Stateline Headlines

Senator hits brakes on motorcycle helmet bill

Chambers renews attack on sales tax increases

Bill boosts children's mental health services

Bridge to independence for former foster children

Pipeline criticism puzzling

Attorney General's Office employee arrested in drug raid

Lawmakers approve school aid bill

Overhaul of Nebraska's juvenile justice system clears second hurdle

Changes made to wildfire control bill

Lawmakers ease eligibility for tribal grants

Rein in filibuster

Medicaid expansion supporters fill up west steps of Capitol

Lawmakers override teacher retirement veto

State plane study advances

Repeal effort shows strength

Bill abolishing the death penalty could be in peril

Heineman vetoes school retirement bill

Nebraska corn planting 10 days behind normal

Legislature -- Hold off on airplane purchase

Lawmakers advance school-aid bill

Report -- Death penalty is costly, inefficient

State's $450k payment for wrongful murder case clears first vote

Political theater in the Legisalture

Heineman signs juvenile sentencing bill

Attempt to add to property tax relief fails in Legislature

Janssen campaign gathering signatures on gun bill

State budget bills advance

Governor signs presidential write-in bill into law

Chambers -- Tax study should be handled by resolution, not law

Hoping to abolish death penalty

Sen. Haar returns after mild heart attack

School retirement bill passes after resistance

State budget debate begins but school aid compromise still stings

Lot at stake for Nebraska in sales tax revenue from online sales

Nebraska's mortgage deductions lag behind national average

LPS could get about $14 million more in state aid

State board considers search firms to find new commissioner

Health care issues dominate

New tourism commission aims higher after good 2012

In Drought Ravaged Plains, Efforts to Save a Vital Aquifer

The Ogallala Aquifer, which feeds some of the world’s most productive croplands, is running dry.

States Seek Legal Limits on Domestic Drones

Lawmakers in nearly half the states are working to set legal limits on the use of drones, before they become a key part of domestic policing.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

Diving Deeper: Nebraska Governor’s Thinking on Tax Cuts, Medicaid

Few governors are in as enviable a position as Nebraska’s Dave Heineman. The Republican has one of the highest approval rates of any governor in the country, and his state has one of the lowest unemployment rates.

State Lawmakers Push Crackdown on Cancer-Causing Radon

Legislation filed in Iowa and Nebraska, and a proposal taking shape in Utah aim to reduce people’s exposure to radon, which kills about 21,000 people each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

As Legislatures Become More Partisan, Nebraska Holds Out

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Both in law and in practice, Nebraska has the least partisan legislature in the country. To supporters, that makes it a national model. To the state’s dominant Republican Party, however, that sometimes makes it a political obstacle.

Nebraska Governor Approves Keystone XL Re-route

The controversial Keystone XL pipeline expansion, which would ferry Canadian tar sands oil 1,700 miles to refineries in Texas, is one step closer to becoming a reality.

GOP Lawmakers Look to Abolish Income Taxes

Republican lawmakers in several states are taking aim at something no state has done in more than three decades: eliminate income taxes.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2013

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

States Still Resisting National Sex Offender Law

A 2006 federal law calls on states to create a national sex offender registry. But most have not complied, and some have stopped trying.

Michigan Lawmakers Mandate Pledge of Allegiance in Schools

The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed legislation requiring public schools to display a U.S. flag in every classroom and to give students an opportunity each day to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

State Courts Replacing Paper with Electronic Record-Keeping

State courts have been slow to computerize, but they are gradually replacing stacks of paper with electronic documents.

Nebraska's Heineman Pitches a Broad Tax Cut Package

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman thinks cutting taxes will make his state more business friendly, but critics are concerned that Nebraska and its local governments need the revenue.

Obama Decision Denies Keystone XL Permit

TODAY'S TAKE: A controversial oil pipeline project is put on hold as its route through Nebraska remains a subject of fierce debate.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2012

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased to be here at the beginning of th

In Nebraska, a Pipeline Reprieve and Some Lessons Learned

Many lawmakers in Nebraska don't want oil flowing past the state's scenic Sand Hills. They've persuaded the federal government and the company behind the pipeline to reconsider the proposed route.

Special Sessions: A Calculated Risk

The legislative year ended for most states during the summer, but special sessions are bringing many lawmakers back to their capitals. The success of such sessions can depend on the behind-the-scenes deal-making that precedes them.

States Retool Food Stamp, Benefits Systems

A number of states used to make food stamp recipients pass a fingerprint test. Now all but one has stopped, to save on staff time and ease the burden on the clients.

Is Nebraska's Cash Balance Pension a Model?

Nebraska uses an unusual hybrid pension plan that blends the traditional fixed-benefit approach with something resembling a 401(k). Looking to save money, several states are considering copying it.

Heineman Chosen to Lead Governors' Association

TODAY'S TAKE: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was named chairman of the National Governors Association on Sunday (July 17), becoming the state's first chief executive in six decades to lead the influential group.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

The shooting of a U.S. representative and 18 others in Arizona has done little to slow the momentum of pro-gun legislation in statehouses. If anything, gun-rights supporters face better odds this year due to Republican electoral gains.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2011

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am honored and pleased to have the opportunity to continue as the

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

Last-Minute Gubernatorial Candidates Enter Races in Nebraska, Colorado

TODAY'S TAKE: The Nebraska Democrat is limited to 100 days of campaigning for the governor's seat. The conservative Colorado candidate joins a race that still has two Republicans vying for a primary victory.

Abortion Returns to Center Stage

TODAY'S TAKE: The Florida Senate on Thursday (April 29) put the state budget, a property-insurance overhaul, an energy bill and other end-of-session legislation on hold while it debated imposing tough new abortion rules. If approved, the bill would become at least the third state measure in recent weeks to impose strict new regulations on women who seek abortions. Nebraska and Oklahoma passed abortion-related laws earlier this month.

Nebraska Set to Extend Bars' Closing Time

TODAY'S TAKE: Under a bill awaiting the governor's signature, Nebraska is set to join most other states by allowing bars to stay open until 2 a.m., an hour later than is now the case. Only a small number of states, including Delaware, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Utah, retain a 1 a.m. closing time. Nevada, on the other hand, allows its residents to drink whenever they want.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

If the United States Senate followed the rules of the New Jersey General Assembly, it wouldn't take 60 votes for Democrats to overcome a Republican filibuster. It would take 75, or three-quarters of the chamber, one of the highest such thresholds of any legislative body in the nation. So why don't filibusters grind business to a halt in New Jersey as they do in the U.S. Senate?

Health Care Wrangling Could Delay State Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: Federal health care reform has been a divisive issue for states, but for some governors seeking immediate budget relief from Capitol Hill, the wrangling over the legislation is causing uncertainty.

Summary of Nebraska State of the State Address

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) proposed growing his state's economy, making over public education and further streamlining state government in his state of the state address Jan. 14, just two months after he and the Legislature budget-cut their way out of a $335 million deficit.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2010

LINCOLN, Neb. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: As we enter a new decade, we have a unique opportunity to pause - to r

Lawmakers Set to Return for 'Brutal' Sessions

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in 13 states return this week for legislative sessions that will be dominated by austere budgets and major elections in November.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

State Officials Weigh in on Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: The deeply partisan debate over health care legislation working its way through Congress is breaking down along similar lines in the states, which will be tasked with carrying out much of the plan.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

Midwest Vies For Stimulus Aid For Fast Rail

The race is on for states that want to build high-speed rail routes to whisk passengers hundreds of miles from city to city without the hassle of flying. Midwestern states hope federal stimulus funds will help them build a 3,000-mile network for trains that can reach up to 110 mph.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2009

LINCOLN, Neb. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Ne

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.

Delegates Speak: Nebraska on Health Insurance

Nebraska delegateLogan Dobbs Aug. 29, 2008, 2:30 p.m. EDTQ. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? For people my age, if we can't get (health insurance) from our parents, we're pretty much out of luck. I'm active. I work out. I play basketball. If I injure myself I can't afford to pay to get myself fixed. -Nebraska delegate Logan Dobbs, 22, Hastings College, senior, interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.orgComments

Nebraska Enacts Unique Safe Haven Law

Nebraska this year became the last state in the nation to pass a "safe haven" law designed to protect unwanted infants by allowing parents to legally surrender them at a hospital. But the law has an unusual twist.

Three States Reconsider Affirmative Action

At a time when voters could elect the country's first African-American president, three states also will decide in November whether to end affirmative action programs that supporters say help historically oppressed minority groups, but that critics say cause reverse discrimination against whites and sometimes Asians.

States Act to Stem Foreclosure Scams

The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people's desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes.

Immigration Roils States

States took the lead on immigration reform in 2006 enacting a record 78 immigration-control laws in 33 states. Immigration will continue to dominate state politics this year even as a new Democratically-controlled Congress considers taking up the issue.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2008

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2008 state of the state address. Click here to access the governor's Web page and view the address Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased t

States test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

Neb. senator files the ultimate lawsuit

"God" rejects a lawsuit filed against him by a Nebraska state senator. Washington state shakes down lobbyists for back rent at the Statehouse. And crack dealers in Tennessee no longer have to pay taxes on their sales. In case you missed any of those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Lobbyists Targeting State Attorneys General

Lobbyists across the country are descending in greater numbers on state attorneys general, seeking to influence the investigations they pursue and the outside help they hire.

Nebraska Legislator Fights Death Penalty to the End

State Sen. Ernie Chambers, who has tried to eliminate capital punishment in Nebraska for 31 years, finally might see his efforts pay off - though not in the way he originally planned, and with time running out in his public career.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2007

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2007 state of the state address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 100th Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: This is a year of new beginnings. In the days and weeks ahead,

States failing to secure personal data

A recent rash of stolen government laptops, hacked computer databases and misplaced files has highlighted the difficulty public agencies have protecting personal data from falling into the hands of identity thieves and other criminals.

Mumps outbreak tests pandemic plans

State officials in the Midwest are using an outbreak of mumps to test emergency health plans. The real-life exercise is critical for health officials, who have struggled to ready their systems for a possible flu pandemic in the near future.

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

From Massachusetts to Hawaii, signs abound that the immense pressure placed on state budgets by the fiscal crisis early this decade has eased, opening the door for a wave of fresh tax cuts and new spending.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2006

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased today to join this 99th Legislature at the beginning of a unique session. This may be the last time that any Governor will look upon this body and see a group of people with so

States Ask Hospitals to Come Clean

Faced with a modern-day medical challenge, states increasingly are taking steps to track the number of patients who acquire serious infections while hospitalized. Eight states -- including four with new laws this year -- now require hospitals to tally their infection rates, amid indications that the cost of these medical complications -- in both dollars and lives -- is mounting.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2005

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Dave Heineman's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: Thank you for the opportunity to address this body under these uniq

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.