Nebraska

Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today signed two legislative bills necessary to help maintain a balanced budget in the remaining year of the biennium.

While signing LB 959, the 2008 budget bill, the Governor included one line-item reduction, which was to eliminate the gas tax increase. The veto of the gas tax increase represents a $14.5 million savings for the state.

“I want to applaud the hard work and leadership of Senator Heidemann, members of the Appropriations Committee, and the Legislature as a whole for delivering a budget bill package that represents a responsible revision to our state budget,” Gov. Heineman said. “I particularly want to thank state senators for helping maintain a strong cash reserve and continuing to exercise restraint in spending.    » read more »

Law Allows for Administrative Repayments in Southwest Nebraska

April 1, 2008 -- Lincoln, Neb. -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today signed LB 1094 into law, which allows for administrative repayments to surface water irrigators in the Republican River Basin.

“This is important to the farmers in the Republican River Basin,” Gov. Heineman said.

Crop irrigation close to Fort Calhoun, Nebraska: Photo CC Jan Tik    » read more »

Nebraska Ruling Brings US Closer to Ending This Inhumane Form of Execution in US

New York, February 8, 2008 – The Nebraska Supreme Court’s ruling today that use of the electric chair violates the state constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment is an important step toward eliminating inherently inhumane executions in the United States, Human Rights Watch said today.

Nebraska is the only state to use the electric chair as its sole method of execution; all other US death penalty jurisdictions use lethal injection.    » read more »

February 08, 2008 -- Dakota City, Ne. - Today Frank LaMere, Nebraska superdelegate and chairman of the Democratic National Committee's Native American Caucus, endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President and released the following statement.

"We, as Native Americans, have always stood four square with the Democratic Party and they have always stood four square with us. We will continue to do so in 2008 as we elect a Democratic President to restore the national vision that has been blurred during the last eight years. I ask your help in this endeavor.    » read more »

February 8, 2008 -- Lincoln, NE -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman released the following statement regarding the opinion issued today by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

“I am appalled by the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision. Today the court has asserted itself improperly as a policymaker. Once again, this activist court has ignored its own precedent and the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court to continue its assault on the Nebraska death penalty.    » read more »

Feb. 8, 2008 -- Kansas officials today requested a quick resolution to the ongoing battle with Nebraska over its undisputed overuse of waters from the Republican River.

At the same time, Attorney General Steve Six communicated with Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning that Kansas is seeking “real solutions” and that “we expect concrete tangible actions by Nebraska to cure its overuse of Republican River water.”    » read more »

1-30-08 -- Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today challenged a decision that allows gaming on land in Carter Lake. The land is held in trust by the federal government for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

“Nebraskans have repeatedly said no to casino gambling in our state,” said Bruning. “The Ponca Tribe shouldn’t be able circumvent voters’ wishes.”    » read more »

1-28-08 -- Lincoln, Neb. -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today announced the recovery of more than $3 million by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The unit investigated more than 80 cases of fraud and abuse in 2007. The MFCU also secured 10 criminal convictions last year for Medicaid fraud or theft from vulnerable adults.

“When providers steal from Medicaid, they’re stealing from Nebraskans,” said Bruning. “We’ll prosecute anyone who tries to get away with it.”    » read more »

Urges Strategic Investments to Ensure Future Progress

January 15, 2008 -- Lincoln, NE -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman delivered his State of the State address to the Legislature today, outlining proposals designed to continue building economic vitality throughout Nebraska. The address focused on reshaping Nebraska by expanding property tax relief, creating high-paying jobs and maintaining a prudent cash reserve.    » read more »

Nebraska Super Advantage will aid in business recruitment

January 11, 2008 -- (Lincoln, NE) Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today announced the Nebraska Super Advantage, a new legislative proposal that will help Nebraska take the next step in advancing economic development and business recruitment efforts across the state.

“I’m proposing we take a quantum leap forward in our efforts to create quality jobs in Nebraska by creating a new tier of incentives that encourage companies to bring higher-paying jobs here to our state,” said Gov. Heineman.    » read more »

January 09, 2008 -- Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has appointed Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning as chairman of his Nebraska campaign, it was announced today.

"I'm pleased to have Jon's endorsement – and honored that he has agreed to become chairman of my Nebraska campaign. For more than 10 years, he has been one of the most trusted and accomplished public servants in Nebraska. His leadership as attorney general and his advocacy for Nebraska families, farms, and businesses makes me proud to have his backing," Huckabee said.    » read more »

1-7-08 -- (Lincoln, Neb.) Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today unveiled his legislative package for the upcoming 2008 legislative session.

Bruning’s 2008 legislative package includes three bills. The first seeks to protect Nebraska kids from a dangerous drug known as salvia divinorum. The second bill eliminates voluntary intoxication as a defense when considering the mental state of the defendant. The third protects Nebraskans from scam artists who use invoices and checks to dupe consumers into signing up for services.    » read more »

January 4, 2008 -- Lincoln, NE -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today announced a targeted legislative proposal that would prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving state benefits. The legislation would require state agencies and local subdivisions to verify that any resident applying for state benefits is here legally. The bill is a cooperative effort with Attorney General Jon Bruning and Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha, sponsor of the bill.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- (Lincoln, NE) Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today responded to a letter sent to Ann Bleed, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Director and Nebraska Republican River Compact Commissioner, by David Barfield, Kansas Republican River Compact Commissioner. The letter makes several demands of Nebraska regarding Nebraskan’s water usage on the Republican River.    » read more »

Dec. 19, 2007 -- Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison and the Kansas Division of Water Resources today demanded that Nebraska officials significantly reduce their state’s water usage and pay monetary damages for violations of the Republican River compact.

Letters were sent Wednesday to Ann Bleed, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning.    » read more »