Nebraska

Inside the tricky politics of special legislative sessions

Governors in several states are trying to get their priorities passed before the November election.

A new initiative looks to combine child care and care for older adults under one roof

As child care and long-term care facilities face critical shortages, a grant program in Nebraska seeks to incentivize nursing homes to offer both services in the same building.

Sunshine Week brings attention to state efforts to overhaul open records laws

As technology renders decades-old open records policies obsolete, states look to overhaul them. It is pitting government officials against good-government groups and reporters.

Medicaid waivers help states pilot solutions to health, housing disparities

If approved, Nebraska’s Section 1115 Medicaid waiver would help finance two medical respite centers, or post-hospital recovery centers, for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Governor orders end to remote work, directs state workers back to offices

But concerns remain as one official says the move could hurt recruiting and retention of state employees amid staff shortages.

Farm groups, weather and climate watchers pitch state funding for network of weather stations

The Nebraska Mesonet system, once the envy of the nation, has fallen on hard times because of uncertain funding/

How One State Is Excelling at Process Improvement

Every week Nebraska is contacted by other states to learn how it is saving staff time, streamlining projects and delivering better customer services. Here’s why.

US Cities Where Rents are (Surprisingly) Going Down

Rents in a number of major metropolitans from coast to coast fell during the past year, although rents are trending upward overall, according to a new report.

Some Unusual State and Local Laws to Take Note of This Valentine's Day

A number of state and municipal laws deal with relationships—both good and bad ones.

Where Unemployment Rates Are Bouncing Back the Most and Least

Nebraska tops the list of states where the unemployment rates are bouncing back the most. New Jersey comes in last.

Calling All Unvaccinated Nurses: This State Will Hire You

Job ads for open positions in Nebraska’s state-run facilities highlight optional Covid-19 vaccines, a move that contradicts federal mandates for health workers and could cost the state some of its insurance reimbursements.

Shrinking State and Local Government Office Space

COMMENTARY | With states and local officials searching for ways to cut budgets, many are looking to reduce how much real estate they occupy.

State Fairs Are the Latest Casualty of Covid-19

At least 15 states have canceled their annual fairs due to public health concerns amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while others are moving ahead with modified, pared-down events.

Home Baker Challenges City Food Ordinance Requiring Inspections

A new lawsuit challenges health ordinances the city of Lincoln enacted after Nebraska lawmakers loosened state restrictions on the sale of home-baked goods and other cottage foods.

What Happened When Health Officials Wanted to Close a Meatpacking Plant, but the Governor Said No

New documents obtained by ProPublica show public health officials in Grand Island, Nebraska, wanted the JBS meatpacking plant closed. But Gov. Pete Ricketts said no. Since then, cases have skyrocketed.

State Lawmakers Face Uphill Battles as They Seek to Tax More Services

Maryland is the latest state to consider such a proposal. What many experts regard as “good tax policy” is often a tough political sell.

Clinical Trial Underway for Coronavirus Treatment

It's the first test of a treatment for the virus, which federal officials said Tuesday was likely to continue spreading throughout the United States.

A Nebraska Law Bans People with STDs from Marrying. A Lawmaker Wants to Scrap It

An obscure law in Nebraska prevents people with STDs from marrying—and makes it difficult for people to annul their marriages for similar reasons.

Concerned Roadside Memorials Are Distracting, a State Offers to Install Them

The Nebraska Department of Transportation will offer official memorial signs for victims of fatal car crashes as a way to replace homemade memorials they say can pose safety hazards to drivers.

Customer Service, State and Local Partnerships Key for CIOs

The findings of NASCIO’s 2019 survey of chief information officers highlights areas of concern and evolving priorities among state information technology leaders.