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:
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Department of Agriculture
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Department of Labor
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Department of Transportation
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Department of Natural Resources
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Department of Banking and Finance
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Department of Insurance
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Department of Motor Vehicles
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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 …
General 2024 Election Results - as of 11/25/24
Only a few results are still pending.
State "managed" races results, so far, are available at
Senators, House of Representatives, Legislature, State Board of Education, Board of Regents, Judges
Natural Resources District, Public Power Districts, Community Colleges, Learning Community
Statewide Ballot Measures
On the county level, the following links provide unofficial information - except for several school boards that cross county lines. For example both Millard and Gretna Schools have voters in both Douglas and Sarpy Counties. We are waiting for …
With so little time before the election, commercials for and against candidates and ballot initiatives flood news, social media, mailboxes, and even yards. Bitter words, sound bites, and talking points, which are designed to stir up emotion rather than to give information, besiege us.
No wonder many of us can’t wait for November 6. The whole experience can be so draining, and the issues facing our communities can feel so impossible, that some throw up their hands and give up on voting.
But November 5 is a crucial day. We get to decide what happens! Not every country gives its …
School Choice for Nebraska? You Decide.
The debate over school choice has come to Nebraska. Nebraska’s new school choice law has established a voucher program that sets aside $10 million for private school scholarships.
One of your choices on the ballot this fall will be to repeal or to retain that voucher program.
Nebraska’s fight over school choice has a 2-year backstory. Last year, Nebraska legislators passed LB 753, allowing $50 million in tax credits for qualifying families to send their children to private schools. Governor Pillen signed it on May 23, 2023. The bill provides scholarships “with priority …
