Legislature News

Heineman Criticizes GOP-Proposed Congressional Map

Published by Derek Noehren on Tue, 09/14/2021 - 2:00am

A Republican-friendly congressional map proposed by lawmakers drew unexpected criticism last Thursday from former Republican Gov. Dave Heineman. Heineman.

Heineman, who is considering a run for governor, took issue with part of the plan that would move rural Saunders County into the Omaha-focused 2nd Congressional District. The county has been in the more rural 1st Congressional District for decades.

Nebraskans Can Give Feedback on New Voter District Maps

Published by Derek Noehren on Tue, 09/14/2021 - 1:00am

This week, Nebraska lawmakers will hold three public hearings on how new voter maps should be drawn for the state’s 49 districts.

Good-government groups are urging state senators to protect the voting rights of all Nebraskans, and to be transparent about how data from the 2020 census is driving their decisions.

Deadline Approaching Fast for Nebraska District Proposals

Published by Derek Noehren on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 5:00am

Nebraska lawmakers worked under a fast-approaching deadline to come up with new political maps that they’ll consider in a special session beginning next week, but they didn’t offer any specific plans Tuesday for redrawing legislative and congressional districts.

Redistricting Public Hearings Set for G.I., Lincoln, Omaha

Published by Derek Noehren on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 12:00am

The Nebraska Legislature will convene a special session Monday at 10 a.m. to consider the redistricting plan.

The Redistricting Committee plans to have a vote prior to the session and to make maps public. The committee has also scheduled public hearings in each congressional district. Those hearings are set for:

Proposed Congressional Map Would Split Douglas County

Published by Derek Noehren on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 12:00am

A leading Republican lawmaker unveiled a new, proposed Nebraska congressional map on Wednesday that would split Douglas County in half, likely diluting Democratic strength in the only area where Democratic congressional candidates are competitive.

Lincoln Council Member to Run for Legislature

Published by Derek Noehren on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 12:00am

Jane Raybould, a Lincoln city council member and former Lancaster County commissioner, announced her candidacy Tuesday for an open seat in the Nebraska Legislature.

Legislative Committee Kicks Off Redistricting Work

Published by Derek Noehren on Wed, 09/01/2021 - 4:00am

A Nebraska legislative committee kicked off its effort to redraw the state’s political boundaries on Monday, showing early signs of an urban-rural divide as some lawmakers questioned whether rural population declines were as severe as census numbers show.

Lawmakers Prod Ricketts to Bring Back COVID-19 Tracking Website

Published by Derek Noehren on Tue, 08/17/2021 - 12:00am

Eleven Nebraska lawmakers are prodding Gov. Pete Ricketts to restart the state’s online COVID-19-tracking dashboard, saying local officials are being left in the dark on important infection statistics.

Report: Lobbyist Spending Thrived During Pandemic

Published by Derek Noehren on Tue, 07/20/2021 - 2:00am

A new Common Cause Nebraska report showed last year, more than $18 million was invested in lobbying efforts in Nebraska. By comparison, in 2000, just over $3 million was spent lobbying.

Reviewing the First Session of the 107th Legislature – Part III

Published by Derek Noehren on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 1:00am

The first session of Nebraska’s 107th Legislature adjourned sine die May 27.

The Legislature is scheduled to convene in early fall for a special legislative session to complete the redistricting process. The second session of the 107th Legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 5, 2022.

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