Nebraska State News

Testimony recap: Our opposition to LR3CA

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 23:28:43 +0000

On Feb. 17, 2021, Director of Public Policy Westin Miller gave the following testimony to the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Nebraska Legislature. The proposal in question is LR3CA, a proposal that would institute a voter ID requirement on Nebraska voters. Civic Nebraska opposes LR3CA.

I had some prepared remarks – basically a repeat of last year’s testimony in which I encouraged you to ask five questions about voter ID; questions you can and should ask about any policy:

Is there a real problem?
Is there evidence your policy solves the problem?
Are you spending money?
If so, is this the most effective use of taxpayer dollars right now?
Is your bill written in the most effective and responsible form?

Those questions are really important to answer.

But I wanted to spend my brief time addressing the support you’re hearing for this bill. Much of this discussion is, always, about whether voter ID laws disproportionately affect certain voting groups – voters of color, older voters, rural voters, students, voters with disabilities, and so on.

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Two things I’d like to say about that.

First, I believe that the experts on what affects Black voters in Nebraska are Black voters in Nebraska. I believe the experts on what impacts Nebraskans living with disabilities are Nebraskans living with disabilities. The experts on what affects older voters in Garden County are older voters in Garden County. I defer to them. I’d encourage this committee to do the same.

Second, as was made clear today, this discussion is so consistent and so prominent in voter ID debates that supporters have begun using “this bill isn’t racist” as an argument for why you should pass the bill.

Let’s just pretend, for a second, to grant that argument. Voter ID laws aren’t racist, poof. OK. I also don’t believe that voter ID laws will lead to the spread of coronavirus. I don’t believe that voter ID laws will threaten your second amendment rights. I don’t believe voter ID laws will lead to an increase in gas prices.

… None of those things make this a good bill. It just makes it not-terrible for those specific reasons. But this committee and this body doesn’t make laws just because they “aren’t terrible.” You pass laws because they’re good laws. And good laws have proven, strong answers to the five questions I asked earlier. LR3CA doesn’t. A massive voter study was conducted in 2019 concluded, and I’m quoting: “Voter ID laws have no effect on fraud, either actual or perceived.” Actual or perceived.

People who are worried about voter fraud feel just as worried about it after a voter ID law is passed.

Voter ID has somehow become exempt from the scrutiny we normally give to public policy questions, and I’d encourage you to ask these questions today.

Thank you for your time.

Learn more about Civic Nebraska’s Voting Rights Initiatives.

The post Testimony recap: Our opposition to LR3CA appeared first on Civic Nebraska.

'Not for party, but for people': Groups ask senators to remove partisanship from redistricting

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

A state senator warned that if the legislative process is "perceived to be tainted," it may provide impetus for a commission model similar to that already adopted by a number of states.

Lawmakers to schedule hearings with public power, natural gas companies following blackouts

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:40:00 +0000

“It’s affected thousands and thousands of people across the state,” Sen. Bruce Bostelman said. “I think it’s just prudent for us to bring them in and ask the questions.”

Rodeo coach will be remembered for 'impact he had on people both inside and outside of the rodeo arena'

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 21:15:00 +0000

Garrett Nokes, a longtime rodeo cowboy who coached the rodeo team at Mid-Plains Community College, died Sunday.

NSAA to meet with Norfolk school officials following reports of racial slurs at recent game

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:55:00 +0000

NSAA director Jay Bellar said some Norfolk cheerleaders heard the inappropriate comments and sought out the Northwest team to apologize.

Ricketts calls blackouts 'completely unacceptable' as threat scaled back in Lincoln, elsewhere in Nebraska

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:05:00 +0000

The governor said power providers "have become too dependent on intermittent sources of energy or sources of energy that you cannot store on site, and that's why we're having problems being able to meet the energy demands."

Spill from troubled Mead ethanol plant traveled 4 miles in waterways, state says

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:10:00 +0000

A frozen pipe on a 4 million gallon tank at AltEn burst last week, releasing a combination of manure and thin stillage -- a byproduct of ethanol manufacturing -- that traveled more than 4 miles downstream, according to state officials.

Keith County GOP votes to censure Sen. Ben Sasse

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:30:00 +0000

The GOP State Central Committee meeting is now scheduled for Feb. 27 after being postponed because of weather.

Watch Now: Ricketts gives updates on Nebraska vaccination efforts

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:40:00 +0000

Gov. Pete Ricketts holds a news conference Wednesday about the state's fight against coronavirus.

Omaha police arrest woman who walked away from Lincoln prison

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 14:50:00 +0000

Anna Berg faces new charges related to criminal impersonation, presenting false identification to a law enforcement officer and driving with a suspended license.

Nebraska bull sells for $900K, setting record for second-highest-selling Angus in history

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:40:00 +0000

His owner described the bull raised at Poss Angus Ranch near Scotia as "the ideal Angus bull."

New Durham exhibit showcases the history and science of the guitar

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:30:00 +0000

"Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World," an exhibit with more than 70 guitars at the Durham Museum, teaches about things like sound waves and how the instruments are engineered.

Robert Holts, last of Nebraska's Tuskegee Airmen, dies in Bellevue

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:10:00 +0000

The North Omaha youth joined the still-segregated U.S. Army in November 1942. He wound up a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

Nebraska State Penitentiary would house lower-risk inmates under Corrections plan

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Corrections officials have said the penitentiary, built in 1869, is nearing the end of its useful life and will need significant upgrades regardless of whether lawmakers approve a new prison.

NU, state colleges make the case for more state funding

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 12:45:00 +0000

The Legislature's Appropriations Committee recommended a 2% increase in each of the next two years for the University of Nebraska, as well as a 3% increase to the Nebraska State College System over the biennium.

NU asks state lawmakers for help addressing '$800M challenge' of aging buildings

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

State Sen. John Stinner introduced a bill (LB588) that would extend a deferred maintenance program through 2062 to help the University of Nebraska renovate and replace aging buildings on its campuses.

Biden team looking to block Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 22:10:00 +0000

The Trump administration accepted Nebraska's plan for work requirements and other rules for people to get full benefits as the state expands Medicaid. But the Biden administration says: 'Not so fast.'

Holdrege man dies after vehicle collides with a ambulance in Harlan County

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +0000

The driver and passenger of the ambulance both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital, but a Holdrege man died following the crash.

Nebraska ranks 33rd in rate of administering virus shots

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 20:10:00 +0000

Lincoln Dr. Bob Rauner said the state should be distributing the vaccines faster. “We need to speed our rollout up,” he said.

Show your support for voting rights!

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 19:47:09 +0000

On Feb. 17, the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Nebraska Legislature will hear testimony on LR3CA, a proposed constitutional amendment to bring voter ID to Nebraska. We encourage you to tell our state senators to reject this harmful initiative. Here are details about how you can do so. You can also share your support for voting rights in your social networks with these digital posters. It’s time to call on your friends, family, and loved ones to join the fight for voting rights!

No to LR3CA

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Facebook, Twitter

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Instagram

Let People Vote

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The Nebraska Constitution

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Rescue Democracy

State senators expected to have budget to review by end of March

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 19:35:00 +0000

Among 23 bills receiving first-round approval at the morning session was a proposal that seeks to assure that schools continue to receive their allocated state school aid despite changes in school operations resulting from the pandemic.

Be sure to look for your tax form if you received unemployment in 2020

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:50:00 +0000

Any individual who received a 1099-G from the Labor Department, but did not file an unemployment claim, should report suspected fraud.

Legislature advances bill raising tuition credit for members of the Armed Forces reserves

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:00:00 +0000

The bill (LB4), from Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, would raise the tuition credit for reservists enrolled in public colleges and universities in the state from 50% to 75%.

Rolling blackouts paused for now as temperatures rebound from minus 31 in Lincoln

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:50:00 +0000

From about 6:45 a.m. until blackouts were paused at about 10:15 a.m., roughly 44,000 LES customers went without power at some point Tuesday.

Sasse defends vote to convict Trump in impeachment trial

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:30:00 +0000

"The Republican Party is not about one guy," Sasse said.

Green outlines 'grand challenges' for UNL to tackle in state of the university address

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:15:00 +0000

In his annual address, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said while the university could have spent the year simply treading water, campus leaders and faculty "continued to chart a strategic path forward."

Highway project will wipe out unofficial access point to Dismal River in Sandhills

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

A highway project will soon remove a popular turnout where vehicles could park and drop off watercraft for a trip down the swift-moving river, though an official said alternatives are being explored.

Lights stay on – for now – as Lincoln prepares for another frigid night

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:00:00 +0000

LES cut off power to about 2,500 people Monday afternoon and said further blackouts could be necessary.

Dog euthanized after Nebraska baby dies from head trauma

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:30:00 +0000

Officials said the dog had no known aggressive behavior prior to the infant’s death.

Fair redistricting in Nebraska

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:01:49 +0000

Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. Every 10 years, politicians redraw legislative maps; our current process allows politicians to draw their own maps however they want.

By packing as many opposition party voters as possible into a district, or by spreading them out too thinly to make a difference, politicians can effectively erase voters not suitable to their own goals. Meanwhile, they effectively guarantee their own re-election. This process invites corruption and provides no way for voters to hold their elected officials accountable.

We can change this. Nebraska’s state senators are currently considering legislation that would improve our redistricting process. This legislation increases transparency, protects the integrity of our elections, and makes it harder for politicians to hand-pick their voters.

You can help bring this reform to Nebraska. Share your support of fair redistricting with the Executive Board of the Legislative Council. The Executive Board will consider LB107, a bill to adopt the Redistricting Act to make Nebraska’s process fairer, at noon Feb. 17 in Room 1525 at the Nebraska State Capitol. You can testify in person, submit written testimony in person, or submit it digitally in advance.

To submit written testimony in person

This year, committees are accepting written testimony for public hearings on a bill or resolution as a way for those who are concerned about safety by testifying in person but wish to have their testimony submitted, their name recorded on the committee statement, and included in the formal committee hearing record as if they had testified in person. You must submit 12 copies of your testimony in person between 8:30 and 9:30 am CST at the committee room where the hearing is set to take place. See this page for more guidelines and requirements for submitting written testimony in person.

To email a position letter stating your support of LB107

Send an email to excpl@leg.ne.gov. If you can’t make it to the State Capitol on Feb. 17 or don’t feel safe testifying in person, this is the most effective method to share your voice. You must do this no later than noon CST Feb. 16.

To be part of the public record, your email must include:
> your name and address;
> your position for the measure; and
> a sentence requesting that your letter be included in the record.

You also can find contact information for all Nebraska state senators at bit.ly/findyoursen. If you receive a response from an individual state senator, feel free to share it with us. Go to bit.ly/senresponse and share highlights from your conversation or their written response.

Thanks for all that you do, and for fighting for fair redistricting!

The post Fair redistricting in Nebraska appeared first on Civic Nebraska.

As positivity rate continues to drop, UNL moves to randomized COVID-19 testing

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

In an email Monday, Chancellor Ronnie Green thanked UNL students, faculty and staff for their work in stopping the spread of the coronavirus on campus.

Omaha Tribe enjoys 'win-win' with Head Start program expansions

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 22:15:00 +0000

The expansion will help prepare more pre-kindergarten youngsters for school and pay other dividends for the tribe, and it's nearly tripled the program's staff since 2015.

Nebraskans encouraged to test their internet speeds with aim of expanding broadband access

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Organizers aim to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas by providing decision-makers a better understanding of where internet accessibility is limited or not available, and where speeds are slow.

Don Walton: History will rest its case after memorable week in Washington

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Seven Republican senators chose to take the obvious political risk of voting to convict Trump and they included Nebraska's Ben Sasse.

Nebraska reports hardly any flu cases this season

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Influenza numbers in Lancaster County and across Nebraska are at record low levels, public health officials said.

Agreement will allow flood-damaged Hamburg, Iowa to raise levee 8 feet

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 18:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Hamburg signed an agreement that will allow for raising of a levee eight feet in an effort to prevent future flooding.

'A dump for seed corn companies' — Mead residents worry what comes next for troubled ethanol plant

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

“They’ve tried to do things behind people’s back the whole time they’ve been there,” said the chair for the Mead Board of Trustees. “You can’t ruin a community and an aquifer.”

This Week In Nebraska History

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 05:45:00 +0000

1871 -- L.H. Fuller was awaiting completion of a 40-horsepower engine that he intended to use in a Lincoln flour mill.

Spring flood risk low in most of eastern Nebraska

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Despite lots of snow and very-cold temperatures, widespread flooding is unlikely, experts say, although ice jam flooding on some rivers is possible.

Sasse votes to convict Trump in former president's second impeachment trial

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 20:55:00 +0000

Sasse was one of seven Republicans to join the Democrats in voting to convict.

Fort Robinson expanding its popular Red Cloud Campground

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

The new, full-service campsites should be open by summer.

Jim McKee: Lumberyards built Lincoln

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 16:45:00 +0000

Lincoln's early lumberyards played a key role in building the city.

Report: Burst pipe at Mead ethanol plant leads to discharge of waste

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 02:15:00 +0000

Staff at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, which is located one mile south of AltEn, reported rushing water quickly filling a waterway that runs through the property after a pipe burst at the ethanol plant early Friday morning.

Gage County sheriff back on the job after COVID-19 battle

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 02:00:00 +0000

“I’m lucky you’re talking to me,” Sheriff Millard "Gus" Gustafson said. “They said it will take up to a year for the long haulers to get their strength back to where it’s supposed to be at."

Omaha firefighter files discrimination lawsuit against city

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In July, an internal investigation into the harassment by the city labeled the incidents “hazing for the purpose of training.”

Sasse bets political future on opposing Trump

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:30:00 +0000

Nebraskans have come to expect that their junior senator, perhaps more than any other rising Republican leader, is cultivating anti-Trumpism as his brand.

Nebraska woman sued IUD maker for not warning her of risks, company won arguing it didn't have to

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:30:00 +0000

The case prompted a debate over the exception to the general rule that a manufacturer or seller can be held liable for failing to adequately warn of risk inherent to a product's design.

Nebraska VA among nation's fastest at getting COVID-19 vaccine to veterans

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:00:00 +0000

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System ranks fourth in the nation in the number of first doses it has given to veterans.

Late negotiations restore bylaw proposal UNL faculty say is needed to remove censure

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:25:00 +0000

"Censure is a stain on our reputation that these proposed bylaws changes will help remove," UNL Professor Regina Werum told the Board of Regents on Friday.

Kenney takes over leadership of NU Board of Regents

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst will serve as chair of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 2021. On Friday, board members selected Regent Bob Phares as vice chair. Phares will assume leadership in 2022.

Nebraska State News

Testimony recap: Our opposition to LR3CA

'Not for party, but for people': Groups ask senators to remove partisanship from redistricting

Lawmakers to schedule hearings with public power, natural gas companies following blackouts

Rodeo coach will be remembered for 'impact he had on people both inside and outside of the rodeo arena'

NSAA to meet with Norfolk school officials following reports of racial slurs at recent game

Ricketts calls blackouts 'completely unacceptable' as threat scaled back in Lincoln, elsewhere in Nebraska

Spill from troubled Mead ethanol plant traveled 4 miles in waterways, state says

Keith County GOP votes to censure Sen. Ben Sasse

Watch Now: Ricketts gives updates on Nebraska vaccination efforts

Omaha police arrest woman who walked away from Lincoln prison

Nebraska bull sells for $900K, setting record for second-highest-selling Angus in history

New Durham exhibit showcases the history and science of the guitar

Robert Holts, last of Nebraska's Tuskegee Airmen, dies in Bellevue

Nebraska State Penitentiary would house lower-risk inmates under Corrections plan

NU, state colleges make the case for more state funding

NU asks state lawmakers for help addressing '$800M challenge' of aging buildings

Biden team looking to block Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska

Holdrege man dies after vehicle collides with a ambulance in Harlan County

Nebraska ranks 33rd in rate of administering virus shots

Show your support for voting rights!

No to LR3CA

1200 x 630Facebook, Twitter

1080 x 1080Instagram

Let People Vote

1200 x 630Facebook, Twitter

1080 x 1080Instagram

The Nebraska Constitution

1200 x 630Facebook, Twitter

1080 x 1080Instagram

Rescue Democracy

State senators expected to have budget to review by end of March

Be sure to look for your tax form if you received unemployment in 2020

Legislature advances bill raising tuition credit for members of the Armed Forces reserves

Rolling blackouts paused for now as temperatures rebound from minus 31 in Lincoln

Sasse defends vote to convict Trump in impeachment trial

Green outlines 'grand challenges' for UNL to tackle in state of the university address

Highway project will wipe out unofficial access point to Dismal River in Sandhills

Lights stay on – for now – as Lincoln prepares for another frigid night

Dog euthanized after Nebraska baby dies from head trauma

Fair redistricting in Nebraska

As positivity rate continues to drop, UNL moves to randomized COVID-19 testing

Omaha Tribe enjoys 'win-win' with Head Start program expansions

Nebraskans encouraged to test their internet speeds with aim of expanding broadband access

Don Walton: History will rest its case after memorable week in Washington

Nebraska reports hardly any flu cases this season

Agreement will allow flood-damaged Hamburg, Iowa to raise levee 8 feet

'A dump for seed corn companies' — Mead residents worry what comes next for troubled ethanol plant

This Week In Nebraska History

Spring flood risk low in most of eastern Nebraska

Sasse votes to convict Trump in former president's second impeachment trial

Fort Robinson expanding its popular Red Cloud Campground

Jim McKee: Lumberyards built Lincoln

Report: Burst pipe at Mead ethanol plant leads to discharge of waste

Gage County sheriff back on the job after COVID-19 battle

Omaha firefighter files discrimination lawsuit against city

Sasse bets political future on opposing Trump

Nebraska woman sued IUD maker for not warning her of risks, company won arguing it didn't have to

Nebraska VA among nation's fastest at getting COVID-19 vaccine to veterans

Late negotiations restore bylaw proposal UNL faculty say is needed to remove censure

Kenney takes over leadership of NU Board of Regents

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