Legislature News

Lawmaker: Time Right for Neb.-S.D. Expressway

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 03/04/2022 - 12:00am

A lawmaker is promoting construction of a long debated four-lane highway between Yankton, South Dakota, and Norfolk, Nebraska, citing the recent availability of federal money.

Lawmakers Debate How Race is Taught in Schools

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers moved ahead last Friday with a plan to review the state’s procurement practices after facing multi-million-dollar problems with a child welfare provider that overpromised and under-delivered.

Lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill that would require the state to hire an outside consultant to conduct the study.

Medical Marijuana Bill Derided as ‘Poison Pill’

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00am

A bill that would allow marijuana for medicinal use in Nebraska while imposing tight restrictions hit a wall of opposition last week from both legalization advocates and opponents.

Lawmakers Advance Bill Seeking To Review Procurement Practices

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00am

Since January of last year, following national unrest over the police killing of George Floyd, 37 states have introduced measures designed to restrict how teachers can talk about race in the classroom.

Pros, Cons of Banning or Restricting Abortion Aired in Marathon Hearing

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00am
Joni Albrecht

Abortion opponents and supporters of reproductive rights filled a State Capitol hearing room last week to voice often emotional opinions about three bills that would either ban or further restrict abortion rights.

Should Payments for Electric Services Be Used for Political Campaigns?

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00am

Kate High told state lawmakers last Friday that when she pays her electric bill, she expects the money will be used to provide electricity, “not end up in the pockets of a politician.”

“That’s not what it’s meant for,” High said.

Legislative Probe Urged of Ecological ‘Crisis’ at AltEn Plant

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 2:00am

Ray Loftus figured he’d purchased his “dream home” when he bought an acreage with an old farmhouse just south of Mead.

But after the ethanol plant just down the road started production in 2015, he noticed changes, like fewer bees, no rabbits and none of those Asian beetles so common in rural areas. His son also had respiratory issues.

Seed Corn Companies Sue Troubled AltEn Ethanol Plant

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 1:00am

AltEn, which has operated a troubled Nebraska ethanol plant that used pesticide-coated seed corn to produce biofuel, is facing more legal trouble.

Last week, six seed corn companies that have been cleaning up the AtlEn ethanol plant site near Mead, Nebraska, filed two separate federal lawsuits seeking repayment for their work.

Apprentices Would Gain Under Bills to Improve Workforce

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 12:00am

Joshua Santiago figured he’d follow the brain drain out of Nebraska — until he landed an internship at Spreetail that’s now paving the way for a future full-time job in Lincoln, a trendy loft apartment and the most pocket change he’s ever had.

“That internship … changed my life forever,” he told the Legislature’s Appropriation Committee. “I’ll be staying in the Cornhusker state.”

Senators Advance Income Tax Cuts With Reservations

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers gave initial approval last Thursday to personal and corporate income tax cuts backed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, despite articulating reservations about who would benefit the most and the likely revenue losses for the state.

Senators voted, 40-1, to advance the bill through the first of three required votes but promised to work on changes to try to ease some of the concerns.

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