2024 Nebraska Legislature

[Coyote]

A look at three of Nebraska’s new laws for 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. (NCN) - As we get ready to turn the page to 2024, three big laws are set to go into effect in the Cornhusker state - Increased minimum wage, new rules regarding helmet use for motorcyclists, and an end to pandemic-era work style.

Minimum wage increase
As minimum wage increases, minimum wage employees will have more money in their pockets in 2024. The law now raises minimum wage in Nebraska to $12 an hour, from $10.50 an hour. This is a $1.50 increase, as minimum wage rose from $9.00 to $10.50 in 2023 - it’s set to raise again in 2025. Tipped employees will continue to receive $2.13 per hour.

Motorcycle helmet use
Known as Legislative Bill 138, a change to motorcycle helmet usage will now go into effect for motorists in 2024. Beginning on Jan. 1, any motorcyclist, over the age of 21, is able to ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a Nebraska Department of Transportation approved safety course. Bikers will still need eye protection and riders under 21 are still required to wear a helmet. Also, disobeying the helmet law is now a second-hand offense, meaning one would likely be ticketed if not abiding.

Return to work order
2024 will also put a bow on a norm dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic. In early November, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced a return to work order for all state employees, effectively ending remote work. This will now require all state employees to be at their place of employment on regular work days from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Despite push back, Pillen called it a “common sense expectation”.

[Coyote]

'Seize the opportunities before us':
First day of Nebraska legislature sessions puts taxes in the spotlight



LINCOLN, Neb. — The 60-day session began at the unicameral on Wednesday. There will likely be more heated debate over gender regulations, and lawmakers will take up the governor's latest pitch for property tax relief. The session began with a prayer and speech by the speaker urging civility and collegiality.

" My vision for this session. Seize the opportunities before us. We have 60 days to do that. Let's work hard, build relationships, show respect for each other," said Speaker John Arch. One opportunity is a $2 billion property tax cut by the governor and his tax working group.

[Coyote]

Nebraska Legislative session gets underway



The 108th Nebraska Legislature's second session got underway Wednesday.

[Coyote]

State senators return for legislative session



There were lots of handshakes and hugs on the chamber floor Wednesday.

[Coyote]

2nd Session Editorial



This week, the 108th Nebraska legislature reconvened for its second session. As lawmakers gavel in for the new year, we hope that this session will see progress and resolution on issues important to all Nebraskans.

[ita]

Proposal to force NE to accept $18M in federal food funds for kids draws no opponents at hearing

Cindy Gonzalez
Speaking Thursday to a legislative committee, the Lincoln pediatrician was among 17 proponents who urged lawmakers to adopt a proposal — against Gov. Jim Pillen’s wishes — that would require Nebraska to participate in the national Summer EBT food program for kids.

The program, which would provide an estimated $18 million in grocery-buying federal funds to about 150,000 low-income Nebraska youths, has become a high-profile hot potato. Pillen has objected to the state joining the program, saying he did not “believe in welfare.”
...
No one spoke against the proposal, though four letters of opposition were submitted electronically. Another 153 people sent letters of support.
...
In the program, help comes in the form of pre-loaded EBT cards that families can use to purchase groceries. Eligible families will receive $40 per child, per month during the three summer months.

The benefits complement and do not discount other available programs such as SNAP and WIC.

Pillen earlier doubled down on his refusal to opt into the program.

In a letter to constituents just before the new year, he said: “COVID-19 is over and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too.”

The governor has said that an existing summer food program, which distributes lunches at summer school and summer camps, is sufficient. He touted that program as interactive, saying it included reading, nutrition education and physical activities.

Multiple speakers on Thursday said, however, that Nebraska has low participation at those sites, especially in rural areas.
...
Many who addressed the committee said the program would benefit businesses as well as youths.

Rasna Sethi, an analyst at OpenSky Policy Institute of Nebraska, said $18 million in food benefits should result in about $30 million into the Nebraska economy.

Good article highlighting why the governor's stance is amazingly dumb.

[almighty_tuna]

“COVID-19 is over and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too.”

Yeah, sorry, y'all's quality of life during Covid was far greater than any poor person should enjoy. Brb, gotta jet off for a photo op in Texas.

[ita]

New legislation would allow out-of-state teachers to be certified in Nebraska

Nebraska legislators are considering making it easier for out-of-state teachers to obtain certification in the Cornhusker State. The bill went before the Education Committee for a hearing Monday.

LB1385, introduced by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha at the Governor’s request, would create reciprocity in the process between states -- instead of potentially requiring applicants to enroll in more classes, educators would be allowed to teach in Nebraska if they’ve been licensed in another state for at least one year.

If passed, educators would also be required to be in good standing, with no pending complaints or investigations.

Gov. Jim Pillen spoke in support of the legislation, saying it would attract educators and help ease the state’s teaching shortage.

Some good legislation coming from the State and governor.

[almighty_tuna]

Something helpful for once. Hope this flows right through the Unicam.

[Coyote]

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen opts state into federal summer EBT program after previously rejecting aid



LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced Monday that the state would be opting into the federal summer EBT program after previously rejecting the aid. The federal program provides students who are on free or reduced meal programs at school with a $120 EBT card to spend on groceries during the summer.

[Coyote]

Gov. Pillen reverses course on summer food program for kids



Governor Jim Pillen is reversing course and accepting federal funds for the USDA’s expanded Summer EBT program.

[almighty_tuna]

What a tool shed.

[Uffda]

New legislation would allow out-of-state teachers to be certified in Nebraska

Nebraska legislators are considering making it easier for out-of-state teachers to obtain certification in the Cornhusker State. The bill went before the Education Committee for a hearing Monday.

LB1385, introduced by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha at the Governor’s request, would create reciprocity in the process between states -- instead of potentially requiring applicants to enroll in more classes, educators would be allowed to teach in Nebraska if they’ve been licensed in another state for at least one year.

If passed, educators would also be required to be in good standing, with no pending complaints or investigations.

Gov. Jim Pillen spoke in support of the legislation, saying it would attract educators and help ease the state’s teaching shortage.

Some good legislation coming from the State and governor.

I remember when I moved to Omaha to teach in 2002, I had a WY teaching license and a year old new SDak teaching license - I needed to take 1 course up in SDak as I had missed that in college. Nebraska wouldn’t accept that course even though it was listed on their State Teaching requirements, I tried to convince them they had it on their requirements but no go, so I had to take a similar course at UNO.

[Dusty]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

[Louie]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

Of course he is. Anything to remove autonomy from the cities.

[nebugeater]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

you mean like 48 other states?

[Louie]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

you mean like 48 other states?

It's worked perfectly fine for the state until now. And it's been a consolation prize for the more blue leaning district 1.

[nebugeater]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

you mean like 48 other states?

It's worked perfectly fine for the state until now. And it's been a consolation prize for the more blue leaning district 1.

Been in place about 25 years if I remember right? May be off on that though

[Louie]

Saw in the news Governer Pillen is trying to pass a bill to make Nebraska a winner take all state for voting. Trying to take away the power of our 1 electoral vote from Douglas County.

you mean like 48 other states?

It's worked perfectly fine for the state until now. And it's been a consolation prize for the more blue leaning district 1.

Been in place about 25 years if I remember right? May be off on that though

33 years

[Garrett]

Mike McDonnell has announced he’s switching parties to become a Republican

[Renovator2559]

Mike McDonnell has announced he’s switching parties to become a Republican

A common trend coming throughout the country of others changing to republican.

We couldn't be grateful for what the democrat party is doing in being "inclusive" in their nature and all the wonderful things they are doing to make this country great.

Meanwhile Mayor Jean Stotthert the mayor in a latest article is lining to back President Trump
https://www.wowt.com/2024/03/26/omaha-m ... -election/

Meanwhile Gov Pillen is possibly seeking Donald's Trump's advice in making Nebraska a winner takes all electoral vote state
https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-j ... l/60386146

This grand chess match is setting the golden path for the long term; while the emotional are focused in short term goals, the logical see further into the future to secure a golden age.

[almighty_tuna]

[Louie]

I thought he was gone...

[Garrett]

I thought he was gone...

His maker had to freshen up some of his code I'm sure.

[Renovator2559]

His maker had to freshen up some of his code I'm sure.

Bonus points for getting my references. I couldn't be happier with the long term prosperous future that awaits the US.

I thought he was gone...

I don't always have time, are you having another bad day again like last time? Loosen up its a beautiful day!

[Louie]

I thought he was gone...

I don't always have time, are you having another bad day again like last time? Loosen up its a beautiful day!

Thank you for your psychological evaluations, please run the scan through again as the diagnosis errored out.