NETRADIO NewsRoom

Tax incentives seen as huge state investment

Lincoln, NE (2012-07-31) New report projects Nebraska Advantage program will cost $505 million and create 51,000 jobs over the next 10 years. Supporters say that's a worthwhile investment, but some wonder if it's the best possible use of the money.

VOTER VOICES: Nebraska Hispanics focused on economy, not immigration

Grand Island, NE (2012-07-06) The need to get Hispanic voters engaged in state and local politics dominated the concerns of the latest roundtable discussion organized by NET News as part of its "Campaign Connection 2012: Voter Voices" project. The conversation underscored the difference between messages put out by political campaigns to attract Latino voters and what the community is actually talking about.

Nebraskans seek to legalize various uses of marijuana

Lincoln, NE (2012-07-05) A doctor's prescription for marijuana: it's not a scenario you'll find in Nebraska - at least not yet. Attempts were made to change that via the initiative process but are unlikely to garner enough signatures by the Friday deadline. Still, as more and more states dig into legalizing medical marijuana - or marijuana generally - it's not an issue that's likely to go away anytime soon. Hilary Stohs-Krause has more in this Signature Story.

Omaha legislative race 'a clash of titans'

Omaha, NE (2012-07-03) Ernie Chambers was the longest-serving state senator in history before he was pushed out in 2008 by term limits. This year, he's back in the game, running for his old seat in North Omaha against Brenda Council, the woman he championed as his replacement. In a district where one estimate puts unemployment as high as 25 percent, the economy is foremost on people's minds - but experts say those concerns won't necessarily determine the winner.

Ruling highlights state's role in health care law

LINCOLN, NE (2012-06-29) Nebraska lawmakers have decisions to make following the ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. The decision makes an expansion of Medicaid optional, and keeps a state-based insurance exchange on the table. Grant Gerlock of NET News has an update on what the ruling means for Nebraska.

Proposed Platte irrigation changes draw fire; alternatives could be worse

Lincoln, NE (2012-06-29) Farmers who use river water are concerned that a proposal to have them change to using groundwater from wells to save water could upset a delicate balance. But the head of a group that's proposed the changes says achieving similar savings from reducing groundwater pumping could dry up a quarter-million acres.

Big changes proposed for Platte River irrigation

Holdrege, NE (2012-06-28) Supporters say switching from using the Platte River for irrigation to using wells will save water and help Nebraska meet its obligations to help preserve endangered species. Skeptics fear the proposal will hurt a system that's working well for them. NET News reporter Fred Knapp has more in this Signature Story.

It's Republican Fischer vs. Democrat Kerrey in November

Lincoln, NE (2012-05-16) State senator from Valentine bests two better-known rivals to win GOP nomination; Democratic former Gov. and U.S. Senator set to try and win the seat he left in 2001.

Primary to narrow field of legislative candidates

Lincoln, NE (2012-05-08) In Nebraska's nonpartisan legislative system, the top two vote-getters in each district advance to the general election, regardless of party. This year, 68 candidates are running in 26 different districts, making up over half of the 49-member Legislature.

Legislature 'asserted its independence' in 2012 session

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-24) The Nebraska Legislature finished its session last week, and the effects of their actions on everything from child welfare to taxes will be felt in the coming months and years. It was a session in which some said senators reasserted themselves and their role in state government, and set some far-reaching changes in motion.

Legislature overrides Heineman on prenatal care, city sales tax

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-18) Senators uphold governor's veto of betting on "historic" horseracing.

Prenatal care, pipeline bills pass

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-11) Governor has promised veto on prenatal bill, opponents expect lawsuits on the pipeline measure.

Income tax cut signed, but possible sales tax increase still in the mix

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-10) Historic horseracing, prenatal care for children of illegal immigrants also still up in the air.

New pipeline plan advanced, tax bills, others approved

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-05) Measures to cut income taxes, require votes on occupation taxes, and allow cities to increase sales taxes with popular vote in the mix.

Heineman blasts Flood on prenatal care, city sales taxes

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-04) Republican governor goes after Republican speaker with unusual intra-party criticism.

Lawmakers override veto on social service payments

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-03) Senators hear concerns about effect of sales tax on Stratcom headquarters project.

Bill allowing cities to increase sales taxes advances

Lincoln, NE (2012-04-02) Governor accepts budget changes, but vetos payments to subcontractors stiffed by lead agency in child welfare reform.

People applying for benefits could have better chance of dealing with humans

Lincoln, NE (2012-03-30) Proposal advancing in Legislature would require Department of Health and Human Services to supplement Access Nebraska phone and computer system.

Pipeline, tax cut, horseracing bills advance

Lincoln, NE (2012-03-29) DEQ would be permitted expedited review of pipeline proposals submitted by Jan. 1, 2013; family of four with $50,000 income would see $54 tax cut in 2014.

Voter ID bill falls short; Legislature moves toward tightening dropout standards

Lincoln, NE (2012-03-28) Attempt to end filibuster against voter ID bill falls three votes short.