For the in-between time between election cycles
Higher Education
Voters elect two groups of leaders in higher education: the Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska system, and the Board of Governors for the community colleges. [The state colleges, Peru, Wayne, Chadron, are managed under the auspices of a Governor appointed Board.] Each of these groups has its own responsibilities and resources. This month, we will focus on the Regents’ responsibilities.
Board of Regents
The University of Nebraska system includes the following schools:
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln, including the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
- University …
For the in-between time between election cycles
This month our topic is "Focus on Finances." [Note: 60% of property tax goes to schools - watch for that discussion in an upcoming month.]
The Legislature for years and years has invented the ways to spend money. The Executive branch (Governor) also spends money. The State Treasurer does not decide how that money is spent, but instead keeps track of it. At https://statespending.nebraska.gov/ you will find this statement:
"The State Treasurer is responsible for the receipting and disbursing of all state funds, which includes recording these transactions and informing the Legislature through a yearly report on the state's financial …
For the in-between time between election cycles
Please be patient as we work on providing more information on the responsibilities of state senators in the Legislature and the county board members - known as Commissioners in some counties and Supervisors in others. See Douglas County Commissioner job description.
From our newsletter - here are some sample ideas of what you might like to communicate to your representative in the Legislature or on the County Board.
Example Idea #1: Dear Senator, Thank you for wanting to do something about property tax. My suggestion is…..
Example Idea #2: Dear Senator, Sometimes I watch the Legislature online. It concerns …
In our June 2025 newsletter, we used the picture of the orchestra to illustrate how VIP needs to work. We equated the string section to all those voters connecting with their local candidates. The percussion section pictures the varieties of technology that makes the website work. The faithful behind the scenes workers are like woodwinds. What is greatly needed is better promotion - like the brass section.
A little history lesson:
When VIP began in 1992, select candidates from parts of Sarpy and Douglas Counties were contacted by phone and the caller wrote down their answers. One of the early …
For the in-between time between election cycles
Continuing our series on being an informed voter in the in-between times between elections, this month we
FOCUS ON EXECUTIVES
GOVERNOR
The duties of governors vary from state to state. In Nebraska, the governor is responsible for
“the civil administration of the laws of the state.” The legislature has defined 12 agencies to do the work necessary to ensure that laws are followed, which are appointed by the governor. The agencies are the following:
-
Department of Agriculture
-
Department of Labor
-
Department of Transportation
-
Department of Natural Resources
-
Department of Banking and Finance
-
Department of Insurance
-
Department of Motor Vehicles
-
Department …
Benefits and Dangers of TIF
Benefits and Dangers of TIF
The vast majority of Nebraska’s counties (67 out of 93, covering 136 cities and towns) use TIF for various purposes, with varying types of projects and degrees of success. Some of them have been able to pay off TIF loans early, creating more property tax revenue more quickly than expected. Many have been glad to see the improvements in their communities, bringing formerly barren buildings or land brought to life, and more attainable jobs and housing. Others wonder, however, if TIF is being abused, and what negative impacts it might have. Both sides of the …
A growing trend in Nebraska is the use of tax-increment financing (TIF) to fund redevelopment projects. Some, such as Omaha’s Mayor Stothert, are wholehearted proponents of TIF. Others, such as State
Auditor Mike Foley are more cautious about its use, while not taking a “pro” or “con” position. Still others, such as Mayor Candidate Mike McDonnell, want to put a pause on new TIF projects.
So what is TIF? How has Nebraska used it, and why are so many Nebraska communities increasing their use of TIF? What are the benefits and dangers of TIF?
What is TIF?
We’ve all seen …
Adapted from Facebook post originally written on November 4th by guest blogger who teaches middle school.
We are losing the election. Not in the sense that a particular party is winning or losing, but we are losing the future generations of America due to our conduct in this election season.
I recently had a discussion with my students in which I asked them how they think our society is handling this election. Their responses hurt my heart and convicted me. Some said that people were openly insulting the candidate they disagreed with. They knew of many sarcastic memes that were …
