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Articles written by Zach Wendling


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  • Errors in Pillen's plan could lead to $139 million shortfall

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner|Jul 31, 2024

    As introduced, Gov. Jim Pillen’s core property tax relief proposal could fall short by $139 million in annual estimated revenue needed. Pillen’s main proposal, introduced through Legislative Bill 1 in the special session, includes placing a sales tax on more than 100 currently tax-exempt goods and services. It would also raise seven “sin” taxes, on candy and soft drinks, vapes, cigarettes, keno gambling, spirits, consumable hemp and games of skill. In total, the new or increased taxes would raise an estimated $1.15 billion in the first full fis...

  • Nebraska AG pushes against expansion of federal reproductive health privacy

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner|Jul 20, 2023

    In a letter dated June 16, the group, led by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, urged Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to drop a proposed modification of HIPAA’s Privacy Rule. The change would prohibit the use and disclosure of protected health information — including reproductive health — “for a criminal, civil or administrative investigation or proceedings” against those who lawfully provided care, such as across state lines. The attorneys general wrote that the Biden administr...

  • Legislative Study Group prioritizes action, community in fifth year

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska News Service|Mar 23, 2023

    Two years after Donald Trump won the 2016 president election, four Nebraska women joined to form a progressive political group in the state dedicated to holding lawmakers like those in the Nebraska Legislature accountable. "Something physically in my body had changed and I was compelled that I was never going to feel that way again," co-founder Christi Bradley said of the 2016 election. "I was never going to feel like I hadn't done enough to prevent something terrible from happening." The...

  • Legislature swears in new members, selects leadership for 2023-24

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska News Service|Jan 12, 2023

    Twenty-six Nebraska senators took their oaths of office, Wednesday, Jan. 4, and selected more than a dozen leaders who will fill out the ranks of the Legislature for the next two years. The 108th Nebraska Legislature convened for the first day of a 90-day session, which is scheduled to end June 9. Nearly one-third of the senators - 16 - are brand new to the 49-member, officially nonpartisan body, while two senators are returning after previously serving. One of the first responsibilities for...

  • Legislators seek increase of postseconday-educated Nebraskans by 2030

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska News Service|Mar 24, 2022

    LINCOLN--Higher education institutions could adopt a statewide goal aimed to increase the percentage of Nebraskans who have a postsecondary education. A legislative resolution, LR335, introduced by the Nebraska Education Committee March 16, proposes a statewide goal that at least 70% of Nebraskans, 25 to 34 years old, have a degree, certificate diploma or other recognized credential with economic value by 2030. The current attainment rate for this age group is approximately 58%, according to the resolution, and rate is about 55% for Nebraskans...

  • Bill allowing physicians to deny services based on beliefs under consideration

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska News Service|Mar 10, 2022

    LINCOLN - Doctors may have a legal way to deny services based on their personal views, under a bill considered by the Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee, March 2. Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil introduced LB963, the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, which would legally state medical practitioners and healthcare institutions cannot be forced to perform procedures that go against their ethical, moral or religious beliefs. This is also commonly known as a right of conscience. Medical practitioners include doctors, physicians assistants,...

  • NU Regents amend policies that could open door to more alcohol at athletic events

    Zach Wendling, Nebraska News Service|Feb 17, 2022

    The University of Nebraska Board of Regents amended its policies on Feb. 11 in a first step to allowing alcohol sales at more athletic events, beginning with the Big Ten Wrestling Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena on March 5 and 6. The regents voted 7-0 in favor of the changes. District 4 Regent Elizabeth O'Connor was not in attendance. "I think this makes a lot of sense and is a practical first step if we ever decide to go down the path of allowing alcohol at additional university athletic...