 39 of Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office.

BCSO says according to preliminary investigation, a bicyclist and a car were traveling eastbound on East 56th Street, just east of Antelope Avenue about a mile outside the city limits of Kearney, NE.  The car collided with the rear of the bicycle. The accident occurred around 5:30 am on Thursday, July 30th.

An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office. The accident investigation continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte PostKearney, Neb. - The victim who was killed in last week's bicycle-car collision has been identified as a local man from Kearney.According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the victim was identified as Thomas Pribnow, age 48 of Kearney. The driver of the vehicle was&nbsp;Nathaniel Heckenlively, age 39 of Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office.BCSO says according to preliminary investigation, a bicyclist and a car were traveling eastbound on East 56th Street, just east of Antelope Avenue about a mile outside the city limits of Kearney, NE. The car collided with the rear of the bicycle. The accident occurred around 5:30 am on Thursday, July 30th.An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney's Office. The accident investigation continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victim identified from bicycle-car accident that occurred in Kearney 

West Yellowstone, Montana—The National Park Service is working to get the attention of "all citizen scientists" following the geyser explosion last month.

 Yellowstone and Geological Survey are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024.


Who can help:
· People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the even,&nbsp; people who have photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool during the period of July 16-July 23.



If you are in either of these groups and would like to help, please contact the Yellowstone Geology Program: yell_geology@nps.gov



Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed. By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this underappreciated geologic hazard. 



If you’re not in either of these groups, you can still help by liking and sharing this post on the Yellowstone facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721940347052.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>West Yellowstone, Montana—The National Park Service is working to get the attention of "all citizen scientists" following the geyser explosion last month. Yellowstone and Geological Survey are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721765630612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
Who can help:
· People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the even,&nbsp; people who have photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool during the period of July 16-July 23.

If you are in either of these groups and would like to help, please contact the Yellowstone Geology Program: yell_geology@nps.gov

Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed. By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this underappreciated geologic hazard. 

If you’re not in either of these groups, you can still help by liking and sharing this post on the Yellowstone facebook page.-----------

Park Service asking public for info following Yellowstone geyser explosion 

RAWLINS COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 3p.m. Friday in Rawlins County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported law enforcement were in pursuit of a 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Kayla Vonae&nbsp;Williams, 36, Omaha, Nebraska, northbound Kansas 117 six miles north of the U.S. 36 Junction at a high rate of speed. 

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the left, struck a large dirt embankment, became disabled and caught on fire.

EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to the Rawlins County Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities did not report what prompted the chase.

RAWLINS COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 3p.m. Friday in Rawlins County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported law enforcement were in pursuit of a 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Kayla Vonae&nbsp;Williams, 36, Omaha, Nebraska, northbound Kansas 117 six miles north of the U.S. 36 Junction at a high rate of speed. The SUV traveled off the roadway to the left, struck a large dirt embankment, became disabled and caught on fire.EMS transported&nbsp; Williams to the Rawlins County Health Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Authorities did not report what prompted the chase.

Neb. woman hospitalized after crash, fire during police chase

WASHINGTON —Three weeks after the assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler,&nbsp; Pennsylvania, the new acting director of the Secret Service&nbsp;Ronald Rowe  held a press conference.&nbsp; Video of some of the highlights are below.

Earlier this week in testimony before Senators, Rowe said&nbsp;he was “ashamed”&nbsp;after the July 13 attack that wounded Trump and killed a&nbsp;former fire chief who was attending the rally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720972888448.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAn" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAn</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Three weeks after the assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler,&nbsp; Pennsylvania, the new acting director of the Secret Service&nbsp;Ronald Rowe held a press conference.&nbsp; Video of some of the highlights are below.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe provides a timeline leading up to the assassination attempt of former President Trump in Butler, PA. <a href="https://t.co/qvTSav7sZU">pic.twitter.com/qvTSav7sZU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1819437596667158877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe: &quot;In no way should any state or local agency supporting us in Butler on July 13th be held responsible for a Secret Service failure.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xFGfAE81DI">pic.twitter.com/xFGfAE81DI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1819436815733960996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe: &quot;The Secret Service takes full responsibility for the tragic events of July 13th.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PcYQX1kEqQ">pic.twitter.com/PcYQX1kEqQ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1819436676768239780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Earlier this week in testimony before Senators, Rowe said&nbsp;he was “ashamed”&nbsp;after the July 13 attack that wounded Trump and killed a&nbsp;former fire chief who was attending the rally.

🎥Secret Service shares new information on Trump assassination attempt

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/lawmaker-sees-property-tax-relief-in-reducing-nebraskas-prison-population/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An Omaha lawmaker is taking an alternative route to provide Nebraskans property tax relief by seeking to decrease the state’s prison population and offer second chances.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58023" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 25</a>&nbsp;seeks to reallocate direct savings from reduced incarceration costs to property tax relief. It would accomplish this in one of three ways: encouraging alternative sentencing such as probation, community service and house arrest; early parole discharge; and second chance relief.

Lawmakers are holding a special session to give taxpayers a break from property taxes, McKinney said, but taxpayers also “need a break from a horribly ran criminal justice system.”

“It’s like a black hole of money that we just keep wasting and not solving the problem,” McKinney told the Nebraska Examiner.

Part of the concern, McKinney said, is that the state is building a replacement prison but not explaining what will happen to the current Nebraska State Penitentiary. Either way, he argued, legislation will be needed.

LB 25 encourages judges to offer alternative sentencing, when appropriate and legally allowed.

McKinney led a significant package LB 631, in the regular session to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/flurry-of-100-new-laws-are-taking-effect-in-nebraska/">reform the Parole Board</a>. It took effect July 19 and seeks to help offenders learn how to navigate the parole process.&nbsp;

He said his most recent bill would continue those reforms and are about “really looking at them as humans” and asking if they’ve improved themselves since they’ve been incarcerated.

McKinney estimated his bill&nbsp; would save the state “millions.”&nbsp;

For the 2022-23 fiscal year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/FN/LB996_20240206-123817.pdf" target="_blank">average daily cost per inmate was $36.67</a>, amounting to $13,383.33 annually.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/public-information/ndcs-research-division" target="_blank">most recent data</a>, for fiscal year 2023-24, indicate the average daily state prison population is 5,880, 144.86% above design capacity and 115.86% above operational capacity.

If passed, LB 25 would require the Department of Correctional Services to report cost savings by July 1, 2026, and in each successive year. Those savings would be diverted to any property tax relief programs established this special session.

Alternative sentencing, early parole discharge

The proposal would expand early parole discharge opportunities for Nebraska parolees who meet eight criteria, including:

The other two criteria relate to disciplinary violations, with eligibility limited to offenders who have never had a major violation and no more than five minor violations in the past two years.

The Parole Board would review the offender’s record. If recommended by the Parole Board, the Pardons Board would review and could opt to shorten parole, by at least 90 days.

If the Pardons Board declines to do so, it must provide a list of steps or requirements that the parolee must complete to be granted an early discharge.

The Pardons Board consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

The final part of LB 25 is establishing a second chance relief program that would encourage the Board of Pardons to commute all or part of a parolee’s sentence. LB 25 states it could help those Nebraskans responsibly reintegrate into their communities “as fully free individuals.”

The second chance program would offer committed offenders, including those with life imprisonment sentences, eligibility for the program based on their age.

For an offense committed when the offender was 25 years of age or younger, it would come after serving 25 years. For older offenders, it would be after completing 30 years of their sentence.

The Parole Board would recommend commutation to the Pardons Board. If rejected, the Pardons Board must list steps or requirements for the person to be granted a commutation at a subsequent review.

If granted a commutation and paroled, the Parole Board would:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722608644297.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/lawmaker-sees-property-tax-relief-in-reducing-nebraskas-prison-population/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — An Omaha lawmaker is taking an alternative route to provide Nebraskans property tax relief by seeking to decrease the state’s prison population and offer second chances.State Sen. Terrell McKinney’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58023" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 25</a>&nbsp;seeks to reallocate direct savings from reduced incarceration costs to property tax relief. It would accomplish this in one of three ways: encouraging alternative sentencing such as probation, community service and house arrest; early parole discharge; and second chance relief.Lawmakers are holding a special session to give taxpayers a break from property taxes, McKinney said, but taxpayers also “need a break from a horribly ran criminal justice system.”“It’s like a black hole of money that we just keep wasting and not solving the problem,” McKinney told the Nebraska Examiner.Part of the concern, McKinney said, is that the state is building a replacement prison but not explaining what will happen to the current Nebraska State Penitentiary. Either way, he argued, legislation will be needed.<h2>Estimated ‘millions’ in savings</h2>LB 25 encourages judges to offer alternative sentencing, when appropriate and legally allowed.McKinney led a significant package LB 631, in the regular session to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/flurry-of-100-new-laws-are-taking-effect-in-nebraska/">reform the Parole Board</a>. It took effect July 19 and seeks to help offenders learn how to navigate the parole process.&nbsp;He said his most recent bill would continue those reforms and are about “really looking at them as humans” and asking if they’ve improved themselves since they’ve been incarcerated.McKinney estimated his bill&nbsp; would save the state “millions.”&nbsp;For the 2022-23 fiscal year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/FN/LB996_20240206-123817.pdf" target="_blank">average daily cost per inmate was $36.67</a>, amounting to $13,383.33 annually.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/public-information/ndcs-research-division" target="_blank">most recent data</a>, for fiscal year 2023-24, indicate the average daily state prison population is 5,880, 144.86% above design capacity and 115.86% above operational capacity.If passed, LB 25 would require the Department of Correctional Services to report cost savings by July 1, 2026, and in each successive year. Those savings would be diverted to any property tax relief programs established this special session.<h2>Alternative sentencing, early parole discharge</h2>The proposal would expand early parole discharge opportunities for Nebraska parolees who meet eight criteria, including:<ul>
 <li>Spent at least six months in a community corrections facility.</li><li>Successfully completed at least 90 days of parole.</li><li>Holds a high school diploma or completed equivalent education.</li><li>Maintained steady employment or stability in postsecondary education.</li><li>Participated in necessary programming.</li><li>Completed other criteria as established by the department director.</li>
 </ul>The other two criteria relate to disciplinary violations, with eligibility limited to offenders who have never had a major violation and no more than five minor violations in the past two years.The Parole Board would review the offender’s record. If recommended by the Parole Board, the Pardons Board would review and could opt to shorten parole, by at least 90 days.If the Pardons Board declines to do so, it must provide a list of steps or requirements that the parolee must complete to be granted an early discharge.The Pardons Board consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.<h2>Second chance relief</h2>The final part of LB 25 is establishing a second chance relief program that would encourage the Board of Pardons to commute all or part of a parolee’s sentence. LB 25 states it could help those Nebraskans responsibly reintegrate into their communities “as fully free individuals.”The second chance program would offer committed offenders, including those with life imprisonment sentences, eligibility for the program based on their age.For an offense committed when the offender was 25 years of age or younger, it would come after serving 25 years. For older offenders, it would be after completing 30 years of their sentence.The Parole Board would recommend commutation to the Pardons Board. If rejected, the Pardons Board must list steps or requirements for the person to be granted a commutation at a subsequent review.If granted a commutation and paroled, the Parole Board would:<ul>
 <li>Develop a detailed reentry plan tailored to the offender’s needs, including job placement, housing support and access to continuing education and mental health services.</li><li>Provide access to mentorship programs and community support networks to facilitate successful reintegration into the community</li><li>Offer restorative justice opportunities, when appropriate, to allow amends with victims and the community.</li><li>Require accountability and monitoring by requiring regular check-ins with parole officers and continuous monitoring during the initial phase of reentry to ensure compliance.</li>
 </ul>

Lawmaker sees property tax relief in reducing Nebraska’s prison population

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.

Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.

The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.

About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.

“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.

Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.

Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.

The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.

Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721587655391.png" alt="File -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>File -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.<h2>Harris and running mate to Philadelphia</h2>Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

Harris is the sole candidate for Dem presidential nomination on virtual roll call

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker told members of a legislative committee Thursday that they don’t need to wait until January to address problems in state-aided funding to local schools.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58216" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 45</a>&nbsp;before the Education Committee on Thursday. It would remove the “resources” part of the state’s “equalization aid” formula — referred to as a school district’s “needs” minus its “resources.”

That formula, the&nbsp;<a href="https://schoolfinance.ncsa.org/teeosa" target="_blank">Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act</a>, or TEEOSA, was put in place in 1990 as a way for the state to more equitably allocate state funds to school districts. It has been perennially updated since its adoption.

For the 2024-25 school year, TEEOSA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2425SA_TEEOSAComponentChart.pdf" target="_blank">calculated</a>&nbsp;between 18 “needs” and six “resources.”

“The ‘needs’ side, though it might need some adjustments, is better than saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later,’” Linehan said. “I do think what frustrates most everyone, now more than ever, is the ‘resources’ side.”

In part, that’s because of the state’s 244 school districts, 184 of them, or about 75%, wouldn’t receive any equalization aid next year because their resources will outweigh their needs. Linehan said that’s partially due to inflation and increasing property valuations.

Some larger school districts, such as Lincoln Public Schools or Millard Public Schools, are also expected to come off of “equalization” soon.&nbsp;A total of $501 million in equalization aid is expected for this fiscal year.

Linehan told the committee, of which she is a member, that part of the reason she introduced LB 45 is to have a conversation that can be part of the broader special session to address property taxes. TEEOSA is one part of broader state funding, including foundation aid for every student.

Total state aid to the school districts is estimated to be $1.16 billion for the 2024-25 school year.

Linehan introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>&nbsp;this special session on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, whose final approach to property tax relief for school districts was to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">more than $2 billion in annual tax credits</a>&nbsp;to cover the districts’ taxes and let future Legislatures sort out revisions to or a rewrite of TEEOSA.

“It’s a little different than the Pillen plan because Pillen says we’re going to wait and see,” Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner. “We’re not going to wait and see,” she said of the Legislature.

Under LB 45, the Legislature would need to come up with a new manner of defining resources next year. Linehan said Thursday’s hearing gave lawmakers a starting point to begin the debate this summer.

State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings introduced a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58089" target="_blank">LB 81</a>, which would end TEEOSA entirely. The bill states the funding formula would end by July 1, 2027, but Halloran told the committee he wants to amend the bill so TEEOSA sunsets by July 1, 2026.

He described it as the “Git R Done Bill,” in the words of Nebraska native Larry the Cable Guy, and said he wants to give lawmakers “ample time” to find a legislative mechanism to address school funding.

“My point here is that there’s a need, I believe, to set a deadline for y’all in the next session, and I have complete confidence in the senators that I’m leaving in charge that’s going to be here, to be able to go through this formula and modernize it and bring it up to speed,” Halloran said.

Halloran and Linehan are among 13 term-limited lawmakers who won’t return to the Legislature next year. Two others didn’t run for another term.

Connie Knoche, education policy director for OpenSky Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, testified against both bills, with the same basic concerns. She stated that changing TEEOSA without a clear alternative, and without comprehensive review, could lead to funding instability.&nbsp;

Knoche said any real change needs to be transparent, and she cast doubt on any “radical change,” such as having the state assume funding for 80% of most local K-12 property tax revenue.

“There’s no silver bullet to updating our school funding system and any real change will require significant expertise brought to bear from an open and transparent process,” Knoche said.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the committee chair, asked what OpenSky suggested for funding instead of being overly reliant on property taxes. Knoche responded that schools see property taxes as more stable revenue and that change is needed.

“We need to provide more state funding, but just not 100% of the funding,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722608178648.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, Revenue Committee chair, asks a question during an Education Committee hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, Revenue Committee chair, asks a question during an Education Committee hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/01/not-going-to-wait-and-see-lawmaker-proposes-amending-nebraska-school-aid-formula/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker told members of a legislative committee Thursday that they don’t need to wait until January to address problems in state-aided funding to local schools.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, presented&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58216" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 45</a>&nbsp;before the Education Committee on Thursday. It would remove the “resources” part of the state’s “equalization aid” formula — referred to as a school district’s “needs” minus its “resources.”That formula, the&nbsp;<a href="https://schoolfinance.ncsa.org/teeosa" target="_blank">Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act</a>, or TEEOSA, was put in place in 1990 as a way for the state to more equitably allocate state funds to school districts. It has been perennially updated since its adoption.For the 2024-25 school year, TEEOSA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2425SA_TEEOSAComponentChart.pdf" target="_blank">calculated</a>&nbsp;between 18 “needs” and six “resources.”“The ‘needs’ side, though it might need some adjustments, is better than saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later,’” Linehan said. “I do think what frustrates most everyone, now more than ever, is the ‘resources’ side.”<h2>‘Not going to wait and see’</h2>In part, that’s because of the state’s 244 school districts, 184 of them, or about 75%, wouldn’t receive any equalization aid next year because their resources will outweigh their needs. Linehan said that’s partially due to inflation and increasing property valuations.Some larger school districts, such as Lincoln Public Schools or Millard Public Schools, are also expected to come off of “equalization” soon.&nbsp;A total of $501 million in equalization aid is expected for this fiscal year.Linehan told the committee, of which she is a member, that part of the reason she introduced LB 45 is to have a conversation that can be part of the broader special session to address property taxes. TEEOSA is one part of broader state funding, including foundation aid for every student.Total state aid to the school districts is estimated to be $1.16 billion for the 2024-25 school year.Linehan introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58119" target="_blank">LB 1</a>&nbsp;this special session on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, whose final approach to property tax relief for school districts was to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/25/lawmakers-introduce-gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-which-would-require-legislation-in-2025/">more than $2 billion in annual tax credits</a>&nbsp;to cover the districts’ taxes and let future Legislatures sort out revisions to or a rewrite of TEEOSA.“It’s a little different than the Pillen plan because Pillen says we’re going to wait and see,” Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner. “We’re not going to wait and see,” she said of the Legislature.Under LB 45, the Legislature would need to come up with a new manner of defining resources next year. Linehan said Thursday’s hearing gave lawmakers a starting point to begin the debate this summer.<h2>Alternative bill would end TEEOSA</h2>State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings introduced a similar measure,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58089" target="_blank">LB 81</a>, which would end TEEOSA entirely. The bill states the funding formula would end by July 1, 2027, but Halloran told the committee he wants to amend the bill so TEEOSA sunsets by July 1, 2026.He described it as the “Git R Done Bill,” in the words of Nebraska native Larry the Cable Guy, and said he wants to give lawmakers “ample time” to find a legislative mechanism to address school funding.“My point here is that there’s a need, I believe, to set a deadline for y’all in the next session, and I have complete confidence in the senators that I’m leaving in charge that’s going to be here, to be able to go through this formula and modernize it and bring it up to speed,” Halloran said.Halloran and Linehan are among 13 term-limited lawmakers who won’t return to the Legislature next year. Two others didn’t run for another term.<h2>‘No silver bullet’</h2>Connie Knoche, education policy director for OpenSky Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, testified against both bills, with the same basic concerns. She stated that changing TEEOSA without a clear alternative, and without comprehensive review, could lead to funding instability.&nbsp;Knoche said any real change needs to be transparent, and she cast doubt on any “radical change,” such as having the state assume funding for 80% of most local K-12 property tax revenue.“There’s no silver bullet to updating our school funding system and any real change will require significant expertise brought to bear from an open and transparent process,” Knoche said.State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the committee chair, asked what OpenSky suggested for funding instead of being overly reliant on property taxes. Knoche responded that schools see property taxes as more stable revenue and that change is needed.“We need to provide more state funding, but just not 100% of the funding,” she said.State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former State Board of Education member, said some look at TEEOSA as the “holy grail to running education,” but given its constant fluctuations, it’s not sustainable, particularly on the “resources” side.Resources include a district’s possible property tax collection up to $1 per $100 of property valuations, net option enrollment funding, allocated income tax funds and foundation aid.Linehan pointed to a May 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.openskypolicy.org/education-finance-package-budget-bills-return-to-agenda" target="_blank">blog post from OpenSky</a>&nbsp;where the institute writes it “has long held that the best way to provide property tax relief in Nebraska is to increase state funding for schools.”Halloran said the root of the words equalization and equity is “equal,” but TEEOSA isn’t meeting that bill.“Nobody thinks it’s equitable, and we’re leaving too many kids with no [equalization aid],” Linehan said.<h2>Local control</h2>Ben Welsch of the Nebraska State Education Association testified against LB 45 but highlighted the essential need of state funding. He expressed concern that it would leave the state to take local control away from school boards that are better suited to address local challenges or opportunities.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked Welsch about a promise from Pillen to increase teacher salaries, which wasn’t contained&nbsp; in LB 1 or any of the other special session tax proposals.&nbsp;Welsch said he feared the path to increasing salaries would come with “handcuffing” districts into cutting positions in order to do so.The day before the special session began, Pillen traveled to Kearney to rally superintendents behind his tax plan.&nbsp; On the second day of the session, Linehan took a different approach by attending an Omaha Public Schools board meeting.At that July 26 meeting, members voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/120?meeting=645913" target="_blank">oppose LB 1</a>&nbsp;and contingently oppose an alternative plan from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, LB 9, unless there are amendments. OPS opposition was generally against&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/120?file=c47cbb66-c2a7-4b7e-a738-266718795a44" target="_blank">any reliance on state aid</a>&nbsp;instead of property taxes.Over 10 years, LB 9 would reduce maximum school tax rates from $1.05 per $100 of property valuations to 25 cents per $100. It is seen as an alternative, or compromise, to Pillen’s LB 1.Linehan told reporters that if the state wanted to take over schools or take away local control, it would have done so already as it is paying more than 60% of the bill for some districts. The alternative is the state could back off and allow schools to raise taxes as much as they want.“If you want full local control, that’s what you’re asking,” Linehan said.&nbsp;<h2>‘You’re saying no’</h2>“What they’re doing now is saying we want you to pay 60% of the bill but we don’t want to cooperate in helping lower property taxes. You can’t have it both ways,” she continued. “You want to lower property taxes, then you need to support something. Maybe it’s not Pillen, but Jana Hughes?”&nbsp;Thirteen lawmakers signed onto Halloran’s LB 81, including three Education Committee members: State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, Justin Wayne of Omaha and Murman.Two other committee members helped create LB 9 with Hughes: Conrad and State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont. Linehan asked them if 25-cent levies were “the magic number” for local control. She confirmed later that if schools wanted to use property taxes, they could ask voters for that authority should the state take on more, or all, operational funding.“You can’t say we need to stand up and do our job,” Linehan said after the July 26 OPS meeting, “and when we’re standing up to do our job, in a special session, you’re saying no.”The committee took no immediate action on either bill from Linehan or Halloran.